Page 26 CANNABIS CAN SAVE <strong>VETERANS</strong> My name is Ricardo Pereyda, I served my country in the United States Army Military Police Corps. As an MP, I was stationed primarily in the European Theater and the Middle East. Deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 2 from 2004, to 2005, I performed missions of a wide variety. I patrolled the city of Baghdad and its surrounding areas daily — cooperating with a multinational force, and completing numerous combat missions under extremely hazardous conditions. Living under those conditions day and night for a year, I became accustomed to the realities of war. The violent, permanent nature of combat is not something one forgets — it stays with you. After Iraq, I was determined to keep everything I was feeling and going through to myself, a task that became increasingly more difficult as time went on. My thought process and perception of the world around me had become distorted. The stigma surrounding post-traumatic stress made me feel as though I could not approach my chain of command to let them know about the difficulties I was experiencing transitioning back from being deployed. Internalizing these feelings, my struggle began to manifest itself in the form of inexplicable fits of rage, intense panic attacks, insomnia, and an emotional numbness that is impossible to describe. My active duty career ended at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona in February 2006 when I was diagnosed with severe post traumatic stress by the Army and VA. Before I knew it I had been labeled “nondeployable.” I lost what I had hoped would be a career in the military. Now I was facing a long painful transition into “civilized society” as “damaged goods.” The years immediately following my return from Iraq were some of the absolute worst I have ever experienced. During these years my symptoms began to worsen, I went through a divorce, a foreclosure, numerous bar fights, multiple run-ins with law enforcement, and struggled with pervasive thoughts of suicide — at one point I had suicide letters written out with a loaded pistol to my head. My medicine cabinet rivaled the supplies of an emergency room — stacked with Xanax, Paxil, Amitriptyline, Oxycodone, and a cocktail of other prescriptions. I went through nearly every conventional therapy program the Tucson VA had to offer, group and individual counseling sessions, substance abuse treatment programs, anger management classes, vocational rehabilitation evaluations, and multiple stays in their psychiatric ward when things got too heavy. In 2009, I was living in Sierra Vista — alone. One night, concerned about my safety and worried I may harm myself, a number of family members and friends drove from Tucson to Sierra Vista in the middle of the night to conduct an intervention. When they arrived they told me in no uncertain terms I was going back with them to Tucson. Outnumbered, tired, and quite honestly, grateful for their mediation, I relented, so I got in the car and came home. Living with my parents at 27 years old was definitely not what I had envisioned in my five year plan when I was 23. Desperate for something to invest myself in, I applied for enrollment at the University of Arizona in 2009. My application was accepted and I began classes under the G.I. Bill in the spring of 2010. Finally, I was able to reconnect with the world around me. I became heavily involved with the U of A’s Student Veterans Organization (S.V.O.) where they foster an environment in which student veterans enjoy high levels of social and academic support. Through my involvement with the S.V.O., I played an instrumental role in planning and executing dozens of community service projects throughout Tucson. I was selected to attend the national Student Veterans of America convention for 3 years consecutively. And I attended numerous leadership forums and conferences at the U of A, within the State of Arizona, and across the country. I helped plan, implement and track the student-first model of veteran reintegration, which U of A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E A’s S.V.O. was nationally recognized for as program of the year in 2010. I successfully negotiated an expansion of the Veterans Education and Transition Services (V.E.T.S.) Center in 2012, moving that program into a much larger space — allowing us to effectively serve many more veterans. Also, for three years I led a project expanding a permanent memorial for our nations fallen service members in the Student Union Memorial Center — adding 5 bronze art pieces, 4 plaques, and a large quote which reads, "To All Who Put Them- selves In Harm’s Way — Then, Now, Always.” I tell you this because I accomplished all of these achievements while I medicated with cannabis, the only medicine that really worked for me. Medicating with cannabis has enabled me to regain positive control of my life. The medicine keeps me focused on the here and now — not on memories of what happened in the past, or paralyzing fears about what may happen in the future. For me, the most beneficial aspect of this plant, I would say is my ability to rest, to get quality sleep. I also benefit from the immediate and calming effect, which allows me to de-escalate my rage if I am triggered. Before I began to medicate with cannabis, insomnia and anger were weighing me down to the point where I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to overcome their debilitating effects. Cannabis alone did not magically pull me out of the pit of despair, however by keeping me present in mind and body I am able to employ a host of other methods to stay balanced, including daily exercise, volunteering, sharing my feelings with others, and being of service to my comrades-in-arms who are going through similar issues in their transitions. Without cannabis I would not have been so successful academically or socially at the U of A; this is the message I want you to remember. I’m here today for a number of reasons — most importantly I am here to urge you to stand up for our nation’s veterans by identifying a home for badly needed scientific research. We lose twenty-two veterans every single day to suicide. This research will examine the safety and efficacy of cannabis when used as an alternative treatment method for those suffering from combat related post-traumatic stress who have not found relief from “traditional” pharmaceutical medications. Dr. Suzanne Sisley is a highly respected clinician, faculty member, and researcher at The University of Arizona. When I first learned about her proposed research in 2010, I was ecstatic my school was going to house it. I was elated that the U of A would be helping shed light on how cannabis works to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress. On June 27th, she was informed her contracts would not be renewed. On July 28th, the U of A denied Dr. Sisley’s appeal for reinstatement and did not provide an explanation. As the Principle Investigator, in effect, her dismissal has made this study a radioactive hot potato within our state. It appears Dr. Sisley was fired for attempting to conduct controversial research that caused a political backlash from our hyper-conservative state lawmakers. I have asked myself repeatedly how it can be that our nation's veterans are committing suicide at astonishing rates – nearly one every hour - and so-called leaders in Arizona are intentionally blocking research that could potentially save their lives. I am absolutely appalled there is not one public institution in Arizona with the backbone to take a stand against this despicable behavior. The U of A has failed to live up to their stated core principles, and apparently this research is too much for NAU — leaving ASU as the last bastion, the last possibility of a home for this research in all of Arizona. Will you help make this happen Will you help save veterans’ lives Or will you turn your back on veterans just like the bureaucrats at U of A have done I challenge this Board to live up to these ideals. This issue is after all, bigger than any personal or institutional biases. My brothers and sisters are dying every day. Please, don’t turn your back on them. Find a home at ASU for this critical research. — Sincerely, Ricardo André Pereyda, Combat Veteran Operation Iraqi Freedom 2, Life Member - Veterans of Foreign Wars WE MOURN THE PASSING OF LAMBERT MODDER The Arizona veterans community mourns the passing of Mesa resident Lambert Modder, a Navy veteran who survived the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Born in Iowa, Lambert joined the Navy on Jan. 3, 1941 and as a Pharmacist's Mate, arrived in Pearl Harbor in June, 1941, when he was 19 years old. On the morning of the attack, he was waiting in a pay line when the attack began, barely a quarter-mile from Battleship Row, where the Navy's prized battleships, including the U.S.S. Arizona, lay at anchor. He was assigned to identify sailors, soldiers and Marines killed in the attack. He spent the next 3-1/2 years at Pearl Harbor as a Medical Records Technician. He eventually left the Navy and retired from a 20-year career with the U.S. Postal Service.Lambert was the Immediate Past President of the Phoenix Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Our thoughts go out to Lambert’s family and many friends. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF <strong>VETERANS</strong> SERVICES OFFICES Phoenix Main Office: 3839 North 3rd Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, 602-255-3373 Bullhead City Office: 2249 Clearwater Drive, Unit A, Bullhead City, 928-763-9401 Casa Grande Office: 401 North Marshall Street, Casa Grande, 520-426-1456 Chandler: 3130 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 114, Chandler, 480-558-2052 Chinle: Downtown Department of Navajo Veterans Affairs, Chinle, 928-674-8332 Flagstaff Office: 2705 North 4th Street, Suite B, Flagstaff, 928-779-4166 Kingman Office: 2301 Harrison Street, Kingman, 928-718-7621 Lake Havasu Office: 2160 McCulloch Blvd, Ste 105, Lake Havasu, 928-505-4616 Phoenix National Guard Office: 1335 N. 52nd St., #M5710, Phoenix, 602-629-4380 Phoenix Office: 3333 North Central Avenue, Suite 1052, Phoenix, 602-627-3261 Prescott Office: 240 South Montezuma Street, Suite 208, Prescott, 928-443-0167 Safford Office: 624 5th Avenue, Safford, 928-428-3403 Show Low Office: 5171 Cub Lake Road, Suite C-380, Show Low, 928-532-1069 Sierra Vista Office:1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, 520-458-7150 Surprise Office: 13985 West Grand Avenue, Suite 101, Surprise, 623-583-1025 Tucson Office: 1661 North Swan Road, Suite 128, Tucson, 520-207-4960 Yuma Office: 2811 South 4th Avenue, Suite D, Yuma, 928-726-2851 ATTN: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Cooperative marketing opportunities in the ARIZONA <strong>VETERANS</strong> MAGAZINE. Feature your organization’s newsletter in the ARIZONA <strong>VETERANS</strong> MAGAZINE. Reach 250,000+ veterans in Arizona. The objective is to help these organizations generate more exposure and community & corporate fundraising support. The goal is for the newsletter to be subsidized by the ARIZONA <strong>VETERANS</strong> NATIONAL GUARD SOLIDER SAVES FAMILY FROM FIRE by Spc. Wes Parrell An Arizona National Guard Soldier drew on his military training when he assisted a family from their burning home, here Aug. 26. Army Pfc. Samuel Pineda, an infantryman with the 158th Infantry Battalion, returned to his residence near the 8600 block of Malapai Drive in Peoria when he saw smoke bellowing from the front of a neighbor’s home. As he approached the residence he saw two young girls running back and forth near the front door in a panic. “They told me the house was on fire and someone was inside,” said Pineda. “That’s when my training and instincts kicked in.” Pineda immediately called 911. He saw flames growing near the front of the house so he ran to the back of the home to locate the occupants. “As an infantryman we are trained to act calm during intense situations,” said Pineda. “I knew I had to act fast and take action. If I did not do something people could be hurt or worse.” Shouting through a window, Pineda made contact with the people inside and directed them to the backyard, away from the flames near the front door. From atop the backyard wall, Pineda helped a teenager climb over into a neighboring yard. The father of the children handed his 6-year-old son to Pineda and he handed the child over to his older brother. Pineda then assisted the father over the back yard wall and led them to safety before first responders arrived to combat the blaze. On the day of the fire local media reported “a mystery neighbor” helped the family escape the burning home. A witness said Pineda immediately jumped the wall surrounding the back yard to assist the family out of the house. Pineda has been a member of the Arizona Army National Guard for two years. He attended basic combat training and infantry school at Fort Benning, Ga. Training experienced there, such as reacting to enemy contact, helps condition soldiers like Pineda to critically think and take action during high stress situations. “I’m just glad I was in the right place at the right time,” Pineda said. “Once the police arrived I did not want to be in the way so I provided my contact information to the officer and left. I feel sad that the family’s home was damaged but happy that no one was hurt.” The City of Peoria Fire Department recently contacted Pineda and is organizing a ceremony to recognize him for his valiant efforts that day. MAGAZINE and your organization’s local sponsors. For example, many veterans organizations will have their own newsletter page in the ARIZONA <strong>VETERANS</strong> MAGAZINE including: numerous American Legion posts, VFW posts. There are a limited number of available pages for this program. Contact Mark Field at MarkField@AZVetMag.com for more info. Look for the MILITARY OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA newsletter on page 37. Look for the NAVY SEABEES OF AMERICA newsletter on page 70.
PAULA PEDENE SERVES HER COUNTRY MATT SALMON SUPPORTS INTEL & HI-TECH JOBS JO2 Paula Leclaire (Pedene) was a Journalist Second Class (E-5) in the Navy stationed at the Far East Network in Tokyo, Japan from 1981-1983. Paula Pedene has settled with the VA and is being promoted to be the National Program Specialist in the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Communications. l-r: Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema is seen here with Paula Pedene on a tour of the VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Paula has worked for the Phoenix VA Medical Center for over 25 years. She recently served as the Director of Public Affairs. She also is the Director of the Phoenix Veterans Day parade. Intel veteran employees meet with Congressman Matt Salmon (center) to discuss bringing more hi-tech jobs to Arizona. Bob Dalpe (2nd from left) of Intel is taking the Chandler Civilian Police Academy course. He is a Board member on the Operation American Patriot and helps run the Naval Sea Cadets in Arizona. JARED ALLEN REMODELS HOME FOR VETERAN “My hope is that when things like this occur, that it will encourage others. Being honest, telling the truth and sticking your neck out on the line, even though it has consequences, is the right thing to do.” — Paula Pedene Our mission is to provide financial assistance and support to our injured United States military veterans by building and remodeling handicap accessible homes to suit their individual needs one wounded warrior at a time. www.jaredallen69inc.com www.homesforwoundedwarriors.com
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