Documentary: The Grateful Warrior
PTSD is a common affliction among U.S veterans. For one Ashe County local, this trauma has been a lifelong struggle. John Longo is a retired 66 year old U.S Air Force veteran who has served in Vietnam and has been stationed in various countries all over the world from Thailand, Japan, & Saudi Arabia to name a few. All this time serving in the military made adjusting to domestic life very challenging for Longo. It brought on a divorce with his first wife and a complicated relationship with his children. His PTSD has also brought on issues with his 32 year old marriage with his current wife, Becky. Despite the struggles Longo has gone through, he finds healing through his faith in God, his relationship with nature, and his dedication to community service.
Longo volunteers with Musicians Missions of Mercy, a volunteer organization in West Jefferson, NC dedicated to providing those in need with life essentials in the Ashe community. Longo feels compelled to be a servant towards others. He also has a close friendship with the co-founder of the organization, Catherine Steele. Longo aims to help veterans like him by opening an equine center so they can find therapy with horses.