“He loved to be the entertainer. He definitely was the comic relief in our family,” she said.
But the young man who loved his friends and family, who loved making others laugh, was hiding a lot of pain: The Army veteran was suffering from PTSD.
Greene said there are many people, like her nephew, who are struggling with PTSD but don’t know where to turn. She is hoping to bring awareness to the disorder and raise money to help others in a two-day event this weekend.
A benefit kick-off will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday at Mr. Goodbar Night Club, 6 East Grand Ave. with door prizes, raffles and dancing.
On Sunday, there will be a 22-lap, 22-pushup challenge at Old Orchard Beach, the number referencing a 2012 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs study estimating that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide a day.
The events will benefit Embrace a Vet, a nonprofit organization that provides services to Maine veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and their families.
Veterans like Dustin Paul.
Paul served in the 101st Airborne Division, “Whiskey Company,” in Afghanistan as a Private First Class, ending his service in 2014. Greene said when Paul joined the Army, he was also fulfilling the dreams of his late cousin: her son, Todd Newton, who died in 2009 at age 19.
After the Army, Paul was employed by the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, and also did contract work. He served as Senior Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7997.
Greene said she noticed a difference in Paul after he served in Afghanistan, and he admitted to feeling lost and having difficulty dealing with the memories that left him distraught. The two were close, and they talked often, but he needed more help than the listening ear of a loved one.
Paul was diagnosed with PTSD. Greene said the family tried to get him help, but there weren’t a lot of resources, and then when a placement was found, paperwork got mixed up.
“He fell through the cracks,” said Greene.
On Aug. 27, Dustin Paul took his own life.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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