Very few people know the incredible stress and trauma our servicemen and women have gone through and there’s no shame in getting help in carrying that sometimes debilitating burden. I’m so proud of your service, believe in you as a man, and am confident that you will emerge from these dark days once again feeling healed and whole. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

President Barack Obama

Col. Ray is and always has been one of the most professional and dedicated Officers I have worked with.

CSM Daniel Orosco, Special Forces Group

He is focused on being the best person he can be for his family and society moving forward. I am confident Owen will take his challenge on with the same fervor he took on during his military career.

LTG Braga, Commanding General

Owen’s passion was to always find a way to make things better. He routinely sought self-improvement, challenged you to improve yourself, and relentlessly pursued improving the organization.

COL Leroy Baker, Deputy Commanding Officer

His commitment to the men and women who served under him and to the nations mission were inspirational and set the example for all others to follow. 

CW5 Maurice Duclos, US Special Operations

It took some personal courage to put your experiences into words. A difficult subject, but one that needs addressing.

John Stahl, Retired Special Forces Colonel

Owen, thanks for helping us understand the struggle that so many deal with and the real impacts.

Charles Ericson, Retired Army Officer

…Your service to community and nation continues in an honorable, exemplary, and selfless manner.

John Ward, Harvard Alumni & Classmate

This took a lot of courage to write. As leaders, we need to get more comfortable being vulnerable and having difficult conversations.

John Cogbill, Chief of Staff of XVIII Airborne Corps

Thank you for sharing and advocating for the change that is long overdue!

Heather Piedrahita, Hire Our Heroes

Thanks for putting this out there. It helps.

Michael Wisecup, Former SEAL 

Poignant and introspective must read.

Daniel Hoffman, Contributor at FOX News

Owen, thanks for sharing on a tough topic, and with words that might help others.

Bill Raskin, Army Special Forces Veteran

Thanks for publishing that article. More Americans need to understand mental health issues facing society.

Kevin Childs, US Air Force Officer

Thanks for your courage and your willingness to share your personal experience in hope that it may promote the change our fellow warriors desperately need!

Scott Sendmeyer, Retired Army Officer

It will heal, inspire, touch others to not ignore, seek help and listen.

Josh Stringer, Retired Army Officer

Thank you so much for writing this and helping to bring this issue into the light.

Special Forces Soldier

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Emma Brown