Bonnie Johnson is a retired schoolteacher with a penchant for reading. A couple of months ago she was going through the New York Times when she ran across a letter to the editor about an Iraq War veteran.

“The article was about the injuries he suffered and his dealing with post traumatic stress disorder, and I had an epiphany,” she said. “What about his wife?

“As horrible as his injuries were, there is a system in place to deal with vets. But there are not a lot of services for spouses,” she said. “As I read it, my focus was on the rough road the wife had ahead of her.”

Johnson, whose husband is a returning combat veteran of the Vietnam War, began to research local support groups for spouses of combat veterans who have suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and what she discovered disturbed her.

“There’s not a lot out there for the spouses of returning veterans,” she said.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone has been through a traumatic event. During this type of event, a person may think that their life or others’ lives are in danger. They may feel afraid or feel they have no control over what is happening. Symptoms include nightmares, reliving the event, losing interest in activities and other people, and trouble sleeping, among other indications.

While only a small percentage of veterans suffer from PTSD, it can be totally disabling. It can affect relationships, work, and may cause a person to abuse alcohol or drugs. 

Johnson decided to act.

She put a meeting notice in the Oakdale Leader and other papers, and met LaDonna Humphrey, whose husband is in the Army. Humphrey is familiar with veteran’s issues, and is helping Johnson in forming the support group.

“There are many programs that have been established, but not many locally. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Humphrey said.

“What we need is a safe place for spouses of veterans to share their feelings,” she added.

Johnson said it is common for spouses of combat veterans to question issues that might arise. She said a common question spouses will ask themselves is “Is anyone else experiencing this, or am I unique?”

Johnson said returning combat veterans might be experiencing difficulties years after returning from war.

“They might have nightmares, or are dealing with a brain injury, or even have full blown PTSD. I can relate to those wives who are going through their spouses having a tough time,” she said.

Johnson said spouses can attend the meetings even if their combat veteran has not been diagnosed with PTSD.

“We’re not going to give advice,” Johnson said. “We’re not going to tell people what to do, we’re just going to talk about what worked for us.

“And whatever is said here stays here,” she added.

Stephen Lawson, the director of the Vet Center in Modesto, said multiple deployments and recalls are also beginning to have an effect on military families.

“It can affect the whole family,” he said of veterans who struggle with PTSD.

The group is planning to hold their next meeting at the American Legion building in Escalon on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

Those interested in attending the meeting can contact Johnson at 847-6087.