Unemployment and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the most critical issues facing United States veterans today. On July 13, 2013, decorated veterans Sergeant First Class Eric Bourquin and Captain Sean Niquette '09 embarked on Mission: Appalachian Trail Hike, an inspiring journey across 2,200 miles and 14 states, to shine a spotlight on these two important issues.
Bourquin and Niquette together served in our nation's Armed Forces for nearly 20 years. Both men received physical injuries during service and have been treated for PTSD.
Niquette always wanted to serve his country, but the events of 9/11 served as a catalyst for enrolling in West Point and later the Army. While serving in Iraq, Niquette's company was attacked by rockets while sleeping. Niquette pulled several soldiers from the wreckage and was awarded the Purple Heart; he also sustained a traumatic brain injury from which he gradually recovered. Niquette wants to change people's attitudes toward PTSD. "There's a lot of misconception about PTSD and stigma associated with it," he says. "Having PTSD isn't at all like how it's shown on TV. It doesn't make a veteran unemployable or unable to work."
By this weekend the two hikers should be at West Point, where they will be able to cheer on Army as the football team takes on Stanford.