For Military and Veterans Military & Veterans

Military Personal Stories & Blogs

We feature stories from people who have sustained a brain injury and who are doing their best to put their lives back together. We also hear from caregivers who share their experiences as they take care of the person they love and try to find the best in every day.

Latest Personal Story

Norma and Steven smiling in front of a large tree at the cemetery
Being a Survivor of a Survivor: A Mom’s Firsts
June 20, 2023

Exploring my own "firsts," though painful at times, are positive reminders that I’m also on my road to recovery — alongside my amazing son, Steven. 

See more personal stories >

Latest Blog Post

Russ building a Star Wars Lego set wearing a Star Wars shirt
“Stay on target!” When the Slightest Change Causes Huge Explosions Thanks to PTSD
September 12, 2023

Triggers are weird. A seemingly innocuous thing happens or there is a tiny deviation from routine and you or your loved one loses it. From the outside, it seems like a total overreaction but for the person who has been triggered, it is a fight-or-flight response. 

Harmony Through Caregiving: Finding the Balance and Blend
BrainLine Director Stacey Shade-Ware blogs about life as a veteran caregiver

Our Blogs

BrainLine is incredibly lucky to collaborate with a group of outstanding bloggers willing to share their ups and downs, insights, and honest moments of both despair and hope.

Head Space and Timing

Duane France, Combat Veteran & Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Duane France, Combat Veteran & Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Retired Army Noncommissioned Officer and clinical mental health counselor, Duane France, helps those who may be struggling with PTSD, TBI, depression and anxiety.

Latest Post:

Inside the Military Mind: Equine Therapy and Military Family Identities
2021/09/02

Harmony Through Caregiving: Finding the Balance and Blend

Stacey Shade-Ware smiling at the camera
Stacey Shade-Ware, veteran caregiver

My husband proudly served for nearly 25 years, deploying more than he’d care to recount. After a couple TBI's and a PTSD diagnosis, now we take life one day at time.

Latest Post:

“Stay on target!” When the Slightest Change Causes Huge Explosions Thanks to PTSD
2023/09/12

From Blowing Down Doors to Healing Minds and Bodies: A Navy SEAL’s Journey to Mindfulness

Jon Macaskill meditating, kneeling, in his Navy uniform
Jon Macaskill, Retired Navy SEAL Commander

I retired from the Navy with the rank of commander after 24 years, 17 as a SEAL. To deal my PTSD I tried counseling and several prescriptions. Meditation is what really saved me.

Latest Post:

Using the Simple Power of the Breath to Heal from Symptoms and Triggers of PTSD
2022/06/13

Healing From Trauma

Headshot of Tamar Rodney, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE
Tamar Rodney, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE

Dr. Rodney breaks down complex terms and issues to help you better understand what you might be feeling or experiencing.

Latest Post:

What is Neurofatigue? How does it affect people with brain injury (TBI)?
2022/11/30