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

Navy Ensign Timothy Bleigh in a wheelchair looking out a hospital window with his son

From Patient to Provider: One Sailor's Brain Health Journey

January 26, 2024

U.S. Navy Ensign Timothy Bleigh clearly recalls when the bomb went off. The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tactical vehicle flipped several times through the air before it landed partly on its roof. Bleigh shares his story and reflects on how his difficult recovery, which included a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), influenced how he approaches patient care.

Latest Blog Post

A shadowy person in a hoodie sitting at a table with a handful of cash

Predatory Practices Against Vulnerable Populations

March 13, 2024

Predatory practices are common around military bases. Young servicemembers and those in transition — either moving from base to base or preparing to separate or retire from active service — are easy targets. As soon as you pass the gates off base, you see “Pay Day Loans!” and “Buy Now! Pay Later!” Like servicemembers, veterans are also targets.

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

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, 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:

Predatory Practices Against Vulnerable Populations

2024/03/13

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

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