Latest news with #PTSD
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
L.A. Army veteran with Purple Heart self-deports to South Korea under threat of deportation
An Army veteran who grew up in Van Nuys and was awarded a Purple Heart self-deported to South Korea this week as he was threatened with being detained and deported by federal immigration forces. On Monday, veteran Sae Joon Park, who legally immigrated from South Korea when he was seven years old, grew up in Koreatown and the San Fernando Valley and held a green card, flew back to his homeland under threat of deportation at the age of 55. He said he is being forced to leave because of drug convictions nearly two decades ago that he said were a response to the PTSD he suffered after being shot during military action in Panama. 'It's unbelievable. I'm still in disbelief that this has actually happened,' Park said in a phone interview from Incheon early Wednesday morning. 'I know I made my mistakes … but it's not like I was a violent criminal. It's not like I'm going around robbing people at gunpoint or hurting anyone. It was self-induced because of the problems I had.' Asked to comment on Park, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Park has an "extensive criminal history" and has been given a final removal order, with the option to self-deport. Park said he suffered from PTSD and addiction in the aftermath of being wounded when he was part of the U.S. forces that invaded Panama in 1989 to depose the nation's de facto leader, Gen. Manuel Noriega. But now Park, a legal immigrant, is targeted by federal authorities in President Trump's recent immigration raids that have prompted widespread protests in Los Angeles and across the nation. Federal authorities have arrested more than 1,600 immigrants for deportation in Southern California between June 6 and 22, according to DHS. Read more: More than 1,600 immigrants detained in Southern California this month, DHS says A noncitizen is eligible for naturalization if they served honorably in the U.S. military for at least a year. Park served less than a year before he was wounded and honorably discharged. Since 2002, over 158,000 immigrant service members have become U.S. citizens. As of 2021, the Department of Veteran Affairs and DHS are responsible for tracking deported veterans to make sure they still have access to VA benefits. Park's parents divorced when he was a toddler, and his mother immigrated from South Korea to the United States. He followed her a year later. They first lived in Koreatown, moved to Panorama City and then Van Nuys. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks in 1988. Struggling at first to learn English and acclimate with his classmates, he eventually became part of the Southern California skateboarding and surfing scene of the 1980s, which is when television editor Josh Belson met him. They have been close friends ever since. 'He's always got a smile, a very kind of vivacious energy about him,' said Belson, who attended a nearby high school when they met. 'He was the kind of person you wanted to be around.' After graduating, Park said he wasn't ready to attend college, so he joined the military. 'The Army provided not only turning me into a man, but also providing me with the GI Bill, so you can go to college later, and they'll pay for it. And the fact that I did believe in the country, the United States,' he said. 'So I felt like I was doing something honorable. I was very proud when I joined the military.' Park's platoon was deployed to Panama in late 1989, where he said they experienced a firefight the first night there. The following day, he said he was carrying an M-16 when they raided the house of one of the 'witches' Noriega allegedly followed. He said they saw a voodoo worship room with body parts and a cross painted in blood on the floor. While there, he heard gunfire from the backyard and returned fire. He was shot twice, in his spine and lower left back. The bullet to his spine was partially deflected by his dog tag, which Park believes is the reason he wasn't paralyzed. A military ambulance was delayed because of the firefight, but a Vietnam veteran who lived nearby rescued him, Park said. 'I just remember I'm just lying in my own pool of blood and just leaking out badly. So he actually went home, got his pickup truck, put me in the back of his pickup truck with two soldiers, and drove me to the hospital,' Park said. He was then evacuated to an Army hospital in San Antonio. A four-star general awarded him a Purple Heart at his bedside. Then-President George W. Bush visited wounded soldiers there. Read more: More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals Park spent about two weeks there, and then went home for a month or so, until he could walk. His experience resulted in mental issues he didn't recognize, he said. 'My biggest issue at the time, more than my injuries, was — I didn't know what it was at the time, nobody did, because there was no such thing as PTSD at the time,' he said. Eventually, 'I realized I was suffering from PTSD badly, nightmares every night, severe. I couldn't hear loud noises, and at that time in L.A., you would hear gunshots every night you left the house, so I was paranoid at all times. And being a man and being a tough guy, I couldn't share this with anyone.' Park started self-medicating with marijuana, which he said helped him sleep. But he started doing harder drugs, eventually crack cocaine. He moved to Hawaii after his mother and stepfather's L.A. store burned during the 1992 riots, and married. After Park and his wife separated, he moved to New York City, where his addiction worsened. 'It got really bad. It just got out of control — every day, every night, all day — just smoking, everything,' Park said. One night, in the late 2000s, he was meeting his drug dealer at a Taco Bell in Queens when police surrounded his car, and the dealer fled while leaving a large quantity of crack in his glove compartment, Park said. A judge sent Park to rehab twice, but he said he was not ready to get sober. 'I just couldn't. I was an addict. It was so hard for me to stay clean. I'd be good for 30 days and relapse,' he said. 'I'd be good for 20 days and relapse. It was such a struggle. Finally, the judge told me, 'Mr. Park, the next time you come into my courtroom with the dirty urine, you're gonna go to prison.' So I got scared.' So Park didn't return to court, drove to Los Angeles and then returned to Hawaii, skipping bail, which is an aggravated felony. 'I did not know at the time jumping bail was an aggravated felony charge, and combined with my drug use, that's deportable for someone like me with my green card,' he said. U.S. Marshals were sent looking for Park, and he said once he heard about this, he turned himself in in August 2009, because he didn't want to be arrested in front of his two children. Read more: Abcarian: Wasn't the president supposed to be deporting criminals? He served two years in prison and said immigration officials detained him for six months after he was released as he fought deportation orders. He was eventually released under 'deferred action,' an act of prosecutorial discretion by DHS to put off deportation. Every year since, Park was required to check in with federal officials and show that he was employed and sober. Meanwhile, he had sole custody of his two children, who are now 28 and 25. He was also caring for his 85-year-old mother, who is in the early stages of dementia. During his most recent check-in, Park was about to be handcuffed and detained, but immigration agents placed an ankle monitor on him and gave him three weeks to get his affairs in order and self-deport. He is not allowed to return to the United States for 10 years. He worries he will miss his mother's passing and his daughter's wedding. 'That's the biggest part. But … it could be a lot worse too. I look at it that way also,' Park said. 'So I'm grateful I made it out of the United States, I guess, without getting detained.' 'I always just assumed a green card, legal residency, is just like having citizenship,' he added. 'I just never felt like I had to go get citizenship. And that's just being honest. As a kid growing up in the United States, I've always just thought, hey, I'm a green card holder, a legal resident, I'm just like a citizen.' His condition has spiraled since then. "Alright. I'm losing it. Can't stop crying. I think PTSD kicking in strong," Park texted Belson on Thursday. "Just want to get back to my family and take care of my mother ... I'm a mess." Times staff writer Nathan Solis contributed to this report. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The cruel act that left happy-go-lucky student at $40,000-a-year private school isolated, suffering PTSD and working at a supermarket
A former student is suing his prestigious Melbourne grammar school after he began suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder after a violent incident on campus. The young man - who has asked to remain anonymous - alleged a fellow student at Caulfield Grammar School poured hot liquid over his head and face in late 2019. 'At 15 years old, I was just settling into a new school with high hopes and big dreams,'the now-20-year-old said in a statement shared with Daily Mail Australia. 'What happened to me wasn't an accident; it wasn't a misunderstanding. It was an act of cruelty, and I was the target. 'The physical pain was horrible, but the emotional damage has stayed with me far longer.' In a writ filed with Victoria's County Court on June 17, the former student listed injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder, scarring, and pain and shock. He said he incurred hospital and medical expenses, as well as claiming a loss of earnings and loss of earning capacity. 'As a result of his injury, the Plaintiff repeated Year 10 and did a non-scored VCE in 2020. Presently, (he) is working in a supermarket,' the writ said. 'I haven't been the same. My mum said I used to be happy-go-lucky, always smiling, always social,' he said. 'Now I rarely go out with friends, and I often feel isolated. I don't trust easily, not after what happened. That one moment changed the trajectory of my life.' He described how, to most people, he looks 'fine' but added: 'When I'm out in the sun, the affected skin reacts, and I also suffer from severe PTSD'. The writ describes at least 15 alleged failings by Caulfield Grammar which the young man's solicitor Aristea Nikolakakis, from Shine Lawyers, has outlined. 'We allege the school was warned about this student's propensity for violence and yet did nothing to protect our client,' she said in a statement. 'We allege our client had been physically threatened by this student in the past and yet nothing was done to keep him safe.' She alleged the school breached its duty of care to the young man by not taking action over the threat and that it had 'ample warning' that he was 'in danger'. 'This wasn't an isolated issue,' Ms Nikolakakis said. 'This was an ongoing situation the school was aware of between the other student and my client, and the school failed to protect my client by intervening when they should have.' The young man said the management of the alleged incident on the school's Wheelers Hill campus is 'what made it worse' and claimed teachers assumed he was at fault because he was new. 'They believed the other student, someone who had been there longer. The school did me a disservice, not only by failing to hold the student accountable in a meaningful way, but also by failing to support me during... and after the incident,' he said. He also said Caulfield Grammar never called an ambulance and that his 18-year-old brother had to take him to the hospital. 'I had strong ambitions, especially in soccer,' he said, adding that a change of rules then stumped his hopes of earning the role of captain. 'That leadership role, that recognition of my hard work, was taken away, just like everything else that year. 'I still wonder what life might have looked like if that incident had never happened.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Caulfield Grammar for comment.
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Weather moves PTSD awareness walk in Sudbury indoors
Rainy weather moved an annual PTSD walk into Sudbury Arena on Friday, where first responders gathered to hear important messages. Inclement weather forced a last-minute change for the third annual Blue Balance Wellness PTSD Awareness Walk in Greater Sudbury. It was switched to an indoor ceremony at the Sudbury Arena. First responders and other uniformed service personnel sat shoulder-to-shoulder in support of PTSD awareness and mental health. PTSD walk Sudbury First responders and other uniformed service personnel sat shoulder-to-shoulder Friday in Sudbury in support of PTSD awareness and mental health. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News) The event is meant to reduce the stigma around mental health, particularly for those who work in emergency services. 'First responders are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress, but this is a human problem and a human challenge,' said James Jefferson, the wellness officer at Greater Sudbury Police Service. The event also raises funds for the national mental health service provider, Wounded Warriors Canada, which serves professionals and organizations exposed to trauma. 'First responders are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress, but this is a human problem and a human challenge.' — James Jefferson, wellness officer at Greater Sudbury Police Service 'Especially within the first responder community, we want them to recognize that it is an honourable injury, something that is earned in honourable service of the community,' said Steven Topham, director of fundraising. 'We would like them to be able to have those conversations and reach out and speak to individuals when they feel that they need assistance.' Guest speakers told the crowd that hearing others speak openly about their PTSD stories and experiences helps to normalize asking for help. 'We have members off with PTSD or on journeys with PTSD,' said Matt Hall, president of the Greater Sudbury Police Association. Need a lot of support 'We're no different than any other first responders in the province or in the country. There's a lot of support going into helping those members out. I'm very proud of all those members that have actually put up their hand and asked for help.' Jefferson was diagnosed with PTSD in 2011 and said it was a journey to understand it and heal from it. 'I understand it very intimately, and I really want to continue spreading the word that we can heal from this, and we can create a life,' he said. 'It just takes doing the right things, prioritizing your self-care and formulating a tribe around you to support you.' For those who are experiencing PTSD, Jefferson suggested finding a support service or program that works for you and building a community of support – because too many are suffering in silence.
Al Anbat News
17 hours ago
- Health
- Al Anbat News
The War on Gaza: Far-Reaching and Long-Term Consequences
الأنباط - The War on Gaza: Far-Reaching and Long-Term Consequences The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip represents one of the gravest contemporary crises, combining humanitarian catastrophe with escalating environmental destruction. This war is not limited to the heavy toll of lives lost and injured but extends its impact to the natural environment, mental health, education, and food and water security. The interlinkage of these environmental and human dimensions makes this conflict an existential challenge threatening the continuity of dignified life in the besieged territory. This article sheds light on the major environmental, psychological, and educational damages, as well as the lasting health repercussions of the ongoing blockade. An Environment Under Fire: Invisible Yet Deadly Damage Relentless air and artillery strikes targeting thousands of residential and vital facilities have released enormous amounts of smoke and pollutants from burning industrial materials such as plastics, metals, paints, and insulation. These fine particles suspended in the air settle deep in the lungs, leading to increased rates of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in densely populated areas where avoiding exposure is nearly impossible. The environmental degradation has not been confined to air pollution alone; it has also reached Gaza's underground water resources, the main source of drinking water for its residents. Sewage networks, treatment plants, and fuel storage facilities have been severely damaged, resulting in the leakage of untreated wastewater and toxic substances into deep aquifers. This contamination threatens the spread of serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, making access to clean and safe water even more challenging. Agricultural lands have also suffered extensive destruction. Direct bombardment, coupled with chemical leakage from munitions and military vehicles, has damaged soil fertility, increased its salinity, and contaminated it with heavy metals. This deterioration undermines the future of local agriculture and exacerbates food insecurity in Gaza, where many families depend on farming for sustenance and income. Psychological Impact: Invisible Wounds That Never Heal The psychological scars of war are deeply etched into the consciousness of Gaza's residents, especially children who live daily under the shadow of bombardment, fear, and deprivation. Scenes of loss and destruction have been repeatedly imprinted in their memories, giving rise to clear symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including chronic anxiety, insomnia, recurring nightmares, and a persistent sense of insecurity. These accumulated traumas extend far beyond the immediate moment of conflict, shaping children's personalities and behavior for years to come. Growing up in an environment dominated by violence and psychological instability increases the likelihood of adopting aggressive or withdrawn behaviors, while undermining their capacity for learning and social interaction. Such psychological breakdowns risk fostering greater societal violence and a deterioration in public mental health in Gaza's future. Education in the Crossfire: Children's Futures at Stake As the aggression continues, hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza have been denied their fundamental right to education, whether due to the destruction of schools, their conversion into shelters for displaced families, or the dangerous security situation preventing safe access to classrooms. This forced disruption threatens to rob an entire generation of their opportunity to learn, leading to rising illiteracy rates, diminished cognitive and social skills, and reduced chances of future employment. In turn, this deepens cycles of poverty and increases reliance on humanitarian aid. The Blockade: Strangling Daily Life and Public Health The blockade imposed on Gaza for years, now compounded by intensified military escalation, has deprived residents of sufficient food, fuel, medicines, and essential supplies. These harsh conditions have led to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women, resulting in stunting, underweight, and weakened immune systems that heighten vulnerability to infectious diseases. Water scarcity and contamination have become a dual crisis. The deterioration of water infrastructure has forced many families to rely on saline or polluted water sources, leading to the spread of gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery, as well as kidney diseases due to high salt content. The collapse of health services has increased rates of chronic illnesses and raised the threat of epidemics. Children, with their inherent physical and emotional sensitivity, bear the brunt of these circumstances. Malnutrition, environmental pollution, and lack of healthcare services slow their physical and mental growth, impacting their quality of life far into the future. A Final Word: A Catastrophe Demanding Urgent Global Action What is unfolding in Gaza is not merely a temporary crisis, but a multifaceted catastrophe that threatens the foundations of life in the long term. Environmental pollution, agricultural collapse, psychological trauma, educational deprivation, and the worsening hunger and thirst crisis are interlinked factors that warn of a bleak future for generations to come. Overcoming this disaster requires immediate, serious international action, including lifting the blockade, funding reconstruction efforts, rehabilitating infrastructure, and expanding mental health and education programs. Only through these measures can the Palestinian people reclaim their dignity and secure their right to live safely in a stable environment that enables them to build a future free from the ravages of war and destruction. By Haifaa Ghaith
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Snapchat used by teenagers to plan Barry island stabbing
Teenage boys who used Snapchat to plan the stabbing of a 12-year-old girl have been given youth detention sentences of two and three Crown Court heard the boys, now aged 13 and 16, used the app to discuss sourcing knives, luring the girl to Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, and carrying out the 23 November 2024, they took her to the Harbour Road car park, where she was choked, repeatedly stabbed, and kicked in the face, leaving her defendants, who cannot be named because of their ages, were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The girl, who knew the boys, spent three days at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where she underwent three operations. She has since been diagnosed with PTSD and said she thinks about the attack "every day", the court night before the attack, the boys discussed their plans on Snapchat, with prosecutors outlining what was said. "Bruv, we meeting [her] down Asda?" the 13-year-old asked. They talked about bringing "tings", slang for blades, and said they would "ching" the girl, which is slang for 13-year-old also told his co-defendant, who was then 15, to "wear gloves", and they discussed cleaning the knives next morning, the now 16-year-old brought a knife from home and met the girl in the supermarket car had used Snapchat to arrange the meeting, and the three spent the day at Barry Island amusements before the attack. When the victim came around after the attack, she heard the boys laughing, before running home for mother described blood spraying everywhere from wounds to her head, back and hands. On the way to hospital, the girl asked paramedics whether she was going to victim cannot be named after Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke imposed reporting restrictions on naming in a statement read to the court by prosecutor Tom Roberts, she said she thinks about the incident "on a daily basis"."Every day when the sun sets, I begin to think about the attack," said Mr Roberts, adding: "I see my scars every day and I can't avoid them." Kevin Seal, representing the 13-year-old, told the court, in mitigation, that his client had experienced significant trauma from the age of eight and that he has "limited capacity for reasoning and comprehension".Educational psychiatric assessments are under way."He's been let down already in his life by possibly every adult he's come into contact with both professional and personal," said Mr Seal, adding: "this may be his last chance."For the 16-year-old, defence barrister Dan Jones said his client had never committed an offence before, and that he had shown remorse for his actions. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clark said both boys had initially blamed each other for stabbing the girl, before they both pleaded guilty at a hearing in March."Neither of you is telling the whole truth," she said, adding: You both acted together, and you are both to blame."She sentenced the 13-year-old to two years and 173 days youth detention, and the 16-year-old to three years and 260 were also given restraining orders preventing them from contacting their victim indefinitely.
