I joined the United States Army Reserves at 17 years old. I completed basic training over the summer of my junior year in high school then went onto job training as a quarry specialist after graduating high school in 2003. Initially, I used explosives and heavy equipment at Fort Dix in New Jersey. In 2004, I switched to Infantry at Fort Lewis in the Stryker Brigade. I remained with them for an 18-month deployment to Iraq. My crew and I survived about 211 attacks, roadside bombs and the loss of a squad leader who died in my arms from a sniper. I exited the army in 2007-2008 after a recall for possible assignment but failed due to medical conditions.
In 2009, I began using pills prescribed by the Veterans Affairs (VA) along with Cannabis and continued alcohol use after many failed attempts at recapturing the civilian life I had before. Thus began my journey on prescription medicine. For 6 years I was heavily on Tramadol (a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain) and other pills totaling up to 15-20 pills a day. My ailments ranged from a broken neck bone, twisted spine, misaligned hips, nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, digestive issues, migraines, depression and PTSD. Nevertheless, during this time I tried my hand at college but failed due to my many aliments both physically and mentally. In 2011 I quit alcohol and in 2013 I began to only use Cannabis; no more pills. While Cannabis isn’t a 100% fix, it has helped effectively manage my pain, anxiety and increased my ability to interact with the public.
Fighting For Us
By: Chris Mueller
In 2012, I was hit by a car while riding a pedal bike. The following legal battle opened the door for my activism by bringing to my attention that veterans have no rights. We are not a select group that the constitution protects like your right to choose and practice your faith. Your sexuality and choice of gender is even under protection. Yet there are no rights for veterans. I began to actively protest for the right to medicate and for protection of veterans under the very constitution and people we served. My protest for constitutional protection of veterans advocates for us to seek out legal means to fight discrimination and help to prevent us from having the homeless epidemic of veterans that we currently have. There's not an epidemic of
Photo: Chris Mueller
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