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Luis – is a 36-year-old veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 17 years, including two combat tours in the ongoing war in Iraq. Luis is a former cavalry Captain who was awarded a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and several Army Commendation Medals for valor and meritorious service. After incurring grave war wounds that left him with an array of health issues -- including a limp, fractured vertebrae, PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) -- Luis departed the military in 2007. Due to the emotional disturbances of his psychological wounds, he faces a failed marriage, past alcohol abuse issues, and the numbing side effects of the 20 different medications he must take daily. Despite his commendations, Luis has been embroiled in a war with the Veterans' Administration for proper healthcare, disability benefits and other entitlements. With all of these obstacles, he has channeled his depression and anger to become an outspoken advocate against the failed strategies and corruption of the Iraq war and the dereliction of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Now a graduate student at Columbia University pursuing degrees in Journalism and Strategic Communications, Luis must face these battles while coping with the devastating symptoms of PTSD. |
