KILLEEN, Texas — For many veterans, the situation in Afghanistan has been devastating to watch. Knowing these emotions can be difficult to process alone, experts want them to know help is available.


What You Need To Know

  • For many, the conclusion of the war in Afghanistan is stirring painful memories

  • A veteran Spectrum News 1 spoke with described it as a "dangerous area" and "like the Fourth of July on steroids"

  • Cohen Military Family Clinic in Killeen, Texas, is one resource for mental health aid 

The chance to play golf is a moment Bob Brott appreciates.

"Really helps us veterans to be intentional about something that we feel good about,” Brott explained. “And golf is just a nice, innocent, fun, healthy way to channel our energy and release the baggage of the day.”

In 2013, Brott spent eight months deployed in Afghanistan serving as a brigade chaplain, providing religious support for the troops.

"Afghanistan was a dangerous area. It’s kind of like the Fourth of July on steroids. A lot of things exploding. A lot of things lighting up. A lot of hard work,” said Brott.

So when the situation in Afghanistan began making headlines, many in the military community began feeling a number of emotions. They are emotions that experts from the Cohen Veterans Network say can be devastating and difficult to process.

 It left some veterans wondering if their time served in Afghanistan was worth it in the first place.

"I'm still very proud of what I did. And although I wish things could have been different, they're not,” Brott said.

Experts say it is normal to feel sadness and even anger as new images spark memories of the past.

However, mental health clinician James Williams with the Cohen Military Family Clinic in Killeen believes these emotions can be tough to process alone.

"Some of the signs would be maybe withdrawal, maybe giving away items that they cherish, just isolation, just something different from what you would normally see,” Williams said. “I think the best approach when you see that, is just to ask them ‘Hey, what's going on? You seem different.’”

A veteran himself, Williams and the Cohen Veterans Network are working to make sure those in need of support receive it.

"We're here. We're available. We treat all types from marriage counseling, we do parenting groups, we do PTSD, anxiety. Whatever you're challenged with, we are here to serve,” Williams said.