Overcoming adversities

Even a hero can ask for help.

At Camp Johnson Wednesday, 150 students in the Marine Corps Combat Service Support School heard from a man who many idolized: the 15-year National Football League star and Heisman trophy winner Herschel Walker.

Walker visited the base, one stop on a tour of military installations, to share his story of mental trauma and psychological problems and to encourage those who suffer from similar issues to get the help they need.

Before meeting with Marines, he met with members of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program at the Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital and ate lunch with the Wounded Warrior Battalion.

Following his career, Walker was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as “multiple personality disorder,” which was possibly a result of trauma sustained from his football days. In his work as spokesman of the Freedom Care Program, he addresses the difficulty military members encounter in acknowledging a need for assistance.

“You’re talking about the armed forces, men and women who are the elite of the elite. To be the elite of the elite and acknowledge that you have a problem, people are going to look at you different,” said Walker.

In an hour-long talk to the students, many of whom were new to the service, he discussed overcoming a number of childhood adversities: chubbiness, physical weakness and a stutter. Walker took control, beginning a regiment of 5,000 sit-ups a day and reading to himself in the mirror to improve his speech.

“Sometimes, you’ve just got to do it because you never know what the outcome is going to be,” he said.

Stacie Sioux York, the director of the Freedom Care Program which reaches out to military members and their families with mental health and substance abuse issues, said having Walker as a spokesman has helped put a face to what the organization works to promote — “You’re still tough, and you’re not less strong, because you ask for help.”

Pfc. Jay Michael Johnson, of Southaven, Miss., said that message resonated with him.

“Get up and go, I like that a lot,” he said.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Moody, of Richmond, Va., said that, as a recovering alcoholic, he was encouraged that even a star can continue to self-improve and confront personal issues.

Sgt. Maj. Timothy Manchester, command sergeant major of MCCSSS, said having Walker as a guest had particular significance for this entry-level group.

“They will be here through Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he said. “Doing programs like this really helps them because when their families are thousands of miles away, that’s when depression sets in.”

There’s another perk, too, Manchester said. Many students will be calling home to brag about getting to meet a football legend.

Contact Hope Hodge at 910-219-8453 or hhodge@freedomenc.com.