Nov. 23, 2011 - As awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder has improved, recent and current U.S. wars have led to a surge in veterans who need help readjusting to civilian life, said Sue Roberson of Statesville.
Some soldiers who've seen combat get lost during the transition from soldier to civilian, with tragic consequences, she said.
Some veterans with PTSD resign themselves to a reclusive life. Others have trouble obtaining a college degree or holding a job. In such cases, every aspect of a soldier's life is affected, from relationships to finances, said Roberson.
To help ease the transition, Roberson started the Manpower to Horsepower program in Mooresville a couple of years ago.
Roberson was inspired when she noticed that disabled people couldn't participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Concord.
What originally began as a project to create a handicap-accessible car for the Driving Experience morphed into a hands-on program that teaches veterans motorsport management.
Roberson said she hopes the classes make the transition to civilian life easier.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit became affiliated with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. That means students can use Veteran Affairs aid to earn a 16-week certification or a two-year associate's degree. read more>>>
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