Healing Through Service – Aaron Quinonez pt 3

Healing Through Service

Aaron Quinonez pt 3

I grew up in the Vietnam Era. I joined the military straight out of high school just a few years after Vietnam ended. I have seen the effects of what we now call PTSD on friends and fellow soldiers that served prior to my enlistment. I know many of our war veterans back then did not know, nor did anyone else for that matter, what PTSD was or how it affected our veterans.

Fast forward 25 years and we understand a lot more about PTSD and its effects. But yet, many of our war veterans still struggle with these battle scars. Some have such a hard time readjusting to civilian life, they decide to take their own life.

My guest today has experienced just this sort of turmoil. Aaron Quinonez is a Marine combat veteran who joined the service straight out of high school. Serving 8 years in the Marines and a combat tour in Iraq as part of the Marine 1stANGLICO unit. In case you were wondering about the military acronym for ANGLICO it stands for “Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company” which is the only US Dept. of Defense unit capable of bringing in direct fire support for ground forces from air, sea or land and they are regularly part of special operations forces in combat.

Sgt. Quinonez returned to civilian life, only to find that the real battle had just begun. Suffering from depression, anger and panic attacks, he was diagnosed with PTSD. But just being diagnosed with a problem and receiving the needed help are two entirely different things. This affected Sgt. Quinonez (or “Sgt. Q” as he is called now) decided it would be better to just take his own life that continuing in the agony he was facing on a daily basis.

Today is the conclusion of a great three part interview with "Sgt Q." He has been sharing how Jesus delivered him, gave him a new life, a new calling and he is now in charge of what is called, “Q Missions.” This is a pathway for veterans and fellow warfighters to help them replace the battle scars of their minds with the joy of serving others through building churches, homes, feeding children and suppling precious hope to struggling communities worldwide.

Sgt. Q has also authored a new book titled, “Healing Thru Service: The Warriors Guide to Overcoming Trauma.”

Tell us about “Operation Pop Smoke.” I know the phraseology for “pop smoke” but how have you used this term to communicate with veterans that need assistance?

And your book, “Healing Thru Service: The Warriors Guide to Overcoming Trauma.” Why did you decide to publish this book at this time?

Who was this book written for?

Sgt. Q, this is all so fascinating. And the services you are providing to help struggling veterans has also been recognized by the Veterans Administration, correct?

Your book, “Healing Thru Service: The Warriors Guide to Overcoming Trauma” is a must have for every veteran and families of veterans. Where can someone order your book? Is it on Amazon?

If someone has a question about your book or your organization, “Q Missions” or “Operation Pop Smoke” – how can they get in touch with you?

Folks, veteran PTSD and veteran suicides are a very real and very serious reality in this country. Just as this condition is very individual in nature, where every person suffers in their own way, the help needs to be individualized as well. Organizations such as those founded by Sgt. Q are not only needful, but directly impacting those who need help and need help now. Your donations are needed – right now. Someone, somewhere is suffering – right now. There is no better time to provide help, than right now.

Go down into the show notes and click the links there to get in touch with Sgt. Q and his organizations, “OperationPopSmoke.com” and “QMissions.org.” And be sure to click the link below and order your copies of “Healing Thru Service: The Warriors Guide to Overcoming Trauma.”