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Fourth of July Fireworks Can Be Challenge for Some Veterans

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ROME, Ga. (AP) - Mental health experts say Fourth of July can be a challenging holiday for veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome because of the loud fireworks.

Jamie Lee Jacobs of the Counseling Cottage in Rome says it's an ironic situation, since citizens wouldn't be celebrating the freedom that's so much a part of the Fourth of July holiday without the contributions made by veterans. Yet she says that some veterans can't enjoy it because of PTSD.

The Rome News-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/29698wI) that Jacobs has worked with veterans and their families since 2001.

She said fireworks can be a special trigger for veterans exposed to improvised explosive devices during fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Vietnam War veteran Barry Hunter says loud noises can be difficult, especially for veterans who served where artillery was landing.

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7/3/2016 10:37:53 AM (GMT -4:00)