MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate Independence Day, but for those who fought for our country, sudden loud noises, explosions and light flashes from fireworks can make them feel as if they’re back in a war zone.
“Your heart starts racing,” Army veteran Melissa Dion said. “I start sweating. Tears will start coming down. I’m just in like, ‘Oh my God, what just happened?’ Your mind will flip back to whatever combat you might have been in, and right now, it’s going to make me want to cry.”
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Dion served in Iraq and Korea, and like many veterans, she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“When you’re in an environment for 365 days where a soda can on the side of the road could be an IED and blow up, you start noticing all those things,” Dion said. “You can’t, after doing that for so long, come back and not notice it.”…