Fireworks trigger PTSD memories for some veterans

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- For some veterans just the smell of firework smoke can trigger terrible memories.

Kids, grandparents, and everyone in between braved the heat to celebrate Independence Day. The Buchanan High School stadium was filling up hours before the big show honoring those who fight for our freedom everyday.

But for some veterans, like Robert Grubb, it's nights like these that are the hardest. "The worst is the explosion. Then the smell of burning gunpowder which is all that it is brings back bad memories."

Grubb served multiple tours in Iraq and was in the Army for 24 years. The Veteran's Affairs employee says the fireworks are a post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trigger for some veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

"When one smells, like you said burning sulfur or gunpowder, and usually what comes after that is the smell of burning flesh," said Grubb.

Grubb says he keeps to himself and stays out of the city during the Fourth of July. And he says it's helpful for vets who are suffering from PTSD to be with loved ones. "After the first flash bang, it's very startling. If you have someone who has lived through it, or understands what you've done or where you've been, then they can reassure you that it's all okay."

Grubb also says it's helpful when people don't shoot fireworks all hours of the night so veterans don't get startled in the late evening hours.