In a poignant testimony, a caregiver shared the harrowing journey of her husband, Cody, a former combat medic in the U.S. Army, who has faced severe health challenges following his deployment to Iraq. The couple, high school sweethearts, married shortly before Cody enlisted in 2003. After returning from Iraq in December 2008, it became clear to his wife that he was not the same man who had left for war.

Cody was medically retired from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2011 after nearly two years of treatment, primarily for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder. Despite these diagnoses, it took years for the full extent of his conditions to be understood. In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) diagnosed him with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to traumatic brain injuries, which has led to ongoing neurological decline.

The caregiver recounted the extensive journey they undertook to navigate the complexities of his health issues, which included consultations with multiple VA facilities and private physicians. She emphasized the profound impact of Cody's conditions on their family life, detailing his struggles with chronic suicidal ideations, migraines, seizures, psychosis, chronic pain, and cognitive impairment.

Despite the challenges, the couple has learned to advocate for each other and seek the necessary care and support. The caregiver expressed a deep sense of loss, stating that while Cody is physically present, the man she once knew has changed dramatically due to his health struggles. Their story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by veterans and their families in accessing appropriate care and understanding the long-term effects of combat-related injuries.