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University Place council member emphasizes veteran mental health, urges civic involvement
Summary
Council Member Ed Wood, a University Place elected official and U.S. Army veteran, described his military service, said he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and called for more open discussion and help-seeking for veterans' mental health. He also described his civic volunteer work and how residents can contact him.
Council Member Ed Wood of University Place said his deployment to Iraq and 33 years in the U.S. Army motivated him to run for city council and to press for more open conversation about veteran mental health.
"Veterans need to understand that they can seek help if they need it," Wood said, adding that he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has lost fellow soldiers to suicide.
Wood described a path from volunteer roles to elected office: he said he began on the city's Public Safety Commission and joined the board of Families Unlimited Network before winning a council seat. He said those experiences and his military service shaped his view of the community's needs and responsibilities.
Wood also spoke briefly about personal interests and community life in University Place. He said a "perfect day" would include a walk around Chambers Bay, a bike ride and dinner with his wife, and he encouraged residents to get involved through commissions, volunteer organizations and civic groups.
For residents seeking to contact him, Wood said he prefers messages sent to his city email because email allows him time to provide a thoughtful response and to forward questions to city staff when technical information is needed.
