Kat called me to ask a favor. She had worked with me in Africa some years ago and we had become friends, despite my sending her to a remote location in Africa for several months.
“I’d like you to walk the Camino with a friend of mine.”
“Sure thing, tell me about your friend.”
Kat paused, “Our families have been close as long as I can remember, I grew up with Casey. I went to the USN Seabees and he went off to the Marine Corps. He did three combat tours, the first in Iraq and the other two in Afghanistan.”
She went silent for a moment, “He took his own life last December. I’m having a bracelet made and I was hoping you’d wear it in his memory as you walk the Camino.”
“Absolutely.”
I have since had a conversation with Duane, Casey’s father, which left us both choked with emotion. Duane told me more about his son.
Casey was born July 16, 1982 in Lafayette, LA and passed away December 12, 2017. He was only 35 years old.
Early on, he had dismissed the PTSD as something to be ignored thinking it would go away. I’m sure he looked at it as weakness as many Veterans do. He did finally seek help, later. Unfortunately, the help he received either wasn’t enough, was too late to work, or it simply wasn’t the kind of help Casey needed.
Casey didn’t leave a note or explanation. He leaves behind his family, including his five year old daughter, who are understandably devastated.
So, for Casey and his family, I will walk side by side with Casey on the Camino this spring. My steps will be devoted to his memory. The Compostella I receive upon arriving in Santiago will be dedicated to him.
To Casey, a fellow soldier who could not find his peace on this Earth.
Veterans on the Camino 
Brad,
Thanks for what you are doing. I am a life-long friend of Casey’s, and a fellow Marine. I know that really means a lot to his family.
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Ross, its an honor to walk the Camino in memory of a fellow soldier, no matter the circumstances. Thanks for your words
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Brad,
thanks for all you are doing for our fellow VETS! I am sure this will help bring peace to Casey’s family to know he is NOT forgotten, nor left behind. Walk in Peace with God’s love!
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If you are in contact with Casey’s wife and daughter, offer them a big hug from me.
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I am so very sorry to hear this and feel deeply for all that are left behind – friends, family, fellow veterans and everyone affected by this story – all too common a tale because I know approximately 22 young soldiers in the US – my stepson’s age – take their life daily. It’s a similar proportion of veterans here in Canada and elsewhere in the world. I know that your blog is not intended for people to offer advice but do look at something called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) as a very useful tool for helping deal with PTSD – both for those suffering from this affliction and their families. Meanwhile, Brad, you are doing good work – your taking of veterans on the Camino is a fabulous journey that I know will help bring healing. I have walked the Camino three times and found the experience life-changing.
As I write this, at the back of my mind is a thought for organizing a Camino walking group for the family and friends of victims of PTSD.
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Let me know if I can help bring that thought forward from the back of your mind, it is something that would greatly benefit the family and friends!
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