SAN ANTONIO – The sister of Army Sgt. Jayme Pohovey said his family was devastated upon learning that Pohovey had taken his own life Monday morning.
"We knew he was suffering but no one expected this," Jessica Baker said as she talked about her older brother's death.
Pohovey was stationed at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where he worked as an emergency room medic.
Baker said her brother had served several tours in Afghanistan and was a decorated hero who was once featured on the cover of Soldier of Fortune magazine for acts of heroism while serving in Afghanistan.
"I know he was suffering and I just thought there was something that they could do when they find out that the soldiers are coming back with PTSD," Baker said.
The Army is addressing the problem of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to retired Col. Wayne Christian, who presides of the Veteran's Treatment Court in San Antonio.
"The military is taking this very seriously and trying to address the problem," Christian said.
He said that the soldiers themselves must play a role in getting treatment.
And so should their friends and relatives by being alert for signs of withdrawal and depression.
"They need to do what they can to get that person some help and guidance," Christian said.