My name is Allen D. Payne, Jr.
I was born in Downey, California and was a correctional officer at Turney Cetner and Farm in TN. I enlisted after September 11, 2001 because I wanted to fight for my country.
I was young and capable to stand up against the terrorists that tried to harm American citizens. I was not going to sit back and allow anyone to harm this nation if i was fully capable to help fight terrorism.
The first picture is of me in Iraq My Army assignment was with the 610 ESC, JBLM WA,12 N30 heavy equipment operators.I went to basic training in Fort Benning GA. I thought it was tough transition from civilian life to Soldier life. They did not allow passes or phones. We worked our buts off from 0 dark 30 to 2200 everyday. I adapted well after I learned my military drills, and customs and curtiuosies. I made great everlasting friends that will be in my life forever.
I served at Fort Bragg NC, deployed to Afghanistan in 06/07.
I served Fort Campbell KY
I served Ft Eustis VA, deployed to Taji Iraq in 09/10
I served JBLM WA, deployed to Afghanistan in 11/12
The first picture is of my battle buddy and me at a military ball. The picture holding my head down is of me back from Afghanistan. Another picture shows a gunner posing. We were loading the weapons on our trucks before mission. I have served in Afghanistan twice to several remote locations. I was also deployed to Taji IRAQ one time in 2009/2010. For eleven years I served my country in the Army with three deployments to hostile Iraq and Afghanistan, dodging land mines and enemy bullets, living through a glimpse of hell on earth. Little by little the cumulative effect of the constant heightened awareness and unrelenting stress changed my personality. When I mustered out of the Army, I carried the memories of those years with me and lived in a civilian hell, making it impossible for me to concentrate, hold a job or complete sentences. I felt rage and isolation. Medications, counseling and other avenues did little to change my perspective or improve my life. The VA finally diagnosed me with severe PTSD. By now my life had narrowed to the point that I would stay isolated in my house and hated going anywhere in public. I would not even go to the grocery store with my wife, causing more stress and anxiety on both of us.
My emotions in battle were to take care of my own and come back safely. I was scared at times but nothing that lasted. The worst part for me was the being away on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Not able to take a normal shower for a couple months. The greatest fear was being hit by IED, or mortar. Wartime has changed my feelings towards civilian people and how much they wine about the minute things that majority take advantage of on a daily bases.
My aunt talked to me about Nerium International and a product called EHT that could help with my depression. I thought it couldn’t hurt. In my depressed state, I was not terribly optimistic. But after using the product, I was later asked by a battle buddy from my last deployment what I was doing differently. “What do you mean?” I asked. He said, “Your attitude is more cheerful and you are actually competing your stories now and not talking in circles.” I had not told him I was doing anything differently. Then I realized EHT was working, literally as if overnight. EHT helps protect against common, age-related mental decline and helps support healthy cognitive functions and improve memory and recall. I have continued to make progress ever since. I shared this experience with a small Nerium group. My uncle, who is a chaplain with Dementia patients, shared with me how I quietly projected confidence and tranquility, speaking with clarity and conviction. My significant others and the whole team were equally impressed and moved. Nerium is a blessing for me and especially for my family. I am truly blessed with the people and positive impact it has brought into my life. I plan to share my experiences with other service men and women suffering from PTSD and hope that using EHT will make a positive impact on them also.
Nerium has changed my life and is backed up by scientists and Doctors. Dr. Jeffrey Stock and his Bioscience team out of Princeton University are the ones who developed this product and patent it with Nerium, exclusively.
I now share Nerium with my family and friends. Akpayne2015.nerium.com
~ Allen Payne, Iraq Veteran
Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, our Veteran tribute page is grateful to Allen Payne sharing his story.
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