VetConnect Seminar Series: PTSD- a layman's discussion on the cause, effect, treatment and recovery
Learn more about the cause, effect, treatment and recovery of post-traumatic stress disorder
For the March VetConnect Seminar at The War Memorial, join us as we welcome retired Army Sgt. Maj. Dave Laycock.
The free seminar is planned for Thursday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Laycock served in the U.S. Army from 1969 until his retirement in 1993. During the Vietnam War, he served with the 101st Airborne Division, 158th Aviation Battalion Camp Evans. Assigned as the Aviation Battalion Safety Officer, his duties included, but were not limited to, aircraft damage investigations both combat and non-combat loss. In early December 1969, his unit was sent to a downed aircraft in the A Shau Valley due to combat fire. After landing, it came under enemy sniper and the officer in charge failed to ask for security before the unit landed.
The results of that attack was the start of Laycock’s Post Traumatic Stress. Leaving Vietnam in October 1971, Laycock’s unit flew daily missions of insertion and extraction throughout its area of operations. For many years, he self medicated without support or assistance for what he had been through. In 1993, he went to the VA Detroit Healthcare System and was told he had not been in Vietnam and therefore did not have any problems.
Laycock’s journey without help went until November 2013. As he says, no one is ever cured from PTSD. Rather, you learn to adapt in different ways.
Held bi-monthly, The War Memorial’s VetConnect Seminar Series provides veterans with a welcoming space to learn, connect, and find support. Launched in early 2024, this free program features speakers from respected veteran organizations and partners. Each seminar offers valuable insights and resources on topics that matter most to veterans, fostering both education and community.
Free and open to all — registration is requested
6pm: Doors Open
6:30pm: Presentation by Dave Laycock
7:15pm: Question and Answer time with the audience
7:30pm: Program Ends
About Sgt. Maj. Dave Laycock (Ret.)
Sgt. Maj. Dave Laycock retired from active duty in February 1993 after serving for almost 24 years. His service took him throughout the U.S. and overseas. Laycock entered the Army in November 1969, completed Basic Training, Leadership Preparation and Advanced Individual Training as a Personnel Specialist (Human Resource) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He served in Vietnam from October 1970 to October 1971, assigned to the 158th Aviation Battalion, Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Camp Evans, Vietnam, as an Aviation Safety Noncommissioned Officer.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, and more.