2024 Veteran's National Golden Age Games SLC Utah

Click "Read more" under award to see my story...

Hello,

My name is Chuck McFate.

I am a US Army veteran w/ 9.5 years.

-3.5 years regular army as a 94F10 Hospital Food Service Specialist, 8th Combat Support Hospital, Ft Ord Ca

-3 years Army Reserves as a 19E Armor Crewman, Hopkinsville Army Reserve Center Hopkinsville Kentucky

-3 years California Army National Guard 19E Armor Crewman, Co B, 185th Armor Palmdale Ca

While in the Guard, we spent 17 days in the Rodney King riots; 2 nights in downtown LA on the Alvarado corridor just south of MacArthur Park, rest of the time in South Central LA.

Seeing in-person, "man's inhumanity to man" takes a toll on you.

The 2020 riots were a trigger for me. I have not been able to watch any videos about rioting.

Anger, panic, anxiety, night sweats, depression are just some of the symptoms I have gone through because of living it 30 years prior. It took me over 3 years to realize that if I did not get help, this is going to be my “new” normal...

I was speaking to a regular customer who saw something in me that was not "right" (she is a retired psychologist), I realized, for the last 30 years I have not been “myself”. She said I need to seek help as it can get worse with age. Which it has!

In the beginning it was a couple months of antidepressants to now years…

A veteran, who had overheard the conversation, came up and shook my hand. Not letting go 'til he made me promise to get help in next 2 weeks (he was coming back through to do a “battle buddy” check) to see if I went.

He said what I described was exactly what he has been going through for years!

That it will always be with us, but can and will get better.

l put on a facade of being "normal" when around people. By myself, different story.

I walked into Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center (SACC) the following Monday, Sept 18, 2023.

Since Oct 17, 2023 I have been getting help...

Learning about myself, now knowing that suck it up, be a man, show no weakness etc are good traits in certain circumstances. You need to know your limitations, ask and most importantly, accept help.

"Life is a multitude of complexities derived from your own actions".

'Depression is an invisible mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a silent killer because its effects can go unnoticed, leading to profound suffering and death by those who fight this hidden battle'.

-Over 300 million adults suffer from depression in the world!

-Over 26 million adults suffer in the United States alone!

"Do not suffer alone, find someone that will not judge you, feel comfortable telling your story to and most important, will be honest with you".

"Cry if you need to, do not cry in anger at yourself".

Part of my therapy, physical and mental is going to the games representing SACC and all veterans that have struggles seen and unseen.

This is my 1st time and I will strive not to fall flat on my face!

My 5 events:

-Field javelin

-Air rifle and pistol

-Track 50 and 100 meter

Exhibition events:-

-Bobsledding!!!

Possible exhibition events:

-Archery

"The un-attempted is always impossible!"

I am raising money for myself and Team SACC.

SEP Golden Age Games GPF# 2071

Thank you for taking the time to consider my story,

Chuck

Always remember:

"Follow your dreams, for as you dream, so shall you become"

This video makes me happy, want to get up and dance!!!