Afterthoughts - PTSD Panel Discussion - Panelists

Afterthoughts
Sunday, April 6, 2014

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Panelists

Ryan Schmidt, Peer Support Specialist
Ryan is a retired Sergeant and U.S. Army recon sniper. He served in Afghanistan (2004-2005) and Iraq (2006-2007), and experienced combat injuries. Ryan has physical injuries, as well as chronic and severe PTSD. Ryan also served as a Corrections Officer for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department. His struggles with PTSD lead him to a life of violent crimes and the outlaw biker world. Ryan is currently the founder of Consummate Warrior LLC. He is a consultant on Veteran’s Mental Health issues, a WRAP facilitator, Peer Support Specialist, Veteran Scholar and Fellow with Minnesota Humanities Center. He is a public speaker and advocate for Veteran’s issues relating to mental health and the criminal justice system.

Hector Matascastillo, Psychotherapist
Hector became a psychotherapist after having served 18 years in the US Army. Hector's experiences while in the military combined with his formalized education and training in mental health have propelled him into public speaking, writing, teaching, and continuing education. He is currently owner of MPCS, LLC through which he contracts his psychotherapy and consulting practices and is preparing to enter academia as a guest lecturer at a prominent school.

Jerry Miron, Vietnam Veteran
Jerry is a Vietnam veteran whose story was dramatized by history Theatre in the show 1968: The Year That Rocked the World. Jerry served in the 1st Infantry Division as a Scout Dog Handler. He lives in White Bear Lake and speaks to school groups, churches, and various organizations about his experiences each year. Jerry is on the Board of Directors and also skates for MN Warriors Ice Hockey.

Joseph O’Neill, Vietnam Veteran
Joseph is Vietnam veteran who served in the 1st Calvary Division and was airborne during that time. His Division looked at the VC with dignity and respect and was respected by the enemy in turn. Joseph has done quite a bit of public outreach and speaking on PTSD. He is the Chapter Viola Chairman of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.