Saving Aziz is a powerful and inspiring memoir written by Chad Robichaux, a former US Navy SEAL and Iraq War veteran, and David L. Thomas. The book tells the story of Chad’s struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and his journey towards healing and redemption. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different phase of Chad’s life and his battle with PTSD.
Part 1: The Calling
In Part 1, Chad shares his childhood and how he became a US Navy SEAL. He talks about his intense training and the challenges he faced during his deployment in Iraq. Chad describes the horrors of war and how he struggled to cope with the death and destruction he witnessed. He also talks about the camaraderie and brotherhood he shared with his fellow SEALs and how it helped him through the tough times.
Part 2: The Fall
In Part 2, Chad opens up about his struggle with PTSD and how it affected his life and relationships. He talks about the nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety that plagued him for years. Chad also shares how he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his pain and how it made things worse. He hit rock bottom when he was arrested for drunk driving and lost his job as a police officer.
Part 3: The Redemption
In Part 3, Chad talks about his journey towards healing and redemption. He sought help from a therapist and a support group, and slowly but surely, he began to overcome his demons. Chad also found solace in his faith and started attending church regularly. He met his future wife, Lori, and they started a family. Chad also found a new purpose in life by helping other veterans and first responders who were struggling with PTSD. He founded the FAST Program (Faith, Athletics, Service, and Truth), which provides resources and support for those affected by PTSD.
Conclusion
Saving Aziz is a powerful and inspiring memoir that offers hope and solace to those who are struggling with PTSD. Chad’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. He shows us that it is possible to overcome even the darkest of challenges and find redemption and purpose in life. Saving Aziz is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges faced by veterans and first responders, and for anyone who needs inspiration to overcome their own struggles.