A few months ago, this foundation played a key role in the outlining of new protocols for Special Operations soldiers that are suffering untimely deaths. Here, a Special Forces soldier left behind his family with little sign that he was struggling. Conversations with veterans inferred he was a very well-regarded soldier and family man. However, it came to our attention that he was also a Master Breacher. This position specializes in building explosive charges to create openings in buildings, fences, perimeters, etc. This allows soldiers to enter to clear obstacles, instead of going through doors and windows where enemy fire is focused. With our newfound knowledge and understanding of the dangers of long-term sub-concussive trauma and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE, it was probable that this man’s job may have contributed to a condition like CTE that led him to leave his family and friends behind. A conversation with a Special Forces unit leader presented the idea that the continuous exposure to sub-concussive trauma of this soldier’s job may have contributed to his passing, so they set up a call with the Command Surgeon. Based on that conversation, they arranged further meetings with the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Any future Special Forces soldiers that experience an untimely death are offered the option to make a donation to the Concussion Legacy Foundation to determine if that soldier suffered from the debilitating effects of CTE. We feel that this is one way our work with kids and the experience of our Board Members can help address and expand the knowledge of CTE to other career areas outside of sports, where CTE is found.
