Native American Marine Veteran Heals from War Trauma After Six Decades

At 81, Joseph Henry Suina, a Native American Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, has finally found healing from the emotional scars of war. Suina, who served two tours in Vietnam, has been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor's guilt for decades. Born in the Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, Suina was raised in a close-knit community where many families had a strong tradition of military service. His father, a World War II veteran, struggled with alcoholism, leaving Suina to take on a protective role from a young age. This upbringing laid the groundwork for Suina's decision to join the Marines in 1962, driven by a desire to serve his country and explore the world. During his two tours in Vietnam, Suina witnessed the harsh realities of combat and was wounded by enemy fire. The trauma he experienced left him struggling with guilt and survivor's guilt, which he kept hidden for decades. After his discharge, Suina went on to earn a doctorate and become a respected educator and leader in his community, serving as Cochiti Pueblo governor and working on language revitalization and community development. However, it wasn't until he participated in the Home Base Native American Intensive Clinical Program in Boston in 2023 that he began to confront his past and find healing. The program, supported by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, provided Suina with the necessary support and therapy to address his PTSD and cultural trauma. For the first time, he was able to process his emotions and come to terms with his experiences. Suina credits the program with helping him understand himself and his history, and he now values life more than ever. His story serves as a testament to the importance of addressing war trauma and providing support to veterans, especially those from underserved communities.