June is PTSD Awareness Month: Honoring the Invisible Wounds of Service

At Calibre Engineering, we don’t just honor veterans—we walk beside them. As a proud Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, we understand that for many service members, the toughest battles begin after they return home. This June, during PTSD Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the unseen wounds carried by so many of our nation’s heroes.

One of our own veteran employees recently shared this deeply personal reflection:

“I don’t think many truly understand the sacrifices others have made to provide the freedoms we enjoy every day. There are scars of all kinds that are left on thousands of veterans, many of which we cannot see or even understand. When I was originally diagnosed with PTSD back in 2021, I thought it was all a joke and no big deal, but my wife, my family and my friends can tell you that it’s all but a joke. The pain and regret that many veterans struggle with are unmeasurable and as such breed unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms. Having served 12 years in the military I’ve found that they teach you how to go to war, but not how to come home.”

His words are a powerful reminder that PTSD doesn’t always wear a uniform. It doesn’t always show itself in obvious ways. But it is real, it is valid, and it affects thousands of veterans every day.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD affects 11–20% of veterans from recent military operations, and up to 30% of Vietnam-era veterans. It’s a condition that can impact emotional health, family relationships, and workplace performance—but with understanding and support, healing is possible.

Here are a few ways that companies can support Veterans with PTSD:

• Foster a culture of openness and empathy. Normalize mental health conversations.

• Offer mental health resources and make sure employees know how to access them.

• Provide flexible, supportive workplace policies that acknowledge invisible injuries.

• Honor service and sacrifice year-round, not just on holidays.

• Connect veterans to community resources like the National Center for PTSD.

At Calibre, our mission is to bring out the best in people and communities through high-Calibre exploration, service, and support. That means standing by our veterans—not just with words, but with action. We are committed to being a place where those who served can continue to thrive, contribute, and heal. This month, and every month, let’s honor our veterans by recognizing the full scope of their service—including the battles they continue to fight when they come home.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 or visit ptsd.va.gov.