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Fireworks can spark stressful war memories for veterans

Fireworks are a way many get ready to celebrate the 4th of July but for some hearing the loud booms and seeing the bright lights can bring on a different feeling.

MOLINE, Illinois — Fireworks are a way many get ready to celebrate the 4th of July but for some hearing the loud booms and seeing the bright lights can bring on a different feeling.

"Your heart starts racing you just automatically start looking for cover," said Leo Kaalberg, Iraq Veteran.

Leo Kaalberg served in Iraq and says every time he hears the loud noises of the fireworks it brings back terrifying memories.

"It affects me a little bit worse, I was hit by an IED, I've been through countless mortar attacks and things like that," said Kaalberg.

It was even worse when he first returned home from serving our country.

"The first couple years I would jump in bushes, I would duck under my table, I would hide myself in the bedroom during the night when most of them were going off," said Kaalberg.

He's been out of the service for 8 years but said every June and July are very stressful when fireworks are going off almost every night of the week.

"It feels like is shouldn't be that way anymore but it's just something I can't get rid of," said Kaalberg.

He's not the only one who suffers, Mike Malmstrom knows many other veterans he works with that suffer too.

"Just imagine walking down the street and you have a car backfire right next to you just as you might do, you might jump, just intensify that by 100 times," said Malmstrom.

Both of these veterans ask that neighbors be considerate of those suffering from PTSD this time of year.

"Don't stretch them out over weeks and weeks it kinda just amplifies what we go through during this holiday," said Kaalberg.

"Hey, take care of that vet that took care of you," said Malmstrom.

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