Pioneer Press witer Ruben Rosario did a bang-up column on René Matascastillo, a former Army Ranger and Minnesota National Guard plantoon leader who suffered crippling bouts of post traumatic stress disorder.

In fact, he had a combat flashback so bad Matascastillo once thought police called to his home were enemy soldiers.

Life is much different now for Matascastillo, who has become an advocate for veterans with PTSD. He gives speeches across Minnesota on issues affecting veterans and is a specialist with the state’s dislocated-worker rapid-response team.  Matascastillo is also a member of the U.S. Department of Defense panel that makes recommendations on promising research grants or projects.

And before we forget, he is expected to get a master’s degree in social work from Augsburg College in June and is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers.

To learn more about how social workers help veterans visit the NASW’s “Help Starts Here” Veterans Affairs Web page by clicking here.