All Veterans are NOT Rambo

A popular movie series in the 1980s centered around a veteran named Rambo. In this first movie, Rambo had flashbacks and frequent reminders of his time in war prompting anxiety and violent behavior. Since that time, veterans are occasionally characterized as Rambos creating employment and legal issues for them. But is the characterization correct?

In this talk, Andrew will examine anxiety among veterans. What causes anxiety in our veterans? How is it related to other issues that veterans deal with such as PTSD, Moral Injury, and Survivor Guilt? Is anxiety a normal thing among veterans or is it a disorder? What can be done for our veterans with anxiety?

Rev. Andrew Hart, Ph.D.

Co-Pastor, Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Andrew Hart grew up in Wayne, PA. He went to college at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He has a Masters and a PhD (ABD) in political science from the University of South Carolina where he taught American and Comparative Politics. Feeling the call from God, he went to Princeton Theological Seminary. He also has a DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. His focus was on how faith can support those with PTSD. He served churches in South Carolina, Long Island, and recently the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg, PA. He also was a chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol responsible for Long Island Group and New York Wing. He writes a weekly devotion for veterans, has presented academic papers at ISTSS and MAR-AAR conferences, and is publishing his second book this year. The book, a devotional for vets, is entitled God Has Your Six. He is married to Laura Hart, another PC(USA) Minster, and has four children. In his spare time he plays golf and basketball, does obstacle runs like Warrior Dash, and plays with his lab, Sophie.