CRESTVIEW, FL, U.S.A.
U.S. AIR FORCE
A1C, VETERAN, IRAQ
05/30/2016, CRESTVIEW, FL, U.S.A.
Richard Andrew “Drew” Winkler, age 26, of Crestview, FL, was born on June 28, 1989. He died Monday, May 30, 2016, Memorial Day, after losing his long 5 year battle with PTSD.
Most importantly, he was a loving father, caring son, loyal and trusted brother, and selfless friend. His was a life lost far too soon. Drew Winkler had a lot to live for.
Drew’s parents, Rebecca and Rick Winkler describe their son as happy and outgoing, but said serving the U.S. Air Force in Iraq changed him. Diagnosed in Italy with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Drew returned home a different person. On Memorial Day, he posted his final comment on Facebook. “1 of 22 per day…….whey (why) can’t they just help us…goodbye”.
Drew repeatedly reached out to the VA for help for his PTSD.
“We know what you’re going through is real because our son went through it until he couldn’t fight anymore and our last wish…and Drew’s wish..is that it goes from 22 to zero and that no more veterans feel like they have nowhere to go, no one to talk to and no other steps to take…enough is enough”, said Rebecca Winkler.