Marine Eases War Reality With Virtual Reality

Virtual reality has been used for years to help treat people with various phobias and fears. Now, the technology is being used by therapists to treat post traumatic stress in military personnel before the disorder disrupts their lives and careers.

For Pfc. Joshua Frey, the war in Iraq is all too real.

“I’m just very blessed I got to come home and tell my story,” Frey said.

The Marine Corps machine gunner has quite a story to tell. Last November, Frey and his team were attacked by insurgents as they cleared a house during the fight for Fallujah.

“That’s when my friend Dickinson was hit three times in the head with 762 rounds,” Frey said.

Frey ran inside to get his friend out. That’s when he said he was hit.

“I went in there (and) came out the back. Half my scapula was (taken) out. I can’t use my arm at all,” Frey said.

Frey received a Purple Heart for his shattered arm, but the loss of his friend shattered his world.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 4 Aug 2005
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.