James Byron Chatham

• Certified Peer Specialist, DBSA - September 2005

I was deemed disabled by the SSA from 2001 to Present. But my mental health journey began while I was in the military. I witnessed an episode that triggered PTSD and bipolar disorder, but at the time I was alone not knowing what was wrong, if anything. I had the perfect record leading up to my PTSD event. I witnessed 5 of my coworkers/comrades that I had gotten to know very well. They expired in a plane crash that I had witnessed, but the bad thing is that my ship ran over the plane and we essentially led to their demise. This all occurred during my first and only Med cruise. I was stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71. I was ok for about a year after that event till I started drinking and not a social drinker, I started drinking alone finding myself at a bar closing it and being late for muster or various other scenes like that. I finally tried to get help and checked myself in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and they kept me for over two weeks and I was diagnosed with a Personality Disorder, but they never offered any help. I got out and went back to my old ways eventually leading up to me being discharged with an Other Than Honorable, which I am in the process of fighting and it will be over turned, I've been told by Lawyers Serving Warriors in Washington, D.C. I am wanting to pursue this occupation now as I feel I am ready and I never want to see anyone no matter a Veteran or civilian go what I have gone through thinking I was damaged in some way, which I am not.

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.