Joys of War: From the Foreign Legion and the SAS, and into Hell with PTSD

Irishman John-Paul Jordan, still only in his thirties, has led an extraordinary life … from the Foreign Legion and security in Iraq to serving his country in Afghanistan for which he was decorated for his leadership and bravery … and on to ‘herding’ journalists on the front line in Libya … and hunting for gold in Afghanistan … However, once back in Civvy Street, the camaraderie was gone; he found himself a prisoner of war to PTSD. Dehumanised by those professionals who he had turned to for help, this Special Forces veteran and former Legionnaire was brought to his knees. His marriage was over; his home was lost. In isolation, his world unravelled, and the seeds of destruction had been well and truly sewn. Knowing he would never see military action again and faced with the realisation of the war raging within him in the spiral of PTSD, John-Paul felt condemned as a man. But, on 1 April 2016, he surrendered - life, too, it would seem, has a sense of humour. He asked for help … and found the answers within. In war, John-Paul was the first to batter down the door, whether he was facing bullets or bombs. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit: to get back up and to lead from the front. He did not go through ‘all that’ just to go through ‘all that’. This is his story of his return to freedom and joy. Buckle up, because this veteran doesn’t do anything by halves… AUTHOR: John-Paul Jordan is a former Legionnaire with the French Foreign Legion, after which he joined the British armed forces, serving in operations in Afghanistan where he awarded for his actions in combat. 20 b/w illustrations