Local veterans express concern overuse of fireworks

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) - The New Year is fast approaching, and with that comes a number of ways to celebrate, including fireworks. 

While this can be a great way to ring in the New Year, it can adversely affect the veterans who live in our community.

The Department of Veteran Affairs says nearly 5.8 million veterans were treated in 2024. Of those, "about 14 out of every 100 men (or 14%) and 24 out of every 100 women (or 24%) were diagnosed with PTSD."

Fireworks can be a trigger for PTSD.

Local News 8 spoke with Army veteran Jake Versteeg, of Phoenix Quick Response Force (QRF) about why it is important to be courteous to your veteran neighbors. 

Jake said, "Most combat veterans have issues with fireworks going off, especially at all hours of the night for long periods of time."

Jake also said there are a few things that veterans can do to cope with PTSD when the fireworks start flying. He suggests going into the basement if you have one and turning the TV up to drown out the sound of the fireworks.

If you have PTSD, you can always talk to someone. Phoenix QRF is a local non-profit that helps veterans in times of need. To contact Phoenix QRF, call 208-351-5410, or visit their website, Phoenixqrf.org. They are also on Facebook at phoenixqrf_quick response force.