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East Texas veteran uses music to navigates life

During a camping trip to Canada, it finally clicked. Troy Seale picked up a guitar and started strumming a few notes – something he did frequently as a kid.

LUFKIN, Texas — When Troy Seale needs to get away, his escape is on his front porch in Lufkin, strumming notes on his five string guitar. He uses music as a source of therapy to guide his pain.

“The music (part of it) – it is good therapy for him,” his father Bill Seale said. 

During a mission, Troy Seale’s convoy was nearly attacked by Afghan soldiers. And afterward, he was never the same.

“I said, ‘Troy, are you okay?’ He said, ‘yeah, dad.’ And I said, ‘what scared you?,’” Bill Seale said. And he said, ‘yeah, dad, it scared the hell out, I mean and I seen God.’” 

Troy Seale was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and underwent various medical tests but psychologists couldn't pinpoint the issue.

Now, one of the biggest hurdles he faces is communication, including holding a conversation.

Doctors determined he was under the best care of his family, and they decided to take him on trips in hopes of regaining some independence.

“It's just like your computer. If you sit down and you have a hack or something like that, or blink and that information is gone, and you got to reprogram everything,” Bill Seale said. 

During a trip to Canada where the father and son were snowed in a campsite for three days, it finally clicked.

Troy picked up a guitar with encouragement from his dad and started strumming a few notes – something he did frequently as a kid.

Bill Seale said he once lost faith in God, but knew He was there that day.

“He stepped in that RV that day. He put his hand right there (and) said, ‘This is how we're going to do this,’ and our lives have gotten better and better and better ever since,” Bill Seale said. 

The father said music has become a significant part of his son’s recovery process. He shares his thoughts through songs by country music legends Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

Now, Troy Seale and his father share their story and support veteran organizations like the VFW and American Legion. 

They've traveled all over Texas and the United States as part of “T-Roy Show,” meeting various celebrities along the way.

“Every veteran has a story. Take time and listen to them. Listen to them because if it wasn't for these people, we would not have a country,” Bill Seale said. 

Now, Troy Seale’s road to recovery is day by day, and he’s slowly getting more comfortable speaking and gaining independence.

“It doesn't matter to the good Lord what your problem is,” Bill Seale said. “But if you listen real close, He'll tell you what to do in your particular situation. And if you'll follow Him, He'll lead the way.” 

   

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