U.S. Navy Veteran Kevin Macomber Brings PTSD Out of the Shadows in Powerful Memoir
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN — For Kevin Macomber, U.S. Navy veteran and author of the book “Walking From The Shadows: My Journey With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”, the journey from trauma to healing has been both deeply personal and widely shared. Now living just north of Harrisburg, Macomber uses his story to forge hope for fellow veterans—and for anyone living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With his book released in February 2025, Macomber’s memoir hasn’t just found an audience— it’s sparked a movement. He recently spoke about his book at the Annie Halenbake Ross Library in Lock Haven and sat down with The Record for an exclusive interview.
A former Petty Officer Second Class who patrolled the Middle East during the Beirut conflict in the 1980s, Macomber’s service took him from Beirut to the shores of Libya at a time when the threat was palpable and ever-present. Reflecting on his service in the military, Macomber shared, “It was a really violent, dangerous place we were at.”
Despite the violence and hostility he witnessed while serving overseas, Macomber’s earliest wounds began at home. “My first series of trauma stems from growing up with an abusive father who was both verbally and mentally abusive, and it was severe,” he shared. “He was a WWII veteran, but I honestly don’t know very much about him because I never tried to get close to him. As a child, I was frightened of him.”
As a teenager, Macomber saw enlisting in the military as “a way to escape,” and just two months after his 17th birthday, he joined the U.S. Navy, although in hindsight, he reflected, “I went from one frying pan to another,” suggesting that his military experience was not necessarily the escape he had anticipated.
For years after returning home, Macomber struggled with PTSD symptoms but was unable to identify or articulate what he was going through. At that time—about 30 years ago—there was very little public awareness or understanding of PTSD and how it affects those who experience it. He recognized that he was “acting out” and had issues with binge drinking, but the mental health professionals he consulted didn’t provide him with clarity. “I was trying to understand what was going on, but I couldn’t get answers,” he said. Eventually, journaling became a vital tool for his survival. It wasn’t until 2010 that Macomber finally received a formal PTSD diagnosis, which he described as “bittersweet”. He was relieved to have a label for his struggles, but also frustrated that previous mental health professionals hadn’t identified it earlier.
Macomber’s recovery journey spanned decades and was marked by atypical symptoms, including cognitive decline, brain fog, memory lapses, balance problems, tinnitus, dissociation, and emotional challenges like difficulty managing his feelings and frequently falling into negative thought patterns. Describing his dissociative episodes, Macomber said, “I would disappear and then come back.”
In a discussion about his PTSD symptoms in an interview on the “GRAMAZIN” podcast, Macomber revealed, “One of my issues is that I have some brain damage from my service, and they’re still unable to determine what it is.” He explained that he has undergone neuropsychological testing, MRI scans, and various other assessments related to PTSD. However, in his early to mid-50s, he started noticing his brain “flaking out” and began experiencing other significant cognitive issues—challenges he discusses in the chapter of his book titled “Drifting”. “I was a really sharp guy with a very high IQ, but my processing, meaning from my ear to my brain, just went,” he shared.
Before he was officially diagnosed, Macomber’s PTSD symptoms were attributed to fatigue from the traveling he did in his former executive engineering role or thought to be residual effects from contracting COVID-19. However, the true cause turned out to be far more complex—a combination of a latent Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), neuropsychological issues, and PTSD. Latent TBIs are often referred to as “silent” brain injuries, with symptoms that don’t always appear immediately; they can emerge weeks, months, or even years later. Due to the severity of his symptoms, Macomber made the difficult decision to retire early, leaving his career while in his late 50s.
Macomber’s mission flourished in the shadow of his struggles. A few years after retiring, he discovered a banker’s box filled with journals he had kept over a 15-year period—a discovery that ultimately served as the foundation for his book.
Writing and publishing a book is no easy feat, Macomber acknowledges. Fully aware of the challenges ahead, he committed himself to the process, recalling, “I said to myself, ‘You know what? God wants me to do this, so I’ll just do it and we’ll see how it goes.’”
Macomber, feeling called by a higher power to write the book, was also deeply motivated by the ongoing veteran suicide crisis in the United States. “The lack of progress on the veteran suicide rate is what drove this effort, and I’m currently on a one-man mission to raise awareness as to how we can decrease it,” he said.
In roughly five months, Macomber drafted the book, then rewrote it twice, and in February 2025, “Walking From The Shadows: My Journey With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” was published.
Macomber’s perspective on PTSD, as presented in his book, is “trauma agnostic”—a term he coined to stress the importance of focusing on healing rather than the specific type of trauma experienced. He believes that the core skills needed to recover from PTSD are the same, whether the trauma stems from combat, abuse, or loss. “The book is written to be traumaagnostic, meaning it downplays my specific trauma and solely focuses on what I did to heal,” he explained. After receiving feedback from five female survivors of rape, childhood abuse, and domestic violence who proofread his manuscript, Macomber’s belief in this approach only grew stronger.
He stresses that trauma should not be ranked or prioritized, pointing out that while veterans are often regarded as heroes, other trauma survivors may be overlooked. “Trauma is trauma. I can’t compare mine to someone I don’t know,” Macomber said. Through his book and public speaking, Macomber aims to center the conversation on healing from trauma—regardless of its cause—rather than comparing its severity or origin.
Macomber’s book goes beyond storytelling. Unlike most books about PTSD, which are often clinical or written in the third person, “Walking From The Shadows” is rooted in raw first-person vulnerability. “While I am now 30 years in my healing, my book is very unique as it was written from 15 years of journaling through all stages of my complete mental decline through my healing,” he said.
He is forthright about the vagueness of what he calls “therapeutic language.” Using “coping skills” as an example, Macomber explained, “These terms are used almost flippantly. When someone is told, ‘You need to work on your coping skills,’ my first thought is, ‘Well, which ones?’ There are literally hundreds of coping skills,” he asserted. Instead, Macomber advocates for more specific, practical recommendations: “slowing down, breathing through your nose, or going outside. I talk about this a lot in my book—slowing down your thoughts, your movements, and your reactions.”
Above all, Macomber encourages readers to “break the cycle” of negative thinking, delving deeply into how PTSD can alter one’s perception. “When your brain has been rewired, you really have to understand what is real and what isn’t,” he explained. “If you’ve been traumatized, your brain is going to have you automatically thinking the worst, and it happens very quickly.”
His own healing—and the guidance he offers others—goes well beyond traditional therapy. Macomber believes that peer-to-peer support groups, spiritual practices, informative YouTube videos, podcasts, research, and persistent journaling are all vital steps on the path to wellness.
For Macomber, journaling was a vital part of his healing journey—and ultimately led to the publication of his book about the very struggle he was working through. He explained that journaling enabled him to “download” the complex thoughts that accompany PTSD. He described it as experiencing a “cocktail of undulating or rolling thoughts,” with shifting feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, fear, and isolation that varied in intensity each day. By putting these thoughts into writing, he was able to examine them more systematically and gain a clearer perspective. The solace he found in journaling now inspires him to encourage others coping with PTSD to journal. “I teach people how to journal, and I wish somebody had taught me,” he said.Macomber’s approach to journaling evolved over time. He started bringing his journal to therapy sessions to take notes, transforming it into what he referred to as a “personal workbook.” As he sought to understand his condition on a deeper level, his journals became a tool for research, tracking, and self-discovery. Macomber started recording notes from information he found in books, academic papers, and magazine articles about PTSD, compiling all of it in his journals to better understand PTSD. “I would just write down the name of the publication with a couple of the key points and date it so that I had all of these sources coming from different areas down on paper,” he explained.
Macomber spoke about the importance of participating in activities that provide support during one’s journey with PTSD, specifically pointing out the effectiveness of peer-to-peer support groups. He shared that a church support group he attended in South Carolina had such a positive impact on him that it actually saved his life. Interestingly enough, Macomber met his wife of 30 years at the very same church.
In areas where there are no PTSD support groups, Macomber encourages anyone interested in starting one to begin by posting on community Facebook pages to gauge interest. He also recommends asking about any free local spaces available to host the meetings in the post. Additionally, Macomber suggests starting a virtual peer support group using platforms like Zoom to increase accessibility. While attendance may be low initially, he reassures, “It only takes a few people, and then it will grow from there.” He emphasizes that even if only one person benefits by attending the group, the effort is worthwhile.
For veterans seeking an established support group, Macomber recommends local Vet Centers. These community-based counseling centers, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are staffed by highly trained counselors who offer confidential help to veterans, service members, and their families at no cost, regardless of discharge status or VA health care eligibility. Available in communities across the country, Vet Center provides a wide range of social and psychological services, including support group sessions. These sessions help veterans build social connections and establish a strong support system with others who can relate to their experiences.
For residents of Clinton County, the nearest Vet Center is located in Williamsport at 49 East Fourth Street, Suite 104, Williamsport, PA 17701. To learn more about the Williamsport Vet Center and the full range of services offered, visit www.va.gov/williamsport-vet-center. For information on other Vet Center locations and additional resources, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov. Note that Vet Center has announced that it will remain open despite the Federal Government shutdown, and all appointments and services will continue as scheduled.
Macomber measures the success of his book not by sales but by its impact, and he credits his wife for shifting his perspective on what true success means. “My wife reframed my thoughts on success. She said, ‘Kevin, if you help one person with your book, your book is a success,’ and that reframed my whole strategy,” he said. “I gave away the rights to my book and I make no money on it—I’m doing what God wants me to do, so every morning I get up and do it.”
To date, Macomber’s book has been adopted by all four major U.S. Military Academy libraries, as well as the Royal Military College of Canada. The book has also been accepted by Penn State University for use in the Veterans Integration Program, and Macomber reports that he is currently having discussions with several other state universities about incorporating his book into their courses. “We give them the book for free and then I give them free, unlimited, digital access to use it however they want, for as many people as they want,” Macomber explained.
When reflecting on the feedback he’s received from readers, Macomber shared, “A lot of people have said, ‘Your words resonate with me,’ and there’s something about that word, ‘resonate,’ that I find rewarding.” He added, “I’ve also had people come and tell me ‘your book has changed my life.’”
The impact of “Walking From The Shadows: My Journey With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” is evident in the reviews that readers have left on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, “This book has taken me through my hard times, with answers that help. This author seems to hit every aspect of trauma and PTSD, and gives you great advice on how to handle these emotions. I would recommend this book to everyone who has had trauma in their life.” Another reviewer described it as an “exceptional effort based on lived experience”, and added, “This doesn’t read like it was written by an academic, and that’s perfect. There are times for academic explanations, and there are times for layman’s terms.”
Not only has Macomber’s book received praise, but his advocacy efforts have also garnered attention. Within just eight months of releasing his book, Macomber is already preparing to visit the U.S. Senate this month to advocate for veterans living with PTSD. His mission is to promote bipartisan solutions to address the prevalence of suicide among veterans and to expand access to mental health support. He also plans to propose the establishment of a Senate Advisory Committee focused on veteran suicide, with the goal of improving data collection and raising awareness on this critical issue. “There are a couple things I’m working on to establish in a bipartisan way because PTSD doesn’t have a party to it, so I stay away from that; we’re going to have to work together on this one,” Macomber said.
When discussing the challenges of accessing mental health resources, Macomber highlighted the shortage of available professionals in the field. “The number of therapists is ridiculously low compared to the number of veterans. I’ve calculated it, and I estimate that there’s one psychologist or psychiatrist for every 600 or more veterans in need today. I’ve stated this publicly, and nobody has ever challenged it.”
Macomber shared that he wants to establish more effective ways to reach veterans at risk for suicide and plans to advocate for these strategies in the Senate. “We need to do a better job of connecting with the veterans at risk for suicide. There are different vehicles and methods of doing this,” Macomber explained. He pointed out that the shortage of supportive services—especially in rural areas—makes it essential to find alternative methods of providing support for veterans.
He also plans to advocate for a broader range of professionals working in mental healthcare roles. “We need to find a way to fund trauma therapy for veterans who want to enter into the mental health field and see if it’s possible to do that in a way that they don’t have to obtain a Master’s degree or a PhD,” Macomber suggested. He pointed out that facilitators of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are not required to have advanced degrees, yet they make a significant impact and often save lives. He proposes that a similar approach—one that includes a modest amount of training—could empower veterans who want to support fellow veterans with PTSD to enter the field and provide meaningful help. As a veteran himself, Macomber believes that others like him who are living with PTSD are more likely to open up and connect with another veteran in a therapeutic setting as opposed to a mental health professional who lacks military experience.
When asked what message he would give to his younger self—or to others silently struggling with PTSD—Macomber’s response was clear: “You’re going to have to become a project manager to get yourself better again.” He assured, “It does get better if you work at it.”
Macomber’s central message is that individuals with PTSD must play an active role in their own healing, extending beyond attending therapy sessions. He emphasized that journaling and personal research can be vital and effective tools for gaining a better understanding of PTSD and managing its symptoms. Macomber himself is living proof of this assertion, and thanks to his courage in sharing his story, many others will also find hope and the strength to “walk from the shadows” just as he has.
“Walking From The Shadows: My Journey With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” is available for purchase in paperback on Amazon.com for $11.00, which covers only the printing costs, and the e-book format is available for free through Kindle Unlimited. Local libraries that do not already have a copy can contact Macomber directly to request one.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, resources and a complete list of Vet Center locations are available at www.vetcenter.va.gov. To connect with the Williamsport Vet Center and see the full range of services offered, visit www.va.gov/williamsport-vet-center.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to get confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you make a call or send a text, a compassionate, trained crisis counselor will listen, help you navigate your situation, and connect you with resources if needed. Veterans can connect with the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, sending a text message to 838255, or using the confidential chat option online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
