Escape the Fireworks events being held in Citrus County for veterans with PTSD

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two “Escape the Fireworks” events are being held in Citrus County to help Veterans with PTSD.

Vicky Post came up with the idea to give veterans the opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a safe environment, after a local veteran took his own life.

“It took him to a place he couldn’t come back from,” Post said. “In one night, his entire world got to the point where he couldn’t, he couldn’t continue.”

Post said her friend Sean Liebman spent 10 years in the Airforce as a field medic. During his first year as a civilian, Post said Liebman took his own life in 2021, after the sound of the Fourth of July fireworks triggered his PTSD.

“My heart was broken; I was crushed at that point,” said Post.

This year Post is holding two “Escape the Fireworks” events: on July 3 at Sportsmen’s Bowl in Inverness, and July 4, at the American Legion on W. Gulf to Lake Highway in Crystal River. Both events are being held from 6 p.m. until midnight, and at the same time as the cities fireworks.

Post hopes to also inspire the community to be mindful of veterans when celebrating the next few days.

“If I can save one life, I will have felt like I’ve I have accomplished my goal, and I may never know if I saved a life or not, but that’s the whole idea,” said Post.

Both events are free, except for a cash bar.

If you would like to donate click here .

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