The Grahams lost two sons who were fighting different battles. Kevin was a U of Kentucky ROTC scholarship cadet who was studying to become a doctor when he died by suicide in 2003. Jeffery was a commissioned lieutenant in the US Army as an amor officer. He was killed warning his platoon of an IED while leading a dismounted patrol in Khadliyah, Iraq in 2004.

The loss of his two sons nearly brought Major General Mark Graham to retirement. Instead, however, he and his wife Carol have become tireless advocates of post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and suicide prevention. In addition to telling their story, the Grahams have established numerous grants and scholarship programs to further spread the message of mental wellness to all. 

Charles Hoge is a nationally-known expert on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) and other physiological reactions to war. Dr. Hoge's expertise spans psychiatry, trauma, public health, health policy, and infectious diseases. His articles in The New England Journal of Medicine and The Journal of the American Medical Association are the most frequently cited medical articles about the impact of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now retired from military service, Dr. Hoge continues working with service members, veterans, and family members and also as a passionate advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health care. 

An engaging presenter, Charles Hoge is frequently called upon to provide expert testimony about war-related mental health issues and traumatic brain injury. Over the years, he has testified before the U.S. Senate (Armed Services Committee) and the House of Representatives (Veteran Affairs Committee, Health Subcommittee). He is the author of the self-help book Once a Warrior--Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home. 

Thank you, Veterans, for your service!