After 22 years of service in the U. S. Air force, Jim Lorraine retired as deputy command surgeon for the U.S. Special Operations Command. And for a good reason.
Hes now CEO and President of a nonprofit organization that partners with communities to combat veteran suicide. But theres more.
The real story here stems from something more personal for Lorraine. Hes helping veterans and has a fantastic story of caring for his wife, Becky, during several health challenges.
According to Fox News, Lorraine said, Youll do anything for your partner. You have to stay positive and supportive despite what seem to be barriers at every turn.
Jim Lorraine is not the only veteran in the family. Becky was a nurse practitioner in the U.S. Air Force and was promoted to colonel. According to Jim, she had led all aeromedical evacuations of all wounded, ill or injured from Iraq and Afghanistan.
For the military couple, life was good. During their military careers, their family grew from children to grandchildren.
Then the unthinkable happened. Jim was at the Pentagon and received a call. Becky had been at her clinic in Tampa and was found unresponsive. Jim returned to find that his wife had suffered a grand mal seizure.
But that wasnt the end. The next few weeks and months brought more seizures, and the couple soon learned that Becky had developed adult-onset epilepsy. Her condition may have resulted from being knocked around a lot on her jumps and training, according to Jim.
Beckys medical condition forced her to retire, although medication had reduced her seizures. Still, the side effects, according to Jim, were debilitating. They decided to move closer to family in South Carolina for needed support.
Six months later, Becky was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. More care was required as she took chemo and had surgery on top of taking the anti-seizure medications. Thats when Jim decided it was time to separate from the military.
Over the years, the couple navigated many unknowns about Beckys care and financial stability. Although her seizures continue, they arent as severe, and she stays active while adapting to her epilepsy and breast cancer diagnoses.
Jim shared, "The Wounded Warrior Project helped Becky through many of their programs and I cant thank them enough. While hes had support from family, friends, and caregiver programs, Jim said, There are people who have gone through this process and have your back.
He added, Americas Warrior Partnership Network is a great entry point to partner with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Military Caregiver Network of the Red Cross, the Wounded Warrior Project, and so many other groups.
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