SARASOTA – “I didn’t know who to trust and I just –any of them out there just know you can trust a fellow member,” said Hartnell.
Hartnell, a veteran and former first responder battling PTSD is making waves tackling mental illness with the help of his crew and his sailboat the Cayman Jewel.
“After getting out of the military I found it very hard to adjust to civilian life and then I realized that my boat and my sailing life is what kept me focused and kept me able to get through everything,” said Hartnell.
Hartnell founded Project Explore Corp, a non-profit aiming to help other veterans and first responders with PTSD receive the help they need through sailing therapy. Hartnell says his sailboat saved his life.
“This is what saved, this could help somebody else. One of the main reason I was law enforcement is I wanted to help people, can’t do that anymore, this is even better,” said Hartnell.
Hartnell says he’d find himself spending more time on boat than at his home. He now want to share his experience with others and set sail. “I just want to see myself helping people…I just want people that you don’t give up your dreams, you gotta have a dream,” he said.
Hartnell is currently looking for volunteers and donation to get the Cayman Jewel in tip top shape. He’s hoping that by January of 2020 he start sailing with other and bring them peace of mind.
“If you think you are struggling with PTSD contact somebody, you may not have the health insurance to do it,” said Hartnell. “If you are a veteran you got the health care you can go to the VA. If you feel like you need to get diagnosed contact me I’ll get you in touch with a neuropsychiatrist here in town.”