Marine veteran opens up about life after service, finding healing through photography
By Itinease McMiller
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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Opening up about life after the military isn’t always easy. For one local veteran, the battle didn’t end overseas, but through support and a new passion, he’s finding a way forward.
“A lot of people don’t realize what veterans go through,” said Fonda Bias, Greg Bias’s wife, as he stifled a scream sitting in their home.
For Greg Bias, moments like that aren’t random; they’re flashbacks.
“We feel like it was a flashback from Iraq, and we’ve been dealing with this type of stuff for seven years now,” Fonda said.
Greg served eight years in the military, including time in California with the Marine Corps and deployments overseas in Kuwait and Iraq during the Second Gulf War.
“I’m right here,” said Bias, pointing to a photo of himself and his fellow Marines.
When he returned to civilian life, things seemed fine on the surface. But everything changed after a car crash seven years ago. Though he wasn’t physically injured, doctors believe past trauma triggered PTSD and conversion disorder.
“He had the full body seizures in the beginning. He had between 200 and 400 a day, but those have since stopped with therapy,” Fonda said, adding that the VA Medical Center in Asheville has been a lifeline. “They redid our bathroom. He was in a wheelchair for a while.”
Greg has also found strength in a different kind of support system, fellow veterans. At Disabled American Veterans in Hendersonville, Greg serves as a board member and regularly connects with others who understand.
“They go to Capitol Hill and fight for our veterans. They’re a really good organization to be with,” said Fonda.
But Greg’s healing doesn’t stop there.
“This is at the Biltmore Estate. I take pictures there,” Greg said.
Photography has become both his outlet and his purpose.
“These are best in show, and this was at the VA. What’s crazy is I got fourth place for this picture, but when went to the state fair and got first place,” Greg said.
Now, he’s aiming even higher, with a national competition in sight.
“With this new camera, it’s a different story. Better watch out,” Greg said with a laugh.
His sense of humor helps him through the hardest days.
“Sometimes I have to separate myself,” he said.
That includes moments like when he suffered a full-body seizure during his daughter’s graduation. Still, he has no regrets about serving his country.
“He wanted to always serve his country when he was a kid. That was his dream,” Fonda said.
Now, through his lens, he continues that service differently.
“For those who can’t go out in nature, I try to bring nature to you so you can enjoy yourself,” Greg said,
Each photo captures a moment of peace.
“I love to share and donate my pictures that I can to people and organizations,” he said.
And each one is a step toward healing.
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