SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Former NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner, Herschel Walker, visited Airmen and wounded warriors on October 23 at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at the Joint Base San Antinio-Lackland, Texas (AFNS). Walker spoke to more than 200 Airmen about his life as a boy, leading up to his college and NFL days. He also discussed the challenges he faced with Dissociative Identity Disorder, or DID, more commonly known as multiple personality disorder. Herschel Walker spoke to more than 200 personnel from the 59th Medical Wing Oct. 23, 2013, at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. <\/p>\n
After visiting with the Airmen, Walker headed over to visit patients at the WHASC\u2019s Intensive Outpatient Program, which assists members develop coping skills to better manage emotional behavioral life challenges. He spoke openly once more about his prior issues with DID, and his decision to face himself. Walker said that only once he faced his problems was he able to cope and vein living a happier life.<\/p>\n
The 59th Medical Wing Patient Squadron, a unit composed of wounded, ill and injured service members, attended a luncheon with Walker and were able to share some of their experiences.<\/p>\n
“To actually get a one-on-one conversation with Herschel, instead of hearing him speak to everyone at once made it really special,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Crane, who is assigned to the 59th Patient Squadron. “You could tell he cared about us,”<\/p>\n
Walker is a frequent visitor to military servicemen. As part of the DOD Patriot Support Program, Walker travels to military installations throughout the country to share his story, and encourage service members to seek treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues. In the past five years, he has visited more than 65 installations.<\/p>\n