Good day I am Ray Wiggins , I want to introduce my Dads new book, Seven Steps to Hell and Back by Frank E. Wiggins Written with Etta Cavalier The story of a combat veteran's DEATH WISH journey and how he struggled to survive in a civilian world. Go back in time with Frank E. Wiggins to the cold war while he was stationed in Germany during 1958 to 1959. Frank had completed seven missions which involved clearing mine fields between the West and East Germany border. He was only eighteen years old; he followed orders to the best of his ability and, at first, had no idea he was participating in top secret, covert operations. The events of his seventh mission solidified his decision to refuse to participate in any more of these operations. To this day, Frank is still reliving trauma that climaxed with his seventh mission. He continues to have nightmares, flashbacks, and triggers that only a combat veteran would understand. Frank led a nomadic and restless life after the military. He had a Death Wish and had No Fear. This journey led him to battle gang infested parks in Los Angeles, California and the Projects in Santa Fe, New Mexico, constantly putting his life in danger. / What People are Saying About Seven Steps to Hell and Back Reading Seven Steps to Hell reinforces my belief in how inhumane we as the human race can be; yet miraculously at the same time, we are somehow able to overcome those very obstacles the inhumanity continually perpetuates. Mr. Wiggin's story is a true example of this. I must comment it is not pleasant to read the horrible experiences Mr. Wiggins endured; however, his personal triumph of sharing his story will no doubt help other service men and women who have experienced similar events in their lives. Not only did Mr. Wiggins dutifully endure what he felt was required of him as an enlisted service man serving his country, unfortunately he also came back to an American society who did not understand what he had gone through nor does it appear he received appropriate recognition proportionate to the difficulty of his tours. Despite this, he remains steadfast about what he knows and believes is his duty now, which is to share his incredible story to the rest of the world. The horrors Mr. Wiggins experienced will never leave him; however, remarkably over time he has been able to deaden to a lesser degree the stinging psychological pain of his experiences and move onward with support from his close friends and family. His resolve and determination is now to speak openly about his military ordeal with the sole intent of helping others to heal. I have worked extensively as a Pain Management Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the New Mexico VA Health Care System treating chronic pain patients who have a concurrent diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). From my own understanding of what negative impact PTSD can have on the personal lives of those who suffer from this diagnosis, I know for a fact, that for Mr. Wiggins to reach the level of trust necessary to write about his personal military trauma is a huge mile stone for him and an incredible benefit to those who will read his personal account. Being able to put into writing his story so that others may learn and reflect on their own personal life experiences is Mr. Wiggin's gift to the world and reading this book is highly recommended to all, regardless of whether or not you served in the armed forces. P. David Pacheco, R.Ph., Ph.C., PA-C, CAAAPM Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Formulary Drug Policy Manager New Mexico VA Health Care System Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 Frank Wiggins has done an excellent job of describing PTSD and what it can do to a person! After reading this book, I feel as if I know him. His conversations with his son lead us into the family system where PTSD is held, opening up the 'cocoon'. Stunning! It really brings it home to all of us. No more secrets and shame that hold the "IT" of PTSD in place. Well done! I plan to use this with Veteran couples as they show up to finally be free of their trauma brought on by war. Much love and respect Candace Green Program Director National Veteran Wellness and Healing Retreats Cardinal Retreats At the age of 18, Frank Wiggins entered the U.S. Army in 1959 and was trained to clear minefields in Germany’s buffer zone with Russia. By the age of 20, Frank was a war veteran and expert survivor, torn with memories, nightmares and unbelievable amounts of suppressed stress and rage. And yet, this is an amazing story of courage and resiliency in the aftermath of years of flashbacks and unresolved trauma, now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. We have few first-hand reports with the level of detail that Frank is able to recall. Two (of many) important comments he makes, “That’s been with me for a long, long time.” And “I was nineteen when I left for that seventh mission and that’s where I stayed stuck in my mind. I’m going to be seventy years old, and to this day, I still don’t feel like I’ve reached twenty.” sums up his experiences greater than anything I could write. I am deeply touched by Frank‘s story, and I think that many others will find his journey, rough and dangerous as it was, to ultimately be about hope and recovery. Unresolved wounds and traumas, especially those experienced by our veterans, keep many from experiencing full and happy lives. Diagnosed with PTSD in 1995 and denied VA benefits, living with a Death Wish and through years of feeling No Fear, Frank has survived on wits and strength that most of us can’t even (or don’t want to) imagine. While Frank’s story makes my heart ache and my tears run, his courage and clarity give us all hope. Frank’s courage in telling his story has led him to find greater peace and healing; I pray that more veterans find their way, find their voice, and once again know peace. Celia Hildebrand, M.S., LAc, Dipl Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Co-Executive Director, Acupuncturists Without Borders / Military Stress Reduc https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Steps-Hell-Frank-Wiggins-ebook/dp/B008JHYL4Wtion Project.
