Earlier this week, Wade Baker, 44, formerly of Marshalltown, had his life come to a tragic end during an exchange of gunfire with police in North Carolina. Since the initial report was received, no more information from North Carolina law enforcement has been released to the Baker family of Marshalltown. At the time of his death, Baker suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)

The family was told the doctor who performed the autopsy was listing cause of death to include PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI.)

Baker’s family said Wade relocated to North Carolina in January 2014 for treatment of PTSD, believing more treatment facilities were available in that region of the country. He visited Marshalltown a few weeks ago to see family members and appeared to have enjoyed his visit – even taking Iowa sweet corn back with him.

Baker served in the U.S. Army from August 1989 through November 1998 in the mechanized infantry, including a stint during Operation Desert Storm. Soon after he completed his service, says his family, his problems began.

According to his parents, Baker was afraid to report his PTSD to the military for fear of being kicked out. He received medical attention and also counseling from a clergyman. His mother said a series of prescription drugs were given to Baker, but did not help enough.

“We didn’t know anything about PTSD and he saw a doctor for treatment, so we thought you fix it and be done,” said sister Laura Thomas of Marshalltown.

Baker received a service dog in March 2012, who was found at the scene of the shooting, uninjured. The animal has been returned to Baker’s children.

“The dog helped, but he needed other support,” father Darrell Baker said.

Mother Candace Baker recalls how her son struggled with a stutter and would break out in hives. He had exhibited suicidal tendencies in the past, overcome with anxiety and depression.

“He would get something in his head when there was no truth in it. I just want to tell family members of people with PTSD to fight, fight fight. Don’t let them push you away,” Thomas said.

She added, “This is the only way he thought he could get some peace … He was not a monster. They’re damaged, but not monsters. We all talk about supporting our troops, but when they come home, the government gives up on them. It’s not right.”

PTSD, an anxiety disorder triggered by experiencing dangerous, frightening, violent or life-threatening events, can afflict both men and women. According to The Warriors’ Hope Project, only 16 percent of veterans believe the treatment they currently receive at the Veteran’s Administration has been effective at treating their PTSD symptoms, consisting primarily of medication. Other studies suggest vets getting PTSD treatment from the VA are no more likely to get better than they would on their own.

“Something good has to come from this,” his mother insists. “We want to help others.”

Those others, Candace said, are the estimated 22 veterans who commit suicide in the United States every day.

The family is encouraging the public to learn more about the damaging affects PTSD has on servicemen and women and their families by visiting the website: www.stop22.org – an awareness campaign dedicated to those suffering.

“He was a people person. He would help anyone with anything. But he would not ask for help for himself,” his mother said.

A memorial service for Wade Baker will be held in Marshalltown, yet to be announced.