Herschel Walker visits Beale Published Nov. 12, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Herschel Walker, former National Football League running back and Patriot Support Program Anti-stigma Campaign spokesman, visited Team Beale and spoke to Airmen about being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and bring awareness to mental health Nov. 6, 2014, here. Walker grew up in Wrightsville, Georgia, went to the University of Georgia where he was awarded the 1982 Heisman Trophy, and later played for the NFL from 1985 to 1997. Walker was diagnosed with DID nearly 15 years ago and shortly after he began to seek help to overcome his condition. His disorder is a form of multiple personality, which continually have power over the person's behavior. "When I was diagnosed... I thought it couldn't be real," Walker said. "I went to a hospital for assistance and with treatment it helped ease my life." Walker's experience led him to write a book titled "Breaking Free, My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder." The publishing of his book allowed him to share his experiences and provide mental health awareness to the armed forces. "I always thought I could have been a Marine, but God led me on a different path," Walker said "Now I have the opportunity to visit military installations and talk to service members about these conditions and hopefully help somebody who is struggling." According to the American Psychiatric Association website, the conditions service members face can play a role in mental health issues. These experiences can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. "There is nothing wrong with people who are going through these challenges," Walker said. "There may be an obstacle to overcome, but there are professionals that can assist them to get their life back on track." In addition the APA website states, nearly 300,000 veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD or a form of mental disorder. "Our service men and women deploy to other countries and experience things that we can't imagine," Walker said. "But what we can do is try to help our young men and women when they get back home. It is our responsibility to help those who help others." For more information about mental health, visit the Mental Health Flight at the Beale Clinic or contact them at (530) 634-3420.