Former NFL great Herschel Walker visits Fort Bragg

By Reginald Rogers/ParaglideNovember 12, 2009

HERSCHEL
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - One of professional and college football's greatest players paid a visit to the world's greatest Soldiers. NFL great, Herschel Walker stopped by Fort Bragg Nov. 5.

November is Warrior Care Month and is a Department of Defense-wide effort aimed at increasing awareness of programs and resources available to wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers, their Families, and those who care about them.

Walker, one of pro football's greatest physical specimens, was on post to visit Soldiers of the Warrior Transition Brigade and Womack Army Medical Center. He also visited with healthcare providers and had lunch with a few of the WTB Soldiers.

Walker, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder in 1999, has written a book about how he dealt with the disorder.

The book, entitled "Breaking Free: My Life With Dissociative Identity Disorder, tells of several incidents caused by the disorder," including the time when the former Heisman trophy-winner nearly committed suicide.

Walker has been in treatment for eight years and believes the disorder is under control. He had optimistic words for the WTB Soldiers, many of whom are dealing with injuries suffered during combat.

"A lot of times, things don't go right," he said. "And there's no shame in admitting you have a problem."

According to Shannon Lynch, spokeswoman for WAMC, Walker did two presentations, one for WTB Soldiers and another for the health care providers who care for them.

"It was a good presentation," she said. "He is going around and thanking Soldiers for their service. Yesterday, he was with the Marines at Camp Lejeune."

About 400 Soldiers and civilians packed into WAMC's Weaver auditorium to hear the presentations and to meet and greet the former NFL running back. Walker obliged the crowd by signing autographs and he even signed a football for the son of one of the WTB Soldiers.

"He's really down to earth," Lynch said following the event. "It's like you're talking to your next door neighbor."

She said Walker also spoke about when, as a youngster, he was teased by the other kids because he was overweight and has a speech impediment. He encouraged Soldiers to remain determined, despite their ailments.

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