Conrad Ruybal is finally getting to play the guitar, and that makes him “feel very good.” Ruybal served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After being discharged, he says that he had a hard time being accepted back into the United States because of the protesting against the war.

     With the continuous support of his late wife, Ruybal became connected with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help him cope with his post-traumatic stress. Ruybal most commonly suffered from flashbacks and sleepless nights before receiving services from the VA. He acknowledged that every individual handles PTSD in his or her own way, but says that the VA offers programs that can be a positive experience for everyone.  

     Ruybal is actively involved in the Healing Box Project, and says that he was hesitant to join the program.

     “When this opportunity came, I was kind of hesitant being my age and with my fingers the way they are. I thought I was going to have a hard time,” Ruybal said.

     Despite these concerns, Ruybal thinks that the Healing Box Project has been a great experience for him with his PTSD and the passing of his wife, and says that the instructor, Dave Dunklee, has made learning the guitar easy for him.

     Ruybal says that he spends a lot of time practicing his guitar for his dogs.  

     “They sort of like it when I play good. Of course, when I don’t, they make an exit right out the door,” Ruybal said.

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