Darkness to the Light: My battle with PTSDSergeant First Class Joshua Guyse comes from central casting as a senior infantry instructor for the Minnesota National Guard: A sturdy six-foot-three, haircut high and tight, a feared-but-respected reputation as “the right hand of Satan,” in Guyse’s words. When he talks, you listen. Please join us with your favorite guest(s) who'll be treated to a free lunch to hear this insightful and informative presentation. Register early. Doors open at 12:15 p.m.
One morning, the 48-year-old stood in front of the 175th Regiment Regional Training Institute here and spoke about something that has gone from relatively unspoken to top of mind in the military: Mental health and suicide prevention. “Nobody’s afraid to ask for help if they have a broken leg,” he said. “But if somebody has a mental health issue, are they comfortable coming to ask for help? Why not? Pride. Stigma. Shame. Afraid it might affect their career.”
SFC Guyse joined the Army 1989. He has served in every position in an Infantry Line Company from Rifleman to Company First Sergeant. He has served in the Regular Army, California Army National Guard and joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in May 2008. SFC Guyse has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Currently, SFC Guyse is the Course Manager of Maneuver Senior Leader Course and the Senior Infantry Instructor at the 175th Reginal Training Institute at Camp Ripley, MN. SFC Guyse’s list of awards include the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal with three campaign stars, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
On the civilian side, Josh is a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. He works as a Nurse Preceptor and Charge Nurse on the post-surgical recovery unit. Josh is currently perusing his Masters of Science in Nursing with a focus in Leadership.