Marine Widow Shares Her Story To Help Other Military Families

Karie Fuggett and Jimmy Cleveland Kinsey II are from Foley.  They were only married four years when he died of an accidental overdose of painkillers last year.  Kinsey was seriously wounded in Iraq in 2006 and eventually had to have his leg amputated.  While doctors seemed to have no problem fixing his physical injury--his widow says little was done to help his growing addiction to pain medication or to help mental issues suffered in the war zone.

“You don't want it to end up like this, you just need to make sure your loved one gets the help they need, you just need to keep pushing for it,” says Karie.  Karie is featured as part of series of stories on wounded warriors this week on the Huffington Post.  She wants to share her story to help others.

“I know personally of many families that are going through what we went through their husbands aren't dead yet and I don't want them to die,” says Karie.  “Just like when my husband lost his leg in Iraq and came back they went to a hospital and had a specific program on they should have the same thing for people who have PTSD and PTI.”  Karie says her husband's brain injury led to fits of rage, while she praises his physical care she felt Jimmy's mental needs weren't being met.

“There needs to be some alternative to pills, I believe medication is being overly used in the military right now,” says Karie.  She hopes her story helps other families with wounded warriors who face the difficult transition from combat to civilian life.

“I think the more people talk about it I think if they're in a position like I was in never let them tell you know if you know your family member needs something,” says Karie.