In The NoCo

Loud fireworks can make Independence Day tough for veterans with PTSD. Here’s how to help

By In The NoCo,

Published July 2, 2025 at 5:35 AM MDT

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A colorful burst of fireworks sends out streaks of gold, orange, red and blue against a dark blue night sky

For a lot of veterans, Independence Day can be a hard day.  

Celebrating America’s birthday typically comes with loud, colorful blasts of fireworks. We don’t talk about it a lot, but for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, that can be a struggle. It can remind veterans of combat or other traumatic experiences from their time in the military. 

Helping veterans cope with PTSD is the specialty of Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst-Bell. She is the PTSD program manager with the VA healthcare system serving Eastern Colorado.

Mandy spoke with Erin O’Toole ahead of Independence Day last year about what the holiday can be like for those with PTSD, and how friends and family can help support them. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Find more information and resources for PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst Bell stands in front of a harbor wearing a green shirt, a blue denim jacket, and a blue bag slung over her shoulder. — Independence Day fireworks can be an unwelcome reminder of combat and trauma for some veterans with PTSD, says Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst Bell, PTSD Program Manager for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care system.

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In The NoCo Veterans Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Independence Day (4th of July)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

In The NoCo

KUNC's In The NoCo is a daily slice of stories, news, people and issues. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show brings context and insight to the stories of the day, often elevating unheard voices in the process. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we celebrate the lighter side of things here, too.

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Erin O'Toole

As the host of KUNC’s news program and podcast In The NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation. I love finding the stories and voices that reflect what makes NoCo such an extraordinary place to live.

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Brad Turner

Brad Turner is an executive producer in KUNC's newsroom. He manages the podcast team that makes In The NoCo, which also airs weekdays in Morning Edition and All Things Considered. His work as a podcaster and journalist has appeared on NPR's Weekend Edition, NPR Music, the PBS Newshour, Colorado Public Radio, MTV Online, the Denver Post, Boulder's Daily Camera, and the Longmont Times-Call.

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