How some children living in the homes of wounded warriors become family caregivers

Two million Americans served in Afghanistan and Iraq. And at least 600,000 have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. For the most part, the U.S. is doing better recognizing and treating these wounded warriors. But less well known are millions more who are in need but remain hidden. They are the children living with injured veterans. In a profound sense, PTSD can be contagious. Many children have become caregivers confronting depression and fear. And you will hear tonight that the stress can be so great it can lead to attempts of suicide. You’re about to meet two courageous families who spoke to us so that others can know that help is on the way for America’s children of war. 

In 2011, Chuck Rotenberry was a Marine on patrol in Afghanistan when an improvised landmine detonated a few feet away. 

Chuck Rotenberry: Which sent me down a hill 20, 30 feet, knocked me out– caused catastrophic injuries to the Marine behind me and the Marine behind him. 

It was Rotenberry’s second combat tour, after Iraq. 

Scott Pelley: What happened to the Marine behind you who had stepped on the IED?

Chuck Rotenberry: He lost both his legs above the knee.

Scott Pelley: You and the medic put the tourniquets on him?

Chuck Rotenberry: Yes, sir.

Scott Pelley: You saved his life.

Chuck Rotenberry: I helped out, yeah.

When Rotenberry came home from his seven month deployment, his wife, Liz, was pregnant with their fourth child. Chuck was suffering with a brain injury from a concussion and PTSD.

Liz Rotenberry: Chuck was struggling to just be in the house. Because he was dealing with so many emotions, mentally and physically– he was hiding in, you know, back rooms. And I’d find him crying, and he didn’t understand why he was crying.

Chuck Rotenberry, in video diary: I didn’t know whether I was coming or going. 

Chuck kept a video diary as he dealt with self-isolation, anxiety, depression and denial.

Chuck Rotenberry, in video diary: One second, I’m up super high and the next, I’m not.

Scott Pelley: Chuck, who was that man who came home?

Chuck Rotenberry: In my head, it was me. But I was very far from it, I think.

At age 7, his son, Kristopher, pitched in. Over the years, he tried to shield his dad from triggers that set him off and shield his sisters from the…