CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As we reflect on today’s ceremony honoring the Fallen Five, it serves as a powerful reminder that trauma affects not only our physical safety but also our mental well-being.
We spoke with a local expert about the lasting emotional effects of the July 16, 2015, terrorist attack and the resources available to those still healing.
Dr. Sam D. Bernard, a licensed psychology health service provider, recalled the aftermath of the tragedy and how quickly the region came together to support Chattanooga.
“We had a number of resources coming from all over the region to help us here in Chattanooga,” he said. “To help our law enforcement, to help our ambulance services.”
The attack claimed the lives of four Marines and one Navy sailor. Captain Mickey McCamish, retired from the U.S. Navy, vividly remembers that morning.
“I heard the automatic weapons fire,” he said. “Innocently, I thought it was firecrackers. It sounded just like firecrackers — and it was automatic weapons.”
McCamish said that moment is forever etched in his mind and in the hearts of everyone who calls Chattanooga home.
“It’s a day that has been so ingrained in the memories of every Chattanoogan,” he said. “No matter where you were at 11 o’clock that morning, it changed Chattanooga. And it’s important that we remember how we came together on the river, paid tribute on the river, and found closure.”
Dr. Bernard explained that the trauma from that day still runs deep.
“Our coping and defense mechanisms rise up to support us during difficult times,” he said. “But if an event is significantly traumatic, it can override those systems and cause signs of psychological crisis.”
He said trauma can manifest in many different ways.
“We may have physical reactions, such as increased heart rate,” he explained. “There may be cognitive symptoms, behavioral changes, and emotional responses. The fifth category is spiritual reactions — wondering why this had to happen to this community or to someone we care about. Trying to make sense of it can be a daunting task.”
Dr. Bernard emphasized that whether someone wore a uniform or was simply a bystander, anyone impacted can and should seek help.
“Any of our area hospitals, emergency rooms, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or various mobile crisis response teams throughout the state of Tennessee — all of those are available,” he said. “These mobile teams can respond on-site to hospitals or wherever someone is needing psychological crisis intervention.”
Help is always within reach — and no one has to go through it alone.
Resources available
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
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Mobile crisis response teams throughout Tennessee
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Local emergency rooms and hospitals
Healing takes time, but support is just one phone call away.
The link below provides access to additional resources and helpful information shared by expert Dr. Sam D. Bernard.
