Meet Rick Proctor and Vigilant Vet Racing!
Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder (PTSD), by definition, is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Rick Proctor and Vigilant Vet Racing are on a mission to raise awareness and increase support for our Veterans.
Have you seen Vigilant Vet Racing at any of the local races and wondered what they were all about? Here’s your chance to learn more! These passionate individuals are part of a 100% nonprofit organization that benefits Veterans by promoting PTSD / Veteran Suicide Awareness and introducing Vets off-road and/or racing as an alternative means of ‘therapy.’ They are currently in the process of expanding to provide Veterans with more services such as VA Benefits Counseling and assistance with disability claims.
Rick Proctor is the Founder / Executive Director of Vigilant Vet Racing and explained that the group is currently racing GNCC full-time and they attend as many local races as possible, especially WEXCR! Additionally, they attend special events such as schools, seminars, meetings, places of employment, various Veteran Service Organizations and they line-up in every parade they can. They’ve had the privilege of being featured on the news, newspapers and several magazines, as well.
“The exposure of Vigilant Vet Racing not only gets the word out about PTSD, but it also promotes the sport of off-road riding / racing.”
Rick is passionate about VVR because he also battles PTSD. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 as a Combat Medic and noticed that things were a lot different several months after returning home.
He explained, “I’ve been hospitalized twice, lost countless friends and family members, was forced into a very early retirement from an exceptional career, battled alcoholism and basically lost interest in or destroyed everything that was positive in my life.”
Rick’s PTSD symptoms range from hypervigilance, memory issues, panic attacks, increased anxiety and depression, nightmares and avoidance of various activities on a daily basis.
“It’s a rollercoaster ride that leaves me exhausted but unable to sleep at the end of the day,” he said.
A friend invited Rick to an XC race a few years ago and he was instantly hooked. He said, “It was a pretty big deal since I rarely had interest in anything. In fact, it was my personal experience with PTSD and XC Racing that led to the creation of Vigilant Vet. . I started noticing benefits almost immediately as this sport and the racing community dampened the frequency, duration and effect of some of my PTSD symptoms. The riding and racing often increases adrenaline levels to those which one would experience while operating “outside the wire” in a combat zone. The constant need for maintenance, upkeep/upgrading of my quad keeps me distracted from thoughts and other events that might trigger PTSD symptoms. The camaraderie with other Veteran racers and the family-friendly environment of these races has been especially therapeutic for myself as it’s addressed my fear of crowds and in a way reintroduced me to society. “
His story and his desire to help fellow Veterans fuels his passion for Vigilant Vet Racing. He wants others to know that he knows what it feels like, he’s been there and still often visits that place and he wants them to know there are ways to fight back and off-road riding/racing is just one of those ways.
The one thing he hopes people learn about Vigilant Vet is that there are several misconceptions about post-traumatic stress disorder and they want to address those through awareness. For example, not everyone who battles PTSD experiences flashbacks or violent outbursts. Having PTSD does not mean one is mentally weak. Despite battling PTSD, most can still function appropriately in society. These are just a few. Education and knowledge is the key and we hope to help bridge that gap by informing the public of the facts.
Rick races Cross Country ATVs on a 2009 YFZ450R in the C Class. He says the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment he has when he crosses the finish line are what makes him continue racing. He also loves the family-friendly environment and kindness presented from everyone he encounters.
He explained, “I’ve been to a lot of races in different series over the years and WEXCR ranks right up there with the best atmospheres. That’s why we keep coming back!”
Rick’s goals this year are to increase VVR’s national presence at and around racetracks all over the country. “With Team VVR racers all over the US, we are getting closer, but still have a lot of work to do,” he said.
Rick would like to thank WEXCR, Lonestar Racing, ITP, 100%, Fly Racing, Spider Graphix, ALCO Cleaners, VP Fuels, Waynesburg Yamaha, Powermadd, Evans Coolant, Fasst Co, GT Thunder, Winner’s Choice, Get It Performance, Pirate MX, Racer Productions, GNCC.
To learn more about Vigilant Vet Racing, visit http://www.VigilantVetRacing.com/ or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vigilatnvetracing.
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