A Crestview family is mourning the loss of their son, an Iraqi war-veteran who committed suicide on Memorial Day. Airman First Class Drew Winkler will be laid to rest this weekend. His family wants to see changes to how Veteran Affairs treats those with PTSD.

Depending on who you ask, Drew Winkler could be described with several words.

"He was happy, upbeat. He laughed all the time, he smiled all the time," Rebecca Winkler said describing her son before his deployment.

The Iraqi War Airman suffered from PTSD. His family told Channel Three's Jackalyn Kovac he was diagnosed in Italy and at a local V.A. clinic, but his claims for benefits was denied by the V.A.

"They treated him with a barrage, is the only way I can say it, of medication to the tune of when one didn't work it was just a funnel of trying others," Rebecca Winkler added.

StopSoldierSuicide.Org says every day, 22 veterans and 1 active serviceman with PTSD will commit suicide.

On Monday, Drew Winkler ended his battle with demons after suffering for the last 5 years. He left a message on his public Facebook account "1 of 22 per day... whely (sic) can't they just help us... goodbye." The post has been shared more than 900 times.

Drew Winkler left behind his entire family, including two boys Christian Custer, 2, and Caydan Winkler, 18 months. His father, a deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's office, believes his son wanted to follow in his footsteps. But the retired airman believes today's service is not what he went through.

"He said he admired the career that I had, and my best friend, Brian, had, and he wanted to be like us. And I couldn't change his mind," Richard Winkler said.

Through their grief, the Winklers are reaching out to learn more about what their son and many others have gone through and they are working to stop it.

Richard Winkler said he wants to start something to help the veteran that the V.A. is leaving behind.

"We know your pain is real. we know your anxiety is real, and we know your struggle is real," Rebecca Winkler said.

The Winklers plan on sending Drew Winkler's name patch is being sent to veteran traveling around the country to bring awareness to veterans with PTSD.

A fund has been set up to help his sons. Donations can be made through a GoFundMe account or at Coastal Bank. A Facebook page has also been set up to help other veterans with PTSD.















