WAVERLY -- Chris Nolan is no longer fighting a two-front war.

A Courier story in mid-May related the former Iowa National Guard soldier's battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and his ongoing fight, at that time, to get disability pay to support his family. The story was part of a series of articles about the disorder -- everything from history to prevention -- and the toll it is taking on Northeast Iowa veterans and their families.

Nolan's struggle with the Veterans Administration is apparently over. A VA psychiatrist concurred with the Waverly resident's mental health counselor and family doctor that he does have the disorder and is entitled to disability pay. Early last month he received his first monthly check for about $1,400.

The 23-year-old said the money will go a long way toward recovery, knowing now he can better support his wife and five children.

"I was pretty happy. I'll be able to pay some bills and take care of things in the house that were neglected for a while," Nolan said.

While a member of the Guard's 224th Combat Engineers based in Burlington, a convoy Nolan was riding in was attacked by insurgents in Iraq on Feb. 27, 2005. A roadside bomb ripped apart a Humvee killing 2nd Lt. Brian Gienau, a graduate of Tripoli High School, and Spc. Seth Garceau, of Oelwein. Three others were injured.

Nolan, riding in a nearby Humvee, rushed to the scene to help. Physically he was fine, but the blood and death traumatized him.

Since returning from Iraq in March 2005, Nolan has been unable to work due to the disorder. Severe anxiety, panic attacks, sleep deprivation, rage issues -- all symptoms of PTSD -- have made it hard to function at home and in society, let alone to obtain and hold a job.

The family was living on about $670 in government assistance. That stopped when the VA payments kicked in.

"I'm not rich, but I can pay my bills," Nolan said.

Scott Dickinson, a licensed mental health counselor at the Cedar Valley Mental Health Center in Waverly, sees Nolan on almost a weekly basis. He believes the former soldier is making progress dealing with the trauma. For example, Nolan and his wife took their children to see fireworks during the Fourth of July, even though the explosions could be a problem.

Dickinson said he had a panic attack, but he got through it. Something that might not have happened if it wasn't for several months of counseling and less anxiety from worrying about finances so much.

"He's feeling much better about that (money)," Dickinson said. "He's moved into grief, being able to talk about it. He's progressing, but it's tough stuff what he went through."

Nolan applied for VA disability payments last October. He was frustrated about how long and difficult the process was, and contacted the Courier about his concerns.

After the initial story, numerous civic groups, churches and individuals contacted the Courier and Nolan to offer their support -- whether it was financial, spiritual or just someone to listen. Vietnam vets that dealt with PTSD offered assistance.

Nolan said the community support means a lot.

"It felt good people wanted to help vets," Nolan said. However, once he started getting VA payments, he referred some people wanting to help him to the local American Legion. "… Now I can help others."

Earlier this month, a Waterloo church invited Nolan to take part in their yearly patriotic service. He accepted First Assembly of God's invitation, and parishioners took up a goodwill offering for the family.

Pastor Earl Warstler said it was the least the congregation could do.

"It was more to honor the men and women in the service … to show our appreciation," he said.

Eligibility for disability payments will be reevaluated on a yearly basis, Nolan said.

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.