Call of Duty 4 Triggers Iraq Flashback in Marine Veteran

It was the movie Rambo that may have drawn our popular culture's attention to post-traumatic stress disorder. It was also widely reported that certain dark, realistic films like Apocalypse Now and Platoon may have brought on symptoms of the disorder in veterans.

Reports of flashbacks in the aisles of movies may be the stuff of urban legend, but it sure sold tickets.

Now a video game is being cited for bringing back bad memories in a young Iraq veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Eric Hall, a 24 year old retired Marine and Iraq war veteran had been playing Call of Duty 4 before he disappeared a week ago. His family says the game might have triggered flashbacks that worsened his symptoms.

Hall had suffered severe leg injuries during an incident in Iraq that claimed the life of a close friend.

Hall's friends and family, with the help of local authorities, are still actively searching for the veteran who it is believed may be trying to evading the efforts. Although he’s been missing since Feb. 4, those close to him say he’s capable of surviving off the land and have every reason to believe he’s still alive.

More anti-video game fodder?

It's too early to say yet, but the mainstream news can only compound the tragedy if it decides to drag Call of Duty 4 through the mud over this. Citing the incident as an example of the immorality of video games will only sell more copies.

Instead of looking for an easy target to blame – hopefully news outlets will use their voice and resources to help find the missing veteran and draw attention to his plight.

According to reports, Eric Hall is embroiled in a struggle with the Department of Veterans Affairs over outstanding disability and vacation pay. It sounds like Hall was already dealing with more than his share of real life stress before he ever picked up Call of Duty 4.