Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Clear Your Cache

Health.mil has undergone a recent update. For the best user experience we recommend clearing your browser cache.

Top U.S. Military Enlisted Leader Shares Experience of Stigma Surrounding TBI

Image of A man wearing headphones in front of his computer. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López talks about his personal experience with traumatic brain injuries in a podcast with the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence. The “Picking Your Brain” podcast focuses on the latest TBI research and clinical recommendations, the effects of TBI on military readiness, veterans, and the loved ones who support their recovery process. (Photo: Air Force Master Sgt. Michael J. Cowley)

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López shared his compelling story of recognizing and getting help for traumatic brain injuries on the Picking Your Brain podcast, from the Defense Health Agency’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence.

In an interview with U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Cota, TBICoE branch chief, Colón-López spoke about suffering from multiple TBIs, while pretending everything was okay.

“We tend to hide it pretty good until we cannot hide it anymore,” he said.

He shared his experience with the stigma surrounding TBI diagnosis, as some service members may be hesitant to speak up if they are concerned about their mission readiness. It was that reluctance that impacted Colón-López’s marriage and his overall health.

On the podcast, Colón-López, who was a U.S. Air Force command chief master sergeant before assuming the SEAC position in December 2019, explained how he has sustained up to eight TBIs. Instead of seeking help, he used to drink to excess and look for those “thrills,” − something dangerous to prove he was okay. It was not until he had a mountain biking accident that almost killed him when he realized he needed help. After being diagnosed with TBIs, he got into treatment and is now the most senior enlisted service member, by position, in the U.S. military.

Getting Help for TBIs Starts with Leadership

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and senior leaders coming forward to talk about their treatment and medical care can inspire service members to take their own health more seriously.

Colón-López, who served as a pararescueman during his career and has deployed multiple times in support of military operations, is just one of over 458,000 service members who have received a TBI diagnosis in the past 21 years. The Department of Defense has resources to recognize and treat TBI and help service members cope, as brain health is critical to overall mission readiness. Service members and families should be willing to break the silence if you suspect you or a loved one has a TBI, as the sooner you seek help the quicker you can improve your quality of life.

On “Picking Your Brain,” Colón-López and Cota dove into the discussion on health care options available to those with TBIs, as well as the responsibility senior leaders have in addressing the stigma service members may face. “Many will not say anything, as they are afraid of being removed from their unit or being separated from the military,” Colón-López said. However, by not reaching out and asking for help, overall health and relationships can be impacted.

We Must Support the Warfighter

The podcast highlights the Defense Health Agency’s effort to bring more awareness to TBIs and to maintain a medically ready force.

“There are good products that are out there. It’s a matter of us ensuring that we’re messaging about those and getting them out to the broadest audience,” Cota stated. They discussed the holistic approach to treatment and using Total Force Fitness, a Military Health System program that provides access to psychological, spiritual, medical, financial, environmental, and nutritional resources.

Colón-López also discussed some of the causes of TBI, both on the battlefield and in training, stating, “In this position, I have found myself explaining TBI and the effects of it to some senior civilian entities that do not understand how this happens. Most of them assume it’s just either being shot in the head or being blown up in a vehicle by an IED, and they really don’t quite grasp that shooting LAW rockets and Carl-Gustafs, and being on the range firing heavy weapons—all of that stuff actually starts chipping away [at] the health of any brain that is exposed to it.”

Resources, clinical research, education, and trainings are available through TBICoE, a branch of the DHA Research and Engineering Directorate. A Head for the Future, TBICoE’s awareness campaign, has fact sheets, key information about TBIs, and real stories of recovery and hope.

Listen to the Picking Your Brain podcast to learn more about Colón-López’s story, as well as additional episodes featuring experts and real stories about those experiencing TBI.

You also may be interested in...

Video
Mar 28, 2025

Transforming TBI Detection

Transforming TBI Detection

Experts from the National Museum of Health and Medicine and the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence participate in a brain injury awareness Science Café, discussing the latest advancements in TBI diagnostic devices and their impact on clinical decision-making. Topics in the speaker series include FDA-cleared diagnostic tools, military-specific ...

Video
Oct 15, 2024

Talking Blast Exposure Impact With TBICoE

Talking Blast Exposure Impact With TBICoE

Can blast exposure impact the brain? TBICoE's Branch Chief, Dr. Katie Stout, explains. While some service members may experience blast exposure without an immediate diagnosable injury, there may still be effects on the brain. TBICoE is advancing blast exposure research to help assess risk and protect service members. To learn more, visit health.mil ...

Video
Aug 30, 2024

Military Doctors: Download New Warfighter Brain Health App

New Warfighter Brain Health Provider Toolkit App

Looking for a one-stop shop for TBI-related assessments and resources? Now, on any device, you can find one. Access numerous provider and patient resources with the new Warfighter Brain Health Provider Toolkit app. Developed for MHS providers, the app features a wide array of products from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, the DOD, the ...

Video
Jul 23, 2024

Military Leaders: Prevent, Recognize and Treat Brain Injuries

Warfighter Brain Health for Leaders Training Video

The Warfighter Brain Health for Leaders Training video is an essential resource for enhancing the Department of Defense's Warfighter Brain Health Initiative. It empowers military leaders with strategies for preventing, protecting against, and managing brain injuries. Additionally, the video enhances leaders' abilities to assess and recognize symptoms ...

Video
Mar 28, 2024

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Dr. Joanne Gold, a pharmacist and neuroscience clinician with TBICoE, and experts from the National Museum of Health and Medicine discuss the treatment of headaches, past and present. Their conversation explores the museum's collections related to TBI and headache treatment, discusses ways to improve headache treatment, and highlights relevant TBICoE ...

Video
Jan 31, 2024

Be a Brain Warrior: Protect. Treat. Optimize.

Be a Brain Warrior: Protect. Treat. Optimize.

The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence is championing the theme 'Be a Brain Warrior: Protect, Treat, Optimize' during Brain Injury Awareness Month. The theme showcases the idea that service members, veterans, healthcare providers, caregivers, family members, and advocates can be warriors for brain health. Visit health.mil/BIAMonth to learn more.

Video
Jan 29, 2024

TBI Testimonials: Roxana Delgado & Victor Medina

TBI Testimonials: Roxana Delgado & Victor Medina

While he was deployed, retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Victor Medina was in a vehicle that was hit by an explosive device. He sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that severely impaired some of his physical functions and ability to speak. Medina’s wife, Roxana Delgado, continued her pursuit of a Ph.D. in health sciences and became his caregiver. As ...

Video
Jan 24, 2024

From Patient to Provider: One Sailor's Brain Health Journey

From Patient to Provider: One Sailor's Brain Health Journey

Timothy Bleigh clearly recalls when the bomb went off. The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tactical vehicle he was in with five Marines flipped several times through the air before it landed partly on its roof. He was near the end of his first tour in Afghanistan, assigned to a Marine personal security detachment, when the improvised explosive ...

Video
Jan 19, 2024

What Steps Should A Military Leader Take After A Potentially Concussive Event?

What Steps Should A Military Leader Take After A Potentially Concussive Event?

Military leadership has a responsibility to promote warfighter brain health among service members. That means prompt reporting of potentially concussive events and ensuring service members with TBI get medical attention. This video covers the steps leaders should take after a potential concussion.

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery