Rick Armstrong

Nov 28, 2024 | wral.com | Rick Armstrong

Two Clinton newlyweds and a group of WakeMed nurses formed a deep bond this Thanksgiving over a bittersweet, heartwarming story. Jacob Jernigan said his grandfather and the family's patriarch, 88-year old Charles "Pa" Jernigan, held on to life just long enough to see him get married. In mid-October, Jacob Jernigan and Elvy Jernigan, his bride-to-be, were looking forward to a big wedding with the family on Nov. 10. "The date was set," Elvy Jernigan said. "I already paid the venue.

Nov 14, 2024 | wral.com | Rick Armstrong |Jelia Hepner

The devastation of Hurricane Helene - destroyed countless homes and took many lives. Since then, special teams and volunteers have been picking up the pieces and trying to restore hope. "Aerial Recovery" is a nonprofit that brings together veterans and first responders to help people wherever there's a need. "Jacob" was part of "Aerial Recovery," working in the Toe River with crews in our near Relief, North Carolina. The group has been helping out people in western N.C. after Helene's destruction.

Nov 12, 2024 | wral.com | Rick Armstrong |Jodi Leese Glusco |Delaney Rose Eyermann

Veterans of war and conflicts are honored for their service and sacrifice. But when they return from deployment, many struggle with Post Traumatic Stress, which too often leads to suicide. At Extivita in Durham, these veterans prepare for a deep dive. They are taking a seat inside a hyperbaric oxygen tank – a potential life-saving therapy. "We are talking about veterans that came back from the war," said Edward Degiralamo of HBOT 4 Heroes. "These war fighters were in dark bedrooms for years.

Nov 11, 2024 | wral.com | Rick Armstrong |Jodi Leese Glusco

Post Traumatic Stress – lingering emotional impacts of the sights, sounds and experiences of military service – too often leads to thoughts of self-harm among veterans. Studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy – breathing 100% medical grade oxygen – can help. A Durham company offering Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for free to vets who suffer PTSD. has amassed a waiting list of hundreds of people who want to try the therapy. "These war fighters were in dark bedrooms for years.

Oct 30, 2024 | wral.com | Rick Armstrong |Delaney Rose Eyermann

Service at Transitions LifeCare to honor life and memory of Derek Ray LemeiuxWhen a loved one passes away, the family struggles, often for a lifetime, as they cope with their loss. Now there's a new way to help fill that void. At Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, the wind was blowing and the leaves of Autumn were falling to the ground. That’s where friends and family came to remember Derek Ray Lemieux. Holly Richard’s son, Derek, spent nine years in the army. He served in the 82nd Airborne.