Welcome to Rising Over Brokenness. We are James and Nicole Herling, and our journey is deeply personal. In October 2023, Nicole’s brother, Robert Card II, was involved in a tragic incident in Lewiston, Maine, where he took the lives of 18 individuals before ending his own life. 

In the days leading up to this tragedy, Robert exhibited behaviors that were deeply concerning. He had been experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoia, leading to a deteriorating mental state. Despite our efforts to seek help, the severity of his condition was not fully recognized or addressed in time.

After his death, an examination of Robert’s brain revealed significant evidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers from Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center found degeneration and inflammation in the white matter of his brain, likely resulting from his exposure to repeated blast waves during his military service as a grenade instructor. 

This discovery was a turning point for us. We realized that many service members might be silently suffering from similar injuries, leading to severe consequences if left unaddressed. Determined to make a difference, we embarked on a mission to support others dealing with TBIs in the military, advocating for systemic changes within the Department of Defense (DoD) to better protect and treat our soldiers.

In our quest for healing and understanding, we connected with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), an organization dedicated to providing comfort, care, and resources to those grieving the loss of a military loved one.  Through TAPS, we attended a retreat alongside other siblings who had lost their brothers or sisters to suicide or accidents. The bonds we formed and the stories we heard underscored the magnitude of the issues within the DoD. We couldn’t help but think that if DoD officials could sit around the fire with us and listen to these heartfelt stories, meaningful change would be inevitable.

Later that fall, we visited the Brain Bank in Boston, where Robert’s brain had been studied. There, we delved deeper into the findings, understanding more about the extent of his TBI and the probable causes. This visit intensified our resolve to advocate for our soldiers. They fought for us; now it’s our turn to fight for them.

Rising Over Brokenness was born out of our personal tragedy and our commitment to ensure that no other family endures what we have. Our mission is to raise awareness about TBIs, advocate for better mental health support within the military, and drive policy changes that prioritize the well-being of our service members.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can rise over brokenness and build a future where our heroes receive the care and support they truly deserve.