Our former intern Michael Stout (left) returned to Santa Barbara this past week when the Red Cross recognized not only his military service but also his courage in openly speaking about the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The recognition was shared by The Indy and News Editor Tyler Hayden, who wrote in November about Stout’s experience navigating the Veterans Administration’s extremely slow counseling schedule. The former Marine corporal decided to pursue a BA in sociology at the University of Texas at Dallas, mostly because it gives him a chance to participate in a research project on PTSD: “I can talk with someone weekly,” he said. “The VA group meets monthly.” And he’ll be keeping the faith, using his degree to help his fellow vets after he graduates.