Liberty County veteran and world record holder helps others with PTSD

by Cam McCann

LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Liberty County firefighter Trent Williams, a U.S. Army veteran who holds the world record for weighted tricep dips, is helping veterans and first responders recover from PTSD through an organization he runs called Team PIP, or Pain into Power.

Williams said his most meaningful accomplishment comes from lifting up others.

Injuries, retirement and a turning point

Williams said injuries led to his early retirement from the U.S. Army. He said he felt weak and alone, including from his wife and kids.

“Some days I would feel like I was poison to them,” Williams said.

Williams said he was routinely drunk and on painkillers and lost himself. He said the turning point came when he almost took his own life, saying goodbye to a picture of his daughter.

“But the more I looked at that picture it was like…come on man, fight for her at least, you might not love yourself but you love her,” Williams said.

Helping others recover

Years later, Williams holds a world record and is helping other veterans and first responders climb up from their lowest point.

“And a lot of it’s just sitting, and caring and talking with people. That’s it,” Williams said.

Team PIP is an organization Williams runs when he is not fighting fires. The National Center for PTSD says veterans are 3 times more likely to develop the disorder.

“You go from that super crazy traumatic experience and you have to go home and be dad, and it’s, whew, it’s rough,” Williams said.

Williams said opening up and being honest is the first step.

“That’s the biggest — once you get over that hump, it’s not that difficult,” Williams said.

He said that even though veterans and first responders serve the public, they can feel too burdened to serve themselves.

“You selflessly serve like you would literally give your life for these people but yet you’re not taking the steps to save your own,” Williams said.

Williams said his part in the process is the easier one.

“I don’t personally do anything, they do the work, but seeing them do the work is like it’s very awe inspiring,” Williams said.

Call for more resources

Williams said he wants to see more mental health resources for first responders and more awareness for veterans’ mental health. He said the road ahead is long and he can personally help only so many people.

“It’s just like working out and training, the more you put in it the more you get out,” Williams said.