Life after the military hasn’t been easy for Marine Corps veteran Greg Bias, but through the darkness, he was able to find light and unlock a new passion, becoming an award-winning photographer.
Bias, who resides in North Carolina, served in the military for eight years, including combat deployments to Kuwait and Iraq.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Bias appeared to be making a smooth transition to civilian life. But looks can be deceiving. His life suddenly changed following a car accident seven years ago. Physically, he was fine, but mentally, the crash ignited post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and conversion disorder, according to his doctors.
In the initial months after the crash, Bias suffered from debilitating full-body seizures, 200 to 400 a day, said his wife, Fonda Bias. Therapy helped cure the painful seizures, but the veteran still has flashbacks of Iraq that cause him to grimace and scream.
The couple has relied on help from the Asheville VA Medical Center, including providing funds to remodel their bathroom to make it handicap accessible.
“He was in a wheelchair for a while,” Fonda told WLOS in Asheville. “A lot of people don’t realize what veterans go through.”
While the VA stepped up and Bias had strong support from his family, it was fellow veterans who especially helped him navigate a frightening new world fueled by PTSD. Bias serves on the board of directors at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) center in Hendersonville. Talking to other veterans made him realize he’s not alone; many former soldiers are still fighting battles long after they’ve survived combat.
“They go to Capitol Hill and fight for our veterans,” Fonda said about the DAV. “They’re a really good organization to be with.”
Finding Purpose Through Photography
Another part of Bias’s healing journey was the motivation to pick up a camera and tap into his artistic side.
“This is at the Biltmore Estate. I take pictures there,” he said, showing off some of his work.
In the past few years, photography has become Bias’s creative outlet and emotional drive to keep going, even on days with crippling flashbacks. And the public has taken notice. Bias’s best work has been honored at both the VA and the North Carolina State Fair.
“These are best in show, and this was at the VA,” he said, pointing to a few photos. “What’s crazy is I got fourth place for this picture, but then I went to the state fair and got first place.”
This year, armed with new equipment, Bias hopes to compete in a national competition and earn a few more ribbons.
“With this new camera, it’s a different story. Better watch out,” Bias said with a laugh.
Though life’s been a struggle in recent years, the Marine Corps veteran hasn’t lost his zany sense of humor. “Sometimes I have to separate myself,” he said.
Bias started crying, thinking about the time his body locked up into full seizure mode in the middle of his daughter’s graduation ceremony.
“It was supposed to be about her, and here I was, this big distraction,” he said.
Despite all the pain, Bias wouldn’t trade away his time in the Marine Corps.
“He always wanted to serve his country when he was a kid,” Fonda said. “That was his dream.”
Through his excellent photography, Bias is still serving by capturing nature so others with disabilities can enjoy wildlife without venturing into the woods.
“For those who can’t go out in nature, I try to bring nature to you so you can enjoy yourself,” Bias said.
His photos capture the peace and tranquility of nature, having a calming effect on Bias when his PTSD emerges. And he’s not afraid to let others see the beauty he captures.
“I love to share and donate the pictures that I can to people and organizations,” he said.
