Interview with Master Sgt. Sean Ambriz, MP officer, war hero, and author, “Ghosts of the Valley”

In 2014, the federal government designated June as national post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month, with June 27 serving as the day of national observance. During this month, and on this day, we recognize the invisible wounds of war and raise awareness of all available resources to help heal our brave Soldiers.

Master Sgt. Sean Ambriz is all too familiar with these invisible scars.  Since enlisting in the Army in 2008, he has deployed twice to Afghanistan—in 2009 and 2011. For his heroic efforts while deployed, Ambriz was awarded numerous awards, including two Bronze Stars with valor, and the Purple Heart. But although he returned stateside as a highly decorated war hero, internally he was suffering from unseeable wounds. After his mentors suggested he pursue writing to process his pain, he began putting pen to paper. Never did he imagine that what started as an individual path to healing would result in a book, Ghosts of the Valley, and that his words would help countless others suffering from PTSD.

Ambriz, who currently serves as the non-commissioned officer of the Protection and Provost Marshall Office Cell in Fort Carson, Co., recently sat down with MPRA to discuss his healing process, which included writing Ghosts of the Valley, and share resources for other Soldiers battling behavioral health issues.

Sean, thank you for speaking with us. Ghosts of the Valley is not only a powerful first-person account of war, but also a vital resource for those suffering from PTSD. What or who made you explore writing as a form of therapy?

I was fortunate to have leaders who made it clear that it was okay to talk about your emotions. They shared their experiences from Iraq, which allowed me to explore my own experiences from Afghanistan. They also believed in the value of my story and felt I needed to tell it. They encouraged me to write not for recognition, but to process my experiences.

Yes, I tried therapy and medication through the behavioral health system. They helped, but I still struggled to walk through some doors emotionally. I realized that being vulnerable could help bridge the gap for other veterans to open up—or give future soldiers a better understanding of the weight of our history.  It also ensured that I could memorialize my friends’ names and sacrifices on paper.

When did writing shift from a form of therapy into authoring a book you wanted to share with the world?

Authoring a book was never something I intended to do. In fact, I hesitated to share some of the darkest moments of my life, knowing they’d be open to judgment. When I first began writing, I approached it by laying everything out chronologically to help me remember the events from both of my deployments. I centered the story around two major battles that shaped the foundation of my leadership style. As I documented the events, I began weaving in my internal thoughts and the conversations I had at the time—what I was really feeling and saying in those moments. That shift made it easier to develop the narrative into something more fluid and fitting for a book.

I was also fortunate to have an editor who whole heartedly believed in the story, so they offered their services for free. Then, I got lucky again—a publisher picked up the book and added it to their catalog, making it available at Clothing and Sales locations across every Army installation. But what truly humbled me was when the Military Police Regimental Association partnered with me to ensure the stories would live on at the Military Police Museum. That meant the world to me—knowing our part in the Global War on Terrorism would be preserved in history.

What was the most difficult part of authoring the book?

Writing the book itself wasn’t the hard part. Since returning home, I’ve prioritized openly talking about my experiences. That constant sharing helped me process the memories, so when I started writing, it felt manageable.

What was truly difficult came after the book was published—just sitting with the vulnerability of it all. What was also daunting was the idea of strangers—people who didn’t know me, my leadership style, or anything about me personally—reading such a vulnerable account of my life. I was especially nervous about how the Military Police Corps and wider Army community would receive it. Sharing my story with those who lived similar experiences felt natural—but sharing it with the entire force felt exposed.

I had to brace myself for the critiques, for the possibility that people might not understand the story or why I chose to tell it. Reading reviews and knowing my personal experiences were out there for the world to interpret was incredibly hard. It left me feeling exposed in a way I hadn’t fully anticipated.

Not only does your book provide a first-hand account of your experiences while deployed, but it also shares vital resources for others suffering from PTSD or behavioral health issues. Can you provide two or three of those resources and why they resonated with you?

First, I’d point to the chaplain. Whether you’re religious or not, chaplains are some of the most accessible and effective counselors we have in uniform. They’re embedded with soldiers, they understand our lifestyle, and they’re great at listening without judgment.

Second, I’d recommend behavioral health. I know it’s often the ‘expected’ answer, but it made a real difference for me. Back in 2015, I found a behavioral health provider who helped me unlock parts of my thinking that I didn’t even realize were holding me back. Civilian providers can offer a fresh perspective, and many are highly trained to manage combat-related trauma.

Lastly, I’d suggest digital or anonymous resources—hotlines, text lines, or apps.  We live in a world where we’re on our phones most of the day, and sometimes it’s easier for this generation of soldiers to reach out via text than it is face-to-face.  Services through Military OneSource or contracted civilian platforms allow you to talk to someone anonymously, which can be the first step toward healing.

Separately, one thing I’ve learned is that PTSD evolves. Some days it feels manageable, and other times it can resurface unexpectedly—like walking through a door you thought you’d already closed. That’s why it’s important to keep exploring what helps. Hobbies, skills, and new challenges—they’re not just distractions. They’re tools that can help you reprocess and grow.

Thank you, Sean! There are so many available resources, and it’s imperative that Soldiers recognize they are not alone. 

Thinking forward, you’re approaching 20 years in the Army. What are your professional and personal goals moving forward at this point in your career?

At this point in my career, I’m starting to slow down and—for the first time in a long time—shift my focus to myself and my family.  The transition to civilian life is approaching faster than I expected, and I’m realizing that the rhythm and structure of military life is ending.  And honestly, part of me isn’t ready.  This has been my entire life.

There’s definitely some nervousness about starting over—about finding out who I am outside the uniform.  But there’s also a sense of excitement. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can take what I’ve learned in the Army and apply it to something new. My biggest hope is that whatever comes next, I can care for my family—and continue caring for the people around me the same way I’ve always taken care of my soldiers.

No matter where life takes me, the Military Police Corps will always have my deepest respect. I’ve always wanted to give everything I had to the MP Corps. It’s given me everything in return—my purpose, my career, and lifelong relationships. I’ll always be proud to represent the regiment—both in and out of uniform.

Sean, thank you again for speaking with us, sharing your story, and encouraging others to lean into to their vulnerability.  The MP Corps is lucky to have a leader like you serving in its regiment.  

To find more resources, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.

To purchase your very own signed copy of Ghosts of the Valley, check back soon at our in-person and online gift shop!