NORFOLK, Neb. - They might be seen at a Huskers sporting event, and definitely on the Fourth of July.

Fireworks fill the night sky with color and sound that most people enjoy.

But when Ben Uzzell got out of the military in 2014, he had severe PTSD and never saw himself being where he is today.

Things like fireworks sounds brought back memories from his two tours in the Middle East that he would rather forget.

“And so that first Big Bang Boom when I was back, and those first fireworks went off, you know, those big ones you can feel in your chest, I love it now. But back then, it took me right back to Iraq, and I was not ready for that. It was probably one of the worst decisions I’ve made,” Uzzell said.

But now he controls those sounds as the vice president and the shoot team lead of Big Bang Boom.

“So 2-7 is good, system is off,” Uzzell said.

The event company puts together northeast Nebraska’s largest fireworks show.

Uzzell has always been into fireworks from a young age, so now, despite all he’s been through, it seems like a full circle.

“Part of my recovery was figuring out that level of control and facing my fears,” he said. “It wouldn’t be possible for me to be where I am without that Big Bang Boom family.”

After his Big Bang Boom family helped Uzzell move forward, he’s now helping two members start their own family.

Everything he does is about helping people, and he wants them to know that help is always out there.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve served or not, if you’re having mental health issues, go find help,” he said. “There’s help out there. There are resources out there. Go find help.”

Through the good times and the bad, Uzzell says he doesn’t regret his military service.