I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining 160th SOAR B Co., I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

I joined the Army to escape a cycle of poor decisions. Initially doubting myself—thinking I was too old and unprepared—I discovered that military life was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Joining special operations, I learned discipline and teamwork, but the success came with a darker side. My drinking escalated, and I adopted a “Superman” mentality, believing I was invincible and untouchable. After leaving the military, I transitioned to law enforcement, convinced it was my true purpose. However, the emotional toll of the job led to worsening drinking, two suicide attempts, and the breakdown of my marriage. Eventually, I sought help, spending three months in rehab followed by three months in sober living. Though I relapsed twice, each setback strengthened my resolve. Today, I am two years sober, with a renewed sense of purpose. Rehab taught me invaluable lessons about humility, self-compassion, and the importance of community. I learned to embrace my struggles and recognize that true strength lies in confronting personal battles with honesty and courage. This turning point helped me realize my purpose: to support others who, like me, have faced trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. My mission is to help veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members navigate the often-overlooked emotional toll of their experiences. My military background has uniquely equipped me to connect with these individuals, as I understand the culture that encourages us to suppress emotions and “complete the mission” at all costs. I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences of this mindset—losing my father, four military friends, and two police colleagues to suicide. Additionally, I’ve lost friends to addiction, including four of the ten men I lived with in sober living. One pivotal moment came while responding to a suicide call as a police officer. Speaking to a man on the edge of a bridge, I realized the profound impact empathy and understanding could have. My partner later suggested I become a counselor, echoing sentiments I’d heard in my AA group. These experiences solidified my calling to create a future where veterans and first responders receive the mental health care they deserve. To achieve this, I plan to develop mobile mental health clinics that provide immediate, accessible care. My vision includes retrofitting RVs into clinics parked outside VA facilities and military bases, offering after-hours mental health services. This idea stems from my own frustrations with inadequate VA support and the shared struggles of countless others. These mobile clinics would bridge critical gaps in care, delivering personalized, trauma-informed support. Pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will equip me with the expertise to make this vision a reality. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, I aim to create effective support systems tailored to the unique needs of veterans and first responders. I am already gaining experience by volunteering at Savannah Chatham Corrections, working with veterans in the rehabilitation program. Through education, hands-on experience, and unwavering dedication, I am committed to reshaping mental health care for those who have given so much. My journey has shown me the power of purpose, and I am determined to use mine to make a lasting impact.

My journey into service into mental health is due to my time in the Army. The military became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I gained deep respect for the teamwork and discipline it required. However, as I excelled in special operations, my personal struggles intensified. My drinking worsened, and I began to believe in the “Superman theory,” thinking I was invincible and immune to the consequences of my actions. When I transitioned into law enforcement, I thought I had found my true calling. However, the emotional toll of the job, coupled with what I witnessed, sent me into a downward spiral. I experienced two suicide attempts. This led me to rehab, where I spent three months in inpatient care followed by another three months in sober living. Although I relapsed twice, each time I became stronger and more determined. Today, I am two years sober, with a clearer sense of purpose than ever before. Despite my personal growth, I still felt something was missing. Through my experiences in the military, law enforcement, and rehab, I realized my true purpose: helping others who, like me, struggle with trauma, addiction, and mental health issues—especially veterans and first responders. This realization led me to pursue a path in mental health counseling, with a specific focus on trauma-informed therapy. My experiences with PTSD and the lack of support from the VA have given me a unique perspective. When I sought help for my own struggles, I found the system to be inadequate. I felt dismissed by the VA’s rushed consultations and limited mental health resources. The system, designed to support those who have served, often leaves veterans feeling unheard and abandoned. This lack of care is something I’ve seen firsthand in the countless veterans and first responders I’ve encountered throughout my life, many of whom struggle in silence, much like I did. The emotional toll of war and service can be overwhelming, and it often leads to substance abuse, depression, and, tragically, suicide. I’ve lost family, friends, and colleagues to these struggles. My stepfather, four military friends, and two police officers I knew took their own lives. Additionally, four of the men I lived with in a sober living facility died from overdoses. These tragedies underscored the dire need for change in the way mental health care is provided to veterans and first responders. In response to these challenges, I’ve decided to pursue a career in mental health counseling. My goal is to create a unique and high-quality mental health service tailored specifically for veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members. I plan to develop mobile clinics that will provide walk-in care for veterans, parked in front of VA facilities and military posts, offering after-hours support for those in need. This initiative is inspired by my frustration with the inadequate care provided by the VA and the many veterans I’ve met who have shared similar struggles.

My journey into service into mental health is due to my time in the Army. The military became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I gained deep respect for the teamwork and discipline it required. However, as I excelled in special operations, my personal struggles intensified. My drinking worsened, and I began to believe in the “Superman theory,” thinking I was invincible and immune to the consequences of my actions. When I transitioned into law enforcement, I thought I had found my true calling. However, the emotional toll of the job, coupled with what I witnessed, sent me into a downward spiral. I experienced two suicide attempts. This led me to rehab, where I spent three months in inpatient care followed by another three months in sober living. Although I relapsed twice, each time I became stronger and more determined. Today, I am two years sober, with a clearer sense of purpose than ever before. Despite my personal growth, I still felt something was missing. Through my experiences in the military, law enforcement, and rehab, I realized my true purpose: helping others who, like me, struggle with trauma, addiction, and mental health issues—especially veterans and first responders. This realization led me to pursue a path in mental health counseling, with a specific focus on trauma-informed therapy. My experiences with PTSD and the lack of support from the VA have given me a unique perspective. When I sought help for my own struggles, I found the system to be inadequate. I felt dismissed by the VA’s rushed consultations and limited mental health resources. The system, designed to support those who have served, often leaves veterans feeling unheard and abandoned. This lack of care is something I’ve seen firsthand in the countless veterans and first responders I’ve encountered throughout my life, many of whom struggle in silence, much like I did. The emotional toll of war and service can be overwhelming, and it often leads to substance abuse, depression, and, tragically, suicide. I’ve lost family, friends, and colleagues to these struggles. My stepfather, four military friends, and two police officers I knew took their own lives. Additionally, four of the men I lived with in a sober living facility died from overdoses. These tragedies underscored the dire need for change in the way mental health care is provided to veterans and first responders. In response to these challenges, I’ve decided to pursue a career in mental health counseling. My goal is to create a unique and high-quality mental health service tailored specifically for veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members. I plan to develop mobile clinics that will provide walk-in care for veterans, parked in front of VA facilities and military posts, offering after-hours support for those in need. This initiative is inspired by my frustration with the inadequate care provided by the VA and the many veterans I’ve met who have shared similar struggles.

My journey into service into mental health is due to my time in the Army. The military became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I gained deep respect for the teamwork and discipline it required. However, as I excelled in special operations, my personal struggles intensified. My drinking worsened, and I began to believe in the “Superman theory,” thinking I was invincible and immune to the consequences of my actions. When I transitioned into law enforcement, I thought I had found my true calling. However, the emotional toll of the job, coupled with what I witnessed, sent me into a downward spiral. I experienced two suicide attempts. This led me to rehab, where I spent three months in inpatient care followed by another three months in sober living. Although I relapsed twice, each time I became stronger and more determined. Today, I am two years sober, with a clearer sense of purpose than ever before. Despite my personal growth, I still felt something was missing. Through my experiences in the military, law enforcement, and rehab, I realized my true purpose: helping others who, like me, struggle with trauma, addiction, and mental health issues—especially veterans and first responders. This realization led me to pursue a path in mental health counseling, with a specific focus on trauma-informed therapy. My experiences with PTSD and the lack of support from the VA have given me a unique perspective. When I sought help for my own struggles, I found the system to be inadequate. I felt dismissed by the VA’s rushed consultations and limited mental health resources. The system, designed to support those who have served, often leaves veterans feeling unheard and abandoned. This lack of care is something I’ve seen firsthand in the countless veterans and first responders I’ve encountered throughout my life, many of whom struggle in silence, much like I did. The emotional toll of war and service can be overwhelming, and it often leads to substance abuse, depression, and, tragically, suicide. I’ve lost family, friends, and colleagues to these struggles. My stepfather, four military friends, and two police officers I knew took their own lives. Additionally, four of the men I lived with in a sober living facility died from overdoses. These tragedies underscored the dire need for change in the way mental health care is provided to veterans and first responders. In response to these challenges, I’ve decided to pursue a career in mental health counseling. My goal is to create a unique and high-quality mental health service tailored specifically for veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members. I plan to develop mobile clinics that will provide walk-in care for veterans, parked in front of VA facilities and military posts, offering after-hours support for those in need. This initiative is inspired by my frustration with the inadequate care provided by the VA and the many veterans I’ve met who have shared similar struggles. I lost to many good men do to suicide and its not my life goal bring attached to this down fall on mental health. Thank you!