I served in the Marine Corps from 2000 to 2004, and I served in Iraq as part of one of the first units to deploy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I had no idea what I was going to experience. At first, when everything was over, I figured “I’m going to be ok.” I had no idea of the life I was going to have after combat, and I thought that nothing had changed within me. But, in time, I began to experience survivor’s guilt, anger, depression, loss of hope, detachment from family members, and loss of certain beliefs and morals flooded in. Because these things came from my time in service, I had no one to talk to about it after. I’d bottle everything up and self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. I tried getting help from VA, but at times I couldn’t go through with it. I was afraid and skeptical. 

In November 2017, I was introduced to a life changing program from Volunteers of America. ReST (Resilience, Strength, Time) 4 VETS allowed me to see the benefits of expressing myself and listening to others. Times that I felt hopeless, defeated or numb were changed when I was heard by other Veterans like myself. There was an understanding among us—a look you would only get from people in your platoon or squad: That look said “We have your back and we’re listening. We hear you.”

Now, as a Veteran peer support specialist, I’ve seen others who have faced a similar struggle, and I know they don’t have to fix anything alone. VOA|ReST 4 VETS helps each of us carry our loads.

All it takes is an hour on your phone, tablet or computer, and you can share what you are carrying with a small group of other Veterans. Any time you feel down on yourself, defeated, worried, useless or hopeless—ReST 4 VETS is a place to turn.

VOA|ReST 4 Veterans is confidential, free and open to all Veterans. When you click on the links, you’ll be asked to create an account in HeyPeers. Then you’ll see the times for Veterans to meet. Pick one that fits your schedule and join us! 

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3 Comments

  1. Karl White CPS August 9, 2023 at 14:38

    If I can offer my services please contact me… former US Navy Corpsman now working as Peer Support Specialist in HUD-VASH VISN4 VAMC Coatesville, PA

  2. Rickey August 7, 2023 at 11:50

    I’m a disable veteran that served doing the Vietnam era.I was in Marines 1974 – 1977
    In 1975 doing the Evacuation in Saigon I was in Hawaii, on alert then being to ready
    DeployTo Okinawa Japan. and having all the symptoms of agent orange they not
    Honoring it because they never recorded it who could I turn to for help I condition
    Has worsened I taken a FMLA leave from my job with Wal Mart there not going
    to let come back they said there trying to resign me where I can set as host at the front
    door

    • Vicki Allen August 9, 2023 at 22:37

      I hope you know that you can file a disability claim with the V.A. JuSt go online. You can find the form to fill out. You can get a VSO to help you with it all. You can be compensated for the fact that you have symptoms of Agent Orange. If you don’t want to work at Wal Mart, there are many other places to work. Maybe the V.A, can help you get a different job. I hope you look into getting as much help as possible from the V.A. Our nation owes you a debt of gratitude for serving in the military. Thank you so much for your sacrifices for our country. I hope you are getting treatment, whether through the V.A. or in the private sector. I hope so much that you get feeling better.

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