Finding purpose in the HERD

Air Force Veteran Scott McLean has always found peace in the eyes of animals.

It all began with his military service as a police officer, where he often spent more time with his canine partner than in his very own home. He refers to his patrol canine as his “therapist,” the one he could share his thoughts with while cruising around in his police car at the Air Force base. 

In service, it was not always a joy ride. It was a time where the youthful McLean witnessed traumatic events that years later would lead him to checking boxes off a symptoms list for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He was struggling with alcoholism and the loss of his wife. Fortunately, his wingman urged him to take a visit to VA. 

“I used to think if I go to VA, I am taking money away from a kid who lost his leg or something. Now, I owe VA my life,” he shared.

Getting connected and beginning therapy was just the start of him finding what he refers to now as his “purpose.” Located in Delray Beach, Florida, he discovered a hidden oasis known as the HERD Foundation. 

“It gave me a sense of freedom.”

Following a deep, emotional therapy session, his therapist referred him to the foundation, where he discovered the tranquility horses can bring. “For the non-spiritual guy that I am, I cannot deny that my heart and soul opened. It gave me a sense of freedom, uplifting and release that I had not felt since before my service days,” he said.

VA laid the steppingstones for him to follow where he found bonds and connections among the mental health team and the barn of horses. So much so that he is now the HERD Foundation Veteran Ambassador. 

“I never would have done this if I did not go to VA. I always knew I had something to give, but I did not know how or where. VA was that game changer and now I know my purpose,” he said.

Over 30 years sober, his story is one he hopes Veterans use as inspiration to find their own story. He is now the one urging Veterans to seek the support of VA. 

He encourages Veterans to pick up a pen and write their own VA story: “Be your own Veteran and get the help you need. It is there just like getting sober. You have to want to get sober; no one can force you. VA is the first step.”