#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Brian Anderson

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Brian Anderson. Brian served for 14 years as a journalist and Green Beret.

As a journalist, Brian was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad from 2006 to 2007. He also served as a Green Beret for Operation Enduring Freedom at Camp Mogenson from 2009 to 2010 and in the Urzghan Province from 2010 to 2011. In 2012, Brian left active duty and joined the National Guard while attending college for social work.

When Brian was attending Saint Leo University, he realized how to connect Veterans with the services they needed after returning home. He assisted with the Pasco County Stand Down (now One Community Now Stand Down) event and in 2014 attended the inaugural Post 9/11 Stanford Ignite at Stanford University. In November 2014, he developed a plan with Janel Norton to create The Veterans Alternative. This organization provides multiple programs to help servicemen transition after duty, including exposure to Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidenced-based psychotherapy that works to address the strong physical and emotional reactions associated with PTSD. Brian works along with ART International, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding ART nationwide to ensure Veterans have access to therapy.

Brian also serves on several boards, including the Veterans Transition Task Force, a think tank for updating military to civilian transition through legislation and collaboration.

Thank you for your service, Brian!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.