Stories of Impact from 2023
Its Incredibly Important to remind ourselves and our supporters why we do what we do. Read just some of the impact that you and Veterans Navigation Network have had in changing lives in 2023.
Jason (not the Veteran’s real name, to protect his privacy), a Marine veteran, had depression stemming from the suicide of another Marine during his time in service. That coupled with the unfortunately slow death of his mother due to cancer, led to him receiving a discharge from the Corps with a less than honorable discharge, instead of the treatment he desperately needed for his severe depression. Jason then moved to Montana to be with other family members, which should have been a support system for him. Instead, he ended up supporting them as they battled with addiction and their own mental health.
Jason was upset over the type of discharge he received, lost interest in most things, had feelings of worthlessness, trouble concentrating and sleeping, with truly little hope for change. Because of that hopelessness, he began to think suicide was the way to end his pain, and even had a date circled on his calendar of when he would make that decision, if nothing changed in his life...
Fortunately, Jason was introduced to Blake, the Founder for Veterans Navigation Network. After a brief conversation, Jason decided to be paired with a mentor at Veterans Navigation Network (VNN). From that conversation, more followed, trust was built, and that peer mentor walked alongside Jason for over the course of the year (and continues to do so) as he was connected with a trusted counselor, health care, stable housing and a steady job. During this time, the VNN team was also able to work with the Marine Corps to upgrade Jason’s discharge to Honorable, which generated relief and a lot of pride for him. Over time, Jason was able to lose excess weight, volunteered not only with VNN, but many other local nonprofits, and helped veterans and the community. Now, Jason has taken a new job, and is continuing to get closer to his goal of serving as a law enforcement officer.
Jason has referred many other veterans to Veterans Navigation Network, as he knows the impact that VNN has had on his life. A statement from Jason has stuck with me,
“ “VNN doesn’t just help, it gives veterans a reason to live.” ”
Ryan, an Army veteran we’ve worked with was referred to VNN by a family member concerned about the vet’s isolation and struggles with PTS and undiagnosed/untreated TBI. We met with the veteran and discussed his mental health struggles, anger, suicidal ideation, how he copes, some constructive ways of addressing his PTS and his frustration and anger with the VA for denying his TBI was related to combat in Afghanistan. By simply listening to the vet, it was quite apparent be suffered from TBI related to his service. We worked with the VA TBI coordinator to have him evaluated, which led to his TBI diagnosis and treatment. Having the VA finally acknowledge his TBI was combat related was a major relief. Over time and treatment his ability to cope with both the PTS and TBI greatly improved. Work remains, but he’s in a much better place. He’s volunteered for several VNN events and was even interviewed by a local news station on the 20th anniversary, of the Iraq War and the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Separating service members, veterans and their families can face many daunting challenges due to military service. Far too often those challenges can lead to suicide. We recently assisted a 31-year-old surviving spouse, Monica and her daughter following the death by suicide of her Army medic husband who had two deployments. The sudden, unexpected and violent manner of death and the shock and trauma it caused will remain with our young widow for a lifetime. Emotional reactions are often complex and result in a bewildering range of feelings including guilt, anger, shame, rejection, sadness and fear. People who have been bereaved by suicide may become vulnerable to thoughts of suicide themselves. The physical reactions may include tightness in various body parts, stomach pains, sleeplessness and poor concentration. VNN was able to connect her with a support group, financial assistance to include childcare, and eventually with VA benefits, including a monthly tax-free benefit payment, medical and education benefits, and local resources. We can never take away the pain of her loss, but we have been able to provide a safe place she can come when needing help and at other times, simply a compassionate ear.
There are many examples of how VNN and our partner network have helped veterans.
One last example involves an Air Force veteran, Eric, who attended one of VNN’s annual community resource fairs. The vet had recently moved to Billings, was looking for work and trying to cope with anxiety, depression, and some “dark thoughts”. We worked to get the vet enrolled in VA healthcare and connected to behavioral health. He was able to find employment through a partner and what thrilled him the most was when we connected him to an excellent equine therapy non-profit just north of Billings. He told me once he was “able to find joy in life” once again.
Some other key areas of impact over the last year, which could not have been accomplished without your support: