Three Veterans Tell Their Story of Recovery and Community

Not every battle ends on the battlefield.

Not every battle ends on the battlefield. Veterans like Rick, Jay, and Bill are opening up about struggles that don’t always look like what people expect. Their stories remind us that healing shouldn’t come with judgment — and that support can’t grow in silence. Creating space for these stories helps ensure conversations about mental health and substance use aren’t shaped by stereotypes, but grounded in real lives and real courage.