Eric served three deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, facing challenges that are difficult to imagine. His journey with VOA began through a simple conversation at the local Veterans Hall. Introduced to a VOA Moral Injury Specialist by a friend, Eric’s life started to shift toward healing and hope.
Please read Eric’s story below:
Eric, a Veteran who served three deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan, faced challenges many cannot imagine. His journey with VOA began through a simple conversation at the local Veterans hall, where organizations gather to connect and support those who have served. A friend introduced him to a VOA Moral Injury Specialist, and from there, Eric’s life started to shift in a meaningful way.
Eric was living sparsely in a small, apartment that barely felt like a home. The walls echoed the solitude that defined Eric’s life. His space reflected a struggle with underhousing, where basic comforts were sacrificed for survival. Despite the challenges he faced, there was a quiet resilience in Eric, hinting at hopes for a future that transcended the confines of his current existence.
“What I learned is that often, when we want to quit and simply isolate … I think we really need to do the work and push through – because there is hope on the other side.”
Eric, a Veteran who served three deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan, faced challenges many cannot imagine. His journey with VOA began through a simple conversation at the local Veterans hall, where organizations gather to connect and support those who have served. A friend introduced him to a VOA Moral Injury Specialist, and from there, Eric’s life started to shift in a meaningful way.
Eric was living sparsely in a small, apartment that barely felt like a home. The walls echoed the solitude that defined Eric’s life. His space reflected a struggle with underhousing, where basic comforts were sacrificed for survival. Despite the challenges he faced, there was a quiet resilience in Eric, hinting at hopes for a future that transcended the confines of his current existence.
“The people are very friendly; they truly care.”
He underwent training to become an instructor and began facilitating groups in Lander, Wyoming. While that first group faced challenges, Eric gained valuable insights. “What I learned is that often, when we want to quit and simply isolate … I think we really need to do the work and push through – because there is hope on the other side,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability in creating meaningful support systems.
Eric’s involvement with VOA has had a profound impact on his own life. “Before the retreat, I often felt the need to isolate,” he admitted. Through the retreat and his role as an instructor, he’s seen positive changes in himself, including a greater willingness to connect with others.
When asked what he would say to other Veterans hesitant to seek help, Eric highlighted the supportive and inclusive nature of VOA. He recalled attending a town hall-style forum, where he shared his experiences and answered questions from the community. “That was really beneficial—explaining the program but also sharing firsthand experience,” he said.
Eric appreciates the genuine care and compassion he’s encountered through VOA. “The people are very friendly; they truly care,” he said. Eric noted that VOA’s Christian-based approach is never forceful. As someone who identifies as more spiritual than religious, this inclusive attitude resonated deeply with him.
Eric’s journey with VOA demonstrates the power of community, understanding, and a willingness to take the first step toward healing.
His story is a testament to the incredible resilience of Veterans and the life-changing impact of VOA’s Moral Injury Program.
By opening up, helping others, and embracing the support around him, Eric has not only found his own path to healing but has also become a guiding light for others.