I enlisted in the Army as an 11B back in 2009. During my time in, I served with four different units, C-Co 1-38 CAV (ABN)(LRS), A-Co 519 MI BN, Attack Company 1-503, 173rd, and C-Co 2-501 (PIR) 82nd (ABN)(DIV). I served two combat deployments during my time. In 2017, a lot of things started changing for me, and I kind of started to spiral out of control. I had back-to-back surgeries, one on my shoulder then rolled right into the one on my lower back, all while finding out my oldest daughter starting having seizures. I became addicted to pills all while excessively drinking during all these things going on, which caused me to overdose and almost killed myself. I was stuck in an inpatient facility numerous times, and the last time I was there, I was diagnosed with PTSD, Depression, and anxiety.

At that moment, I decided to make drastic changes in my life. When the Army offered me the retirement, I felt it was the best decision for my family and me because It was time that I focused on them and myself. Once retired, I tried finding happiness in many different things that I used but with little success. The one thing that I realized that I was missing was companionship, and that’s when I was introduced to LABS4LIBERTY and came to be with my best friend, Lucy. My dog has saved me from many things in just the short amount of time I’ve spent with her. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Roger and Joan Nold, along with Alex, for everything they do for the veteran community.