Changing Lives, One Veteran at a Time
A thousand days and counting! Nearly three years clean, Navy veteran Leon Huynh has reached the milestone of successful recovery. Its transformation is just another example of the transformative results for veterans graduating from the VA San Diego Healthcare System ASPIRE Center, a one-stop residential home for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and at risk of homeless. Leon is just one of many veterans whose lives have been improved after his time at the Aspire Center.
Leon found himself struggling with anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse and shared his story about the conditions affecting his life: “My mother passed away. Then, during COVID, I started drinking more and more. My friend died. I was depressed and thought about suicide a lot. I couldn’t help it anymore.
Leon asked his doctor about treatment options, specifically the ASPIRE Center in San Diego, after seeing the informational clip on YouTube.
Leon reflected on the veterans highlighted in the video: “You know they have mental health issues as well as alcohol, drugs, whatever, and they’re getting better and they’re smiling. They were smiling and I was like, really?
Leon said he wished he could smile the same way.
Since its inception more than 10 years ago, the ASPIRE Center has served more than 850 veterans by providing them with the support, skills and resources needed to make changes in their lives. A veteran who lives in New Mexico wrote this message to the ASPIRE Center: “You all changed my life and I will always remember the wonderful experience and staff who helped me overcome and manage my trauma. »
Another Veteran returned to the ASPIRE Center as a VA employee, providing support to fellow Veterans as a peer counselor. This veteran is very proud of the work he does: “Together we share our hope and experiences with our fellow veterans. Our goal is to help them do the hard emotional work necessary to live healthier, happier lives.
Since the end of his stay at the ASPIRE Center, Léon has made a remarkable transformation. He earned two associate degrees, and in the spring he will pursue a degree in electrical engineering at the University of San Diego. Most importantly, Leon pays it forward by using his experiences and knowledge to help other veterans who turn to him for help.
“The ASPIRE Center gives you another chance. Second chance, third chance or whatever. Call them and ask for help. That’s what I tell the many veterans I help.
Veterans interested in this program can visit the website or call the ASPIRE Center at (855) 297-8397. Veterans can also discuss with their provider whether a referral to the program is appropriate.