The father of my two boys was a Vietnamese Veteran. Due to his undiagnosed PTSD, he self-medicated with alcohol. Because of that, I became the single mom of a 4-year old and a 6-month old. He lost his battle with PTSD and alcohol at the very young age of 56. I have seen firsthand how PTSD and alcohol DESTROYED not only him but also our family and prevented my boys from EVER having a father.

Both my boys chose the military, my oldest Marine Corp for 6 years now as an Army Ranger Captain, my youngest is now an Army Sniper, Airborne Sergeant. The have both deployed to the front lines more than twice now. I see the effects. I see the change. I fear for them.

I found Warriors Heart and Mission 22 here in Bandera at a downtown event. I told my husband, who is a 34-year old Army Master Sergeant and my words were “I would love to work with them. This is why we chose Bandera, Texas as our retirement home.”

I am so thankful to see there is a place to heal, a place of hope, a place to be understood and I get to be a small part of it.

There are many more reasons WHY, but I will end with because they are now my extended family and I am here for every one of them as they fight the battle at home.