At 19, Justin enlisted in the United States Air Force, during his 20 years of service he held a variety of different jobs, everything from Cook to Combat Readiness Instructor. His most taxing job, however, would be when he was assigned as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Mortuary Affairs.

In late 2012 Justin decided to share his story in the book, “And Then I Cried, Stories of a Mortuary NCO”. His hope was that his story could help others struggling with PTSD. In 2013 Justin was Medically Retired from the Air Force with 20 years of service. Justin continued his advocacy and worked with The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program where he managed the Ambassador Program. He was responsible for teaching seriously injured or ill Airman how to tell and share their stories of recovery with audience’s worldwide.

Justin is also an accomplished artist and his paintings can be seen hanging in the Pentagon. His book continues to help others who are struggling and he continues his advocacy coming to Warriors Heart excited to start his next chapter helping warriors find treatment.

My Why:

Helping my brothers and sisters in the warrior class is my passion, advocacy is the true path to healing and I’m still healing myself. As Warriors, we struggle every day it is that struggle that bonds us, it is that struggle that makes us stronger. We may fall, we may stumble, but we will never quit.