03/13/2024
What is the most challenging time for a veteran after their service? It’s the first few years afterwards. Why do I say that? Simply because they have been immersed into a culture for several years, possibly even decades. That culture was their be all and end all until their discharge from service. After they are discharged, they have to navigate a myriad of different challenges, from getting enrolled into the VA system, to getting their benefits that are owed to them, not to mention getting work, and a home. If they have a family they have to deal with all the things that the family is dealing with, in changing from a military to a civilian life. All of this and at the same time they may also be dealing with a major physical or mental health issue such as living with a lost limb or having a traumatic brain injury. Most of the time it’s a combination of physical and and psychological issues. All this and just simply trying to adapt to life outside of the structure that was their provider and gave them a feeling of purpose and worth. This is the very reason why there are on the average 22 suicides of veterans daily. The demons they fight daily in conjunction with the daily struggles of maintaining a job and a home , in addition to trying to move forward in their chosen career by getting education, or training necessary to be successful in that career . It’s a lot for one person to navigate alone. Even if they do have a strong support system in their family and friends, many don’t know how to be there for them when the demons come, or the struggle just gets too hard. That’s why I founded Sheepdogs Anchored in Christ Ministries. I am not out to do anything but come alongside our Veterans and provide the necessary support they need regardless of the nature of the support needed. The main Focus is to have a safe place where they can seek real help and get real support from men who have been through what they have. I have launched a website ( honestly it still needs some work but it is coming together very well) and I have a fellow vet that has partnered with me to begin to work through this ministry at his church. I will be posting here and on the ministry Facebook/ Instagram pages more info about what we are doing and what opportunities we are praying God will provide us. Right now I just ask that all who have a heart for our Veterans please pray for this ministry and the scope of work that we are intending on taking on.
