Kevin served in the US Army during the 1980s. After an extremely traumatizing incident, while serving, he began dealing with his PTSD through drinking. Two decades ago, discussion of trauma’s effect on brain function was significantly less than today, and Kevin never received the help he needed. He was eventually dishonorably discharged for issues related to his alcoholism.
Holding down a job was difficult, and Kevin spent 30 years struggling to find adequate employment. Furthermore, he didn't qualify for any financial veteran's benefits or many vital medical, dental and mental health services due to his dishonorable discharge. Eventually, someone recommended that he visit the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY (VOC).
Case managers inside the VOC gathered paperwork and propelled the process forward for over a year, pushing for Kevin’s discharge to be reconsidered and overturned. It took one year, but finally, the letter came. The relief in the room was palpable as the letter was being torn open. The news was read And the course of Kevin’s life was changed forever.
Today, he is surrounded by case managers and services he needs to thrive. He is enrolled in counseling, pushing himself to participate in peer support events, and has able to hold down a job for over a year.
Kevin shared, "I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't for the Veterans One-stop Center. They are the first organization that actually helped me. My life has changed for the better since walking through their doors.”