I was connected with Guardian Renewal Project at a very dark point in my life. I felt like there was no hope and no way out.
I was paired with Richard, and there was an immediate sense of connection. He never made me feel pressured to share, and when I did open up, I never felt judged.
The team at GRP truly saved my life. They’re a big reason I’ve gone from just surviving to genuinely thriving.
I served eight years honorably as an Airborne Infantryman, with deployments to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Today, I’m married to an incredible woman and a proud stepfather to two great young men.
I’m also a recovering alcoholic, now three years sober.
I first came across Guardian Community at a veteran networking event. At the time, I had been struggling with anxiety, depression, and past trauma. It was affecting my relationships, and I found myself becoming more isolated.
Connecting with Guardian was easy and natural. They paired me with a coach who fit my schedule, and each week we spent an hour talking through what was going on in my life and working through practical solutions. Over time, I built a strong connection with my coach—I consider him a good friend. He’s there when I need him outside of our sessions and continues to inspire me with how he lives and serves others.
Since then, I’ve seen real change. I’ve become more active in my community, joined a life group and Bible study for the first time, and genuinely enjoy being part of both. My stepsons are thriving in school and have recently won regional awards, and my wife continues her meaningful work as a grief counselor.
I’m incredibly grateful for Guardian Community and the support I’ve received. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with them.
God brought this counseling service into my life just weeks after my husband passed away. One day while walking my dogs, I met a veteran working with this organization—and I truly believe that moment was divinely guided.
For nearly two years now, I’ve been meeting with Shannon weekly, and her support has been life-changing. She’s helped me understand the trauma brain and how it affects my daily life, giving me tools to stay grounded and move out of a fear-based mindset.
Through this journey, my faith has grown stronger, and I’ve been reminded that God has been with me every step of the way. I’m deeply grateful for the healing, understanding, and hope this service has brought into my life.
I came to Guardian while struggling with addiction tied to PTSD from my service. My mentor has been incredible, walking with me through the hard work of healing. What meant the most to me was knowing they didn’t disappear—they continued to check in, support me, and stand by me week after week until I was truly okay.
I grew up struggling with my identity after experiencing deep hurt and abuse, which led me down a path of addiction as I searched for belonging. Eventually, I reached a breaking point and surrendered my life to Jesus—not just knowing about Him, but truly knowing Him. Through recovery, counseling, and being guided to Guardian, I found a community willing to walk beside me no matter how dark the road felt. We were never meant to do life alone, and Guardian reminded me of that.
After years as a paramedic, one call changed everything and sent me into a spiral I couldn’t pull myself out of. I lost my job, my insurance, and found myself at rock bottom, unsure how I would take care of my family or even survive. Guardian showed up when I had nowhere else to turn. Through their support, consistent care, and encouragement, I found hope again. I truly believe that without Guardian, I would not be here today.
Before this program—and before Jesus—I was ashes. Through this journey, my life has been restored and transformed into a garden.
I was homeless, caught up in drugs, and had completely lost my faith. My 18th birthday was spent in Iraq, dodging bullets and grenades as an infantryman. When I came home, everything fell apart. I lost my grandmother in a tragedy that shattered me, and for years I drowned in alcohol and pain, trying to figure out why I was even here.
After four DUIs and a night that ended with me being tased and broken, God stepped back into my life. What started as a spiritual awakening turned into complete deliverance. I gave my life back to Christ and everything began to change.
A few months later, I found the Guardian Renewal Project. Talking with their team helped me find peace again—real peace. For the first time in years, I knew I deserved better, that God still had a purpose for me.
I’ve now been sober for over a year, and I thank God every single day. Guardian helped me get back on my feet and reminded me that we’re not forgotten. Today, I share my story and help other veterans step out of those same dark places. There is hope—and there is better for us.
I served with the 814th Engineer Battalion, 1st CSB. Right out of basic, I was deployed to Iraq—not for my MOS as a bridge crew member, but as the lead gunner on the Mk19, running CST and escorting officers between bases. One day, I spotted contact in my lane, fired a pin flare, and engaged. The rounds tore into a vehicle, which turned out to be a VBIED. It detonated close to us, and I felt the shockwave pass through my body.
We returned to Al Asad Airbase, but by the next day I had to be medevaced to Germany—I was bleeding from my eyes, ears, and nose in my sleep. After some time, I was transferred to BAMC, told I could no longer serve, and was sent home. I struggled for years with alcohol, but I eventually got clean, got married, and now have four kids I’d give my soul for—if I still had one.
Recently, while working an under-the-table job, I got pinned between a tractor and a building and ended up with broken ribs. I was raised to believe a man should never ask for help—that he should provide for his family no matter what. But the people I’ve spoken with at Guardian are helping me feed my family until I’m back on my feet. They’re also helping me move from 70% to 100% disability and connecting me with real brothers—people who truly understand what I went through, not civilians with a PhD who can’t feel the rage I carry daily.
I am truly grateful, and I vow to remember this. I will return the favor for the help they’ve given my wife and kids.
Guardian Community has been a huge support system for me as I navigate through some difficult times. I’m very thankful for the care and encouragement they provide.
