Frank Uriostegui served in the U.S. Army, but struggled with the transition back into civilian life. In this testimonial article he wrote for Stars & Stripes, Frank reflected on his journey back to a stable and thriving life with some help from JVS SoCal. He writes:
“Every night, I searched for a different parking lot where I could sleep without being bothered. I usually parked beneath the neon lights of office buildings because they made me feel a little safer than complete darkness…
I remembered the Veterans Crisis Line. I expected someone to tell me not to kill myself. Instead, they listened. They told me I wasn’t alone. They told me there were people who could help me find housing, find work, resolve my suspended driver’s license, and connect me with organizations that understood what veterans go through…
“If you’ve never served in the military, I hope my story reminds you that a veteran’s service doesn’t end when they take off the uniform. For some, that’s when the hardest battle begins.
“Support the organizations helping veterans rebuild their lives. Tell your elected officials that veteran employment, housing and mental health services deserve continued investment. Those aren’t just programs. They’re lifelines.
“When we celebrate the freedoms so many veterans were willing to defend, I hope we’ll also remember our responsibility to the men and women who come home carrying battles we cannot see.
“Because sometimes the difference between life and death begins with one thought. “There must be someone I can talk to.”
And with someone answering, “We can help you.”