Tracy’s Story

From living in a tent and dealing with PTSD, anxiety and isolation, tracy’s life is changed…

I come from a military family. My father served and my great grandfather was a Buffalo soldier. I got into the airborne element and served for 25 years of active federal military service which included 15 years of special operations airborne and then a drill sergeant.

Some of the military responsibilities hit me pretty hard. Losing buddies and fallen comrades and being a casualty systems NCO where you have to knock at the door and acknowledge condolences to families. A lot of stuff hit me and I cycled into a PTSD spiral with much anxiety and depression.   

When a Veteran returns to the states, you’re asked to transition into a role of complacency, of normalcy, of independence…but you're used to a lot of teamwork and cohesiveness. When you return, there are no more missions and you don't have any more people to develop.

These factors are compounded by personal issues, family issues, career choices, your destabilization, your financial stability, your home state, your marriage, deciding where to live, your health care and more. I love my country, but our governmental system does a poor job of helping Veterans reengage into civilian life. My PTSD, anxiety and dealing with an isolation bubble greatly affected my marriage and ultimately lead to a divorce.

So, I packed some duffel bags, some tents, a sleeping bag and began living in the woods down by a lake. I am not into drugs, but the isolation was overwhelming. I was asking God for help, I needed to reset myself.

Luckily, I found VCP. Their Outreach center helped me with no questions asked. They helped me out with bus transportation and stabilized care.

Jeff and Kevin, the case managers along with Galileo, helped me with a Tiny Home and my entire life was changed for the better.

VCP is serious about providing resources and support by a very dedicated, and trained staff.

Today, I am in a much better place. I love my neighbor Veterans within the Village and VCP is assisting with resources like mobilization, job opportunities, counseling, mentorship, and the exploration of options in permanent housing.

I'm living proof the VCP platform works. I still carry a combat pin in my billfold from my brothers I lost in the Iraq war. I made it back but so many didn’t. VCP is helping Veterans with much more than just monetary support. They’re helping to heal hearts and minds…I say, thank you, thank you for what you’re doing for us.

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and functional place. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your mission.