Why do we exist?
Local Veteran leaders of Galveston County recognized the lack of support and resources that existed within our rural county for fellow Veterans returning home to face the numerous challenges of transitioning from warrior to civilian. “They teach us how to put on the uniform, but they don’t teach us how to take it off. This organization returned to me a sense of purpose and today I’m an Advanced EMT and Firefighter for the City of Galveston,” said Robert Garcia, Army Airborne Veteran (2014-2017) and Executive Board Member of Honor Local Veterans.
As service-connected disabled Veterans, we know firsthand the difficulties that exists within the Veteran community including divorce, financial crisis, substance abuse, lack of purpose, unemployment, homelessness, mental trauma, and suicide. These are real issues that have a lasting impact on Veteran families and our community. We made a decision to reach out and help Veterans locally.
“We came together as Veterans to become part of the solution because we’ve traveled through those dark roads, and I almost ended up a statistic. I’ve been there and now I want to help. This is why we started this nonprofit,” said Stephen Saltzman, Marine Recon Veteran (1987-1991), former high threat personal security for Blackwater, and Founding Board Member of Honor Local Veterans.
On June 15, 2023, Dr. Julie Kroviak Testified before Congress on Improving Substance Use Disorder Care for Veterans and stated that Veterans "living in highly rural areas are 65% more likely to die from suicide than those residing in urban settings." This is a significant number --- 65%. How can we as a Veteran community and us as American citizens standby and allow this to be a reality within our own County? This is unacceptable and we must do more to help.
“While the statistic is astounding, we feel empowered by the evidence presented by Dr. Julie because it clearly validates the importance of our work for the 23,000+ Veterans living in Galveston County. We are committed to being a beacon of hope for our brothers and sisters who feel neglected, disconnected and without purpose. Two college professors, who were also Veterans, helped me when I returned home so it is my turn to give back in honor of them, said Fidencio Leija Jr., Navy Veteran (1996-2005) and President & Founder of Honor Local Veterans.
Today, we can confidently recognize the turning point that improved our life. Our journey to recovery stemmed from the support and introduction to resources by another fellow Veteran. This is the catalyst we build on --- Veterans serving and connecting Veterans. Our work is hyperfocused on hyperlocal so that we can make a long term and lasting impact for Veterans and their families.
As service-connected disabled Veterans, we know firsthand the difficulties that exists within the Veteran community including divorce, financial crisis, substance abuse, lack of purpose, unemployment, homelessness, mental trauma, and suicide. These are real issues that have a lasting impact on Veteran families and our community. We made a decision to reach out and help Veterans locally.
“We came together as Veterans to become part of the solution because we’ve traveled through those dark roads, and I almost ended up a statistic. I’ve been there and now I want to help. This is why we started this nonprofit,” said Stephen Saltzman, Marine Recon Veteran (1987-1991), former high threat personal security for Blackwater, and Founding Board Member of Honor Local Veterans.
On June 15, 2023, Dr. Julie Kroviak Testified before Congress on Improving Substance Use Disorder Care for Veterans and stated that Veterans "living in highly rural areas are 65% more likely to die from suicide than those residing in urban settings." This is a significant number --- 65%. How can we as a Veteran community and us as American citizens standby and allow this to be a reality within our own County? This is unacceptable and we must do more to help.
“While the statistic is astounding, we feel empowered by the evidence presented by Dr. Julie because it clearly validates the importance of our work for the 23,000+ Veterans living in Galveston County. We are committed to being a beacon of hope for our brothers and sisters who feel neglected, disconnected and without purpose. Two college professors, who were also Veterans, helped me when I returned home so it is my turn to give back in honor of them, said Fidencio Leija Jr., Navy Veteran (1996-2005) and President & Founder of Honor Local Veterans.
Today, we can confidently recognize the turning point that improved our life. Our journey to recovery stemmed from the support and introduction to resources by another fellow Veteran. This is the catalyst we build on --- Veterans serving and connecting Veterans. Our work is hyperfocused on hyperlocal so that we can make a long term and lasting impact for Veterans and their families.