I served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2004 to January 2005, and again from November 2005 to November 2006. My time in Iraq was filled with moments of camaraderie, courage, and purpose. I believed in the mission and felt proud to be part of something bigger than myself—protecting freedom and serving my country.
In the midst of war, I found hope. I saw firsthand how our presence impacted lives, and I built bonds with fellow soldiers that were stronger than anything I’d known. But alongside that hope came loneliness and fear. Being away from my wife and family was painful. Every day carried the weight of uncertainty—not knowing if a random attack would make it my last.
When I returned home, I expected to feel relief. Instead, I felt lost.
The transition from military to civilian life was disorienting. The structure, the mission, the brotherhood—it was all gone. I struggled to find meaning and direction. The silence was deafening, and the absence of camaraderie left a void I didn’t know how to fill.
To cope with the pain and confusion, I turned to drugs. It wasn’t about rebellion—it was about survival. I was trying to mask the emotional wounds of war and the deep sense of disconnection I felt. Substance abuse became a way to escape, but it also became a trap.
Veteran Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
My story isn’t unique. Many veterans face mental health challenges after deployment—PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are common. The loss of purpose and community can be overwhelming. But there is hope.
Veteran recovery programs, peer support groups, and mental health services are available to help us rebuild. Healing begins with honesty, and recovery begins with connection.
A Message to Fellow Veterans
If you’re struggling, know this: you are not alone. Your pain is valid, and your journey matters. There is strength in seeking help, and there is honor in choosing recovery. The same courage that carried you through combat can carry you through healing.
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Leslee Nelson serves as the Men’s Program Director at Foundations to Freedom, where he leads with compassion and lived experience, helping men rebuild their lives, reunite with their families, and rediscover their purpose.
Dang it Les I’m sorry I’m just now finding this information out and I haven’t told you how much I appreciate you and your service. I didn’t know you served man so thank you dearly for your service. I’m definitely not entertaining this only as a client but someone who grew up in a house hold with an addicted struggling Vietnam Veteran father. I to as your awear know the struggles of addiction and thanks also to this great program,it has truly saved my life. I know I have a lot of work to be done,but for that I’m grateful today.
So with that being said my farther always made it a point to make sure we thanked those of yall whom have served and continued to do just that. So thanks again bud your that man!