The Difficult Transition from Military to Civilian Life

James B. at HVAF

James B. served in the Air Force from the mid 1980s to early 1990s. James wanted to travel the world and fly, and he did just that. He’s been all over the world including Great Britain, Germany and Scotland. The actual war part of being in the military was hardest for James. “I always had to be ready to go,” he said. After serving, James also struggled with homelessness.  He was stressed and unable to cope mentally with coming back to the real world. A friend of his searched for veteran programs and came across HVAF. James contacted HVAF in July 2015 and was provided services within the week. He remembers the first day he came to HVAF. “It was raining, and all I had was a bicycle with a red cart on it. It had all of my things in it,” he said.  James now credits his turn around to his Case Manager. Brian Andree is constantly reaching to James to make sure he is okay. He helped James become a more positive person and change his life. James didn’t have a backup plan, but Andree helped him reach his goal. James thanks HVAF for making him more optimistic and resilient. He moved out of Carson Apartments in March and into his apartment and works for AT&T Directv.