Rashaun served in
the Air Force in Korea (2008-2009), Iraq (2009-2010), Turkey (2011) and Afghanistan
(2013). While serving, “getting used to wearing your weaknesses out in the open
was hard to deal with,” he said. He focused on his vulnerabilities and turned
them into strengths. Adjusting back to civilian life was hard for Rashaun. He
picked up hobbies such as working out and volunteering. He also had a loving
support system along the way to help him adjust. Still, Rashaun felt misunderstood
when he came back. He was struggling with alcohol abuse when he reached out to
HVAF. “They helped me, took care of me and got me housing,” he said. Kascha Koelling, his case manager, was a
sounding board. She provide the veteran with necessities. Kascha and Rashaun
established goals together, and she made sure he stayed on top of those goals.
Rashaun also says HVAF Outreach Coordinator Rodney Jackson helped him along the
way in getting his life back on track with supporting words of wisdom. Without
HVAF, Rashaun believes he would still be on the streets. HVAF gave him a chance
to get acclimated and helped him feel settled.
