ESCONDIDO, Calif. — The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for our wounded warriors, especially if they find themselves homeless. In this Zevely Zone, I went to Escondido to meet a veteran who is grateful to have a roof over his head.
When post-9/11 vets with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress need a place to live, the non-profit organization Wounded Warrior Homes opens its arms.
For Army Veteran Yashie Navarro, war was the worst, but when he returned home a new battle was waiting.
"It's definitely an experience I wasn't expecting," said former Army Specialist Yashie Navarro. He was 21 years old when he went to war in Afghanistan.
"I was involved in an IED blast," said Yashie who suffered a traumatic brain injury. "I know what I wanted to say I had the words in my mind but the words just were not coming out," said Yashie.
What did express itself was a coping mechanism for PTSD and depression. "I needed alcohol to survive. If I didn't drink alcohol I would start shaking," said Yashie.
He separated from his wife and lost custody of his son, Nicolai. "It was gut-wrenching," said Yashie.
When he hit rock bottom, someone broke into Yashie's house. "I didn't know who it was but it was my dad. He saw how I was living and I have never seen him so disappointed or so sad and concerned at the same time when he threw me in his car and drove me here to San Diego," said Yashie.
Nine months of therapy followed and Yashi got sober. He says his dad and therapy saved his life.
So did a place to live because he was also homeless. "I think San Diego is the most expensive place in California," said Yashie. The non-profit organization Wounded Warrior Homes gave Yashie a place to live.
After finding a passion for cooking, Yashi now works in a restaurant and has something special to come home to. "She helps me a lot to get through the day with my PTSD, my depression," said Yashie.
Pika is an emotional support dog. "Once I come home and see the mess she makes, it's alright the problems at work don't seem so bad," said Yashie.
Along with a special dog, the former Army specialist has good news. "I am 305 days sober," said Yashie.
Sobriety meant reconnecting with his 8-year-old son. "He told me the other day 'Hey dad, you don't drink that stinky drink no more'," said Yashie "You know kids have no filter, they say what they mean and for him to say that was a proud moment to say 'no I don't drink that anymore.'"
Yashie told us for right now, the light at the end of the tunnel for him is on the front porch of his Wounded Warrior Home. "I just want to say thanks to them," said Yashie. "I am fighting for myself number one and for my son number two."
Wounded Warrior Homes, Inc., is a San Marcos, California based 501(c)3 non-profit that helps homeless veterans get off the street and rehabilitated into a healthy lifestyle. Their food pantry and counseling help more than 500 veterans annually. For more information, click here.
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