Why Leading Vets to Water Exists

Leading Vets to Water grew out of lived experience, not a business plan.

Years ago, I was struggling deeply: physically, emotionally, and quietly. I didn’t yet understand why.

An Unexpected Friendship

At the time, I worked in a school district and formed an unexpected friendship with a custodian. We were both veterans, and we connected easily in a way veterans often do, without explanation.

When I experienced an out of hospital cardiac arrest and was suddenly gone from work for an extended time, he noticed. When I returned, he was both relieved and concerned.

He was referring to my deployment. He encouraged me, persistently, with care and without judgment, to go to the VA and talk to someone. I was convinced he was wrong. This had nothing to do with my service. I didn’t believe the VA could offer anything that would help me, and the idea of starting that process felt overwhelming and pointless.

A Promise

But he didn’t give up.

He insisted that help was worth seeking. Eventually, he asked me to promise him I would go, at least once.

I kept my promise.

What followed were years of navigating the VA system: doctors, counselors, programs, and support that slowly helped me understand how much of what I was carrying was absolutely connected to my service.

The process was long and often difficult, but over time I came out the other side with clarity, strength, and a deep understanding of how hard it can be to ask for help, and how powerful it is when another veteran walks alongside you.

In many ways, Leading Vets to Water exists because another veteran once led me to the water.

This work is my way of honoring that act of care. It’s rooted in the belief that we can’t force anyone to accept help, but we can reduce barriers, offer presence, and make the path less overwhelming when someone is ready.

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Because at the end of the day, all you can change is yourself.