James’s story is a powerful testament to the life-saving impact WarriorWOD has on veterans battling Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and suicidal thoughts. An Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, James was no stranger to the mental health struggles facing many veterans. Despite working at the Department of Veterans Affairs and knowing about available programs, he couldn’t find the support he needed. By November 2022, he was in a dark place, isolated and losing hope.
James later shared a moment that haunts him to this day. On Christmas morning, just nine days before he joined WarriorWOD, he sat alone in his bedroom, a pistol in his lap, contemplating ending his life. In the next room, his wife and toddler daughter were opening presents, unaware of the heartbreak that nearly shattered their family. The thought of his daughter growing up without a father weighed on him, but at that moment, he couldn’t find a reason to stay.
Thankfully, James didn’t go through with it. On January 3, 2023, he joined WarriorWOD. From that moment, everything began to change. Through WarriorWOD’s focus on exercise, nutrition, and mentorship, James found more than just physical fitness—he found a community that understood his struggles and a purpose that gave him hope. He rediscovered what he called “joy and purpose,” a shift that not only saved his life but ensured that his daughter didn’t lose her father and his wife didn’t lose her partner.
James is not alone. He’s one of nine veterans that WarriorWOD has directly saved from suicide. These veterans came to us on the brink, feeling hopeless and lost, and left with the same words James used to describe his transformation—“joy.” The ripple effect is immeasurable, with WarriorWOD creating a community where veterans find healing, purpose, and the support they so desperately need.
After completing our program in June 2023, James didn’t stop there. He became a mentor in the WarriorWOD community, using his experience to guide other veterans along their own recovery journeys. His story is one of many, but it demonstrates how WarriorWOD doesn’t just save lives—it creates a ripple effect of transformation, bringing hope to veterans and their families.
But we can’t do this alone. There are countless veterans like James who need this support, who are battling in silence and don’t know where to turn. Your donation can be the difference between life and death for these veterans. When you give to WarriorWOD, you’re not just contributing to a cause—you’re directly helping veterans find their joy, their purpose, and their reason to live.
Please, open your heart and your wallet. Your generosity ensures that more veterans like James can rediscover life’s joy and purpose, and that more families are spared the pain of losing a loved one. Together, we can save lives—one veteran at a time.
