San Diego VA ASPIRE Center success

One thousand days and counting. Approaching three years sober, Navy Veteran Leon Huynh has turned the corner toward a successful recovery. His transformation is just another example of the transformative outcomes for Veterans graduating from the San Diego VA ASPIRE Center.

The center is a unique residential domiciliary for post-9/11 Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and at risk of homelessness. Huynh is just one of many Veterans whose lives have been changed for the better after their time at the ASPIRE Center.

Huynh found himself struggling with anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse. He shared his story about the conditions affecting his life. "My mom passed away. Then, during COVID, I started drinking more and more. My friend passed away. I got depressed and thought a lot about committing suicide. I could not help myself anymore," he said.

"They were smiling and I was like, really?"

He asked his doctor about treatment options-specifically the ASPIRE Center in San Diego-after seeing the news clip on YouTube.

Huynh reflected on the Veterans highlighted in the video. "You know they have problems with mental health along with alcohol, drugs, whatever, and they get better and they smile. They were smiling and I was like, really?"

He said he wanted to be able to smile the same way.

Since its inception over 10 years ago, the ASPIRE Center has served over 850 Veterans, providing them with the support, skills and resources needed to make changes in their lives.

A Veteran who lives in New Mexico wrote this message to the ASPIRE Center: "You all changed my life, and I will always remember the wonderful experience and staff that helped me get through and process my trauma."

"We share our experiences with fellow Veterans."

Another Veteran returned to the ASPIRE Center as a VA employee, providing support to his fellow Veterans as a peer counselor. This Veteran takes great pride in the work he is doing. "Together, we share our hope and experiences with our fellow Veterans. Our goal is to help them do the hard emotional work necessary to move on to healthier, happier lives."

Since completing his stay at the ASPIRE Center, Huynh has made a remarkable transformation. He has completed two associate degrees and in the spring will pursue an electrical engineering degree at the University of San Diego. Most importantly, he is paying it forward by using his experiences and knowledge to help fellow Veterans who turn to him for help.

"The ASPIRE Center gives you another chance. Second chance, third chance or whatever. Call them up and ask them for help. That's what I say to the many Veterans that I help with," he added.

Veterans can talk with their provider about a referral to the program.

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