My name is Ruben Torres, and I served my country as a proud Marine. My parents came to this country with nothing, and they worked so hard to give me a better life. I was born here, and I always felt like it was my duty to give back. That’s why I joined the Marines. I wanted to serve the country that gave my family a chance.
The military was tough, but I loved it. I had a mission, a purpose, and I made brothers for life. But during my second tour, my world changed. Both my mom and dad passed away within a year of each other. I wasn’t even there to say goodbye. That hit me hard. They were everything to me, and when I got out of the Marines, I didn’t have anyone waiting for me. No family. No support.
At first, I tried to keep it together. I told myself I’d be fine. I got a small job, but it didn’t last long. Civilian life is nothing like the Marines. Nobody tells you what to do, but nobody helps you either. I didn’t know how to ask for help, and I was too proud to admit I was struggling. Pretty soon, I was sleeping in my truck, eating whatever I could afford, and feeling like a failure.
One day, I ran into another Marine I served with. He could see I wasn’t doing good, and he told me about Patriot Services. He said they helped him when he was down, and I should go talk to them. I wasn’t sure about it at first. I didn’t want a handout. But he told me it wasn’t like that. So I gave it a try.
Patriot Services didn’t judge me or make me feel small. They treated me with respect, like I was still a Marine, still someone who mattered. They helped me get back on my feet, starting with a place to stay and food to eat.
They didn’t stop there. They helped me figure out all the benefits I didn’t even know I had as a veteran. They got me into counseling to help me deal with losing my parents and all the things I carried from my time in the service.
They even taught me how to look for a job, write a resume, and show people that the skills I learned in the Marines are valuable. Now, I’m working a steady job in construction, and I’m even saving up to get my own place.
I still miss my parents every day, but now I feel like I’m making them proud. Patriot Services gave me a second chance when I thought I was out of options. They gave me a reason to believe in myself again.
For anyone out there like me, who feels lost or alone after leaving the military, don’t be afraid to reach out. Places like Patriot Services understand what we’ve been through. They know how to help.
- Ruben Torres
Add comment
Comments