Once homeless veteran now wants to help others

Veterans around the country face another battle when they return from combat. For many it’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For others, it’s also addiction.

Army veteran James Roberts has dealt with it all. During one of his lowest points, he was sleeping in his truck or couch surfing. After doing a complete 180, he’s now helping other vets overcome their struggles.

“Unfortunately I had to witness some things in South Korea that were horrible,” Roberts explained, “And therefore I had PTSD and didn’t even realize it until 20 or 30 years later.”

Roberts turned to booze and drugs to get rid of the demons from the past and was living on the streets. He was finally able to get the help he needed. He says the Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County opened doors for him, giving him transitional housing for up to two years and treatment to battle those demons. He’s now president of the VTC’s Resident Council, organizing field trips and events for other veterans.

“I’m trying to get these guys out more,” Robert said. “Because a lot of them are used to not having nothing and they are somewhat recluse, they’re afraid to come out but I understand that, I was there.”

Roberts is also taking online courses with hopes of becoming a drug and rehab counselor to continue to help others facing the issues he once faced.