Through his story, Rob reveals how his military experience led him to The Shea Center—and a new sense of purpose.

 

“I’m a retired disabled veteran who served 26 years in the military, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. My time in service—especially combat operations involving small arms fire, mortars, RPG fire, and an IED blast—left lasting physical and psychological impacts. After retiring in 2017, I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and struggled for years with work, relationships, and my sense of purpose. At one point, I survived a suicide attempt, followed by a transformative VA residential PTSD program that helped me rebuild.

“I found The Shea Center through the Vet Center’s equine therapy program, and it became a turning point in my recovery. Working with horses gave me back a sense of connection, confidence, and purpose I had lost. What started as therapy grew into something much deeper—I became a rider, a volunteer leader and sidewalker, and now serve as Shea’s Military Ambassador.

“Today, I’m working toward becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor so I can give back more directly, especially to other veterans. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful equine therapy can be for those struggling with PTSD, depression, and reintegration into civilian life. I’ve also seen how many veterans still need this support.

“My hope is to help The Shea Center’s Military Program grow so it can reach far more veterans—because for many of us, programs like this are not just helpful; they are life-changing.”