When you commit 24 years of your life to something, that something becomes part of your identity.  However, when that sense of identity is suddenly removed, the feeling of loss can lead us down a perilous road from which many do not return.

This was the case for 24 year Army veteran Farron Dozier.

Late in his career, Farron’s health mysteriously began to fail.  Finding the reason behind his diminishing health would take several years, but he would eventually learn that he was a carrier of the Sickle Cell trait.  Unfortunately, the new knowledge would be bittersweet for Farron.  Because it would immediately solve the mystery behind his health issues, but also bring his career in the Army to an abrupt end.

The years that followed would put Sergeant First Class (retired) Dozier through the gambit of emotions that come with a loss of identity, bouts of depression, thoughts of suicide, strengthening his mental health education, reimagining his future, and finding a new passion to invest his time and military experience.

#veteranstories #veteransfirst #bettertogether

Episode available on Monday, September 6, wherever you listen to your podcasts, and on YouTube after 10 a.m. 

https://youtu.be/PJOHfpDlGs0