HomeFront Sitrep with Jay Wylie

I was a career naval officer for over 22 years. In fact, I was pretty successful, becoming the Commanding Officer of a Guided Missile Destroyer. However, in that time I developed a serious drinking problem – one that abruptly and painfully ended my naval career. But as bad as it was at the time it was the best thing that ever happened to me as that’s what it took to get me sober. Now, with 12 years in recovery, I manage Confidential Recovery, and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for Substance Use Disorder that specializes in helping Veterans and First Responders to overcome their issues with substance abuse and achieve sustainable, life-long recovery. We are part of the VA’s Community Care Program and are directly connected with the VA Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program. We see between 20-50 veterans a week. And through this experience we have determined that most Vets in recovery need more help with dealing with life problems beyond substance use. So, we founded a 501c3 called the Veterans Navigation Center to help Vets navigated all the resources that are available to them in the community. Our Veteran Peer navigators are veterans who can provide peer support and shepherd the veteran through what can be a very daunting and scary transition back to civil society. We stay engaged and encourage our vets so that they can be their best version of themselves, both in life and in recovery. So now I am a very happy husband and father, am active in the recovery community, and am staying connected to my fellow veterans…especially those who experienced a few bumps in their careers!