Jay, a United States Army Veteran and 20-year veteran firefighter, EMT and paramedic, found himself suddenly homeless after serving his country and his community. While faithfully carrying out his duties as a firefighter, he was one of the heroic first responders at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

 

Jay's life was profoundly affected by the events of that horrific day, and he was eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress after experiencing daily flashbacks and nightmares. He also began to struggle with a crippling Substance Use Disorder as he attempted to cope with the unimaginable trauma he had witnessed throughout his military and firefighting careers.  [continued]