Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Many veterans struggle to find community, support, and purpose once their service ends. For Marine veteran Charlie Mills, that journey began in 2023, when he sought healing and connection after leaving the military.
Through Hope For The Warriors’ Military Veteran Peer Support Program, Charlie discovered a path forward, which led him to help others face similar challenges.
Finding Connection After Service
Leaving the military often means leaving behind a built-in community, which is a loss that many veterans struggle to replace. “It’s hard to, once you get out, find a good community,” Charlie shared. “You pretty much start alone.”
That began to change when he connected with Hope For The Warriors.
“HOPE has good reach-out where they’re like, ‘This is what we have, we can help you. Whatever your problem is, we can help you.’”
Through peer support, veteran events, and conversations with others who understood, Charlie found camaraderie and the reminder that he wasn’t alone. These moments planted a seed, a calling to give back and help other veterans rediscover the same sense of community that helped him heal. “You’ve got other veterans come and help you get back to your normal self,” he said, speaking about his experience at the annual No Obstacles Race for The Warriors Spartan run on Governors Island in 2023.
Full Circle: From Participant to Peer Support Specialist
Not long after his own experience in 2023, Charlie joined Hope For The Warriors’ Military Veteran Peer Support team, a role built on empathy, understanding, and shared experience.
“What we do with the veterans here is amazing. I say a full circle, but with a lot of growth.”
As part of his work, Charlie helps coordinate major community events, including Warrior Weekend in Rockaway, New York, the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, and the annual Striped Bass Fishing Tournament on the Hudson River.
Each event creates opportunities for veterans and military families to reconnect, celebrate, and build resilience together.
Building Trust and Breaking Down Barriers
Every day, Charlie connects with veterans navigating the challenges of transition, trauma, and change. His approach is rooted in trust and shared experiences. “Getting a veteran to speak about their problems without backlash is amazing. We all have the same kinds of stories, so we can relate to each other way better. No judgment at all, because we’ve been through the same thing.”
Through open conversations and peer connection, Charlie helps veterans rediscover their purpose, confidence, and sense of belonging, which are key elements of long-term mental wellness.
Hope Comes Full Circle
From healing to helping, Charlie’s story proves that HOPE is stronger when shared.
Through the Military Veteran Peer Support Program, Hope For The Warriors offers veterans the chance to connect, heal, and rediscover purpose, just like Charlie did.
If you’re ready to take that first step, visit hopeforthewarriors.org to connect to services today.
