February 14, 2025

Pulse Bliss

most important health challenges

VA San Diego Healthcare System ASPIRE Center Success | VA San Diego Health Care

VA San Diego Healthcare System ASPIRE Center Success | VA San Diego Health Care

Changing Lives, One Veteran at a Time

One thousand days and counting! Approaching three years sober now, Navy Veteran Leon Huynh has turned the corner toward a successful recovery. His transformation is just another example of the transformative outcomes for Veterans graduating from the VA San Diego Healthcare System ASPIRE Center, a unique residential domiciliary for post 9-11 Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and at risk of homelessness. Leon is just one of many Veterans whose lives have been changed for the better after their time at the Aspire Center. 

 Leon found himself struggling with anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse and shared his story about the conditions affecting his life, “My mom passed away. Then, during COVID, I started drinking more and more. My friend passed away. I got depressed and thought a lot about committing suicide. I could not help myself anymore.”

Leon asked his doctor about treatment options, specifically the ASPIRE Center in San Diego after seeing the news clip on YouTube.

Leon reflected on the Veterans highlighted in the video, “You know they have problems with mental health along with alcohol, drugs, whatever, and they get better and they smile. They were smiling and I was like, really?”

Leon said he wanted to be able to smile the same way. 

Since its inception over 10 years ago, the ASPIRE Center has served over 850 Veterans providing them with the support, skills, and resources needed to make changes in their lives. A Veteran who lives in New Mexico wrote this message to the ASPIRE Center, “You all changed my life and I will always remember the wonderful experience and staff that helped me get through and process my trauma.” 

Another Veteran returned to the ASPIRE Center as a VA employee providing support to his fellow Veterans as a Peer Counselor. This Veteran takes great pride in the work he is doing, “Together, we share our hope and experiences with our fellow Veterans. Our goal is to help them do the hard emotional work necessary to move on to healthier, happier lives.”

Since completing his stay at the ASPIRE Center, Leon has made a remarkable transformation. He completed two Associate’s degrees and in the Spring he will pursue an electrical engineering degree at the University of San Diego.  Most importantly, Leon is paying it forward by using his experiences and knowledge to help fellow Veterans who turn to him for help.  

“The ASPIRE Center gives you another chance. Second chance, third chance or whatever. Call them up and ask them for help. That’s what I say to the many veterans that I help with.”

Veterans interested in this program can visit the website or call the ASPIRE Center at (855) 297-8397.  Veterans can also talk with their provider about the appropriateness of a referral to the program.

link