Thank you for your inspiring words, Gilbert Lauriano. Your commitment to assisting transitioning service members is truly admirable and we thank you for your service. We are motivated by the efforts of Bexar County Department of Military and Veterans Services and the dedication of community integration coordinators like you. Together, we have the power to significantly impact the lives of veterans. Onward Ops is dedicated to making a positive change for veterans, and we believe that collaboration between organizations is vital to achieving this objective. Partnerships between Bexar County and Onward Ops are essential for offering comprehensive support to veterans during their transition. We also extend our gratitude to Endeavors for organizing such an important event to promote this initiative. #OnwardOps #BexarCounty #Endeavors #FaceTheFight #FTF #militarytransition Mike Eastman | Joe Geraci, PhD, Psychologist | Gilbert Lauriano | Keith W. Wilson, Bexar County Vets | Leah M. Smith | Lloyd Kuykendoll, MA | Jonathan Miller | Christine Bradley
As we step into September, Suicide Prevention Month, my heart is heavy but filled with purpose. Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a profoundly impactful event at Endeavors San Antonio, where we highlighted the Onward Ops and Veteran Sponsorship Initiative, a program that is close to my heart as I proudly serve as the Community Integration Coordinators (CIC) on behalf of Bexar County. Retired Brigadier General Mike Eastman, Executive Director, and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joe Geraci, PhD, Psychologist, Director, and their team have set a powerful and compassionate standard for supporting transitioning service members. By partnering them with certified sponsors, they are easing the burden of what can be an overwhelming journey into civilian life, a transition so many of us have struggled with. In observing Suicide Prevention Month, the weight of this mission feels even greater. For me, it’s personal! As a three-time war veteran, I’ve walked the path of uncertainty, loss, and the relentless inner battles that follow service. I am heartbroken to have guardian angels I’ve gained to this devastating outcome, who still watch over me just as they did during our deployments. Their absence is a constant reminder of how urgent it is to support veterans in their most vulnerable moments. A heartfelt thank you to Karah Smith and Sierra Hunter, MPH at Endeavors for organizing such a meaningful event, uniting us to shine a light on suicide prevention and the essential role we all play in supporting our veterans. If you’re willing to dedicate just one hour a week to mentor a transitioning service member, I urge you to reach out to me. Your time, your presence, could be the difference between hope and despair for a veteran starting a new chapter. It cost you NOTHING but gain so much. #VeteranSupport #SuicidePreventionMonth #OnwardOps #TransitionSupport #MentorshipMatters #Endeavors Keith W. Wilson, Bexar County Vets Lloyd Kuykendoll, MA William Lansdon Nayelli Lopez Kendra Cook Rodrigo Rodriguez, B.A. HR, M.S. ODL, aPHR Eymi Huerta David A. Archuleta, Sr. Jessica Reyes Jessica "Jay" A. MARK S. Cason LAURIE Pimentel-Johnson US Army The University of Texas at San Antonio University of the Incarnate Word Jonathan Lovejoy William Delphia JBSA Fort Sam Houston Transition Assistance Program Michael McDowell, Ed.D, MBA Calvin Henry MBA, MIOP Hon. Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk's Office Justin Rodriguez Gregory Butcher Jason Eubanks Kendra Cook Chip Fulghum