Veteran Braxton M., who lives in Vinton, Iowa—a small, rural community about halfway between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo—has experienced more than his fair share of challenges.

After growing up in the area and serving in the Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan, Braxton returned to his roots with a new mission: caring for his younger siblings.

In 2018, Braxton took on the role of legal guardian for his twin brother and sister, Callie and Alex. This significant responsibility required him to step back from full-time law enforcement and return to Vinton to provide a stable environment for his siblings as they approached adulthood.

Before this, Braxton had already navigated a demanding career. He served as a combat engineer in the Army, where he was involved in route clearance operations to ensure the safety of his unit.

“In the Army, I was a combat engineer, and we were attached to 101st Airborne – we did route clearance for them. So basically, we would look for any explosives and stuff like that,” he explained. “We had specially designed vehicles and equipment that we would carry to be able to detect them so everybody could make it to their mission safely. I did route clearance on the ground for part of the deployment and I was a gunner for the other half of the deployment.”

His service took a toll both physically and mentally, leading to challenges of PTSD and chronic pain after his deployment. 

“The reason I joined was to do all the cool guy stuff and I did not necessarily go into the right MOS for that,” Braxton told us. “I was a combat engineer. And so that didn't really happen. When I got deployed, we obviously saw combat and just had some really negative experiences over there in general. I did not enjoy that at all being in.”

“And then I came back and, you know, all the stuff just kind of started to happen like anger and insomnia and all those types of things. Then, just chronic pain started coming in, and I was just chronically depressed. I hated going to work. So then I ended up getting medically discharged from the Army.”

Braxton faced ongoing symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS), including anger, insomnia, and chronic pain. His medical discharge from the Army led him to seek out ways to manage his condition while staying employed. He became an EMT, quickly landing a job in his hometown, and later pursued a degree in law enforcement, continuing his service as a police officer and paramedic.

Despite the life-altering difficulties he was experiencing, Braxton's dedication to serving his community never wavered.

Yet, even as he dedicated himself to helping others, Braxton’s own mental health challenges persisted. He began experiencing the effects of PTS more acutely, and his career in law enforcement became increasingly difficult. Recognizing the need for help, he reached out to the VA and received an increase in his disability rating, eventually reaching 100% total and permanent disability status.

“It doesn't bother me anymore to share my experiences, because I've learned to become open and more vulnerable. I've had to tell the VA everything, and it's not ever gray when they're asking questions, so you just have to be black and white. I've tried to see therapists and counselors, and some of it has gone well, some of it hasn't gone well. I’ve also tried some medications, and sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. The biggest difference for me was my service dog.”

Braxton found solace in Niko, a German Shepherd. Braxton trained Niko himself to provide deep pressure therapy and help manage his anxiety and pain. Niko's presence has been a game-changer, offering comfort and stability when he needed it the most, and his experience with Niko has highlighted the significant role that service dogs can play in improving quality of life.

However, Niko’s aging has prompted Braxton to seek additional support, so he can stay ahead of his needs. Through Retrieving Freedom, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to Veterans, Braxton applied for a grant to help offset the costs associated with acquiring a new service animal. Retrieving Freedom, based not far from Braxton’s home, started working with him in early 2023 to secure a new service dog, with specific training tailored to Braxton’s needs.

(We’ll share an update soon once Braxton and his new pup are matched!)

Braxton’s journey has been significantly supported by Brain Armor, which donated $5,000 to help Braxton with the costs of his next service dog, and sent him some complimentary supplements that are designed to improve brain health and cognitive performance. Chive Charities donors selflessly covered the remaining costs for a total impact of $10,000.

Braxton was beyond grateful, saying, “The support from Brain Armor has been instrumental in helping me get a new service dog. And the customer service piece is amazing! They were so kind and helpful. I have been taking the supplements for a couple of weeks, and they seem to be working well. Their generosity has made a huge difference in my life.”

Braxton’s story underscores the profound impact that support services and community assistance can have. His experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health openly and seeking help when needed. It also highlights the essential role of organizations like Retrieving Freedom and Chive Charities, which provide crucial support to those who have served and continue to face challenges, and companies like Brain Armor, who do all they can to support those in need.

When you get down to it, it takes a community of people who care.

That’s why people like you are so important. Donations to Chive Charities help fund programs that support Veterans like Braxton, providing resources for service dogs, mobility equipment, and other essential grant items. These contributions make a real difference, helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.

If Braxton’s story resonates with you, consider making a donation to Chive Charities. Your support can help provide resources to Veterans and first responders who need assistance in navigating the complexities of life after service. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a part in making the world 10% happier for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

From all of us at Chive Charities, thanks to Retrieving Freedom and Brain Armor for all you do to support giving back to Veterans. 

Let’s help more people like Braxton find the support they need to thrive. Donate today and be a part of this life-changing mission. DONATE HERE.