Whole Health

Savannah VA Peer Specialist Benjamin Alonso’s commitment to Whole Health shines through in his work with Veterans facing vastly different challenges.

Vision. Ironically, this is the gift that VA Peer Specialist Benjamin Alonso is offering to the Veterans he works with at the Savannah VA clinic. After having served as a special operations soldier for over fifteen years, Alonso was medically retired due to significant loss of vision. But losing his sight was just the start of another hard battle.

"The years following my retirement were marked by a struggle to reclaim a sense of purpose amid the complex interplay of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, neurocognitive impairment, and anger – challenges well-known among many of my fellow Veterans," he says.

From Struggles to Support: Why Peer Specialists Matter

The transition to civilian life brought Alonso face-to-face with the kind of mental and emotional hurdles many Veterans know well. He tried different jobs but found little satisfaction or sense of belonging. It wasn’t till he saw a Sunday morning news segment about VA Peer Specialists, Veterans who use their experience to support other Veterans, that his journey toward a new kind of service began.

Now, as a Peer Specialist at the Savannah VA clinic, Alonso helps fellow Veterans find their footing again. What makes peer support different? The help comes from someone who’s walked in similar boots, someone who “gets it.”

Facing Fears- One Boot in Front of the Other

Alonso's commitment to Whole Health shines through in his work with Veterans facing vastly different challenges. For example, consider these two journeys:

Alonso worked with one Veteran who was blind and deeply afraid of horses after trauma. Alonso offered steady support and introduced him to equine therapy.

Back on the Horse

One Veteran Alonso worked with was blind and deeply afraid of horses after trauma. Drawing on his own experience with vision loss, Alonso offered steady support and introduced him to equine therapy. Step by step, the Veteran regained confidence—eventually even attending sessions with his daughter.

While this Veteran faced his fears through equine therapy, another struggled with a completely different obstacle.

Eagle Eye

Another Veteran, living with schizophrenia, feared leaving home. Alonso met him outside the clinic and, through gradual steps like short walks in local parks, helped him build trust and manage his anxiety. Weeks later, the Veteran fulfilled a dream: visiting Olympic National Park and seeing a bald eagle.

‘I came to find that bald eagle that you told me about and tell him hello for you,” the Veteran told Alonso.

What Makes the Difference?

Alonso believes that incorporating an element of Whole Health into his work with Veterans enables them to transition from fear to action and ultimately to success. He begins by listening attentively and truly hearing what the Veteran is saying. When he sees a spark in the Veteran, he points to it and helps them see that a new mission in life is possible.

“(This work) offers not only a renewed sense of purpose but also a commitment to a new kind of mission – one that involves aiding others in navigating their journeys toward holistic well-being,” explains Alonso. “This role (as a Peer Specialist) transcends the boundaries of traditional support, emphasizing a balanced and integrated approach to health that aligns with the Whole Health model.”

Peer Support Works

Veterans helping Veterans isn’t just talk. According to Ranney (2024) from the VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans working with peer specialists are more likely to stay engaged in care and report feeling more hopeful about their future. Most importantly, they know they aren’t alone in their struggles.

Veteran’s Perspective

Alonso has found a new mission, using his military training to serve others: “It goes back to our skill sets, what do we need to accomplish this mission? Why do you want to do this? Why is this important to you? That was part of my struggle: finding that purpose again and that meaning. Because when I was on active duty in the military, I loved what I did. I truly believed in the mission, so now this is my new mission.”

Ready to Start Your Next Mission?

Everyone’s journey looks different but taking that first step—whether you’re feeling stuck or searching for new purpose—is a sign of strength. You don’t have to navigate this path alone.

Reaching out to your local VA Whole Health Team or connecting with a Peer Specialist, like Alonso, can help you discover new ways forward, one conversation at a time. You don’t have to share everything at once; starting small is enough.

Explore Whole Health to reflect on what truly matters to you, set SMART goals, learn stress management techniques, or find a sense of community with others who “get it.” Many Veterans have found hope and purpose beyond their service—and so can you.

Special Thanks from Mr. Alonso:

Mr. Alonso offered special thanks to his supportive team and supervisors at the Savannah VA and the Equine Valor Project, whose collective guidance and encouragement enrich the lives of the Veterans served.

Ranney RM, Goldberg R, Maguen S, Blonigen D. Peer specialist-led interventions in primary care at the Veterans Health Administration: An integrative review. Psychol Serv. 2025 May;22(2):256-269. doi: 10.1037/ser0000858. Epub 2024 Apr 11. PMID: 38602826.