The Power of Peer Support

As a Lead Peer Specialist and Peer Specialist (respectively) at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), the two had each other’s backs while in Iraq, and still have each other’s backs as they “continue the mission,” in Tejeda’s words.

As Peer Specialists, the two are part of a group of Veterans with lived experience who help guide other Veterans through recovery from mental health issues, homelessness, substance use, and other challenges they face in transitioning to civilian life.

Peer Specialists are there for Veterans every step of the way, helping connect them to critical services and resources through VA and its community partners. “The mentality we all have, never leave a brother behind, I think that really sticks with us,” said Hernandez. 

The bond between Tejeda and Hernandez speaks to the power of peer support – both for each other and for the Veterans they serve.

From Iraq to GLA

Tejeda and Hernandez first met as roommates in the military. With both hailing from California, they became fast friends. 

Both went on to become Assault Amphibious Vehicle Crew Chiefs, and while each chief typically leads his own vehicle, they requested to be assigned to the same one. After 9/11, they were deployed together.

“Prior to going to war I remember telling his mom, ‘Everything is going to be ok. I’m going to bring your son back,’” said Tejeda.

Years later Tejeda had started working in Veteran services, and while Hernandez had found success in a civilian job, it didn’t provide the fulfillment he was looking for, or the sense of connection. 

Soon thereafter, Tejeda reached out to check on Hernandez. “I told him, I work with Veterans, and I think it’s something you might be interested in,” Tejeda said. “Sure enough, Robert took that risk, but at the same time he found his passion.”

Both had been through their own recovery journeys, with help from VA, which put them in a unique position to guide other Veterans through the process. Both eventually ended up working at VAGLAHS.

“We just never really separated,” said Hernandez. “He checks on me, I check in on him. We’re still there supporting each other.” 

Creating true family ties, Hernandez is the godfather to Tejeda’s son.

What Peer Support Specialists Do

Peer Specialists are a growing part of VA’s work in helping Veterans through recovery and rebuilding their lives. Once paired with a Veteran, they work as a team along with the Veteran’s other providers to identify areas of need, then help the Veteran get access to the support and services that can meet those needs.

“We’re Veterans who have gone through our own struggle and we’re here to empower those individuals,” said Tejeda. “We’re always trying to identify their needs and connect them with the right resources. And sometimes Veterans just need another Veteran to hear what they’re going through.”

There are many Peer Specialists across the area VAGLAHS serves, with more than 80 working in Community Engagement and Reintegration Services (CERS), which serves Veterans experiencing homelessness. 

Many Peer Specialists are employed with HUD-VASH, the program that pairs housing vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with supportive services from VA (VASH) to assist homeless Veterans in obtaining permanent housing. 

CERS Chief Sally Hammitt said Peer Specialists are instrumental to VA’s mission of ending Veteran homelessness. 

“Veterans are more likely to engage in our programs as a result of all our dedicated Peer Specialists,” said Hammitt. “As a leader at VAGLAHS, I know it is imperative that we listen to those with lived experiences. Also, as a social worker who has spent many years on the frontline serving Veterans experiencing homelessness, I’ve seen firsthand the power of peer support.”

Peer Specialists are there to help Veterans along the way, added Hernandez.

“As I’m helping them, it helps me too. There’s a lot of heart and soul that goes into this peer work.”

‘Joy and Pride’

Air Force Veteran Caroline Turner is one of the Peer Specialists who works within HUD-VASH at VAGLAHS.

Turner joined the military in 2003, eager to serve her country and develop more substance in her life. As a Med Tech, she loved almost every day of her service. “It was one of the highlights of my life,” she said.

When she got out, she got connected to VA services, and started going to regular therapy in 2011. “I had amazing therapists and a great overall experience with VA, so knew I wanted to work here.”

Since 2020, she’s been working at VAGLAHS and says it’s incredibly rewarding.

“Using my experience with mental health has been critical to this role. A lot of the participants of HUD-VASH deal with mental health issues so that’s been very beneficial,” she said. “Helping Veterans create overall wellbeing gives me a great sense of joy and pride.”

‘Continue the Mission’

Tejeda said he wishes he’d had a Peer Specialist to help him when he transitioned out of the Marines and started experiencing PTSD and having nightmares. Luckily a Vietnam-era Veteran told him to get connected to VA, but Tejeda was forced to navigate the system on his own.

Now, Peer Specialists are increasingly involved as Veterans transition out of the service – sometimes even before the transition takes place, said Tejeda. 

Tejeda and Hernandez hope the impact of Peer Specialists continues to expand, including into the medical setting.

“Peers are on the front line,” said Hernandez. “As Veterans we know what the Veteran is going through, and it’s all about our experiences and how we connect with them.”

On the third Thursday of October each year, the work of Peer Specialists is celebrated through Global Peer Specialist Celebration Day. 

This year, VA’s Peer Leadership Council, the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Veterans Stand Together, and Veterans Peer Access Network are hosting an event at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2024, featuring food, music, games and more. 

Be a Positive Influence

To other Veterans who may be considering becoming a Peer Specialist, Turner has some words of encouragement. 

“Go for it, pursue the career,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with other Veterans, and to be a strong positive influence in someone’s life is so rewarding. I would definitely encourage any Veteran who is even considering it to pursue it wholeheartedly.”

VA continues to bring on new Peer Specialists as the need grows. Veterans who are interested in pursuing the career must have lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, and complete a certification training course.  

“Peer Specialists are a group of very resilient individuals who take pride in what they do and support other Veterans in every area of their lives,” said Turner.

Hammitt said she’s incredibly grateful to all the Peer Specialists.

“They are valuable members of our One Team who help shape our services, and make sure every Veteran has a place to call home,” she said.