From Rock Bottom to Redemption: One Veteran’s Journey to Healing Through the Orlando VA
By Joseph Nunez, Public Affairs Specialist
Orlando, Fla. — For Frank Pagliocca, a U.S. Army Veteran who served from 1976 to 1980, the road to healing began with a breakdown — and a breakthrough.
“I collapsed at the age of 64,” Pagliocca recounted. “My body just said, 'You’re not doing this anymore. You’re going to get help or you’re going to die.’”
“My story matters even more during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month,” Pagliocca said. “It’s a time to break the stigma — for men to understand it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re a Veteran or not, recognizing when you need support and reaching out can save your life. It saved mine.”
Years of undiagnosed trauma from a 14-month deployment to Korea, where he served in air defense artillery on a remote mountaintop near Camp Hill, had taken their toll.
“People don’t know what cold is until you’ve served on that mountain,” Pagliocca remarked.
Pagliocca went on to share, “Thanksgiving Day, 1979 — that was the worst. We were in launch-ready status. I thought it was over.”
The emotional weight of those experiences, compounded by domestic struggles later in life, eventually brought Pagliocca to his breaking point. That’s when he turned to the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) for help.
“I went to the VA, and they brought me back to life,” Pagliocca said.
What began as a visit for support with domestic issues soon revealed deeper, underlying trauma. With the help of mental health professionals, Pagliocca entered detox, began therapy, and eventually found healing and stability through the Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at Lake Baldwin.
Dr. Patricia Green, Psychologist at the Domiciliary, played a key role in guiding Pagliocca through recovery.
“Assisting Veterans like Mr. Pagliocca signifies that recovery is a journey,” Dr. Green said.
Dr. Green emphasized, “It’s about building trust, understanding their unique experiences, and reminding them that hope is possible.”
“Her job was to help us realize there’s a process here,” Pagliocca explained.
Pagliocca described a transformative 62-day journey guided by Dr. Green, emphasizing hope for the future.
Pagliocca credited his VA psychiatrist, Dr. Platt for his significant role he played in his recovery.
Elizabeth Hampton, LCSW was instrumental in Mr. Pagliocca's journey, providing specialized PTSD services through Prolonged Exposure (PE) as part of the Trauma Recovery Specialty Team (TRUST).
“she changed my life,” as Pagliocca experienced emotional healing.
Integral to Pagliocca’s recovery was his stay at the Transition House in St. Cloud, FL where he spent two years rebuilding his life under the care of Director Calvin Bell and counselor Larry Henry.
“I am incredibly grateful to them. The VA covered my expenses while I was there — including food, shelter, clothing, and counseling every day of the week. My only responsibility was to show up and do the work,” Pagliocca stated.
“They gave me a safe place to fix myself,” Pagliocca expressed.
Greg Donohue, a VA staff member, played a pivotal role early on.
“Frank’s journey showed me the power of simply being there and walking alongside a Veteran,” Donohue said.
Donohue added, “When he first came in, I asked how I could help and personally walked him to the Veterans Service Office to start his claim. Checking on his progress became a part of my routine because Frank’s recovery mattered.”
“From then on, he always checked on my progress. That man cares. He’s part of why I’m here,” Pagliocca expressed.
With the unwavering support of the VA and the Transition House, Pagliocca was able to secure full disability compensation, become a homeowner, and begin a brand-new chapter in his life.
“The only things I had were a bag in one hand and a cage with two kittens in the other,” Pagliocca shared, laughing. “Yet, I found peace. I discovered hope. I rediscovered myself.”
Reflecting on his journey, Pagliocca added, “The people at the VA and the transition house — Dr. Green, Dr. Pratt, Calvin Bell, Larry Henry, Greg — they’re heroes to me. They saved my life. Now, I approach each day with honesty, gratitude, and purpose. I’ve transformed; I’m not the same person anymore — I’m better.”
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About the Orlando VA Healthcare System: Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network offering healthcare services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.
To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
Orlando VA Health Care System
407-840-6967 I vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov.