Phoenix VA Celebrates Global Peer Support Day

The celebration is held to recognize the invaluable contributions of our VA Peer Specialists in helping their Veteran peers with mental health, addictions, and trauma-related challenges, find hope, purpose, and connection through shared experiences.

“Peer Support Specialists are the heart of recovery, and I can't work without having peers on my team” said Becky Hyduke, SUDTP program manager. “They walk alongside our Veterans, showing that healing and growth are possible. Their lived experience gives them a unique ability to connect, inspire, and remind others that they are never alone.

This year’s first annual Global Peer Support Day theme, “Stronger Together Through Shared Experience,” reflects the spirit of community and resilience that defines the Phoenix VA’s peer programs. Peer Specialists at Phoenix VA serve in various settings—from mental health and primary care to homeless programs and substance use recovery—offering encouragement and practical guidance to help Veterans rebuild their lives. 

Kevin Floyd, Phoenix VA lead peer specialist for the Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (SUDTP) recognized eight certified Peer Specialists for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the mental health service line in the following departments: Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Domiciliary-Substance Use Disorder (DOM-SUD), Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (PRRC), Mental Health Intensive Care Management (MHICM), and Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (SUDTP). 

The eight specialists recognized were Ralph Jackson, SUDTP; Charles Lee, DOM-SUD; Larry Triplett DOM-SUD; Charles Northrop, PRRC; Carol Tucker, BHIP; Michael Franklin BHIP; Brian Madson, MHICM; and Barry Weeter, MHICM. 

Robert Warren, a Peer Specialist in the social work service line, representing compensated work therapy program was also recognized as well as Daniel Bramlett, a new Peer Specialist to the Prescott VA and Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 was also recognized and welcomed. 

During the event, staff came together to honor Phoenix VA’s Peer Support team. The program included personal testimonies from Veteran staff whose lives have been transformed through peer connection, recognition of outstanding Peer Specialists, and discussions about expanding peer support initiatives throughout Phoenix VA’s continuum of care.

“Being able to use my own experience to help other Veterans means everything to me,” said Carol Tucker, peer support specialist who is the only female peer in Phoenix. “It’s about giving back and letting them know that recovery is not only possible—it’s real.”

Peer Support Specialists shared how they used their own recovery journeys to guide their work and the lifelong impact it has had on the Veterans they have served, and their colleagues shared how valuable it is to have the Peer Specialists as a part of their team. 

Michael Franklin, another Phoenix VA peer specialist said, “as a military Veteran, I have experienced some of the issues I have seen other Veterans go through and because of that experience I have learned to understand how to navigate, direct, and proceed in assisting other Veterans to have a more positive impact not only in their lives, but in society as a whole. I have also been privileged to be blessed to be in a position like this because nothing is more rewarding than to see a fellow Veterans’ eyes light up to realize that’s he’s respected, loved, and care for and that his service was not in vain.” 

“Peers have a street cred where they can get down on a Veterans’ level and talk real whereas I cannot due to my license,” and this works,” said Social Worker Erica Lefler. “I have one client who can't stop talking about how much [a Peer Specialist] has changed his life. It's very exciting to hear and so I think we're just fortunate and blessed to have the [Peer Specialists] as part of our team,” continued Lefler. Their work has become a cornerstone of recovery-oriented care across the VA system. 

Richard Cachola, SUDTP social work intern said, “as an Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq U.S. Marine Corps Veteran myself, I am learning so much from shadowing other Peer Specialists about facilitation techniques and how to connect with Veterans, which is helping guide me into my role of becoming a trained Peer Specialist. I respect what Peers bring to the table because they can connect by being Veterans themselves and have the lived experience to understand the pitfalls that other Veterans face.” 

“Being able to use my own experience to help other Veterans means everything to me,” said Peer Specialist Charles Lee. “The things I used to view as the worst things to happen to me have become valuable information to help save Veterans lives.”

The Phoenix VA Health Care System employs and trains Peer Specialists and provides opportunities for Veterans to gain professional certification, employment, and leadership experience. Many former participants go on to full-time roles supporting Veterans throughout Arizona and beyond.

Veterans who wish to connect with a Peer Specialist or learn more about recovery services at the Phoenix VA, visit https://veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/142,41684_VA or contact your current VA health care provider and ask them for a referral for peer support services.

As the Phoenix VA celebrates Global Peer Support Day, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering a Veteran-centered community built on understanding, compassion, and shared strength—one peer at a time.