One Veteran’s Journey to Achieve and Never Give Up
If the past few years have taught Army Veteran Charles McReynolds anything, it’s to surround yourself with positive people and never give up.
After serving and getting out of the Army, McReynolds felt like his life took a wrong turn and didn’t know what to do next. He moved back home to Chattanooga and was subsequently arrested leading to a 15-year incarceration.
After his incarceration, McReynolds knew it was time to get his priorities in order but being homeless impeded his plans. It wasn’t until the Homeless Veteran Program at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) met him and his life journey swiftly changed.
Through the Homeless Veteran Program, McReynolds was able to find housing and get connected with VA health care. During one of his visits, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do,” the Chattanooga native said. “I knew I needed to get care, but I felt I had nothing going for me. Scared was the only thing I could think of.”
Miraculously, through his treatments at the Nashville VA Medical Center, McReynolds was cancer free one year later.
He felt his sense of hope was renewed and began to look for possible job opportunities. After dozens of applications and interviews, McReynolds never heard anything back. He soon realized his previous incarceration impacted his ability to find a stable job.
That’s when the Homeless Veteran Program told him about Compensated Work Therapy (CWT). CWT is a program designed to help Veterans who have mental, physical or emotion barriers find and retain meaningful employment.
“The program helps Veterans with barriers and challenges that have impacted their ability to obtain work but have not allowed those challenges to define them,” Connie Gallon, CWT Program Manager said. “Our team helps each Veteran find employment that best meets their skillset while also ensuring the stay focused on their recovery journey.”
While incarcerated, the Army Veteran learned how to operate tractors and other types of heavy machinery and equipment. Little did he know, his experience operating this equipment prepared him for the next chapter on his journey for stable employment at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
A seasonal position at the VA National Cemetery in Chattanooga opened up and McReynolds’ CWT peer support specialist encouraged him to apply. To McReynolds delight, he was hired.
“It was like my hope was restored. I finally felt I was getting my life in order,” he said.
Eventually, the Army Veteran worked his way up from a seasonal position to a full-time role caring for the legacies of the Veterans who have passed before him. McReynolds plans to retire after seven years of federal service.
Looking back on his journey to success, McReynolds hopes his story will inspire other Veterans to never give up, surround themselves with positive people, and use VA services they’ve earned.
“I had no idea VA had so much to offer,” McReynolds said. “I did not quit. I could have quit long time ago, but it paid off. I saw positive changes in myself. I am a productive citizen. I volunteer. I am a deacon and a trustee in my church and engaged in the community, and I now have a home sitting on two acres.”
To learn more about the TVHS Compensated Work Therapy Program, contact Connie.Gallon@va.gov. For more information on the Homeless Veteran Program, contact Daniel.Heim@va.gov.