Army veteran Reggie Jackson came to Swords during a difficult time, finding hope in our recovery support group. Today, he’s a leader, mentor, and reminder that community is healing.
"When I've needed a place to turn to, Swords is there." 75-year-old Army veteran Reggie Jackson came to Swords to Plowshares during a difficult time in his life. Struggling with addiction, Reggie found solace with us: "We have these real conversations [at Swords]. A door was opened for me here that I couldn't find anywhere else."
Reggie was first introduced to Swords to Plowshares through a friend, who connected him with our East Bay outreach team. They encouraged him to attend our recovery support group held at Swords' Oakland Service Center - there he found his home. Reggie religiously attended meetings, which provide a space for veterans to share their current troubles and lingering issues, tackling the roots of addiction together. As his wellbeing improved, Reggie extended his energy and listening ear to other veterans struggling. He has become a leader in the recovery support meetings, as well as another veterans group that is run solely by veterans themselves. Reggie is a present facilitator, and regularly calls fellow veterans to check in. He quips, "We're a tight bunch because we know what each other is going through. This is family."
Reggie's story is a common one - many veterans self-medicate with substances to deal with undiagnosed trauma and unacknowledged pain that has resulted from their military service. Reggie proves that community is healing, and veterans like him inspire Swords to Plowshares' work to ensure our resources, services, and programs are accessible and open to all veterans searching for a place to land.
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
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