About Breaking the Silence

Welcome to Veteran Ministries, a beacon of hope and support for our esteemed Veterans, Active Military, and First Responders. You might be wondering why our website is www.the22.org and no we didn't just choose that because it is short and easy to remember. Sadly, the 22 represents the 22 Veterans who are going to take their life today. It represents the 22 who took their life yesterday and it represents the 22 that will end their life tomorrow. Veterans Ministry was established for this very purpose so that we can try to get to them before they allow their demons to push them over the edge. However, we encountered a problem! The problem is we noticed that not only are veterans committing suicide but so are active military and law enforcement officers. When you look at the statistics you find that the suicide rate among law enforcement officers also surpasses that of the civilian population and the military is also losing one a day. Due to this our mission has been extended to include veterans, military, first responders and their families. As an emerging mobile ministry, our core mission is to provide vital resources for spiritual guidance and mental well-being to those who have served our nation and safeguarded our communities.

At Veteran Ministries, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals who have dedicated their lives to service. Whether you're seeking solace, spiritual renewal, or practical assistance, we're here to lend a helping hand. Our aim is to assist you in finding your path towards healing, purpose, and fulfillment.

We believe in the power of community and connection. That's why we're committed to helping individuals in need find welcoming churches where they can rediscover their calling and continue to serve if they so desire. Through our online church services, bible studies, and speaking engagements, we strive to reach individuals wherever they may be, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

In addition to our outreach efforts, we offer specialized services such as church consulting to aid in the establishment of veteran ministries, security teams, and active shooter/critical incident protocols. Our goal is to equip churches and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support and protect those who have served and sacrificed.

If you're interested in learning more about our services or how we can assist you, we invite you to explore our website and reach out to us through the "Book Us/Contact Us" tab. Welcome to Veteran Ministries, where faith, service, and community converge to uplift and empower those who have bravely served our nation.

I am ordained through the National Association of Christian Ministers.

Veterans Ministry is recognized by the State of South Carolina ~ 501(c)(3) 

Statistics show that the suicide rates can be lower, and lives can be saved but the question is why are they not? While there is a lot that goes into suicide prevention our goals are that through our ministry, we aim to embody the spirit of our heroes - offering Support, Renewal, Outreach, and Salvation to those who have bravely served our nation (H.E.R.O.S) which will in turn help to bring the suicide rates down. 

Our Mission is trifold 

We assist veterans, active military, and First Responders with crisis intervention, spiritual guidance and mental health resources.

We facilitate connections between veterans, active military personnel, and first responders and churches in their local communities. Our aim is to help them find fellowship and connection with fellow veterans and LEOs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support. Through our Renew the Calling initiative, individuals have the opportunity to continue serving even after their formal service has ended. Because just because your service stopped doesn’t mean you can’t still make a difference.

Lastly, we offer consulting services to the church with help establishing veteran ministries, security teams, active shooter response and critical incident protocols. 

My personal journey has been one of bittersweet victory, and I intimately understand the struggles faced by veterans, soldiers, and law enforcement officers because I've walked in their shoes. This unique perspective allows us to meet them where they are, offering not just empathy but practical assistance in renewing their faith and sense of purpose within the church community. 

We're seeking partners, donors, and collaborators who share our passion for supporting those who've sacrificed for our nation. Veterans Ministry is committed to tackling the world's challenges through a biblical lens, offering resolution and hope to those in need. 

If you would like to learn more about these services shoot us an email or use the book us tab and book a consultation with us. All of our services are 100% free as we rely on donations, sponsors and love offerings to fund our mission. Connect with us now and let’s work together to further the Kingdom. 

Our mission is built on a solid Biblical foundation. We built our ministry upon two very distinct scriptures Matthew 28:16-20 and Galatians 6:1-3.  

Matthew 28:16-20 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Galatians 6:1-3 6 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  

In simple terms our mission is Empowering HEROS One Crisis at a Time. Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

Our acronym H.E.R.O.S. is not just letters thrown together to make a word, but a rescue plan to save lives before they reach the point of no return. 

H.E.R.O.S.

H - Hope

Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

E - Encouragement / Empowerment

1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

R - Renewal

Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

O - Outreach

Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

S - Support

Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."  

In every generation, there are individuals who rise above the ordinary, displaying extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience. These individuals are our heroes - the ones who embody the highest ideals of humanity and inspire us to strive for greatness.

Heroes come in many forms - from the brave men and women who serve in our military, risking their lives to protect our freedoms, to the dedicated law enforcement officers who selflessly serve and protect our communities, to the first responders who run towards danger and emergencies when others run away, and to all those who sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the greater good.

But being a hero isn't just about bravery in the face of danger. It's also about compassion, empathy, and a willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Heroes are the ones who lift others up, who offer hope and support in times of crisis, and who embody the values of honor, integrity, and selflessness.

At Veterans Ministry, we honor and celebrate our heroes. We recognize the sacrifices they have made and the challenges they have overcome. We stand with them, offering our support, our gratitude, and our unwavering commitment to helping them thrive.

To all our heroes - past, present, and future - we say thank you. Thank you for your bravery, your sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication to serving others. You are the true embodiment of courage, and your legacy will inspire generations to come.

Born in Kaiserslautern, Germany in 1987, I entered a world fraught with challenges, shaped by the abusive presence of my military father. His volatile nature subjected my mother and me to physical and verbal torment, leaving scars both seen and unseen. After enduring his cruelty for seven months, my mother courageously fled with me to Pittsburgh, PA, severing ties with my father.

Throughout my childhood, I encountered more adversity, witnessing my mother's subsequent marriages to men whose aggression and addiction cast long shadows over our lives. Despite the turmoil, I found solace in the love of my maternal family, though their guidance often struggled to compete with the allure of a tumultuous world.

Exiting high school at 17, I embarked on a path fraught with recklessness and rebellion. Parties, substance abuse, and instability marked my early adulthood, culminating in eviction and a sense of profound isolation. Yet, amid the chaos, glimmers of hope emerged, notably with the birth of my son in 2007 and my fortuitous meeting with my future wife.

Joining the Army in 2008 marked a pivotal moment, offering structure and purpose amidst personal turmoil. However, my journey was not without hardship, as deployments, injuries, and transitions tested my resilience. Settling in South Carolina after military service, I encountered a preacher whose persistent invitations to church eventually led me to a life-altering encounter with faith. Surrendering to Christ, I found redemption and purpose, serving in various capacities within the church community.

Despite geographic relocation and personal challenges, my commitment to spiritual growth remained steadfast. Pursuing further education and leveraging my recovery from surgery to build an online presence, I discovered a newfound calling: Veterans Ministry.

Established in 2023, Veterans Ministry embodies my passion for supporting fellow veterans, military personnel, and first responders. Drawing from my own experiences, I offer spiritual guidance and mental health resources, connecting individuals with supportive communities where they can find camaraderie and understanding. I stood in the boots of all three and can relate to them, which gives me the unique ability to understand what they are going through. When I got out of the Military I felt alone and lost. My wife stood by me, and my kids were there but I felt no one truly understood what I was going through and because of this I put my boots back on to continue to serve those who served. Welcome to Veterans Ministry.