Soft-spoken, well-mannered, and kind, you would never guess that Army Veteran Derrick Hamilton struggles. And for a long time, he didn’t admit it to himself either. Mr. Hamilton served his country from 2000-to 2008, including two tours in Iraq, first as a medic and then civil affairs specialist. “We worked with NGOs and other organizations to restore areas affected by military conflicts. Because of my background as a medic, I worked primarily with hospitals.”
Born in Texas and raised in Georgia, Mr. Hamilton joined the military after high school. “I wanted to go to college, and the Army seemed like a good way to reach that goal. After leaving the military, I went to Abilene Christian University and got my teaching degree. “
Mr. Hamilton taught at a Texas charter school and then taught 6th grade in Honduras and Guatemala as part of an ESL program. “But teaching became more and more stressful. I returned to Georgia, did substitute teaching, coached gymnastics, and had other part-time jobs. I still didn’t know why everything was so difficult.”
Eventually, his brother, who had also served, convinced him to contact the VA. “I was diagnosed with PTSD and even got 100% service-related disability, but I didn’t really believe it. I also lost a sister while I was in Iraq, but I didn’t realize how that had affected me either. I avoided groups and programs; it made me angry that they could ask questions that described everything that was happening. I didn’t realize it was because I had those symptoms myself.”
Mr. Hamilton continued to struggle. He was in and out of hospitals. “The VA became a place I knew I could go. And no matter what, one nurse wouldn’t give up on me. She called and checked on me. I was drinking, and she encouraged me to go to groups.”
Mr. Hamilton was in Arkansas when he got into legal trouble. He was given probation, but due to a combination of circumstances, he was not reporting as he should. “That resulted in a fugitive felon warrant and cost me all my VA benefits. I had a severe breakdown and entered a PTSD program. In March, I graduated from that program and returned to Arkansas to turn myself in. The Day Treatment Center helped get me into St. Francis House.”
Mr. Hamilton continues to work on his mental health and his legal difficulties. “My caseworker helped me get my benefits back, and French Hill’s Veteran Affairs team is working on getting my court debt removed. I’m a Veteran rep here at St. Francis House, I’m going to groups here and in the community, and I’m volunteering as well. I’ve found an apartment, and it’s being inspected today. I’m in a better place emotionally, physically, and mentally. St. Francis House has given me an opportunity to start over, to begin a new chapter. I can set goals, and I believe I can meet them. I can look forward; I know the future is possible.”