Vincent Rene’ Dorsey served as a yeoman and legalman in the Navy from 1984 through 1996. He was stationed in Naples, Italy and Copenhagen, Denmark as well as various stateside postings.
“I grew up in Colorado Springs, but we moved around a lot since my father was I in the Army. I really call New York and New Orleans home. My last posting was in Philadelphia and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. My uncle in Denver suggested I call my uncle in New York and I moved in with him until I got my own place. I worked thirteen years for Amtrak and after I got my pension, I used to split my time between New York and New Orleans because that’s where my mom was.” Mr. Dorsey continued “My mom had five children, but just my brother and I are left. I’m fist-born; Jason is last born and there are thirteen years between us. We are care-takers for our mom.”
Mr. Dorsey came to St. Francis House after treatment at Fort Roots for PTSD and substance abuse. “It’s been a twenty-five year journey to get the help I needed. I was being seen by Dr. Jackson, a psychologist in New Orleans. He got promoted to the head of the in-patient psychiatric ward, but he still took my calls and talked to me when I needed it. Eventually, I was admitted to that unit and he made sure I got what I needed including getting me in to the PTSD unit at Fort Roots. I completed that program as well as the substance abuse out-patient program. It was so difficult for my mother and I decided I had to get sober before she closes her eyes for the last time. I have seven months sober now.”
Mr. Dorsey is graduating the program in a few days. He is currently in culinary school full-time, but is hoping to get a job at Fort Roots in the Compensated Work Therapy program. “I will probably scale back school and take courses on-line next semester. I have my pension and social security, but I’m still able to work. There’s an opening in CWT in the kitchen which would be perfect. I have to admit I’m terrified of leaving St. Francis House though. It’s been a safety net for me. When I leave, I’ll be alone….but I’ll have the tools that I got here and at Fort Roots. But I know the test is coming. I’m planning to keep going to my groups and I might get a sponsor. I’m ambivalent about that though. It would be hard to trust someone you don’t know well.” Mr. Dorsey paused. “I’m also have MST (Military Sexual Trauma) and I’m dealing with that as well.”
When asked if the MST could be mentioned in this interview, Mr. Dorsey took a minute before replying. ”Yes. This is a safe place for me to divulge it. It’s more frequent than anyone thinks. We are fighting for our lives and we’re not talking about it. St. Francis House has helped me begin regaining control of my life and I am forever grateful.”