By Eddie Garcia, US Army Veteran

Despite numerous attempts to seek help, my concerns were repeatedly dismissed by the VA administration, forcing me to take matters into my own hands. Determined to understand the complexities of my condition, I sought specialized care at the Cleveland Clinic in South Florida. After months of exhaustive testing, I was finally diagnosed with Meniere’s syndrome — a chronic and incurable disorder. In 2016, the VA formally acknowledged my diagnosis, but conceded that they lacked the specialized expertise to provide treatment.

Fortunately, Tampa General Hospital offered both management strategies and a recommendation for a medication I had previously used while serving overseas — a medication not available in the United States, which I now obtain from Canada.

In November 2023, I received an email from Home Base Florida about their new Warrior Health and Fitness program available at Tampa General. Aware that I needed to improve my physical fitness, I enrolled in the program and, by January 2024, began training under the expert guidance of Tampa General Fitness Center and Home Base. The impact was immediate and profound. Over the course of three months, I witnessed my body transform and, even after completing the program, I continue to apply the principles I learned by attending regular conditioning sessions.

During my time with Home Base Florida, I shared the ongoing challenges of living with my condition. I was then invited to undergo the intake process for their Intensive Clinical Program (ICP) in Boston, where I was recommended to join the Native American Cohort — a meaningful connection, as I am proud of my 25% Taino heritage.

Returning to Boston felt like coming full circle, as I had previously graduated and earned my commission from Boston University. Home Base, however, offered me something entirely new: an approach grounded in genuine understanding, compassion, and individualized care. Their programs create a safe haven where veterans are encouraged to share their stories without fear or judgment. Through the care of deeply empathetic counselors and a supportive peer group, I developed a level of self-awareness and peace I had never before experienced. Each activity was thoughtfully designed, helping me piece together a new sense of inner calm and purpose.

Upon my return to Tampa, the Home Base team remained steadfast supporters and advocates for my continued wellness. Further evaluations at Tampa General revealed additional diagnoses: sound-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sleep apnea. Thanks to the comprehensive work of the Home Base and Tampa General Physical Therapy team, I learned strategies to manage my balance issues, which transformed not only my physical ability but my confidence as well.

Home Base helped me understand that I didn’t have to live like this. They helped me understand my condition so I could avoid triggers and that gave me the power to address my disability.

Home Base brought me back.

Today, I stand physically fit, mentally strong, and capable of achieving things I once believed were impossible. I credit Home Base for playing a pivotal role in this transformation — a program built on the belief that every veteran deserves care, compassion, and the tools to reclaim their life.

From the bottom of my heart: Thank you, Home Base.

Eddie Garcia