How I Found Hope and Healing from Trauma with Home Base Florida

By Tyler King, U.S. Air Force Veteran

I was a Security Forces Member in the U.S. Air Force for 6 years. I deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq where I supported the Global War on Terrorism efforts through Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like many veterans after being in combat environments we were left with memories we can’t forget and others we blocked out due to the traumatic nature of the events. The invisible wounds left behind can’t truly be healed until we are out of the environment that is causing the trauma. I have so much respect for those who served and are currently serving because we continually put our country first at the expense of our own life, safety, family and our mental health. When I returned home, I struggled mentally and physically, and that impacted those around me.

Warrior Health & Fitness Gave Built My Confidence 

I started the Warrior Health and Fitness Program in 2024. At that time in my life, my confidence was shot because I just got laid off my job, was recently divorced and was in the worst shape of my life. I had knee surgery two years prior and was in fear of pushing myself too hard for fear of re-injuring myself like I had before. I needed something to feel good about in life and needed a win more than anything else.

From my first interaction with the team during my initial assessment, I felt encouraged. With the certified trainers’ guidance, I felt confident enough to do exercises that I wouldn’t even think of trying post-surgery. The yoga offered through the program provided a sense of calm and peace during a time in my life where I needed it most. To compliment the physical fitness, I met with the Registered Dietician to help me with healthy eating habits. After changing my eating habits consistently, I was able to see improvements in my bloodwork and overall health which has changed my life. After completion of the 90-day program, I built the confidence to teach fitness classes again and help others on their journey to better health and wellness.

Educational Support Helped Restore My Damaged Relationships  

Home Base knows that military life impacts the entire family so they offer programs for spouses, children and the Veteran’s support system. My service-connected trauma and PTSD affected my relationships not only with my husband, but also my children. My family took advantage of several of their educational programs.

The Skillful Parenting Program helps Military-connected Family Members learn helpful tools to feel more confident in their parenting and better support their children. It so impactful in helping me be a better parent and provided the skills to co-parent effectively with my ex-husband by addressing challenges unique to service members and our families. Skil

The Home Base Resiliency programs like the Impact of Trauma helped me manage my PTSD and relationships. Resilient Youth helped my daughter find healing and community with other children who have parents who served. Resilient Warrior helped me develop self-care and coping skills such as mindfulness techniques that continue to help me on my journey to healing not only from service-connected trauma, but also from subsequent trauma that resulted from being a wounded veteran.

Home Base goes above and beyond to provide help and healing to Veterans who sacrificed so much. Throughout all the Home Base programs I have been engaged in – whether it was fitness class, online education classes or at one of their Adventure Series golf events, I was surrounded by fellow Veterans. I found it reassuring to know I wasn’t alone and that there are people who care about me, want to see me do well and win in life.  

Without the donors who support Home Base Florida, none of this would be possible. It takes the love, care and generosity of the community who see a need and take it upon themselves to be a solution to a problem, an answer to a prayer and the hope to the hopeless. Know that your donations are changing not only our lives, but our families’ lives which in turn is making a huge generational impact. The transformation that took place in my life in the last two years has made me unrecognizable. Thank you for being relentless in your support for our Veterans, Service Members and our Families.