Drew was active duty in the Navy for 6 years as an aviation mechanic, where he became who he is today. Those six years-built character, forged enduring friendships, and created countless experiences that molded him. After he left the military, he wasn’t sure what to do with his life, a common problem among Veterans. Drew intended to pursue college, but was worried that he wouldn’t fit, or that he couldn’t fit, in a university classroom. Fortunately, he threw himself at education the way he had done with his duties as a sailor. Drew felt a renewed purpose by obtaining a B.S. in Psychology, and later pursuing a MSW degree, ultimately with a goal of achieving a PhD in Social Work with the hope of helping other Veterans someday. After some time, he realized that the military service and life as a student and the civilian realm required similar traits: being able to cope with setbacks and failures, staying focused and vigilant under pressure, and working together as part of a team to achieve goals. These abilities helped him as a sailor, then a Veteran, and now have been useful as he embarked on his social work career.

His career and life’s work will be to contribute to Veterans by any means necessary. Drew’s passion and dedication towards Veteran-centered research and treatment embodies the spirit of what recovery can look like within the Home Base program. It is well-known that Veterans struggle with many battles while on active duty, and challenges after leaving the military, such as mental/physical and other invisible wounds. He believes the answer, and/or this type of work, can contribute to a solution through psychosocial rehabilitation and supporting what wellness means to them.