Stepping Out of Comfort: How One Veteran Found His Lifeline

Like many veterans, Tim Aponte’s transition back to civilian life was tough.

“It was quite challenging,” Tim said. “I had to get out of the military after almost 10 years in. I don’t have a place to call home, as far as a roof over my head, and I’m going through a divorce. … It was a really hard time.”

Tim thought his infantry skills wouldn’t translate to the civilian world, so he initially didn’t have luck in the workforce. He went back to school and lived in a veterans housing community in Boston.

“It was eye-opening … I didn’t want to find myself here, still, years from now just being comfortable in that situation,” said Tim.

He didn’t want to be stuck in the cycle familiar to many veterans – anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Tim wanted his life back. He wanted a place to call home and knew he couldn’t improve his quality of life without taking a first step. He tried joining clubs, and even chatting with those he lived with at the veterans housing community, but nothing worked. He still felt isolated. He missed the camaraderie in the Army and needed to find it again.

One day, he received an email from a Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) specialist about an upcoming event.

“I was really debating on going,” said Tim. “Should I go? Should I not go? Who even are these people? My anxiety started to get the best of me.”

Despite the anxiety and doubts, he took the first step and decided to attend the event.  

“I got there early. Like, really early. I mean, in the Army, if you’re not early, you’re late. So, I was early,” said Tim. “But eventually, I saw the Wounded Warrior Project specialist wearing his gear and other people started showing up, and everyone met me with the most welcoming gestures.”

I found myself being OK with being uncomfortable.

He sat back, watched, and listened. It didn’t take long for Tim to warm up to the group.

“I found myself being OK with being uncomfortable,” said Tim. “And that was awesome.”

He was still reserved but quickly felt that sense of camaraderie again.

“Everybody was there – we had Navy, Air Force, Marines. I was just like, ‘man, this is cool.’ And there were people of all ages, but I knew we all served around the same time.”

Tim could let his guard down because he wasn’t different than anyone in the group. They were all post-9/11 veterans, and that gave him a sense of relief.

It comforted Tim to know they were so different yet had similar experiences. He started attending more events. Even though he was nervous and anxious about the unknown of walking into an event, he took the first step and never looked back.

You want to be a part of a veteran community that’s thriving. Really thriving. And it is with Wounded Warrior Project – you can’t ask for more than that.

“It was a transition [from quiet to participating] that didn’t take much effort; the only effort was making the decision to actually show up,” said Tim. “At first, I was a little distant until I got to know other vets. All it takes is a simple nod.”

By stepping out of his comfort zone and forcing himself out of isolation, Tim built communities within a community. It didn’t matter if he served with the people he met; he knew they understood his experiences.  

“You want to be a part of a veteran community that’s thriving. Really thriving. And it is with Wounded Warrior Project – you can’t ask for more than that,” said Tim. “Do you want to have a more fulfilling life? Do you want to find your tribe? Then all you have to do is sign up and take the first step. Trust me, just do it.”

Find out how WWP keeps warriors connected.

Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964

About Wounded Warrior Project 

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.