Once homeless and battling addiction, bay pines va leader reaches new heights as national trainer of the year honoree | va bay pines health care | veterans affairs

Eugene Hairston has spent nearly 25 years working to make amends with himself and others in his life to become the man his Aunt Lena knew he could be. This year, the man who most

affectionately refer to as Tree reached a professional peak in his long journey by earning the Environmental Management Service’s National Trainer of the Year honors. “This recognition

reflects a culmination of many years of hard work by so many others and myself to put me in a place where I can be successful by helping others reach their goals,” said the U.S. Army Vietnam

Veteran. “I’ve spent a second lifetime rebuilding myself, and this honor reinforces to me that it was all worth it.” Prior to 1998, Hairston could only dream of the life he has now. The

stress of being deployed to Vietnam was amplified by the systemic racism that resulted in him being forced to leave the service. As a civilian, he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with

PTSD. Hairston was arrested and sent to jail on three separate occasions and spent eight years living on the street. At arguably his lowest point, the Virginia native said he heard a voice

in his head that told him, “You’ve gotta change your life.” Hairston eventually ended up at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. “I remember walking in with the clothes on my back, and the lady

who greeted me said, ‘You’re safe, and we’re going to help you,’” remembered Hairston. “I went to every anonymous meeting there was, and over time I began to turn the corner.” At 43 years of

age, Hairston began working at Bay Pines VA, first serving in the Community Living Center, as part of the Compensated Work Therapy program. With a new lease on life, he learned that VA

offered a multitude of professional development courses, and Hairston jumped at the chance to better himself. “I took advantage of every training opportunity VA offered,” continued Hairston.

“I realized the more you invest in yourself, the more opportunities you can create for yourself.” Hairston’s office is filled with every training certificate he earned through VA because he

wants people to see that success is always possible. “I’ve always strived to learn more and then share it to ensure those I worked with knew in their hearts that they are needed,” said

Hairston. “And there’s nothing better than seeing the transformation in coworkers when that light comes on in their heads.” As part of the write up from leadership, Hairston was credited

with multiple successes including the creation of the first simulation room for housekeepers which provided employees with a chance to hone their skills to be more effective in supporting

patients across the healthcare system. He has also welcomed opportunities to speak with other teams across the country, sharing his experiences and helping to lead transformative,

professional practices. At 72 years old, Hairston says he’s never felt more joy. He’s been married to his wife, Bronwen, for 14 years, and happily admits he has two cars and a beautiful home

with a two-car garage! “Being part of the Bay Pines VA family has made me feel part of something, and today, I feel I am a participant in my own life,” offered Hairston. A few years ago,

Hairston reconnected with his faither by presenting him with what he says “was the best version of myself.” His mother and Aunt Lena never saw him turn that corner, but Hairston knows they

are with him daily. “If they were here today, my mom would say, ‘I am so happy you proved me wrong,’” said Hairston. “And my Aunt Lena would exclaim, ‘I knew it. I knew he was going to make

something of himself.’” Hairston released his biography A Quiet Voice, in 2021, and remains a champion for others who battle addiction. He routinely speaks at community events across the

Sunshine state, reflecting a positive, proactive belief that It’s never too late to create a better, more meaningful life for yourself and those you love.  For those who are coping with PTSD

or struggling with feelings of self-harm, immediate assistance is available 24 hours a day, through the Veterans Crisis Line. Additionally, Bay Pines VA offers treatment opportunities,

under behavioral health and mental health services, to work alongside Veterans to overcome substance use problems; from unhealthy alcohol use to life-threatening addiction. Click here to

learn more.