‘the va didn’t give up on me’ an air force veteran’s journey to va care | va wilmington health care | veterans affairs

After serving as a U.S. Air Force Firefighter from 1982 to 1986, Veteran Lloyd J. Wallace dedicated himself to a new mission as a civilian U.S. Army Safety and Occupational Health Manager

with the Recovered Chemical Material Directorate. This work took him to austere environments across the globe, but the stress of these experiences began to take a toll on his mental health.

Struggling with public spaces and facing challenges with his wife, Wallace found himself spiraling. It was only when a fellow Veteran took notice and urged him to seek help at the VA that he

made the decision to go. “I went down a dark road for a while before I got into the VA,” recalled Wallace. “I had been fighting for my life for years and I thought the only way was out, I

was asking God to take my life. I didn’t want to do anything anymore. I thought I couldn’t make it.” In the spring of 2022, Wallace entered the Wilmington VA desperate for help. Originally

Wallace didn’t qualify for VA healthcare and left the eligibility office distraught. “I was already anxious because I have PTSD and did not want to be there,” said Wallace. “That was my

first experience, and it triggered me. I remember when I walked out, I thought I just want to get in the system. I just want help. I couldn’t go on like this.” When Wallace was exiting the

Wilmington VA Medical Center, Sharon Surratte, a red coat ambassador, noticed he looked distraught and stopped him to give support. Red coat ambassadors like Surratte are staffed at the main

entrances to aid with navigation, information, and a culture of care to Veterans, families, and visitors.  “I listened intently and empathized with him,” said Surratte. “I have a tremendous

amount of compassion, love, and respect for our Veterans. That’s what motivates me to show up every day, ready to serve. I’m not intimidated in the least when it comes to helping our

wonderful Veterans.” Surratte guided Wallace to a Veterans Benefits Administration representative named Kyvha Curtis, who sat down with him to hear about his story and help him fill out the

necessary forms to file a compensation claim for any ailments he received while serving in the military. “I just started to break down in the corner of that office, but Kyvha told me

everything was going to be okay, and she said to me ‘I can help you’,” said Wallace. “And from that day forward I got help and its things like that that people need to know.” Curtis knew

Wallace could qualify for VA behavioral health services without being enrolled and reached out to the eligibility office to get him signed up. “As a Veteran I understand how easy it is to

give up on trying to get into the VA and how easy it is to get frustrated,” said Curtis. “It’s something I felt myself when trying to get my benefits. If I can help a Veteran understand the

process and that the VA is here for our Veterans, then I am fulfilling my purpose.” Since then, Wallace now qualifies for VA healthcare and is using the VA for all healthcare and behavioral

health services.  “It helped me a lot,” said Wallace, getting emotional over the subject. “From all that, I am now able to have a normal life and work because one person took time for me.

She saved my life. I could have just kept walking out that door.” With the support he received, Wallace returned to his role and travels frequently overseas for work. He also has rebuilt his

marriage. In the beginning it was hard for Wallace to come to Wilmington VA to receive services after being told he didn’t qualify for care; he saw it as a dark place but now Wallace holds

the Wilmington VA close to his heart as he actively encourages his fellow Veterans to also seek help at the VA.  “I would tell Veterans to not give up and don’t be afraid to ask for help,”

said Wallace. “The VA didn’t give up on me. Ask the right person and don’t be afraid to let them know if you are in crisis because there are good people in the VA.” The Wilmington VA

behavioral health teams in Delaware and southern New Jersey have provided mental health services to over 10,500 Veterans totaling over 84,000 interactions in fiscal year 2024. To schedule an

appointment, call 1-800-461-8262 ext. 34805. One suicide is one to many, according to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report in 2021, 46,412 adults died by suicide in

the U.S., with 6,392 being Veterans. The 2023 report only reflects national suicide rate statistics up to the year 2021.  VA’s top clinical priority is preventing suicide among all Veterans.

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255 to connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder for confidential help. Connect anytime day or

night, crisis line responders are available 24/7.