Photo of U.S. Air Force Veteran Lloyd J. Wallace during his service in the military and now. 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 rode 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 […]
‘The VA Didn’t Give Up on Me’ An Air Force Veteran’s Journey to VA Care
