Courtney Shepherd

U.S. Army Veteran

“I like the fact that the Operation Mend program is tailored to each individual vet to address our specific needs."

“I was able to gain strength from the group. Equine therapy was a refreshing way to understand how my own actions influence how others perceive and react to me. The Buddy Program was especially beneficial. My buddy and I are still in contact. Finally, the progress checks after returning home were very beneficial and helped me ease back into my professional responsibilities.”

Courtney Craig Shepherd grew up wanting to be a fighter pilot. The nine-year veteran of the U.S. Army completed his service with the rank of Captain after serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Eastern Afghanistan. He returned to his native Texas and, while he was dealing with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) issues, was referred to Operation Mend by his human resources vice president, who learned about the program from a close friend at church. 

Court has nothing but good things to say about the program. “I like the fact that the Operation Mend program is tailored to each individual vet to address our specific needs. The program was robust, and ensured my basic needs were met, which better enabled me to focus on the building blocks of instruction,” he explains. “Additionally, the fact that the program is at UCLA helped me distance myself from my stressors, which allowed me to stay 100-percent focused on the program and getting better.”

Court, or Shep, as he’s called by his friends from West Point and the Army, enjoyed his time at UCLA. “I was able to work through a lot of my PTSD issues, while also being introduced to novel ways of approaching recurring stressors in my life.” He says the individual therapy was top-notch. “It helped me see that I am not alone in my experiences or struggles.”

Today, Court has been back at his job for close to 18 months. He is managing work stress, participating in hobbies, and being a better partner to his girlfriend.

“Managing PTSD is a never-ending battle. However, if I feel myself regressing, I can always open my Operation Mend binder and review some of the coping strategies I was taught.”

It is an honor and a privilege for UCLA Health Operation Mend to be able to provide coping strategies and more to help heal warriors like Court, who have given so much in service to our great nation.