David Long

U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Veteran

"Taking the tools I learned in Operation Mend and applying them has helped me reach for life again.”

“When I look back to see the reflection of who I was before I went through the program, it’s like looking through stained glass. My external self may be somewhat familiar, but the core of me has changed. Taking the tools I learned in Operation Mend and applying them has helped me reach for life again.”

This 20-year military service veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan was referred to Operation Mend by a military veteran friend to get help for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dave, who retired with the rank of Master Sergeant, was inspired to join the military by his grandfather’s service in the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps, and Air Force.

“I came to Operation Mend with a blank slate — I had no idea what to expect. I went through all phases of thoughts and emotions working the program, culminating in an overall outstanding experience.”

The Arizona native has come to accept his trauma and better understand it, thanks to Operation Mend. “I have my demons,” Dave says, “but instead of hiding them, I choose to embrace them with understanding. By choosing to embrace my trauma and accept my demons, I have grown far beyond what I thought possible. My demons and trauma have merged into a new life experience that I am now able to share with others.”

“I will admit I have my good and bad days. However, my good days have become so vast that the bad ones have become manageable and I’m able to work through them without getting overwhelmed.”

Dave now spends hours every week working with his local veteran center. He volunteers his time running support groups, assisting in AA meetings, growing veteran programs, and creating community resources — not to mention the art he creates to raffle in support of the center.

Dave’s is a journey of resilience, of darkness to light, which UCLA Health Operation Mend was honored to facilitate.