Within the Body of Christ, a Veteran and His Family Have Discovered Healing and New Hope

“It hits you later… the sheer terror…” 

Photographing frontline military missions, providing documentation for operations and strategy, Chet witnessed the horrors of war up close. Having retired from the Navy as a Petty Officer 2^nd Class, he served several tours as a combat photographer, capturing action on film. 

“As a combat cameraman, every emotion you can think of hits you at the same time. In the moment, you’re disconnected because the shield of the camera lens is always in front of you. But it hits you later… the sheer terror, feeling numb. And the thing that’s with you the whole time is fear,” says Chet. 

After serving honorably in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Chet returned home with PTSD and multiple traumatic brain injuries. He suffers from severe migraines, vision loss, brain fog, and freezing up mid-sentence. 

“I find myself constantly saying the same thing without ever knowing that I said it in the first place,” says Chet.  

A Relentless Emotional Toll 

In addition to the physical and cognitive harm Chet has suffered, he endures emotional torment, with horrendous images playing through his mind like a slideshow. All-too-vivid memories of war cast a long shadow, making it impossible to return to life “as usual.” His experiences have also caused him to question his beliefs. 

“Those of us who go to war and have to experience the worst of mankind and the real ugliness of the world—we really start to question morality… Not everybody can go back home to a brick-and-mortar church and find their healing process.” 

A Place for Healing 

Veteran families like Chet and his wife Amy need spaces for healing and post-traumatic growth. This is why Joni and Friends holds Warrior Getaways, designed to offer hope, healing, and respite in Jesus to military families suffering from visible and invisible wounds. Chet shares how Warrior Getaway has impacted his life: 

“Warrior Getaway showed me that people care. It allowed me to reconnect and know that people can be good—not everybody is bad. As Warriors, we all think we can do it ourselves. We think we can fight through it, but we find out our shoulders aren’t that broad, and it’s ok to ask for help.” 

Within the body of Christ, Chet and his family have discovered healing and new hope.

In fact, their healing has been so profound that Chet has a special message for all those who make Warrior Getaway possible… 

“Veterans have heroes, too,” says Chet. “And that’s you.” 

James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”