OPERATION DEAN
2026 Veteran Mission
Joseph Thomas “JT” Dean was born in Birmingham, Alabama. At nineteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained as an infantryman before being assigned to Fort Wainwright in Alaska. He served honorably during multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan.
In February 2026, feeling isolated and without a sense of purpose, Joseph called Veterans Rebuilding Life. Fellow veteran and VRL volunteer: Dre Popow answered the call. The two spoke candidly about their combat experiences, and the challenges of coping with traumatic memories. Through shared understanding and mutual respect, their conversation became a powerful reminder that no veteran has to face those struggles alone.
As many veterans do, JT, for years, turned to alcohol to self-medicate until it nearly destroyed every aspect of his life. Despite the odds stacked against him, JT began a recovery journey with the support of his friends and family. By the time he reached out to VRL, he had been sober for nine years.
“VRL is a Great place for vets to get help and guidance in everything from questions about VA paperwork, to counseling, and looking for a career.”
However, now that he has rebuilt his life, JT reached out because he knew he needed a strong sense of purpose to keep moving forward. Giving back through service is an essential part of Project 360, because having a clear purpose and a in life is one the strongest protective factor against veteran suicide. VRL conducted an assessment, and determined that serving as a Peer Support Recovery Coach would be the next step in JT’s journey.
To support him in this process, VRL connected JT with a Peer Mentor—a combat veteran who had also navigated the recovery journey. In addition, VRL funded JT’s enrollment and tuition for more than 50 hours of training through CCAR Recovery Coach Academy. Through this comprehensive support, JT earned his Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification.
Once complete, VRL will assist JT with obtaining the 500 service hours needed to become certified by The Maryland Addiction & Behavioral-Health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB). JT is eager to complete the training and certification process so that he can support countless other veterans who have also struggled with Recovery.