OPERATION HALLBACK
2024 Veteran Mission
D’andre Hallback enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of twenty. He served aboard the USS Porter (DDG 78) a Navy guided-missile destroyer, deployed to middle eastern waters, in support of NATO combat operations that took place during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
After completing multiple tours of duty, D’Andre was honorably discharged from Naval service, and returned home in search of a new career path. The reintegration process from military to civilian life however, would prove difficult.
It was during this period that D’Andre was diagnosed with a mental health disorder that would impair his ability to maintain employment, resulting in financial debt, that would eventually lead to homelessness.
D’Andre was living in the Borden Avenue Veterans Shelter in the borough of Queens in New York City for six months, before he stumbled upon the offices of Veterans Rebuilding Life.
“Veterans Rebuilding life heard me out, helped me feel sure of myself going to school, and made it easy to get the ball rolling again as far as my VA claims go. The staff there is mostly veterans and the non veteran staff was all about helping me get in touch with someone here that would help. The ambiance and professionalism at VRL is unmatched.”
D’Andre registered for Project 360º and was assigned a veteran-mentor. Together, they registered for veteran healthcare and education benefits. Within 30 days, D’Andre was in treatment at the VA hospital, and enrolled as a full-time student at Devry Technical Institute in Manhattan, NY.
On his first day of class, D’Andre’s mentor presented him with a new laptop, and scheduled weekly tutoring sessions on his behalf, to ensure his educational objectives were met.
The result: D’Andre graduated at the top of his class, secured full time employment, moved out of the shelter and into a new home. Today, D’Andre remains an active supporting member of Veterans Rebuilding Life, volunteering his time to assist fellow vets.