Curtis
Life after the service can be a maelstrom of grit and white knuckles. Curtis knows that well—it's a grind where he has to keep pushing, even when it feels like the world’s stacked against him. Originally from Indiana, Curtis came to St. Louis with almost nothing to his name. But he wasn’t about to let that stop him.
“I knew I had to make it work. I didn’t have much, but I had enough to get by.”
These days, you’ll find Curtis working on the BEST Crew at St. Patrick Center, helping keep the grounds in shape and handling maintenance. “It’s good, honest work, and it keeps me moving,” he says. “I’m still looking for work elsewhere—I always do—but it’s cool being here, I like it here.”
Curtis has been on a journey to better himself, and that’s meant making some big changes. “Used to drink a lot,” he admits. “I realized it was dragging me down, so I cut that mess out. It ain’t easy, but I’m a whole lot better without it.” He’s proud of the steps he’s taken to get where he is today, and he doesn’t shy away from hard work or asking for help. “Help’s out there for us vets. You just gotta reach out for it, man. [My case manager] has been there for me, but I still gotta put in the work, ya know?”
Family and health are big priorities for Curtis. He makes time for walks and workouts, keeping himself fit not just for his own well-being but for his family. “I got three daughters and seven grandkids. They’re my reason to keep going,” he says. He also makes sure to see them often, never missing a chance to connect. “Family’s everything. I’m doing this for them as much as I’m doing it for me.”
He also stays close with his best friend from back in Indiana. They keep in touch, joking around like old times. “We’ll spend hours on the phone just clowning on each other, talking about the good old days. That’s the stuff that keeps you grounded,” Curtis laughs.
Today, he’s found peace in a place of his own—a simple apartment where he can finally breathe easy. “It ain’t fancy, but it’s mine,” he says, smiling. “It’s the little things that make it feel like home. I got a spot to call my own, and after all I’ve been through, that means the world to me.”
For Curtis, life is about more than just surviving. He’s out here putting in the work, both for himself and for the community that’s helped him along the way. “We all got our struggles, but I know I’m where I need to be,” he says. “I’ve got my family, my friends, and a good place to rest my head at the end of the day. That’s all a man really needs.”
We’re dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of veterans like Curtis through programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and Project HERO, along with other tailored resources and community partners. Our goal is to ensure that every veteran has access to housing, stability, and support.
One way you can make an impact is by joining us in the upcoming Veterans Day 5K. By registering and advocating for this event, you’re helping us transform lives and provide essential services to veterans in our community. Together, we can honor their sacrifices and work toward a brighter future for all.