I created HBVets.org to honor Steven White, a decorated US Army Ranger CyOps (Cyber Ops) veteran. Steve was a Purple Heart, Bronze Star recipient, and close friend of mine since 2001.
I first met Steve when he owned two martial arts studios in Romona, California, where I enrolled 3 of my kids in his programs. Steve was an incredible person, disciplined, respected, honored, and a 6th-degree black belt himself. Classes were three times a week, so I got to know him very well over the next few years.
I owned a motorcycle business in Romona, and Steve would stop by every morning for coffee. While Steven was visiting one morning, I was interviewing a potential new hire. When I finished the interview, Steven asked if I was considering hiring them. I was going to, but Steven shook his head no. I hired them anyway and, within the first week, realized Steven was right and had to fire them. I never made that mistake again. He had an intuition about him that was profound. Steve could read people because of his CyOps training. After that, he was always present when I interviewed potential candidates, and I never had an issue with any staff.
Steve and I frequently went to various events promoting our businesses. One day in 2004, we were together when he received a call from his wife that his 11-year-old son, Jordan White, was in a horrific ATV accident that resulted in Jordan becoming a quadriplegic.
Steve was a fantastic father who immediately adjusted his focus to caring for Jordan. Steven returned to active military service, and his business suffered. Steven ensured Jordan received all of the special equipment he needed to thrive.
When he returned from his first tour in Afghanistan, he was still the same great person I knew. He was pleased to be back with his family. Anyone who has ever served in combat knows you are impacted by what you experienced, but Steve appeared happy.
In 2007, Steve received orders to return to Afghanistan. Steve was a proud patriot and received the Purple Heart for his injuries in Afghanistan.
When he returned from duty this time, his condition changed. Steve was prescribed opioids, which he mixed with alcohol. He had PTSD, and he exhibited mood swings. I could see the person I always loved inside, but he couldn't see that. I tried to help as best as possible but mostly felt helpless, not knowing what to do. I took him to 12-step meetings and helped him get jobs. All I wanted to do was help my friend find his path back. He was not ready, and he was like a lost soul.
Then, one day, he just left without notice or even a goodbye. He wound up homeless and on the streets of Los Angeles. His addictions and demons were getting worse. Then the day came. I got that dreaded call from another friend that Steve had committed suicide.
I felt profound guilt, like there was something more I could have done. I talked to many others and identified that homeless veterans, even those with benefits, are often left to fend for themselves. We need to find these men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms and help them.
HBVets.org goes to homeless veterans. We offer help getting them off the streets into a place to live. We start by assessing their needs and provide up to 90 days of temporary housing while we help them get processed into the benefits system or other programs that may apply. Our volunteers will connect them to the services they deserve, helping those who need assistance in applying for benefits and those who do not qualify for VA benefits because of a less-than-honorable discharge or a lack of service time to be eligible for benefits. We partner with many other agencies and providers around the country. We are committed to helping them regain their lives, independence, and freedom.
My goal is that Steve's life will benefit others for generations, and our work will be his legacy.