This week’s Veteran is Joseph Lewit, who served in the U.S. Army from 2004 – 2009. Joseph was a Military Policeman, whose job involves law enforcement, security, and supporting operations on Army installations and in combat zones. Instead of causing the barfights, Lewit was the guy who was breaking them up, and he was there to maintain law and order, control traffic, conduct investigations, and provide security for resources and personnel. Joseph went to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for a combined Basic and Advanced Training just for MPs. Following his training, Lewit was sent to Iraq in 2005, Taji, to be exact, where on one patrol his Hummer experienced a rollover crash. After his tour ended in 2006, Joseph spent a short period at Fort Riley, Kansas, before in 2007, being sent back to Mosul, Iraq, for a second tour. On his second tour, Lewit was in a second rollover crash, this time as a result of an IED. Incredibly, Joseph didn’t break any skin, but being knocked around from those experiences takes a toll on the old noggin, which has unforeseen consequences later. Lewit’s duties in Iraq included the escorting of DOD personnel, contractors, and the such. He also participated in convoy security, and went on joint military patrols with Iraqi police. Joseph was able to obtain a History Degree from Georgia State University. Unfortunately, like many Veterans who have been banged about, Lewit tried to fight the PTSD demons, alcohol and self-medicating, which only prolonged his agony. From his home in Georgia, he was able to obtain a slot at Camp Valor in Conroe, which is operated by The Birdwell Foundation. Camp Valor is a lifesaver for many Veterans and even First Responders. The organization helps Veterans to Fight their way Out of the Darkness, which is a GodSend to the Men and Women who go through the program. Camp Valor’s aim is to prevent suicide, and instill hope, with many who have had the same experiences and survived, and provide peer-to-peer networking, life skills and counseling. Joseph is adamant that Camp Valor saved his life. Good Luck Joseph, and Congratulations on being MCNs ‘Veteran of the Week’.