Meet Jason Willwerth, U.S. Navy — 2017 Veteran
Jason Willwerth was born in Charleston, South Carolina and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduating high school Jason joined the US Navy in June, 1999. After boot camp, Jason served on the USS John F. Kennedy as a Plane Handler and then in Crash and Salvage (Fire Fighter).
While on the USS Kennedy Jason completed two combat deployments. While assigned to the USS Kennedy, right before a scheduled deployment, Jason found his roommate and longtime friend hanging in his closet. Jason escorted his body home to the family. Jason then spent time on shore duty as a US Navy Recruiter in Deland, Florida. While on shore duty, Jason spent 19 days on the search and rescue efforts in New Orleans, Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
Jason then returned to sea duty where he served on the USS Enterprise and the USS Harry S. Truman. While serving on the USS Enterprise, Jason received Sailor of the Year and was selected to represent the USN on the All Navy Baseball Team. The team played other military branches and other countries. The games were played all over the world.
Jason completed three more combat deployments, was assigned to security department, and worked with military working dogs. While onboard the USS Truman, Jason's military career came to an unfortunate halt. He was diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder which would keep him from being deployed and would later be honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2012.
Jason did not know anything other than the life of a sailor and has struggled to adjust to the civilian world. After many difficult times, Jason was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014. He had previously been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and separation adjustment disorder. Jason and Hank (his silver lab) began service dog training in 2015. Unfortunately, Hank was diagnosed with terminal cancer and later passed in December, 2016. Hank was not just Jason’s service dog but also his best friend, his support, and his family.
Jason earned his Welding Certificate from Tidewater Community College in 2016 and is now taking photography classes. He participates in events supporting Sprike's K-9 and End 22. Jason is married and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. He struggles each day with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Jason knows each day may bring the nightmares to his door but he is learning to use coping skills. His wife, Leslie, has become his biggest supporter and fights the uphill battle for resources and treatment for Jason and other veterans who can’t fight alone. Currently attending Saint Leo University, Leslie works for the Department of Corrections and is progressing towards her Master’s Degree, but is determined to keep fighting for Jason and other veterans suffering from PTSD. #NOTALLWOUNDSAREVISIBLE
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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors
