Brian Paul: National Guardsmen, Firefighter, EMT With Post Traumatic Stress Battled Alcoholism and Now Helps Others Fight Addiction & Find Purpose

Brian Paul served in the Oklahoma National Guard 45th Infantry; when the Murrah Building was bombed in an act of domestic terrorism in 1995, he was deployed to the site and worked among other responders in the devastation, receiving the State Activation Medal and Humanitarian Medal. Desiring to continue serving the public, Brian became a career fire fighter and EMT. He had a great life with a beautiful wife, son, and home. The stress of shift work, poor sleep, and encountering death and trauma regularly at his busy station accumulated. This man once seen as a hero began to drink heavily. Brian's clarity of thought diminished, and he had difficulty thinking clearly on his calls--a crucial asset for emergency workers. Failing health due to alcoholism brought Brian close to death: his liver was damaged and his bone marrow was even shutting down. At the lowest point of his life--homeless and barely alive--Brian finally accepted lifesaving help through a 90-day rehabilitation facility, where he chose life. He was successful in this recovery effort because of his faith in a Higher Power, love for his son and mother, and his adherence to a proper treatment program. He founded Veterans 4 Life USA to help reach out to struggling men and women who are serving or have served in military or first responder professions that expose them to intense trauma and long-term stress. Recently Brian fulfilled his dream of playing semi-pro football, demonstrating the full recovery from his previous state: he is in shape, full of energy, and impassioned to help as many brothers and sisters fighting their own battles as possible. Heroes In Uniform: https://www.heroesinuniform.org