Veterans continue brotherhood as peer specialists with VA

For Marine Corps Veterans Noe Tejeda and Robert Hernandez, the brotherhood that began in battle more than 20 years ago continues to this day. As lead peer specialist and peer specialist at Greater Los Angeles VA, the two had each other's backs while in Iraq and still have each other's backs as they "continue the mission," in Tejeda's words.

As peer specialists, the two are part of a group of Veterans with lived experience who help guide other Veterans through recovery from mental health issues, homelessness, substance use and other challenges they face in transitioning to civilian life.

Peer specialists are there for Veterans every step of the way, helping connect them to critical services and resources through VA and its community partners. "The mentality we all have, never leave a brother behind, I think that really sticks with us," said Hernandez.

The bond between Tejeda and Hernandez speaks to the power of peer support, both for each other and for the Veterans they serve.

From Iraq to Los Angeles VA

Tejeda and Hernandez first met as roommates in the military. With both hailing from California, they became fast friends.

Both went on to become assault amphibious vehicle crew chiefs. While each chief typically leads his own vehicle, they requested to be assigned to the same one. After 9/11, they deployed together.

"Prior to going to war I remember telling his mom, 'Everything is going to be ok. I'm going to bring your son back,'" said Tejeda.

Years later, Tejeda had started working in Veteran services and, while Hernandez had found success in a civilian job, it didn't provide the fulfillment or sense of connection he was looking for.

Tejeda reached out to check on Hernandez. "I told him I work with Veterans and I think it's something you might be interested in," Tejeda said. "Robert took that risk, but at the same time he found his passion."

Both had been through their own recovery journeys with help from VA, which put them in a unique position to guide other Veterans through the process. Both eventually ended up working at Greater Los Angeles VA.

"We just never really separated," said Hernandez. "He checks on me. I check in on him. We're still there supporting each other."

Creating true family ties, Hernandez is the godfather to Tejeda's son.

What peer support specialists do

Peer specialists are a growing part of VA's work in helping Veterans through recovery and rebuilding their lives. Once paired with a Veteran, they work as a team, along with the Veteran's other providers, to identify areas of need, then help the Veteran get access to the support and services that can meet those needs.

"We're Veterans who have gone through our own struggle and we're here to empower those individuals," said Tejeda. "We're always trying to identify their needs and connect them with the right resources. And sometimes Veterans just need another Veteran to hear what they're going through."

Tejeda and Hernandez hope the impact of peer specialists continues to expand, including into the medical setting.

"Peers are on the front line," said Hernandez. "As Veterans, we know what the Veteran is going through, and it's all about our experiences and how we connect with them."

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