A Veteran's New Mission: Turning Recovery into Hope for Others

Saul Banuelos Luna is a United States Army Veteran whose life has been shaped by service, resilience, and personal transformation. After completing his military service, he faced significant challenges reintegrating into civilian life. The sudden loss of structure, combined with unresolved trauma and stress, led him down a difficult path, and he turned to substances as a means of coping. Over time, this struggle profoundly affected his health, personal relationships, and overall sense of purpose.

At a critical turning point, Saul made the decision to take full responsibility for his life and commit to sobriety. Recovery was one of the most challenging journeys he has ever undertaken, requiring intense mental discipline, deep self-reflection, and unwavering determination. Through this process, he rebuilt his values, regained control of his life, and reconnected with his desire to serve others. Overcoming addiction taught him accountability, perseverance, and a profound respect for the seriousness of substance use disorders.

Today, Saul is just six weeks away from graduating from Loyola Marymount University in the Substance Use Disorder Counseling program. His education has provided him with strong clinical knowledge and exposure to evidence-based interventions that create meaningful and lasting change. He has also been offered an internship with the Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP), where he will have the opportunity to combine his lived experience with his professional training to support individuals who are battling addiction.

However, in order for Saul to move forward, he urgently needs to renew his immigration status. Obtaining his green card is essential for him to complete his internship, continue his education, and pursue long-term work as a substance use disorder counselor. The required amount of $500.00 will directly support this process and enable him to take these critical next steps. Without this assistance, he is unable to advance toward the career and life he has worked diligently to build.

Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward covering the legal and filing costs associated with Saul’s immigration process. Your support will help ensure that a U.S. Army Veteran in recovery can continue giving back by helping others recognize their capacity for change and supporting their journeys toward stability, recovery, and hope. Thank you for taking the time to read Saul’s story and for any support you are able to provide.