Support Shane's Healing Journey: Help a Veteran
Hello, my name is Shane Jonas, and I'm a medically retired U.S. Army veteran. After almost 12 years of service, I was medically retired—a tough transition that brought new battles I wasn’t prepared for.
I served with Charlie Company, 6-101 Aviation Regiment out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. My first deployment was to Iraq, where I served as a maintainer for ten months. After returning home, I met my wife Heather—we got married, and soon after, I deployed again, this time to Afghanistan as a crew chief.
Three months after returning from Afghanistan, I assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). I passed assessment and spent the next five years serving in F Company, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR. After that, I was stationed in Korea for a year as the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander's personal crew chief and mechanic for a 4-star general. I finished my Army career back at Fort Campbell in the medevac unit where I started—bringing it full circle. That final year is when I began seeking mental health support, which eventually led to my medical retirement.
The trauma from medevac missions, intense combat, time away from home, and a serious fall from a UH-60 Blackhawk all left lasting wounds. I now live with PTSD, anxiety, depression, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and abandonment issues. I’ve also struggled with substance abuse—primarily alcohol and marijuana—but I’ve been sober from alcohol for six months, and I’m committed to staying the course.
Heather and I recently welcomed our fourth child—our only daughter, Hadley. She’s 15 months old (12 months corrected), and developmentally around 9 to 10 months. The joy she brings is indescribable, but the last year has also put incredible strain on our family—emotionally and financially. We’re doing everything we can to stay afloat.
The good news: I’ve been accepted into Warriors Heart, a private inpatient program built specifically for veterans and first responders. My insurance is covering most of the cost, and I’ve been cleared to attend as soon as I can pay the deductible and associated expenses—around $2,000 total.
This program is my best chance at lasting recovery. It’s not just about healing me—it’s about showing up fully for Heather, Hadley, and my entire family.
Your donation will help cover:
*The $2,000 deductible and remaining out-of-pocket costs
*Travel and lodging for treatment
*Essential support for Heather and our kids while I focus on healing
If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this with others who might be able to help. From one veteran, father, and husband to a community of good people—I’m asking for a little help to move forward.
With gratitude,
Shane and the Jonas Family