Alfredo Torres and Tamekia Jackson
Recorded
July 13, 2024
40:12 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
dde001766
Description
Alfredo Torres (57) speaks with StoryCorps facilitator Tamekia Jackson (37) about his Navy career, life after military service, and mental health challenges.Subject Log / Time Code
Alfredo Torres (AT) remembers joking, playing, and making people laugh while growing up in the South Bronx in the 1980s.
AT recounts joining the Navy after college.
AT explains that, as a result of being medically discharged from the Navy, divorcing his second wife, and being functionally homeless for years, he fell into a depression.
AT considers the layers of mental health stigma that he faces as a male, Puerto-Rican veteran who held a leadership role in the Navy. Tamekia Jackson (TJ) admires AT's analysis.
AT reflects on his radio career.
AT recounts his two suicide attempts.
AT considers how the Post 9/11 GI Bill offered him a restart by providing funds for education and a housing allowance.
AT discusses his work helping veterans transition into civilian life and sharing his personal stories to make them feel less alone.
AT expresses appreciates for his wife's grace.
AT reminds transitioning veterans that they're not alone.
Participants
- Alfredo Torres
- Tamekia Jackson