“The therapy being provided through Shields & Stripes is a deliberate trauma protocol to train your brain, to process your trauma so that it’s not disruptive to my professional or personal life anymore.”
For over a decade, Sarah Garasz worked toward her dream of becoming an intelligence analyst. In 2018, she achieved that goal, entering the special operations community. But just as she stepped into her new role, tragedy struck and her sister passed away unexpectedly.
Battling grief and the high demands of her job, Sarah turned to alcohol. Admitting she needed help felt impossible. “I felt like I was putting my job in jeopardy and potentially losing my clearance,” she recalls. After her second deployment in 2020, isolation during the COVID lockdown only made things worse, sending her into a downward spiral.
A re-traumatizing event finally pushed her to seek help. Voluntarily checking into the hospital was terrifying, but necessary. “I have no idea what would’ve happened if I hadn’t sought help,” she says. Even after taking that step, her therapy access was inconsistent, leaving her feeling lost.
That’s when she found Shields & Stripes.
“Talking to Steve about the Shields & Stripes Program and the things that happened to us gave me comfort and peace.” The specialized trauma therapy provided her with tools she couldn’t access elsewhere, it was comprehensive and consistent, helping her process pain in a way that no longer disrupts her personal or professional life.
“Meeting the other participants in the Shields & Stripes program has been amazing. It’s been extremely healing,” she shares. And for the first time in a long time, she has hope. “I know that when I leave this program, someone will hold me accountable.”
In Sarah’s Own Words…
In this video, Sarah Garasz shares her story and experiences with Shields and Stripes.
Shields & Stripes Impact
To view more stories from alumni of the program and to see the impact it brings to all those involved.
