Burn Pits 360 is a Robstown-based veterans support group that helps service members who were exposed to toxins while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. On Wednesday morning, the organization opened its first-ever Warrior Support Center.
Jason Sanchez is an Army veteran who volunteers at the support center. He helps veterans, giving support and advice to others who were in his position.
"This is truly like a landmark for veterans that are able to fight for themselves," Sanchez said.
For the vets who have faced challenges or adversity, the support center is a one-stop shop of resources. Those who visit can get help with things like peer support, case management, and claims assistance, or vets can go simply to enjoy themselves.
Sanchez says although giving support has been rewarding, the companionship he has made while volunteering, has been the ultimate reward.
"I am very happy and excited that this place is open," Sanchez said. "Just the amount of people that I’ve met and the networking, and the love that’s shown between veterans."
Eloy Gamez is a Marine Corps veteran who says he’s excited for what the support center has in store for veterans like himself. He adds, when he got out of the military, he didn’t have the right resources or information available to him.
"When I got out in 2008, I didn’t know anything," Gamez said.
However Gamez says, having help from a place like the support center would’ve been helpful.
"I think every veteran just getting out, they’ve probably hit that point in time where they wouldn’t know where to go or what to look for," Gamez said. "So that’s why the centers like this are very important."?
For more information on Burn Pits 360 or the Warrior Support Center, click here.
