Ron Breland of Glendale is a three-time combat Veteran who has dedicated his life to helping his country, his community, and Veterans. He spent 15-years in the U.S. Army, serving with the 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Infantry Division, and spent 5 and a half years on jump status.
During his service, Ron engaged the enemy on his own ground in Mogadishu in 1993. He was also involved in the Battle of Ramadi and the first Battle of Fallujah, both under Brigadier General James “Mad Dog” Mattis. After suffering physical and mental health issues, including Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress, Ron was granted medical retirement.
He talks openly about his struggles with
mental health and how he reclaimed his life. Ron feels the stigma of PTSD is dangerous and often deadly because Veterans are afraid to get the help they need. To shed light on this issue, Ron wrote a book with his wife called Ghost Nation- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Society.
He also volunteers with Warfighter Ranch, a 501(c)3 faith-based nonprofit started by his wife, Helen, that provides support and resources to Veterans and their families. As a Combat Veteran Group Facilitator, Ron shares his stories, leads healing groups, and provides emotional support for Veterans.
On November 7, Ron will speak at Warfighter Palooza, a free event for Veterans and their families at Glendale Heroes Regional Park. The Warfighter Ranch sponsored event will have food, resources, and free giveaways including hand-made, tactical wristwear designed to remind Veterans they are never alone. These bracelets have special meaning to Ron because he trusted his life on paracord as a paratrooper. To date, he has handed out 17,000 of the paracord wristwear.
Ron and his wife Helen raised six children and fostered several others. Their youngest daughter recently began attending Arizona Christian University on an academic scholarship.
Help Ron become the 2020 Forrest Anderson Military Hero Giveaway winner by voting for him. Click here to vote.