Etienne John

I served in the US Army for seven years (2005-2012) including Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was born in Burundi, but my family had to escape during the Civil War to a refugee camp in Tanzania. We were in the camp for four years until the US Refugee Program helped relocate my mother and eight siblings to Denver, Colorado in September 2001. September 11…I was 15 years old and was powerfully affected by the horrible event. I joined the Army as soon as I could and became a U.S. citizen

My early life and subsequent duty in the Army left me with difficult PTSD. With a lot of sincere help, and Five STAR Veterans Center, I am doing great! “I was recently asked what advice I would give to any other 9/11 veterans, I responded that it doesn’t matter what life is today, there is always light at the end of the tunnel — as long as we don’t quit.”

“The reason I returned to school after I arrived at Five STAR was because Col. Loving thought an MBA would provide an important step in my transition toward independence from Five STAR. Col. Loving’s insight was instrumental in my decision and for that, I will be forever thankful.”