For many active-duty service members and spouses, long-anticipated homecomings can become heartbreaking. For Jenna Malone, the stakes to save her marriage were high after her husband, Issac, a U.S. Navy veteran, returned home from Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and broken vertebrae. Jenna was determined to save his life, save the relationship, and protect their children. In the process, Jenna also reclaimed her own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Issac\u2019s deployments led to increasing isolation, anger, and physical pain. Following a suicide attempt, Jenna reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Wounded Warrior Project\u00ae (WWP). With her support, Issac explored various therapies, but a pivotal moment came when they attended UCLA Health Operation Mend, part of WWP\u2019s Warrior Care Network\u00ae. This experience marked a significant turnaround for both of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna and Issac met while working at a golf course in Pennsylvania and quickly fell in love. After marrying, Jenna moved to San Diego to support Issac during his military training. Initially, Issac returned physically unharmed, but she noticed slight changes in his attitude. A year after his second deployment, Jenna recognized he was struggling with PTSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their struggles culminated when Jenna discovered Issac with a gun to his head. This crisis underscored the profound impact of PTSD on their relationship. At the time, Jenna was balancing caregiving for Issac and their three young children while feeling isolated from other veteran families. Recognizing her need for support, she stepped back from work and sought help through the VA\u2019s caregiver program, which eventually led her to WWP and UCLA Health Operation Mend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Warrior Care Network provided comprehensive outpatient treatment at renowned medical centers, including Operation Mend. \u201cI was willing to do whatever it took to get my husband back,\u201d Jenna shared. Issac engaged in one-on-one counseling and saw improvements in his mental health and energy levels. Equine therapy through Operation Mend played a significant role, helping the couple learn valuable communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Jenna and Issac\u2019s relationship has strengthened, positively impacting their children as well. Their journey reflects the challenges faced by military families and the potential for healing through love and community support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About UCLA Health Operation Mend<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2007, UCLA Health Operation Mend has been providing advanced specialty surgical and medical consultation and treatment for injuries sustained in post-9\/11 era military service. The original focus of Operation Mend was to engage UCLA\u2019s world-class experts in plastic and reconstructive surgery to rebuild the faces of service members who had suffered highly complex facial trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program expanded to provide subspecialty surgical and medical consultation and specialty treatment in a variety of clinical areas, as well as comprehensive psychological health care for eligible post-9\/11-era service members, veterans and their families. All care, care coordination, travel and lodging are provided at no cost to the veterans or service members and their caregivers. For those who have insurance, insurance will be utilized when applicable. The warrior is not responsible for co-payments, balance of cost, or authorization denials related to their care at UCLA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along with advanced medical specialty care, Operation Mend is distinguished by its focus on including the warriors\u2019 family in care and providing comprehensive case management, coordination and social support that helps eliminate barriers to treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n