VAN Station magazine
Who We're Talking To
Inside the March/April edition of VAN STATION Magazine, we ask veteran LaHarold Woodhouse to share his journey. How did he pull himself out of a dark place? We hear a journey that begins in darkness but now finds LaHarold in the bright Florida sunshine spending countless hours with other Tampa Bay veterans, teaching them how to manage anxiety through the game of golf.Â
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Roots
I was born and raised in Memphis Tennessee with the “Grit and Grind” mindset, which helped me to become the man I am today. Most of the time, when I go back home, it’s to support the Memphis Tigers basketball-football or Memphis Grizzlies basketball teams. When I do get back home, I spend as much time as I can with family members I love.
Military History
1988-1995
My service officially began in 1988, and my first duty assignment was in Germany. After a few years in Germany, Desert Storm kicked off, and I was deployed. Upon completing that tour, my unit was deactivated, and I went to Hinesville, Georgia, at Fort Stewart. After Fort Stewart came Fort Hood, and from there, I was mobilized to Guantanamo Bay Cuba. (see full article for career details)
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Retirement
We came straight to Tampa, Florida after my retirement. I have chills right now because my transition story is crazy! I knew this question would come up, and I’d have to open up about that time in my life. We are about to get into the Nitty Gritty right now.
When I left the military, it was a very hectic time. I had been successful in the military and believed I wouldn’t have a problem being successful in the civilian sector. I spent a long time planning exactly what I would do once I left the military. (see full article for details)
Life After the Army
I started to do some real soulsearching. We had transitioned out of the military to Tampa Florida with no family, and from single to newly married. It all took a toll on us both. I didn’t see how this ‘transition’ was going to happen, and I ended up at a very depressed stage in my life. All of my goals had fallen through and I was thinking, “What am I going to do now?”
