Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jr Weaver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JR, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

The moment that truly inspired me to work with veterans came years after I left the military. Like many veterans, I struggled with the transition to civilian life and faced challenges that I wasn’t prepared for. It was during this difficult time that I realized just how isolated veterans can feel, particularly when they don’t have a strong support network to help them navigate life after service. The turning point for me was when I experienced the power of connecting with other veterans who understood my struggles while in treatment at our local Ralph H. Johnson VAMC. It was a peer support group where veterans could be real about their challenges and, most importantly, listen and provide guidance without judgment. That experience opened my eyes to the immense need for veterans to reconnect with one another to find support, hope, and direction. This led me to take a few peer support classes, which led me to becoming a veterans counselor in Costa Rica and eventually to creating a new type of veterans program that focuses on rebuilding ‘connection’ to provide that safe space for veterans to come together to talk about life in general.

That moment stayed with me and led me down the path I’m on today as the Veterans Program Coordinator with WakeUp Carolina. I host the Serving Those Who Served veterans support program, which is built around the idea of connection—not only with fellow veterans but also with VA resources that can help them overcome the obstacles they face in life. My goal is to ensure that no veteran feels they have to walk this journey alone. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, advice, or direct support, I want veterans to feel empowered to live their best life.

The inspiration I drew from my own experiences is now what fuels my commitment to this program. Veterans need a trusted, supportive space to be heard and understood, and I am honored to provide that through Serving Those Who Served.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m JR Weaver, a veteran, author, and advocate who has dedicated my life to helping fellow veterans navigate the challenges of post-military life and recovery. My journey into this field began after my own struggles with undiagnosed PTSD and the difficulties I faced while transitioning back to civilian life. As I sought help for myself, I realized there was a significant gap in resources and peer support for veterans like me—those who needed a place to connect, be understood, and find solutions to their problems.

Today, I proudly serve as the Veterans Program Coordinator for WakeUp Carolina, where I lead the Serving Those Who Served program. This program offers support, advice, and a place for veterans to connect with one another while also providing access to trusted resources for VA benefits, disability claims, and mental health services. In addition, I also work closely with veterans to help them develop vocational and physical training plans that align with their goals.

What sets our program apart is the veteran-centered approach that meets each individual where they are. I’m not just a coordinator; I’m someone who’s walked in their shoes. This personal connection allows me to build trust with veterans, and through our program, I can offer a safe, supportive space for them to talk openly and find solutions to their challenges. I use a solutions-focused approach—recognizing their strengths, helping them craft SMART goals, and focusing on what actions they can take now to improve their lives.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Veteran-to-Veteran Connection: This program is built around the idea of veterans supporting other veterans, creating an environment of shared understanding. Veterans often feel more comfortable opening up to someone who has experienced similar challenges, making the program’s peer support structure especially effective.

Solutions-Focused Approach: Instead of dwelling on the past or the problems veterans face, the program focuses on actionable steps that veterans can take in their current situation. By identifying each individual’s strengths and setting goals, this approach empowers veterans to regain control of their lives and strive to reach their full potential.

Every veteran’s journey is different, and this program meets them where they are. Whether they need mental health support, help with VA benefits, or vocational guidance, the program offers a customized plan that fits their specific situation, which increases their chances of success.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that really illustrates my resilience comes from my personal struggle with PTSD and addiction after leaving the military. For a long time, I didn’t ask for help—I thought I could handle it on my own, and admitting that I was struggling felt like weakness. But the weight of that mindset nearly broke me. I reached a point where I was losing control of everything that mattered—my health, my relationships, my sense of self. It was a dark time, and I felt like I was at the end of my rope.

The turning point came when I finally accepted that I couldn’t do it alone. I reached out for help and started attending peer support groups, where I found other veterans who were dealing with the same challenges. For the first time, I felt understood, and that gave me the strength to start my recovery journey. I began working on myself step by step, with the support of those who had been in my shoes.

That experience is what inspired me to work with other veterans, but it also taught me resilience in the truest sense. I learned that resilience isn’t about facing everything by yourself; it’s about getting back up after you fall and accepting help when you need it. It’s about using the challenges you face to grow stronger and better equipped to help others. Every step of that journey—through my struggles, recovery, and now helping other veterans—has reinforced my belief that resilience is built through connection and perseverance, not isolation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wakeupcarolina.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrweaver0/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jr-weaver-9193581a2/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jrweaver5880