In 2004, on only his third day in Afghanistan, Chris Hoff suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during Humvee rollover training. But like many TBIs at the time, it went undiagnosed, and he was sent back to work. A few days later, Chris’ unit lost six soldiers and he was asked to attend the fallen comrade ceremony.

Always wanting to help his team complete its mission, Chris volunteered for a variety of extra tasks during his deployments — including the difficult job of delivering the bodies of locals who had been killed to their families. After returning home, Chris’ post-traumatic stress disorder sent him into a downward spiral.
 
He credits an email inviting him to a Wounded Warrior Project equine therapy workshop with saving him. It was his first step on the path toward recovery. Equine therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for individuals with various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans with PTSD may benefit from equine therapy in several ways. Horses are social animals that can provide a sense of companionship and belonging, which is essential for individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected from others.

It takes a brave person to ask for help, which U.S. Army Veteran Chris Hoff did. He knew his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was affecting his relationship with his family. Chris contacted WWP and was referred to Warrior Care Network.

He received treatment at Home Base in Boston, one of Warrior Care Network’s academic medical centers. When Chris Hoff thought about taking his own life, he knew it was time to get help. He found tools to cope with his invisible wounds through Warrior Care Network. Together, Road Home Program at Rush, Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, and UCLA Operation Mend partner with Wounded Warrior Project to create #WarriorCareNetwork to help veterans like Chris in a safe, judgment-free space. ​


Warrior Care Network is a partnership between Wounded Warrior Project and four world-renowned academic medical centers, providing veterans and service members living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), and other related conditions with a path to long-term wellness.  Participants and their families receive first-class treatment tailored specifically to their needs and individualized care to support their unique journey. All treatment and accommodations are provided at no cost and financial assistance is also offered to help cover everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing.