Our Story

Michael Paul, being a struggling Veteran himself, surviving three deployments (OIF-OEF), knew the importance of having a “safe place” to go for Veterans. After returning to civilian life, he spiraled out of control. Drug use eventually led to several unsuccessful suicide attempts. 

Jessica Paul, Michael’s wife, reconnected with Michael in 2020, only to find him homeless and strung out. Jessica, who had extensive experience within her family with the effect combat has on Veterans, took Michael to the Mountain Home VA Domiciliary in February 2020. There he participated in a 90-day recovery program, continuing his recovery through outside sources once graduating. When asked what Michael’s dreams were after he got clean, he said, “I want to help Veterans like me.”

Michael has remained abstinent since graduating from the VA rehabilitation program. After celebrating his first year of recovery, he was hired on as a Veteran Liaison at a local nonprofit organization. Once employed, Michael went through several classes, including the Veteran’s Endorsement, Peer Support, and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training. During his employment there, Michael was consistently involved with the organization’s Outreach Team, helping the next Veteran in line. He came to realize this organization helped not only the Veterans, but himself as well. 

When Michael was notified of the organization’s dissolution, he formed the Veteran Center of East Tennessee so Veterans would continue to have that “safe place.” When Michael’s job ended, they lived off Jessica’s income while they spent their time and energy creating VCET. 

Jessica believes in the impact the Center has on not only the Veteran, but the family as well. Growing up in the household of a disabled alcoholic Veteran who isolated himself in the last years of his life, Jessica created a battlefield for her family. This plunged Jessica into 20 years of addiction and suicide attempts. The Veteran Center of East Tennessee offers a way out for men like her father so they can feel like they have purpose and a life. Jessica says she has witnessed the trickle-down effect on the Veterans families and wishes she would have had the same support with her own family.