For U.S. Air Force Veteran Justin Cheatham, life after military service was an uphill battle. A former E-3 firefighter stationed at Herbert Field in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Cheatham faced challenges that many Veterans know all too well—post-traumatic stress, self-medication, and a struggle to find purpose. Today, he credits the Orlando VA Healthcare System, a renewed faith, and an unexpected passion for competitive bearding with saving his life.
From 2002 to 2005, Cheatham served as a firefighter, responding to 911 calls, car accidents, and drug overdoses. Deployed to Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base, Cheatham encountered harrowing experiences that lingered long after his service ended.
After separating from the Air Force, Cheatham’s battles continued. He began self-medicating with alcohol, numbing the pain of his memories.
“I’d sit with a gun in my hand at night, thinking about ending it,” Cheatham said.
Five years ago, Cheatham achieved sobriety, but the road was anything but smooth. A public mental breakdown two and a half years ago became a turning point. His mother intervened, providing the support he desperately needed.
“I asked her to help me figure it out,” he shared.
Through the Orlando VA, Cheatham connected with a mental health provider who became a lifeline.
Cheatham says, “She was the only person I could trust at that point,” he said. “She stayed on the phone with me for hours and gave me a reason to keep pushing.”
Cheatham’s provider recommended the VA’s Whole Health program, which soon became a cornerstone of his recovery. With guidance from coaches Gregory Jackson, Melissa Boban, and Angela Suarez, he learned meditation techniques and found a supportive community.
“Whole Health helped save my life,” Cheatham said. “Angela at the VA was a huge help in recentering me. They showed me it’s okay not to be okay and helped me get back up.”
Angela Suarez, a Whole Health coach at the Orlando VA, emphasized the importance of personalized care.
“Justin’s journey is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and the resources we provide to help Veterans reclaim their lives,” she said.
Ashley Rush, Whole Health Coordinator at the Orlando VA, highlighted the program’s impact on Veterans like Cheatham.
“Our goal is to empower Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being,” Rush said. “Whole Health is about more than just treatment—it’s about finding purpose, community, and new ways to thrive.”
Cheatham stumbled upon competitive bearding through social media. What started as a curiosity soon became a life-changing passion.
At his first competition in Daytona Beach, FL, he was so nervous that his muscles ached for a week. Despite the anxiety, he placed fifth in the nation in 2023.
“That moment changed my life,” he said. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a sense of purpose.”
Cheatham now hosts beard competitions and has won multiple awards, including Best in Show in Ocala. He’s built a community through the sport, finding camaraderie and support among fellow competitors.
“These people are about helping others and changing lives,” he said. “It’s a form of therapy and self-expression for me.”
Through the VA and his bearding journey, Cheatham has found strength in vulnerability. He now works out regularly, embraces his faith, and advises other Veterans to take the leap toward healing.
Cheatham says. “You’ve got to get out of your comfort zone and look for a reason to keep going.”
Cheatham also urges Veterans to trust the VA.
“There are good people at the VA who care and want to help,” Cheatham said.
Cheatham’s story is a powerful reminder that healing can come from unexpected places, whether it’s a compassionate doctor, a supportive program, or a beard competition.
For Cheatham, life is no longer about survival—it’s about thriving. His message to fellow Veterans is simple: “Find your unique way to heal and thrive. Don’t be afraid to reach out. There’s always someone rooting for you.”
For those interested in exploring the bearding community, Cheatham recommends the Talking Beards Podcast, which airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern on YouTube. You can watch it here: Talking Beards – YouTube.
Additionally, the Beard Calendar provides a comprehensive list of beard competitions across the nation and worldwide, offering others a chance to experience what Cheatham has found.
To learn more about PTSD services at the Orlando VA Healthcare System, please visit: Health Services | VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Joseph Nunez serves as the Public Affairs Specialist for the Orlando VA Health Care System.
