“I traded my uniform for a pair of running shoes and a camera. I thought I was starting over—but I was actually just beginning.”
Introduction
When James left active duty in 2019, he faced a silence louder than any firefight. The structure, brotherhood, and mission that had guided him for over a decade were suddenly gone. Like many veterans, he found the transition to civilian life disorienting.
“I didn’t know who I was without the Army,” he says. “I felt like I had all this experience, but no place to put it.”
Rediscovering Strength Through Service
James eventually found Warrior Impact through a fellow veteran. What started as a volunteer project with a local mentorship program turned into something greater: a new mission, this time focused on supporting at-risk youth through fitness and storytelling.
With the help of Warrior Impact’s micro-grant program, James launched Miles & Stories, a community initiative that combines marathon training with personal storytelling for underserved teens.
“Running gave me a goal. Teaching these kids how to tell their stories gave me purpose.”
Small steps, big impact
Since launching in early 2023, Miles & Stories has served over 150 youth and recruited more than 30 veteran mentors. The program has helped teens stay in school, build confidence, and develop leadership skills—while giving veterans a renewed sense of community and value.
“I realized I hadn’t lost my mission. It had just changed.”
