November 11, 2026 | Veterans Day

Today, as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country, I want to share the remarkable story of a Marine veteran named Chad Robichaux.

His story is about courage, sacrifice, faith, and finding purpose when life seems hopeless. It is also a reminder that some of the greatest battles our veterans face begin long after they return home.

A Marine Who Almost Lost Hope

Chad Robichaux served as a United States Marine Force Reconnaissance veteran and Department of Defense contractor, completing eight deployments to Afghanistan.

He witnessed the horrors of war, experienced unimaginable stress, and carried emotional wounds that followed him home.

Like so many veterans, Chad struggled to transition from military service to civilian life. He battled post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.

At one point, his struggles became so overwhelming that he nearly lost his life to suicide.

Here was a man who had served his country, risked his life, and accomplished extraordinary things, yet he struggled to find peace and purpose in his own life.

But God was not finished with Chad’s story.

Through the support of his wife, family, friends, and Christian mentors, Chad began rebuilding his life. He turned to his faith in Jesus Christ and discovered that his life still had meaning.

His pain had not disappeared overnight, but he began to understand that his experiences could help others facing similar struggles.

That realization helped lead him to establish the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders find hope, healing, and renewed purpose.

What began with one struggling veteran eventually grew into an organization that has helped thousands of others.

One Man’s Mission Became a Rescue of Thousands

In 2021, as American forces withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban regained control, Chad became deeply concerned about a longtime Afghan interpreter and friend named Aziz.

Aziz had served alongside American forces for years and had saved Chad’s life on multiple occasions.

Now Aziz and his family were in danger.

Chad knew he could not simply turn his back on someone who had risked everything to help him.

He gathered a small team of experienced military veterans and special operations personnel, including former Marines, Navy SEALs, and Green Berets.

Their original mission was to rescue Aziz and his family.

But as they witnessed the desperation of thousands of Americans, Afghan allies, women, and children trying to escape, their mission grew.

They could not save everyone, but they were determined to save as many people as possible.

Working with other organizations, supporters, and humanitarian partners, Chad and his team helped coordinate the evacuation of more than 17,000 people, according to accounts from Chad and the organizations involved.

Think about that.

One veteran who had once struggled to find a reason to keep living became instrumental in helping thousands of other people reach safety.

Chad has credited God with guiding the mission and opening doors that seemed impossible.

His story is documented in his book Saving Aziz: How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban.

Sometimes Our Greatest Purpose Comes After Our Greatest Pain

What touches my heart most about Chad’s story is not simply the extraordinary rescue operation.

It is what happened before it.

There was a time when Chad struggled to see a future for himself.

He had served his country honorably, but the emotional wounds of war nearly destroyed him.

Through faith, love, support, and a renewed sense of purpose, he found a reason to keep moving forward.

And because he did, thousands of lives were touched.

His story reminds us that our lives still have value even when we cannot see our own purpose.

We may not all be called to rescue thousands of people from a war zone. Sometimes our purpose is found in helping one struggling neighbor, encouraging a friend, feeding someone who is hungry, or simply reminding another human being that they matter.

This Veterans Day, Remember Those Still Fighting Battles at Home

Today, millions of Americans will thank veterans for their service. We will see flags waving, patriotic messages, ceremonies, and tributes.

And that is wonderful. Our veterans deserve recognition, respect, and gratitude.

Many veterans have built successful careers, raised families, established businesses, and become leaders in their communities. Their accomplishments deserve to be celebrated.

But we must never forget those who are struggling.

Some veterans are homeless tonight.

Some are hungry and wondering where their next meal will come from.

Some live with chronic pain, arthritis, permanent injuries, or disabilities resulting from their years of service.

Others carry emotional wounds that nobody can see.

Some struggle with depression, post-traumatic stress, loneliness, or thoughts of suicide.

And some feel they no longer have a purpose because the military life that once gave them identity, structure, and belonging is gone.

These veterans have not lost their value. They have not lost their dignity. And they deserve far more than one day of appreciation.

They deserve access to healthcare, mental health support, stable housing, food, meaningful opportunities, and a community that refuses to forget them.

Gratitude Must Be More Than Words

This Veterans Day, I encourage everyone to do something meaningful.

Thank a veteran, whether that person is thriving or struggling.

Reach out to a veteran you have not spoken to in a while.

If you know someone who is hungry, offer a meal.

If you know someone who is lonely, offer companionship.

If someone is struggling emotionally, listen without judgment and help them connect with support.

If a veteran is living with chronic pain or disability, remember that not every wound is visible.

And if you are a person of faith, pray for our veterans and their families. But remember that sometimes God calls us to be part of the answer to someone else’s prayer.

Kindness costs very little, but it can mean everything to someone who has lost hope.

God Still Has a Purpose for Your Life

Chad Robichaux’s story is a powerful reminder that the darkest chapter of our lives does not have to be the final chapter.

He once struggled with hopelessness. Today, his work has helped countless veterans and contributed to the rescue of thousands of people.

His journey did not happen without help. Faith, family, friendship, mentorship, and the willingness to accept support all played important roles.

To any veteran reading this who feels forgotten, exhausted, overwhelmed, or without purpose:

Your service mattered. Your sacrifices mattered. Your life matters today, and your story is not over.

You do not have to fight your battles alone.

And to everyone else, remember that honoring veterans is not just about remembering what they did for our country.

It is also about caring for them now.

They were willing to risk their lives for us.

Surely, we can take a little time to make a difference in theirs.

Happy Veterans Day to every man and woman who has served our nation. May we honor your service not only with our words, but through our compassion, gratitude, and actions.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

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Veterans in crisis: If you or a veteran you know needs immediate emotional support, call 988 and press 1, or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Help is available 24 hours a day.

Learn more: Chad Robichaux’s story is told in Saving Aziz, and the Mighty Oaks Foundation provides faith-based recovery and resiliency programs for veterans, military personnel, first responders, and their families.

Sources for the historical details: The evacuation figure of more than 17,000 is reported by Robichaux and his organizations; it represents the broader team’s coordinated efforts, not rescues performed by one person alone