ACTC alumnus shares experiences during annual Veterans Day presentation

Published on Nov 11, 2024

Earl Young, a U.S. Army veteran and recovered addict, has made it his life’s work to advocate for fellow veterans. 

Young, a former U.S. Army tanker, joined the military in 1994. However, after leaving the military, Young struggled with the lasting effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), leading to alcohol and drug addiction and two decades of homelessness.

“I definitely was not the person I was supposed to be," Young told those in attendance at ACTC’s annual Veterans Day presentation, held Thursday.

His life took a turn during a stint in jail, when a social worker introduced him to resources that would eventually lead him back on track. 

In 2019, Young enrolled at ACTC, where he found the support he needed to rebuild his life.

“I was introduced to this man,” he said, pointing to Craig Pleasant, ACTC’s Veterans Services Coordinator. "Craig changed my whole trajectory."

He added, "ACTC gave me the confidence to see that I was more than just a drug-addicted, alcoholic veteran.”

Now, Young works every day to support fellow veterans, both at Pathways, Inc. as a Peer Support Specialist, and in Greenup County, where he helps incarcerated individuals access critical resources. 

His journey from homelessness to recovery has made him passionate about helping other veterans navigate the challenges they face.

"Today's military has made so many strides in supporting mental health and transitioning veterans back into the civilian lifestyle," Young said. "I want veterans to know there are people who want to support them on their journey."

ACTC continues to be a vital resource for student veterans, providing access to benefits, counseling, and peer support to help them succeed both academically and personally.

Currently, more than 55 ACTC students are using veteran benefits to further their education.

For more information about ACTC’s veteran services, contact Pleasant by emailing craig.pleasant@kctcs.edu. 

Written by: Megan Smedley