About us

Standing Shoulder to Shoulder in the Fight for Hope

At Battleground Peer Support, we’re more than a nonprofit—we’re a 501(c)(3) based in North Carolina and led by a retired Army veteran and Certified Peer Support Specialist. We are a brotherhood and sisterhood of veterans, active duty service members, Guard and Reserve, first responders, and community members committed to walking beside one another through life’s toughest battles. From PTSD and depression to addiction and major life transitions, we stand together to restore trust, strength, and belonging so no one has to fight their battles alone.

Four men sitting in a casual group discussion in a room with wooden cabinets, smiling and engaged.

Feature Section

Born from the Shared Struggles of Veterans and First Responders

Battleground Peer Support was created by a veteran who knows the cost of service and the courage it takes to ask for help. What started as a small peer group has grown into a movement of people who believe healing happens together—not in isolation.

Our foundation rests on three principles

Brotherhood & Sisterhood

No one fights alone.

Faith & Purpose

Every story matters; every struggle has meaning.

Service After Service

We continue to serve by supporting each other.

Today, Battleground Peer Support stands as a lifeline for veterans, active duty service members, and first responders who are reclaiming purpose, rebuilding trust, and rediscovering hope through peer connection.

Board of Directors

Meet the People Who’ve Walked the Path

We’re not therapists—we’re peers who’ve been there. Every member of our team brings lived experience, genuine empathy, and a shared mission to make sure no one turns to fight their battles alone. Together, we’re building a community where healing, trust, and understanding come first.

Efren “Epie” Garcia

Founder & Certified Peer Support Specialist

Efren “Epie” Garcia is a retired U.S. Air Force and Army 19D Airborne Scout using his 23 years of combined service and lived experience with PTSD, addiction, and transition to walk beside veterans and first responders.

Felipe "Flip" Garcia

Vice Chair & Fitness/Nutrition

Flip is a U.S. Army veteran and retired Albuquerque Police Department lieutenant who owns MiLEO Fitness & Nutrition. A NASM‑ and CrossFit‑certified coach, he helps people change their health, mindset, and behaviors for life.

Shayna-Ann M. Garcia

Secretary & Spouse/Family Support

Shayna is the spouse of a retired Army service member with firsthand experience walking beside a partner facing addiction, PTSD, and military trauma. She brings hard‑earned empathy, resilience, and insight to the Battleground community.

Close-up of a person in camouflage military uniform sitting with hands clasped together.
Man in light blue shirt gesturing while speaking to seated people in a meeting room.
Firefighter in yellow gear holding a water bottle and wiping sweat from his face.
Close-up of a person in camouflage military uniform sitting with hands clasped together.
Two police officers embracing each other in a comforting hug outdoors.
Close-up of a person in camouflage military uniform sitting with hands clasped together.
Man in light blue shirt gesturing while speaking to seated people in a meeting room.
Firefighter in yellow gear holding a water bottle and wiping sweat from his face.
Close-up of a person in camouflage military uniform sitting with hands clasped together.
Two police officers embracing each other in a comforting hug outdoors.
Police officer in uniform sitting at a wooden desk, attentively listening to another officer.
A soldier in U.S. Army uniform sitting on a folding chair with a serious expression, holding his clenched fists together.
Man and woman sitting on stools indoors, engaged in friendly conversation.
Firefighter in uniform holding an infant while a man offers the baby a water bottle on a city street.
Man in US Navy camouflage uniform standing with arms crossed against a brick wall with sunlight and shadow.
Police officer in uniform sitting at a wooden desk, attentively listening to another officer.
A soldier in U.S. Army uniform sitting on a folding chair with a serious expression, holding his clenched fists together.
Man and woman sitting on stools indoors, engaged in friendly conversation.
Firefighter in uniform holding an infant while a man offers the baby a water bottle on a city street.
Man in US Navy camouflage uniform standing with arms crossed against a brick wall with sunlight and shadow.
Gradient overlay transitioning from black at the top to off-white at the bottom.

Milestones and Future Goals

Our Journey of Healing and Growth as a Peer Support Community

SEP 2025 – Nonprofit Formation

What started as one veteran picking up the phone at all hours and meeting people where they were—on the trail, at the range, in the parking lot—has grown into a structured, accountable 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear mission: build a community where healing happens through connection.

NOV 2025 – Community Foundations

Our first priority is to strengthen and formalize partnerships with local treatment programs, churches, veteran organizations, and first responder agencies, creating more entry points into peer support and building a wider circle of trust.

2026 – Program Expansion

With initial grant funding and community support, Battleground Peer Support expands core programs, adds additional Certified Peer Support Specialists, and strengthens partnerships with treatment providers, VA facilities, and community organizations across Moore, Cumberland, Hoke, and Harnett Counties.

2028 – Regional Outreach

By 2028, we aim to serve veterans and first responders across a broader region of North Carolina through in‑person groups, virtual support, and activity‑based programs—making it easier for people in rural and underserved areas to access help.

2027 – Stories of Strength Launch

We launch “Stories of Strength,” a collection of real‑life stories from veterans, first responders, and family members who have found hope through peer support. These stories help others see themselves in the journey and know they’re not alone.

2030 – The Movement Continues

Looking ahead, our vision is a statewide and eventually national network of peer‑led communities where veterans, active duty service members, and first responders can find support close to home. Battleground Peer Support will continue adapting and growing, but our core promise will stay the same: you don’t have to fight your battles alone.

Our Trusted Partners

CUSTOMER’S REVIEWS

Stories of Strength and Healing

Hear from veterans, first responders, and community members who found strength and healing through peer support. Their stories remind us that no one has to carry their battles alone.

I used to think recovery meant I’d never have a bad day again. Here I learned it’s about having people and tools for the bad days so they don’t take me all the way back.

Veteran, Army National Guard

Peer Support Participant

There were a few nights I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. Having someone I could text who knew my story and didn’t panic, but also took me seriously, probably saved my life.

Veteran, Air Force

Recovery Participant

We didn’t just talk about addiction in theory. We worked through what to do on rough nights, how to get through cravings on shift, and how to ask for help before things blow up.

Firefighter

First Responder

My drinking was tied to stuff I’d seen both overseas and on the job. This is the first place where I didn’t have to explain either side—they just got it, and helped me work on both.

Veteran & First Responder

Recovery Participant

I wasn’t sure I was “ready” to quit, but I knew something had to change. They met me where I was, helped me cut back safely, and never made me feel like a failure when I slipped.

Veteran, Navy

Peer Support Participant

I was afraid I’d be judged or told what to do. Instead, I found people who listened, shared their own stories, and helped me make a plan that actually fits my life and my shifts.

EMS Provider

First Responder

Addiction had our whole house on edge. Knowing my spouse has a place to go where people understand both the military side and the recovery side has taken a lot of pressure off our family.

Spouse of Veteran

Family Member

After rehab I felt lost and didn’t know what to do next. The peer support here gave me people to check in with, tools I could actually use, and a reason to keep showing up sober.

Veteran, Marine Corps

Recovery Participant

I was drinking more after shifts and hiding it from everyone. Talking with another first responder who understands the calls and the pressure helped me admit I needed help and actually follow through with treatment.

Police Officer

First Responder

I used alcohol to numb out for years. Having another veteran sit with me, listen, and not flinch at my story made it easier to finally be honest about how bad it had gotten.

Recovery Participant

Veteran, Army

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a group, connect with a peer, or help someone else find their way to recovery.

Donate Now

Join a Group

501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Donation

FAQs

We’ve answered the big questions, but if you still have something on your mind, we’re here to help.

We’re just a form away—send us your question, and we’ll be happy to help!

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What if I’m not ready to talk in a group?

That’s okay. Many people start with: A one‑on‑one conversation with a peer A phone call or text An activity‑based option where you don’t have to talk much at first You never have to share your full story in a group if you don’t want to. We’ll meet you where you are.

Is this confidential?

Yes. Our services are confidential and peer‑led. We do not share what you tell us with your chain of command, employer, or family. The only times we must break confidentiality are: If there is an immediate risk of serious harm to you or someone else If there is suspected abuse of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult We explain these limits clearly at the beginning so you know exactly where the lines are.

Do I need a diagnosis, referral, or VA connection to get help?

No. You do not need: A diagnosis A referral A VA connection If you are a veteran, first responder, community member, or family member who is struggling with stress, trauma, addiction, sleep, anger, relationships, or feeling disconnected, you can reach out directly.

How much does it cost?

All of our services are free for veterans, first responders, community members, and family members we serve. There is no charge for one‑on‑one peer support, groups, or our Pathway to Care: Treatment & Financial Support program. When we help with treatment funding, we work to remove financial barriers—not add new ones.

What’s the difference between peer support and therapy?

Peer support is support from someone with lived experience—another veteran, first responder, or community member who has walked through their own trauma, stress, addiction, or transition. We listen, share tools that have helped us, and walk beside you. Therapy is clinical treatment from a licensed professional. We are not a replacement for therapy. Instead, we often work alongside therapists, treatment programs, and the VA to help you stay connected, show up, and not feel alone in the process.

Who is Battleground Peer Support for?

Battleground Peer Support is for veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS providers, corrections officers, dispatchers, and other first responders in North Carolina. We also support community members and family members who are affected by trauma, mental health, addiction, or the impact of military and first responder life—especially spouses, partners, and close loved ones.