Boerne’s very own Strength Over Solitude (SOS), a non-profit started by veterans for veterans, has recently been spotlighted for its commitment to aiding those who once served in the military and now battle with issues such as isolation and mental health struggles. Christian Bocanegra, an Army vet who faced his own dark times after returning from Afghanistan, founded the organization with a straightforward goal: to stymie the solitude through physical activities and community engagement.
Bocanegra's own journey from seclusion to rediscovery of purpose has become a beacon for others, "I started to go down this path of self-isolation. Not wanting to talk to people, I really just went to work, came home, drank, got into a really bad habit," he said, according to Fox San Antonio. After seeking help from the VA and finding solace in recreational therapy, he wanted to extend a similar lifeline to fellow vets, Chris and his wife Jennifer, who serves as Vice President, poured their own resources into SOS, organizing events like runs, pickleball, and climbing outings for veterans.
The non-profit aims not only to provide an escape from solitude but also to foster a supportive community among those who shared the unique bond of military service, as Jennifer Bocanegra stresses, emphasizing the importance of that community, "We are creating this community that people can reach out to us and hopefully we are helping those who are in a dark place, that they don’t what to share with anyone else, that they come to us," she told Fox San Antonio. Although the non-profit has been thriving in its mission, they face financial strains since all funds raised are directed back into activities and events for the veterans they support.
In a show of holiday support, the nonprofit was pleasantly surprised with a donation to aid their cause, "We also have a surprise for you. Anna Shaw from Carabin Shaw is actually here with a check worth one thousand dollars!" Jeannette Calle from Fox San Antonio announced, capturing a moment of raw emotion as the Bocanegra’s were presented with the generous gift. The donation, a sizable boon for the organization, will allow SOS to broaden its reach, sponsoring more events, classes, and hopefully changing more veteran lives for the better as Chris stated, "This thousand dollars will do so much. There's so many classes that we can pay for, so many things that we can now sponsor," he said.
The impact of SOS has rippled beyond its initial scope, not only helping veterans within the Boerne community but also shining a light on other organizations that work parallel to SOS's mission, gleaned from their website, which urges, "Since starting SOS, we've met some pretty amazing people who are also out there helping veterans! Our goal is to help bring awareness of these resources to you and help share their mission as well," highlighting the collaborative effort in supporting veterans. For those interested in donating or learning more about the veteran aiding efforts of Strength Over Solitude, information is readily available on their website and their social media platforms.
