What our Lifers are Saying

I have been a member of FOB Rasor since the doors opened. In my addiction to opiates and untreated PTSD I lost everything that I loved.

With the constant support and mentorship from FOB Rasor I was able to stay sober for 4 years 4 months. I since then established all relationships that were lost due to my addiction and now work for one of the biggest energy companies in the nation. I religiously attend all weekly meetings and mandatory fun events held once a quarter to maintain my constant contact with my unit (FOB RASOR)!!

I am a “Lifer for Life” and will continue to support and be part of this organization for the remainder of my days!!

B.B  US Navy  10/2024

A few years ago I was lost and wondering what had happened to my life, I was addicted to methamphetamines and actively trying to kill myself. I made it to a hospital called west oaks and attended a veterans rehab there where I met gunny and was introduced to a meeting that would ultimately change my life. I’m now coming up in 2 years of sobriety and in a much better place because I had men and women that could relate to me and help me through anything I was going through. I went away to prison and got out and it was like nothing changed the FOB RASOR family was the same and I was grateful because I wasn’t and without this family I wouldn’t have the slightest idea where I would be but I imagine I would still be incarcerated or I would be dead. It’s an amazing organization and I’m glad to call myself a lifer for life.

D.M. US Army 10/2024

I'm so grateful to fob rasor and to their leader Jeff "Gunny" Shilanski not only did he help me but gave my daughter a father and my parents back a son. I am forever indebted to the kindness and support fob rasor has given me. Just 2 years ago was considered hopeless an addict a lost cause and a disappointment. Now I've turned my life around and actually have hope for first time in years. It's all because an organization like fob rasor has been there to not only help me but go above and beyond normal kindness. I've not had a brotherhood since getting out of the military but thanks to fob rasor I've got a family. 

J.C.  10/2024

This is a quote from an author that has written the book Tribe. Battle/War is one of the greatest paradoxes in life. It has the potential to bring out the best and worst in people sometimes even in the same moment. For many years I was fighting a battle against my demons from war and my childhood. I was using any kind of “weapon” to numb myself. Those weapons led to a horrible life that was filled with shame, guilt and suffering. When FOB Rasor found me I instantly felt welcomed and that I had a tribe again. That being said, it still took me ages before I could even begin to imagine looking at my demons. Thankfully I am now with the help of my tribe in FOB Rasor. While I still have those memories and thoughts of shame, guilt, and suffering I have a Tribe that I am able to share it with and we will grow stronger together because of it. I am proud to call myself a Lifer for Life thanks to FOB Rasor. 

M.D.  10/2024

I’m known as a fit Marine Officer, that always outperformed, to one group. To a select group: a person who could only cope the adversities with hidden alcohol addiction. We are taught to never be weak, never let pain deter you. We’re good at it, until it’s over and the savior we once were becomes an isolated statue. One must be a different type of breed to agree to let their government have their own way with them. “It takes one to know one”, you don’t go to a specialist that has a PHD (book knowledge) with no experience. Thus the same reason a graduate with no life experience can’t land a great job with only a bachelors under their belt.  FOB RASOR is not just a group or an organization. It has a face. That face is a Veteran, banding together other Veterans across the country. Individuals that are so deep in holes, Alcoholics Anonymous in the inner city appears as an infant finger paint class. FOB RASOR saves lives, it has saved mine. It’s the first group that allows someone to serve themselves, after giving everything to serve their country. The military and first responder world teach you that others always come first, that is our act of service. FOB RASOR is the shower after 9 months in the dirt. It’s a grass field for a prisoner. It’s the first pair of hearing aids for a life long def person. Finally it’s the only hands that are capable of catching people like me from dying. It’s like being mute and sign language doesn’t exist. Until this one group that’s the same as you figured out a way to let you speak and to talk back. It’s the first time for many not being alone, and it’s a one of a kind suicide ender. You can’t PHD hero’s, you have to have been one once. When you’re no longer a hero, you need others that have fallen to your depths or even lower to be able to believe You Too can stand back up again. 

Respectfully,

J.T. USMC  10/2024

While on active duty I like many other Veterans and First Responders formed bonds with my brothers during some traumatic events. The trust I formed with those I served with has been impossible to replace in civilian life. Sitting down with another combat veteran or experienced first responder makes me feel at home again. The wounds may never heal completely but being able to spend a little time at FOB Rasor regularly with those I trust, having had similar experiences, at FOB Rasor or by meeting virtually makes all the difference in the world to this combat veteran. FOB Rasor is an organization created from love for each other that supports and builds on the bonds which were created when it mattered most. FOB Rasor leverages those bonds and somehow heals the wounds and stress that otherwise won’t go away. FOB Rasor is definitely an organization that betters society by offering their time, energy and love (gobs of love) to help each other. I’m proud to be a member of FOB Rasor and am definitely more stable in my ordinary life from being a member and knowing I have a place to go with people I can talk too. Priceless.

G.N.  10/2024

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the vital support that FOB Rasor provides to veterans and first responders like myself. Since joining FOB Rasor, I have experienced a profound transformation in my life. The program has not only helped me maintain my sobriety for nearly three years but has also fostered better family relationships and provided me with the tools to succeed academically. As I work towards my Clinical Mental Health Degree at Lamar University, I am inspired to give back by becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor and helping others navigate their recovery journeys. The community at FOB Rasor, filled with individuals who genuinely care for one another, has become my extended family, and I am committed to supporting fellow veterans and first responders facing similar challenges. Your continued support is crucial in sustaining this invaluable program. Your contribution is a vital part of our mission to create a lasting impact in our community. Thank you for considering a contribution that will empower others to achieve their own paths to recovery.

Sincerely,
Major (Retired) C.T.  10/2024

My name is R.S. and I am a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. I found FOB Rasor through word of mouth from another veteran when I first moved to Houston from Chicago and I have to admit that it has been a far greater help in the year that I have been a part of them; they care far more than the VA does. FOB Rasor allows veterans like me to have a support system that holds us accountable on a weekly basis; staying sober, staying productive and staying sane. It also gives us a platform to discuss a variety of topics that actually concern us rather than the same old three topics (service, substance abuse, mental health) other institutions seem to hammer over and over with no answers or new ideas. FOB Rasor is a collaboration of DIFFERENT minded individuals from similar service backgrounds that work together to help other veterans in need by utilizing all of its members to construct and conduct discussions that actually matter to us as a whole. Different points of view in a controlled setting with solid rules in place on conduct and  expectations, gives us a familiar setting and command structure regardless of previous ranks held; allowing constructive reinforcement on an almost day to day basis to keep us from becoming a statistic. I am honored to be a part of FOB Rasor, and believe that this program could not only help veterans in need, but save them as well.

R.S.  10/2024

FOB Rasor has saved my life. As an active duty soldier I have found it extremely beneficial for my mental health. Not only has it helped me with my alcoholism, but my PTS, anger, and depression. I can finally relate to a group that understands the experiences I have been through and I can count on them to be supportive and just be a listening ear when I need to vent. There is nothing else that has helped me as much as this organization. I’m over a year sober and I am proud when I look into the mirror now. I have FOB Rasor to thank for all it!

S. S.  10/2024

Though I have only been with the FOB for about 6 months I can’t thank them enough for all they have done to help me in my recovery journey. Without the men and the woman of FOB Rasor I would be completely lost in my own recovery and I can’t count the losses I would have experienced without them. It’s actually wild I know so many Lifers who have been to countless shrinks and head docs along the way with what feels like no success. But add in the FOB and it’s like they make it all make sense. A judgment free zone that almost always knows exactly what you need to hear no matter where it comes from. I genuinely feel like for the first time since I got out I have found the brotherhood that’s been missing. And no matter what you are struggling with there is always someone with a resource or a tip that you didn’t have before. Im proud to be a lifer for life. 

T.F.  10/2024

Simply put FOB Rasor saved my life. I was abusing drugs and alcohol as way to self medicate from physical and mental traumas I suffered in war. This program has taught me how to cope with those traumas in a healthy and meaningful way. It has given me a new tribe of folks that truly care about me. I’m learning how to live a life of substance. A life worth living. If not for FOB Rasor I would almost certainly have lost everything important in my life and more likely than not I would be dead.

B.R.  10/2024

After returning home from Afghanistan in 2012 from a one-year combat deployment, I had trouble sleeping, due to nightmares and flashbacks. I avoided loud noises and crowds of people. I struggled to maintain relationships. Shortly after my deployment, my contract was up and I left the ARMY. I tried to join civilian life, but was ill prepared.  I quickly found drugs and alcohol. Finally, I could sleep. And I thought I had found a solution.  However, drugs and alcohol brought me down so fast. I began to feel so lonely, depressed, and tired that I thought the only way out was suicide. Within one year of leaving the ARMY, I attempted suicide.

Fortunately my attempt failed and I survived. I began my recovery journey at the VA hospital in Washington D.C. There, I learned of 12-step based programs that help people with substance abuse. Few of the members of those groups shared the common bond of serving our country in time of war, and I did not immediately feel a part of. But I could relate to much of what was offered, and eventually after working the 12-steps, I recovered from drugs and alcohol.

That left the issue of PTSD.  I had done CBT training, mindfulness training, and EMDR training with the VA. All of which was very helpful. However, I was still missing my brothers in arms. I knew as veteran; I wasn’t alone in recovery from PTSD. But I didn’t have the same network developed like I did with alcohol and substance abuse.

When I first heard of FOB Rasor through a friend, a fellow combat veteran who is in recovery from PTSD and substance abuse, I was immediately excited.  He told me that veterans were gathering and using the 12-steps to help with PTSD and invited me to attend.  I have been a regular attendee to FOB Rasor’s Saturday meetings for 9 months since my first meeting. The work that Gunny Ski has done and the passion in helping other veterans recover from PTSD is truly inspiring. No one is better qualified to help others overcome the difficulty of PTSD than those who have and continue to walk that path. That is what FOB Rasor offers. A small community of men and women who choose to keep fighting, who choose to keep protecting and guiding each other trudge this road so that none of us ever have to feel like the only way out is suicide. I am truly grateful to be a part of this fight. 

-J. 9/2021

I was suffering from depression and feeling like no one I knew understood me. I would self-medicate with alcohol and literally felt like I had nothing going for me. School was not for me because of the depression and alcohol usage and the fact that I was out of the Marines made it even worse. I was always searching for something to belong to and to find people with the same mind set and humor as mine. I would go to the VA for treatment and tried the group therapy, but everyone there always tried to one up every story. When Gunny Shilanski reached out to me for FOB Rasor and I went to one of the meetings that’s when I found my home that I was looking for. Guys that understand where I am coming from and have been thru the same experiences and have advise instead of stories of when they were in and what they did. It’s a place that you and express your thoughts and struggles and have someone pick you up. FOB Rasor is also the place that if you needed someone to talk to 24/7 someone would answer on the phone, they would even show up to you location to make sure you’re ok that’s the Brotherhood I was missing and I have found it at FOB Rasor

-K. 9/2021

I was a Police officer for 25 years. During that time, I developed PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, hurt, suicidal, marital issues and social issues. I have been to counseling and taken medication, it didn’t work. Two years ago the bottom dropped out from under me. All the things listed above all crashed in and I thought all was over. Since counseling and medicine didn’t work, I tried putting myself back together - by myself. It wasn’t working. 

About 8 months ago, A friend set up a meeting with Jeff of FOB Rasor. He drove over an hour to meet me in person. He shared his story and I shared mine. I have been meeting virtually with the group on Saturdays, since that day. Although it’s only an hour, it makes my week. There is something about hanging out with a group that has the same problems you do. Knowing that others share these issues has changed my life. When you suffer these horrific brain traumas, you feel alone, embarrassed and ashamed. You feel like an outcast and as if everyone is staring at you. It’s terrible. 

FOB Rasor is my place to feel “safe” again and recharge for another week. All the men and women who attend these are real. Real stories, real emotions. 

-T. 9/2021

I am a first responder who at one point was an uncontrolled alcoholic and on the brink of suicide.  After many years allowing what I had experienced at work build up, I suddenly found myself in a dark place I was unable to control nor escape.  I tried many avenues of counseling, therapy and group meetings.  One of the worst group experiences I had was where I was told to refrain discussing my trauma because it was too traumatizing for the group.  I sat there stunned because I had no where to go.  Needless to say, I ended up losing my job, nearly divorced and close to losing my home.  Fortunately, I ran across someone at an AA meeting that knew Jeff from FOB Rasor and gave me his contact information.  It was a breath of fresh air to be part of a group of like minded people.  While first responders and veterans each have their own traumatic experiences, we are the same in regards to traditional therapy, our experiences are not appropriate for regular people to listen to.  We have our own special needs.  FOB Rasor is that place to serve us like minded people.  It is a safe have for use to talk about our pain and addictions without fear of being judged.  A group like this is necessary for us who are struggling to cope with the outside world.  A world that does not understand what we are going through.  With the help of Jeff, my brothers and sisters at FOB Rasor, I was able to learn how to deal with the experiences I was not allowed to discuss in traditional therapies.  The best part is that I am SOBER, still married, I did not loose my home and I was able to get my career back once the administration saw such of a huge change in me.  I love these guys and gals!

-C. 9/2021

I have been a part of FOB Rasor from the beginning.  To be honest,  I knew that I had PTSD but didn’t really think there was anything that I could do about it.  I am a Marine and a retired State Trooper.  I managed to make it on my own for quite some time.  I abused alcohol as a result of it.  I started going to AA and Jeff ended up being my sponsor, prior to him starting FOB Rasor.  When I sobered up, the PTSD began to manifest a little more.  I still thought I could manage it on my own. 

I began to go to FOB Rasor, just to show support and to do what I could to help others.  As it turns out, it helped me a ton.  My night terrors have lessened greatly.  My anxiety in new places and around unknown people is much less.  I have met some new people through the FOB and there is something very comforting about knowing that you are not alone in your issues.  We truly are a big family there.  It has been incredibly helpful for me and has also been heartwarming to see others grow.  I don’t attend as much as I would like to but it is due to a living amends with my family.  As an alcoholic, I was not there for my wife or my kids and I have made it my mission for the rest of my life to put them first. 

            I really can’t say anything bad at all about FOB Rasor – other than how far they are from me.  LOL.  I live in Kingwood.  But if they were in Dallas, I would still attend the same amount that I do now.  Jeff is my brother.  I will always be grateful to him for helping me get to the bottom of my madness and continuing to help me walk in my journey.  He is ALWAYS there for me and for everyone else as well.  No matter what he is doing or what time of day it is, he will drop what he’s doing to talk to you.  It is based on a 12 Step program.  It helps you not just change the bad behavior in yourself, like drinking, but it changes the entire way you look at life.  It completely changes your perspective on things.  Things that used to baffle you are now easy to understand and deal with.  

            This past couple of weeks with everything going on in Kabul and the drawdown from Afghanistan, it hit me really hard.  The death of the Marines in Kabul really got to me. Again, for whatever reason, I thought I was alone in my grief and anger.  But talking to Jeff and others in the FOB, I learned that I was not alone.  We were able to talk about it.  To voice our frustrations and our anger in a healthy manner.  After the events over there I can honestly say that I probably would have landed myself in jail had it not been for the men and women of the FOB, that I call family.

-R. 9/2021