New social platform for Veterans, created by a Veteran

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) - A new social media platform for veterans and active military members creates a space for those who have served and are serving.

The Veterans Network aims to provide veterans with the mental health resources they need. With the many disabled veterans in Colorado, this app has the potential to make changes locally.

"My chest starts to pound because my heart is beating so fast and hard. I get a throbbing in my head, and it is not necessarily blinding, but you feel it," that is how anxiety feels for veteran Elijah Simpson.

Elijah Simpson, a Fountain resident, has been disabled since 2018. He served in the army for four years and was stationed in Korea and Germany.

"I've got physical injuries that I have, I suffer from anxiety and I have ADHD," says Simpson.

He went on to say he began to struggle with anxiety and ADHD shortly after joining the military.

David Pineda, the founder of The Veterans Network, explains that it's a culture shock for a lot of veterans integrating back into civilian life.

Pineda said veterans are trained to live a certain type of lifestyle while serving, but once they're discharged, many feel detached from the rest of the world.

As a disabled veteran himself, Pineda understands the needs of this community. He's providing an online space for all those in need, to be a voice for the voiceless.

The Veterans Network mission statement is: "holding space for all those in need, to be a voice for the voiceless — but even more to help that “voiceless” person be heard."

Every week, the organization host 'Friday Night Live,' a show featuring conversations about compassion and the military community.

"It is really about empowering the veteran to not only be part of our community but also to be more informed," said Pineda.

For more on how you can get involved click here.