This story was produced by My UP News Correspondent Jessica Goska, find the original story here.
When Jim Provost returned home to the Upper Peninsula from his military service in 1969, he knew he wanted to help veterans like himself.
Struggling with overwhelming guilt after leaving Vietnam, Provost considered suicide. When he thought of his wife and family, though, he decided instead to seek help.
In therapy sessions, Provost said to his doctor, “If you can get me to a point where I can function enough to help other veterans, that’s where I’m going.”
It’s now been over 24 years, and Provost is doing just that.
As one of only two original committee members with the Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs, he works to help Upper Peninsula veterans access the care they need.
Whether they need mental, physical or financial help, Provost is there to guide them.
“Jim will actually come into my office and sit in the appointments with these veterans,” said Rachel Woody, the Director of the Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs.
Woody added that Provost’s experience dealing with mental health issues after his service helps him connect with other veterans who find themselves at a low point.
“[It’s] just kind of this, like, ‘I got you,’ and ‘We got this,’” said Woody. “He’s just an amazing, amazing soul.”
Last year, Provost’s friends and colleagues nominated him for the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Award, which he received. Prior to that, Provost was awarded the title in Marquette County.
The recognition, Provost says, makes him feel good, but the greatest honor he’s known is seeing those he has helped continue to succeed.
“The biggest thing that makes me feel good is to see that veteran down the road. To me, the satisfaction is knowing that that veteran, the veteran’s family got help, and that is what makes it good,” he remarked.
Provost has no plans to stop now, and he hopes that others who are working to help their fellow veterans are recognized for their work. He says there are plenty of veterans who deserve the Veteran of the Year title.
Provost will receive his award January 10 in Detroit at the Red Wings game.
A local ceremony to honor Provost was held on Tuesday in Marquette at American Legion Post 44.
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