Student Veteran to Help Veterans in Mental Turmoil

Jan 07, 2016

“I decided to study counseling because 22 veterans a day commit suicide, and I’ve had my own experiences with men in my unit who were in crisis,” said Joshua Doyle, 32, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan during his seven and a half year run in the Army.

Four years ago, Doyle was medically retired. His focus shifted from serving his country to serving his fellow veterans back home.

“My dream is to work for the VA as a counselor so I can make a difference,” said Doyle. “So I can help people with mental health issues like PTSD.”

Doyle used his Post-9/11 GI Bill to fund his undergraduate degree in psychology from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. Determined to get his master's in mental health counseling, Doyle, a lifetime member of the VFW, reached out for help with tuition. 

Doyle applied for the VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” and was awarded the maximum amount: $5,000! With that, he was able to pursue a master's in counseling from Canisius College in Buffalo.

“Now I can focus on my studies and not how I’m going to finance them,” said Doyle.

Doyle is grateful for the scholarship and determined to put it to good use.

“Right now I’m taking on the front end so that I can have an opportunity to give on the back end,” said Doyle. “One day I will help other veterans like the VFW has helped me.”

The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" was created to provide service members and veterans with the financial assistance needed to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. Awarded twice a year, scholarships help cover the cost of tuition and fees. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2016 fall semester. To apply, click here.