Jared Nielson: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal
Jared Nielson dedicated 29 years of his life to the United States Marine Corps, starting his career in the infantry before transitioning to counterintelligence and human intelligence. His service took him across the globe, from Iraq to Afghanistan, facing the harsh realities of warfare.
“The beauty of SHARE is its holistic approach, something I hadn’t found elsewhere.”
Jared Nielson
As a squad leader in the second invasion of Fallujah, Jared experienced intense urban combat and survived multiple enemy rocket attacks and blasts. Yet, the aftermath of these experiences left him grappling with invisible wounds — Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Upon returning home, Jared faced profound challenges. “The biggest struggle was the communication breakdown during emotional situations,” he shares. He found it difficult to process thoughts quickly, often feeling as though his brain had slowed down. This cognitive dissonance affected his personal life, creating barriers in his relationships with family and friends. “I felt like a different person, disconnected and unable to express myself,” Jared recalls.
The turning point came when Jared discovered the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center. “The beauty of SHARE is its holistic approach, something I hadn’t found elsewhere,” he explains. The program not only addressed his cognitive and emotional issues but also focused on physical pain management and improving sleep — crucial factors impacting his recovery.
During his time at SHARE, Jared experienced a pivotal “aha” moment. “Realizing that my communication problems were tied to blast exposures and TBIs was a revelation,” he says. This understanding brought clarity and hope, transforming his perspective on recovery. “SHARE gave me the tools to work through these issues and the understanding that I’m not broken, just healing.”
Since completing the program, Jared’s life has taken a vibrant turn. “The world doesn’t seem gray anymore. I feel joy and gratitude at a deeper level,” he expresses. He has rediscovered his love for the outdoors and is motivated to pursue new ventures, including becoming a fishing and hunting guide. “SHARE reignited my passion and gave me direction,” Jared affirms.
Inspired by his transformation, Jared is committed to giving back. He envisions creating a nonprofit to help other veterans reconnect with nature through guided hunts. “I hope to provide others with the same sense of renewal that SHARE has given me,” he states.
Jared’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of the SHARE Military Initiative. He offers words of encouragement to fellow veterans: “Embrace and trust the process. SHARE can bring about miraculous changes if you’re open to it.”
Jared Nielson’s journey from struggle to strength is a beacon of hope for many, proving that with the right support, healing and transformation are within reach.