Jarrad Turner
Jarrad Turner’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and transformation. As a former Army combat medic with the Third Infantry Division, Jarrad faced intense challenges during his service, including two tours in Iraq.
“You can be better than who you were before…reach out and don’t do it by yourself ”
Jarrad Turner
“I got the best of it,” Jarrad recalls, describing the physical toll of being ejected from a guard tower and enduring multiple surgeries on his shoulder, elbow, and jaw, along with shrapnel removal from his head. Despite these physical trials, it was the unseen wounds that lingered, leading to persistent headaches and vision issues.
Upon returning home, Jarrad grappled with a silent struggle. “For 10 years, I was told to suck it up and drive on,” he shares. The weight of denial and pride held him back, even as he found himself navigating life taking a three-page list of medication. But everything changed when he attended the SHARE Military Initiative, a program that would ultimately save his life.
The genuine, empathetic approach from the SHARE team, who admitted, “We may not know exactly what you’re going through, but we can offer help,” was a turning point. Jarrad embraced this support with apprehension but soon discovered a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
The environment at SHARE was unlike anything Jarrad had ever experienced. “It was more than an explanation; it was invaluable to myself and my family,” he emphasizes. In the nurturing community of veterans, Jarrad found camaraderie and strength. He learned to take pride in asking for help, recognizing the honor in admitting, “I can’t do this by myself.”
With the guidance of SHARE, Jarrad set personal goals and steered his journey towards healing. “You can be better than who you were before,” he asserts, acknowledging the mental and physical challenges he overcame. SHARE provided not just the tools but a methodology that empowered Jarrad to rebuild his life.
Today, Jarrad Turner stands as a testament to the power of community, service, and shared responsibility. Through the support of SHARE, he has not only transformed his life but also found a renewed sense of identity and belonging. “Reach out and don’t do it by yourself,” Jarrad urges fellow veterans, embodying the spirit of resilience and hope that defines his remarkable success story.
After graduating from SHARE, Jarrad was inspired to found Veteran Technology Solutions-USA, where he currently serves as CEO, leading the company to nurture strategic partnerships between government agencies and private corporations and provide IT solutions that strengthen connections within the veteran community.
Shepherd’s Men Team Member
Since 2015, Jarrad has been a steadfast team member of Shepherd’s Men, participating in grueling physical challenges to advocate for veterans. He participated in our 911-mile run from New York to Atlanta, our 1,300-mile journey from Boston to Atlanta, our Chicago to Atlanta trek and many others over the years. Through these efforts, Jarrad has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for SHARE’s mission, embodying a commitment to shared responsibility and community service. Each mile he rucks symbolizes his deep resolve to uplift and support fellow veterans, ensuring their voices are heard and their stories are honored.