Andy Saldivar

 A Safe Environment

Andres "Andy" Ivan Saldivar was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. His father was a bartender at the Las Vegas Flamingo and his mother was a housemaid. His older brother, a veteran who served with the US Marines, wasn't around too much when he was growing up. 

Shortly after enlisting in the Army he deployed to a combat zone in Afghanistan.  He knew he would come back a different person, and he tried preparing himself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He saw what combat did to his brother and friends, so he prepared himself to absorb the consequences of combat zone deployment.

Transition after deployment came with many challenges. Andy had trouble communicating with family and friends, felt shut off, impatient, and had a short temper. He perceived everyone as a threat and felt out of the reality loop. When he developed severe insomnia—sensing that something was going to come for him at night—he moved his bed to face the door.  Everything caused him to abuse his sleeping pills and drink heavily. Andy moved from job to job missing the sense of purpose and importance from the US Army. He missed the Army’s structure and camaraderie with his fellow soldiers.

When the anxiety and stress became overwhelming, he sought help from the VA. The VA diagnosed him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  He chose to not tell his family and friends about his PTSD diagnosis fearing judgment.  Andy dealt with his PTSD alone hoping the pain would be temporary. 

He learned about Merging Vets and Players (MVP) through his brother, who had been attending sessions for a few months, encouraged him to join. His brother said it was an intimate, positive experience working out and connecting with other veterans. Andy joined him and realized MVP had everything he was missing: a safe environment, camaraderie, and positive energy. The physical aspect of the program rebuilt his self-discipline and self-image. Sharing his struggles during the fireside chats peer huddleopened him up to asking for help. He attended more often and noticed his outlook on life began to improve; he was more positive and patient.

Andy's experiences and relationships have helped him develop spiritually; he finally feels connected with a sense of peace. Andy provides this advice to transitioning veterans: "It's okay to cry, to reach out for help and support from your battle buddies, the VA, and other family and friends.  Remember you're not alone and you're not broken."