Specialist Bryan L. Turner enlisted in the United States Army in October 1996 and proudly served three years with the 82nd Airborne Division. During his military service, he held multiple combat arms roles including rifleman, grenadier, and weapons team member. He also trained overseas alongside allied forces from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. SPC Turner received more than 7 recognitions including the Bronze German Armed Forces Parachute Badge before separating from the Army.

Although his time in the service was short, the bonds he formed with his fellow service members were strong and transitioning to civilian life proved difficult. SPC Turner struggled with mental health and substance use issues before finding his footing.

After nearly two decades of hardship, everything changed in March of 2024. SPC Turner made the courageous decision to seek recovery. Through treatment, guidance, and commitment he found sobriety and began rebuilding his life.

In September 2024, SPC Turner returned to Charleston, South Carolina, working in construction while continuing to strengthen his recovery journey. During treatment, he made a promise to himself: once he found stability, he would help other Veterans navigate the same struggles he had faced. Understanding how difficult it can be for some Veterans to ask for help, he committed himself to becoming someone they could trust.

SPC Turner earned his Certified Peer Support Specialist credential and began helping individuals facing addiction, relapse, and life instability. As he worked with Veterans, he recognized a critical truth: many Veterans were seeking help but could not find the right door. Often, it was not a lack of willingness—it was the language, delivery, and connection needed to reach them.

In 2026, Bryan made the decision to dedicate himself full-time to serving Veterans and individuals struggling with addiction. He soon became a Veteran Peer Support Specialist, helping those involved in Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) or navigating other barriers to stability.

Today, SPC Turner serves as the leader of WakeUp Carolina’s 'Serving Those Who Served' Veteran support program in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He helps Veterans reconnect through peer support, camaraderie, recovery guidance, and access to life-changing resources. His leadership is helping expand Veteran-focused support services in Charleston County and creating a trusted space where Veterans can find purpose, healing, and connection.

SPC Turner's work supporting Veterans proves his service did not end when he left the Army. We are excited to recognize him as May 2026 Veteran of the Month.