Getting out of the military after twenty years of service was the first time I felt truly lost. It’s a hard transition after spending your whole life taking care of your family and your soldiers. I was in a dark place and ended up moving back home to Texas to be around family and friends, it didn’t help.

I was still battling PTSD, survivors remorse, an alcohol addiction, and getting divorced – again. I felt I needed a change to save my life because although I didn’t feel suicidal, at times I was damn sure feeling homicidal.

I was different than the people around me. I moved different, I thought different, I communicated different, and I wasn’t comfortable with the state of my home country. We were all brothers and sisters in the military and it didn’t feel like that in the country we fought for.

Watching black men and children killed in the streets, observing our elected officials do nothing to change or stop the violence put me in a state of fear and anger. Explaining to my young teenage son how to deal with the police and worrying about him is all too common in my community. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was becoming toxic, violent, and uninterested in everyday activities. Last year one of my battle buddies invited to the Dominican Republic for a vacation. It changed my life forever.

My Wake Up Call

I’m witnessing brothers getting along, people living with gratitude, perfect weather, and healthy food. I’ve been all over this globe, serving in Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Mexico, Africa and this was something new. Returning to the United States after my trip was stepping back into the chaos of bad news, stress, and toxicity. I was almost in tears when I came back through customs.

The lightheartedness, peace, and freedom I had in the Dominican Republic was replaced with American anxiety. Before I even drove home, right there in the Dallas Airport parking lot I bought my ticket back. But this time it was a one way. I was going to plant my flagpole, dive into the culture, and live in paradise.

As soon as I returned and my feet touched the sand, it felt right and I felt home again. The stress faded, my PTSD diminished, and I could take a deep breath. I met other Veterans living abroad who were ready to help me with everything I needed and advice. They helped me find my home, my moto, and even a groomer and veterinarian for my dog.

I developed a schedule that was beneficial to my mental and physical health. After six months of living here I’ve lost 25 pounds by living with less stress, eating higher quality food, and walking.

A Day In The Life

• Three times a week I attend the USADR Veterans Health Facility. They provide massages, facials, aqua therapy, bike rides, horse therapy, and so much more.
  
• Two days a week I run and train on the beach.
  
• Once a week we meet with fellow Veterans for dinner.
  
• Once a week I spend time teaching kids the game of basketball.
  
• Once a week meet with veterans about community activities and giving back to the island which has given me so much.
  

One thing I love about my life here is that I do things I want to do. In the states I never felt in control of my schedule. I was always doing what everyone else or society wanted and always had a never ending to-do list and a mountain of bills.

I was just surviving and only getting by mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Here you can catch me getting some food at my favorite restaurant, Flip Flops Sports Bar and watching my 49ers with friends, hitting the beach, and just authentically enjoying my military retirement.

The Military Life

I left for my first of four deployments two weeks after my son was born over twenty years ago. When I returned in a year, I was so excited to see him and my daughters. I couldn’t wait to get off that plane and hug my son who just had his first birthday. I reached out and he recoiled, screaming for his mother and trying to get away from me. I went through a lot in Iraq, but the emotional pain of my son not recognizing me hit a lot harder.

Now I want to share my story with anyone that will listen about my experiences moving abroad as a Black Veteran. Check out my YouTube Channel: Sergeant Sosua and be on the lookout for great content about moving abroad. The Dominicans don’t treat me like a Black American, they tell me “You live here now, you’re DOMINICAN!”

“As Black Veterans we don’t only have to deal with our military trauma, but racism as well.”

That one trip, help me realize I would live the rest of my life abroad. I sold everything, packed up my dog, and moved to beautiful beaches of Sosua on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. I have escaped the plantation.

I dedicated my life to serving the United States and its values and I love my country, but I feel accepted and content here. I’m not defined by the color of my skin, but who I am as a man.

The move might have saved my life and it helped me become a better father, son, grandfather, and human being. I’m giving back to the community, especially the kids and they appreciate it here. I love America but my place is here in the beautiful Dominican Republic.

Thank You,

Sergeant First Class (R) Keith Pyron AKA Sergeant Sosua

John’s Note

I want to thank my friend Keith for sharing his story. If you want to look into moving abroad, check out my Free E-Book For Vets Moving Abroad and my article on Vets Living Abroad: Dominican Republic. I’ve personally had two things work for me when it came to my own PTSD, moving abroad and my experience with Ayahuasca.

I read most Americans haven’t made a new friend since before the pandemic. Here in the Dominican Republic we’re creating a thriving community of Veterans who support one another. I’ve made a ton of incredible Veteran friends since moving here, Keith is one of them.

There’s no denying that we have some problems in America and the high cost of living and inflation are up there. If you do want to talk about moving abroad or have questions after looking over my Ebook and blog, hit me up on Instagram or through my website.

I’m going to be making some appearances on Keith’s AKA Sergeant Sosua’s YouTube Channel to talk about our lives abroad and issues that affect the Veteran community. So make sure you head over to that and subscribe, it’ll be worth it and he’ll be sharing solid content the next few months.