Iraq War Veteran Ben Peterson Shares How He Moved from Rage and Depression to Living a Life of Purpose and Passion
PLANO, Texas, May 12, 2022 — In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Engage Your Destiny, Ben Peterson, shares his story about the emotional trauma he carried home from combat, and how he eventually found healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
Peterson was raised in a home that included a heavy amount of turmoil. As he grew older, a desire to fight back took root in his heart to such a degree that he yearned to become someone strong and intimidating — even dangerous. This pursuit led him to enroll in the U.S. military, where he served for eight years, including two years of deployment in Iraq.
Although Peterson had faith in God and served as an assistant chaplain in the Army, when he returned to the U.S., the emotional wounds he carried from the war were more than he was prepared to handle. He turned to destructive behaviors and, over time, his pain grew out of control to the extent that he was ready to end his life.
“Here I was, this chaplain assistant in ministry, a Christian guy who loves Jesus, but I was dealing with so much pain,” shares Peterson. “Between the nightmares and the overwhelming PTSD, I felt like a complete monster. I remember holding a handgun and processing whether I should take my life. I couldn't see another path forward.”
Just when Peterson’s anguish nearly overcame him, his mentor offered him an encouraging comparison to what Jesus’ disciples experienced when their Messiah was crucified. What they couldn't see amid their pain would soon be the greatest victory that the world had ever known.
"He said, ‘Ben, you're in so much pain and you don't understand why, but there's a victory beneath it,’” recalls Peterson. “‘If you hang in there, you're going to understand why you went through this and God will work it for good. There's going to be a resurrection day for your life. You're going to come back to life.’”
Peterson began to reengage with his faith and intentionally surrounded himself with people who could support him as he tried to heal from war. A renewed sense of hope for the future filled his heart.
What followed for Peterson was a deep calling to minister to other military veterans. He founded Engage Your Destiny, a nonprofit organization that leads active military veterans and their families into first-class resources where they can find hope, healing and identity through faith.
Several years ago, God gave Peterson a vision to honor Vietnam veterans who never received the tribute and celebration they deserved when they returned home from what was unquestionably a brutal and emotionally tormenting war. That vision has culminated into the Heroes Honor Festival, happening on Memorial Day weekend 2022 at Daytona International Speedway.
“We're going to give our Vietnam veterans the most incredible tribute and celebration that you can imagine,” Peterson said. “We're expecting tens of thousands of people, united in gratitude for the men and women who served, in many cases without choice, and didn’t receive the honor they were due. It’s one way that God can bring healing and hope to our veterans, to our active military and to their families.”
To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/ben-peterson.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 150 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.
-30-