Greene County, Ohio – After returning from Iraq in 2006‑2007, veteran Tim Wightman recognized a painful gap for service members transitioning to civilian life. He founded Operation Intel Veterans Stories, an online platform that now counts more than 10,000 followers and provides a safe space for veterans to talk, share stories, and support one another.
Why the group matters
“When they get out of the military, they look around and they’re like, nobody understands me,” Wightman said. “They need to be around other veterans that understand them, because once you get veterans talking, that’s when we start healing.” The platform was born from Wightman’s own interviews with fellow Iraq‑era veterans, which revealed that many were struggling in silence.
Addressing a crisis
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day. That stark statistic is reflected in Wightman’s community; he recently lost a member to suicide, a loss that underscored the urgency of his mission. “One of our members unfortunately took his own life about three weeks ago,” he said, noting that the tragedy reinforced his commitment rather than deterred it.
Growth and impact
Within two years, the group has expanded beyond a hobby into a purpose‑driven network. Members regularly post personal stories, ask for advice, and connect with nonprofit resources across the nation. Wightman believes the community has already saved lives by providing a listening ear and a sense of belonging.
Future plans
Looking ahead, Wightman is developing a project called “Generations of War.” The initiative aims to bring together veterans from World War II, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts for inter‑generational dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and shared wisdom.
How to get involved
Veterans and supporters can join the group through its social‑media channels or by signing up for the newsletter linked on the platform. The organization also encourages partnerships with local nonprofits that serve veterans, hoping to expand resources and outreach throughout Greene County and beyond.
Operation Intel Veterans Stories exemplifies how grassroots effort can fill a critical void, offering hope, connection, and a reminder that no veteran has to face their challenges alone.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
