S. Vincent Anthony
1022 SE 17th Street
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 233-7251
email: vincent@vincentstephen.com
website: serenitystronghold.org
September 08, 2025
The Honorable Pete Hegseth
Secretary of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Hegseth,
As a retired U.S. Army veteran, I am encouraged by your leadership in military reforms and advocacy for service members. Despite significant investments over 50 years, veterans face ongoing challenges: 32,882 are homeless (HUD 2024), PTSD contributes to elevated suicide rates, and 75% of transitioning veterans experience unemployment. I invite you to support our Serenity Stronghold Action Plan to advance solutions in these areas.
Our 8-year plan builds 50 centers nationwide, starting with 12 in Phase 1 (2026–2028). Themed for wellness, job training, and family support, the centers offer therapies like model train railroading (potential 50–80% PTSD symptom reduction via mindfulness, based on recreational therapy studies) and evidence-based options such as Cognitive Processing Therapy. We’ll construct 10,000 housing units using VA reuse and extend to first responders with similar PTSD rates (17–24%).
Your DoD influence would strengthen transitioning support and policy alignment.
Ask:
- Allocate $300M for center operations and construction near bases.
- Provide $100M to expand HUD-VASH vouchers to 132,000.
- Commit $100M for therapy training and tools.
- Recognize model train railroading as a supported therapy in resiliency programs.
Impact: Target 80% housing stability and 70-80% PTSD reduction, preventing suicides and building resilience. Please review at serenitystronghold.org and contact me at (239) 233-7251 to discuss.
Sincerely,
S. Vincent Anthony
Letter to The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
September 08, 2025
Sent: USPS 9/9/2025