Confidence to Keep Going: Mark’s Story

Mark Asselin joined the Navy to follow family tradition. His grandfather served in the Air Force during World War II and the Korean War, and his father did three tours in Vietnam; you could say military service is in his blood. Upon retirement after a 30 year career, Mark felt isolated, without camaraderie and no set purpose. Those feelings began to take a toll on his physical and mental health. Upon completing his treatment pipeline through Boot Campaign’s Health and Wellness Program, Mark is feeling physically and mentally better and is continuing to utilize the tools he learned to positively impact his life. We sat down with Mark to hear about his experience. Here’s what he shared.

What was the most meaningful part of your time in the military?

The most meaningful part of my career was the camaraderie developed between teammates throughout my career and the fulfillment of serving my country.

When you retired, what was that process like?

Retirement was very hard for me. I had a set lifestyle, an ingrained daily process, a social network, a defined purpose then that all disappeared in one day. Plus, COVID hit right after I retired. The isolation led to bad habits that ultimately contributed to a heart attack. 

What made you reach out to Boot Campaign?

I had no set purpose, no daily routine, isolation from my military way of life, no camaraderie with my teammates, and my health was deteriorating; ultimately, the downward spiral was intolerable. Two of my friends who had been through Boot Campaign’s Health & Wellness Program convinced me to apply. 

Tell us about your experience with Boot Campaign?

Boot Campaign has turned my life around completely. After being professionally assessed, I now know what I’m dealing with and why I had the challenges I experienced.. I now have tools in my toolbox to deal with them. I no longer fear the next and final heart attack is right around the corner; I have a sustainable workout routine that I can do at home with my wife. I have a sustainable nutrition program that I am able to maintain at home and on the road. I finally understand and embrace the advantages and goodness of meditation and breathwork and practice daily with my wife and six dogs who bark at me every morning to start our morning meditation sessions. I have camaraderie back in my life. I have purpose.

What would you tell a supporter/donor who made your individualized care plan with Boot Campaign possible?

Thank you so so very much. Your support and donation to my wellness has truly turned my life around from wondering and constantly worrying if I was going to die tomorrow from another heart attack to ‘man, I can’t wait for my next amazing fishing and hunting adventure with my fellow Veterans.’ Life is good; my family life is happy and healthy again. I go to bed happy and sleep better than I can remember. I have purpose and meaning and joy in my life again!

Watch more of Mark’s story here.