Going to war and experiencing violence first-hand changes a person. It can take a person to dark places inside themselves. It can make them believe they have nothing else to do or give back in life besides their sacrifice to their country.

Patrick Gordon, a veteran, found himself repeating a pattern of relying on alcohol, making a bad choice and then wanting to do better again and again after leaving the service. A moment of clarity four years ago helped him realize how he didn’t want to repeat what he experienced growing up and how he wanted to find a way to have a positive impact on his community. That opportunity arose during the start of the pandemic when a friend shared how many kids were living their lives in poverty and food scarcity. Patrick and a group of like-minded individuals jumped into action, and Operation Feed SJ was born.

We recorded this conversation with Patrick in September 2021 when they had delivered over 25,000 meals up to that point. We’re now happy to share that Operation SJ has achieved registered charity status. Through Patrick’s War on Hunger, he is not only facing down a foe to us all, he is helping children in the Saint John community who can’t control their circumstances see positive adult role models who they know they can rely on to keep battling shoulder to shoulder.

Thank you, Patrick, for sharing a raw and honest view of how we don’t need to be held down in life by circumstances we can’t control. Going to war changes a person, but in this case, it started Patrick on a path to change the lives of so many children.

***Please note this episode contains use of profanity.***