‘A team that won’t let go’: Sheridan VA supports a Veteran’s recovery

How Navy Veteran David Korst found work, stability and recovery with help from Sheridan VA

David Korst served in the Navy as a machinist’s mate second class from 2007 to 2013. After his discharge, he tried college, but that didn’t work out the way he’d hoped.

Around 2018, a bike crash in Oahu, Hawaii, left him with a broken jaw.

“I got injured, and that was when I found pain medication,” Korst shared. “The addiction took over, and before I knew it, I was homeless and addicted to heroin.”

Korst became homeless in Oahu, where he was jumped and beaten while living on the streets. Over the next five years, he went through treatment in Oahu; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nothing stuck.

“My M.O. was to get my stuff together, get sober, then I’d relapse and lose everything all over again,” Korst admitted.

Homeless in Sheridan

In 2023, Korst arrived in Sheridan with two evictions on his record and no clear path to permanent housing. He sought help at Sheridan VA and entered residential treatment for substance use, which connected him with Scott Brooke, a vocational rehabilitation specialist.

During that time, he moved between dispersed campsites outside Sheridan about every two weeks.

“I was living out of a tent and my car,” he said. “Just me and my dog. Eating ramen and Vienna sausages.”

While in treatment, a landlord took a chance on him and offered a month-to-month lease despite his record.

“The day I got into the apartment, I remember being so grateful about her taking a risk on me with my history,” Korst said. “My story is full of people taking a chance and lending a helping hand.”

A team that won’t let go

On Feb. 6, 2024, Korst entered Sheridan VA’s Transitional Work program, which helps Veterans rebuild their work habits and regain confidence in the workplace.

Amanda Bruno, the transitional work coordinator who worked with Korst, witnessed the changes firsthand.

“He was resilient and open,” Bruno said, “as he worked through each step of the process. He had courage and dedication while navigating the challenges.”

On Oct. 24, 2024, Korst moved into supported employment, a program that helps Veterans find and keep jobs while receiving ongoing support. That program gave him a foot in the door at Sheridan VA.

“When I got to work, I remembered how much I like working,” Korst said. “Especially with something of service-oriented, like housekeeping.”

Showing up

Korst now works full-time in housekeeping at Sheridan VA. Brooke, Bruno, and the full Sheridan VA team are the people who carried him.

“This team really has my back and is involved with my day-to-day,” Korst said. “I think that’s what changed for me. Having someone who doesn’t judge you when you fall short really helps a lot.”

To Brooke, what set Korst a part was showing up and staying in the program even when things got hard.

“His journey, like so many others, has had its share of ups and downs,” Brooke said. “What sets him apart is his willingness to communicate with his team, ask for support when he needs it, and celebrate his successes along the way.”

Homeownership

In April 2026, Korst bought his first home using a VA home loan.

“I am amazed at how I was living out of my car two years ago and now have a house for the first time in my life,” he said. “I’m so grateful to VA and am proud to be a Veteran.”

Korst hopes his story reaches even one Veteran who needs it.

“When I got to Sheridan, I thought I would die addicted,” he added. “I still struggle. I don’t think it will ever go away, but now I have a team that helps guide me back.”

If you’re a Veteran who needs support with substance use, VA’s mental health services can connect you with the right team.