Only on News 19: Turning pain into purpose one veteran at a time

Yahoo

14 hours ago

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — One letter forever changed Justin Carter and his family's lives.
Carter, a 22-year Army veteran, lost his brother-in-law, John Cloyd, to suicide after Cloyd's service in the Marines.
Pathway of Madison Co. still fighting for its business license after public hearing
'With John having to travel so much, he spent an unholy amount of time in his vehicle,' Carter said. 'So, I went through it, and it was a scene that you could imagine from that kind of situation. Glass was everywhere. There was bodily fluids and blood everywhere. There was a letter from him, to him from the Veterans Affairs, with his appeal denial.'
Cloyd was seeking service-connected VA benefits for depression following his service. His initial VA claim was denied, so he appealed. That appeal was also denied.
Cloyd took his life shortly after receiving the letter stating his second denial, leaving his wife and two kids behind on Christmas.
That was the letter Carter found covered in blood in Cloyd's car.
How is our driving? City of Athens seeking input for new transportation safety plan
'It was hard to take because it's somebody who was screaming for help, and that help wasn't given,' Carter said. 'We've been around suicides before, and I've never had one hit so close to home.'
After seeing the people he loves shatter after Cloyd's death, Carter felt called to create change in life after service and do what he could to ensure no other veteran feels the way Cloyd did.
Carter then created a new non-profit: Rally Point at the Summit. The name has roots in military practices.
'Rally point is a military term for a place we all meet up,' Carter said. 'We regroup, assess our injuries, and come up with a plan to move forward. The summit is the top. A lot of people are extremely good, especially military folks, at hiding what they're feeling. You're not doing this alone. We're going to be there with you, and we're going to help you as much as we can.'
The new non-profit aims to help veterans in a variety of ways, from free assistance with VA benefits applications to eventually being able to provide some financial support for vets who need it. What sets the organization apart is its focus on conquering outdoor challenges and forming camaraderie and companionship while they do it.
'To get the guys out there and take them to places that are challenging,' Carter said. 'You're in our hands. We've got you. And to feel that connection, you know, and to say you're not alone, no matter how challenging it is.'
Carter is doing all of this in the name of Cloyd, saying he will play his part in making sure no one feels alone and paralyzed by circumstance.
Carter is awaiting the 501c3 official approval, but is accepting donations to build up his organization through GoFundMe.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.