Lake County foundation helps veterans adjust back to civilian life after serving in combat zones

CLERMONT, Fla. — Veterans who served in combat zones overseas sometimes have a difficult time readjusting to civilian life when they come back to the U.S.

It’s a struggle Michael Titus knew all too well. He served our country in the Middle East during four tours in Afghanistan but battled PTSD and grappled with adjusting after returning to civilian life.

“He went through the VA and through several channels of help and continued to struggle,” said Eileen Titus, Michael’s sister-in-law.

The weight of those burdens eventually got to be too much. Michael's family said he took his own life.

His parents don’t want other veterans or family members to feel the pain they endured and started Michael's Foundation to help.

The Clermont-based nonprofit provides resources for veterans to help them thrive and succeed, including opportunities to be in the community with other veterans and family-friendly events.

"If you ever talk to a veteran, what do they miss? It's the brotherhood. The community. It's different when you're dealing with people who kind of understand what you went through,” said veteran Ed Diaz