Employee Spotlight
January 17, 2025
Antonio Dion Harris
National Veterans Justice Program (VJP) Peer Services Coordinator
In the spirit of service and sacrifice, many Veterans have not only answered the call to protect our country but have also dedicated their lives to supporting their fellow service members in need. This blog series highlights the inspiring stories of Veterans who have gone on to serve other Veterans through VA’s homeless programs, using their own experiences to create pathways to stability, dignity, and hope for others.
Q: Can you tell us about your service?
A: I was in the Navy from 2000 to 2003. In addition to the education benefits, I joined because I had a burning desire to travel and see the world—to be able to say that I accomplished something bigger than myself.
I started as an information systems technician, but that didn't stick because when September 11 happened, they sent me to the police academy. I ended up spending more time as a police officer in the Navy than I did as an IT person.
I didn’t deploy but I was stationed abroad in Sicily during Operation Enduring Freedom. I was part of a small piece of history—I gave the call signs to some of the first pilots to bomb Afghanistan. That was my own little way that I was a part of it.
Q: If you could summarize your service in a word or two, what would that be?
A: Life-changing.
Before the military, I can honestly tell you that I was kind of a wayward person. I didn't know what purpose was in store for me or how I could serve and be a productive member of society. I think going into the military was an opportunity for me to get the structure I needed while also developing friendships.
I met my wife there as well, so it was definitely life-changing for me all around. My time in the Navy made me who I am today.
Q: What inspired you to join the Veterans Justice Program (VJP)?
A: When I saw the job posting, I was intrigued because I have an interest in peer services. I was a peer specialist before becoming a social worker, and I came to value how that lived experience is so vital when it comes to helping our Veterans overcome a lot of their sticking points and barriers as they try to become productive members of society again.
Also, VA is a second-chance entity, and I wanted to be a part of that. Helping the peer specialist program grow within VJP was something I was really passionate about doing.
Q: Tell us about what peers do and why they’re valuable as part of this mission to end Veteran homelessness.
A: When a Veteran meets another Veteran, there’s an instant bond. There’s an instant connection. Using peers who have lived experiences—who may have been homeless themselves, who may have been incarcerated themselves—can use that same story to help connect with a Veteran who is struggling.
We can walk alongside them on this journey so they’re not alone. They can get reestablished, getting the mental health and health care services they need. A lot of our Veterans don’t have family support, but we can provide extra support so they can be successful in their recovery.
Q: Do you have a message for Veterans who are still homeless?
A: I just hope they put their pride aside and ask for help because that’s the hardest thing for a Veteran to do.
When you open your mouth and ask for help, you get a slew of people, teams, providers, and others surrounding you to make sure you are taken care of.
Because you took care of us when you served this country, and now, we want to serve you.
