Joe's Story
Joe LaBranche, a U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran, was wounded twice in 1966 and awarded two Purple Hearts. After returning home to Detroit, he faced decades of challenges with untreated post-traumatic stress, battling emotional struggles, addiction, and isolation for more than 40 years. With the help of the Atlanta VA Health Care System and dedicated therapy, Joe found healing, purpose, and transformed his experience into a mission to help others. Together with his wife, Carol, he founded AboutFace-USA®, a nonprofit built on the belief that veterans can best support one another through understanding, connection, and shared resilience. Today, Joe continues to dedicate his life to empowering veterans and their families on their journey to recovery and hope.
OUR MISSION
Empower and Encourage
AboutFace-USA is more than just an organization; it is a community initiative founded on the principle of peer-led support. We exist to serve as a first point of contact for veterans and their families, guiding them toward the necessary resources and support to understand and manage mental health challenges effectively. Our goal is to help veterans improve their relationships, cope better with daily stresses, and positively alter the trajectory of their lives.
As we approach our 50th wedding anniversary in January 2025, we reflect on our journey and the lessons learned. It’s a celebration not just of our marriage but also of the progress we’ve made in advocating for mental health awareness and support within the veteran community.