September 2021 Veteran of the Month: Mark Ballou

 

 

Military Service

Served for four years in the Florida National Guard as a Health Care Specialist. Medically retired from the military in 2004 with the rank of Specialist (E-4).

Public Service

Veterans Social Worker dealing with justice-involved veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Crestview, Florida.

Biography

Mark Ballou is a former Florida National Guardsman currently working as a Veterans Social Worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Crestview, Florida. In the National Guard he served as a Health Care Specialist (Combat Medic) deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, Mark was assigned to the 3/124th Infantry unit where he was tasked with performing guard duties, combat patrols and quick situational response. During his deployment he was combat wounded and received a Purple Heart.

After leaving the military, Mark decided to pursue the professional goal of becoming a VA social worker. Shortly after completing college coursework, he was placed as an intern at the James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. His professional goal became a reality when he was selected as a Readjustment Counselor at the Vet Center in Shalimar where he provided counseling for combat veterans. He later assumed his current position in Crestview. In this capacity he has had the opportunity to work with many different veteran demographics, from homeless veterans to justice-involved veterans. In the spring of 2021, he celebrated 10 years at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Mark’s degrees include a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from the University of South Florida, Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Florida State University, and a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Tulane University. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Medic Badge, and War on Terrorism Service Medal.