From Combat to Connection: Restoring Safety, Purpose, and Belonging After Service
National Military Empowerment Organization
Evidence-based, veteran-led programs using neuroscience, peer connection, and cultural competence to help service members, veterans, and families thrive beyond the uniform.
Too many veterans leave the military without the tools to regulate a nervous system shaped by years of combat conditioning. Hypervigilance, emotional shutdown, and disconnection are common and without the right strategies, they erode relationships, careers, and mental health.
Our Solution
The BB-IPNB approach reframes transition as a mission with clear steps, trusted allies, and science-backed tools. We work directly with veterans and their families to:
Reduce hypervigilance and improve nervous system regulation
Rebuild trust and interpersonal connection
Foster community that mirrors the safety and loyalty of military units
Equip veterans with a “connection plan” for life beyond service
We are determined to help End VETERAN SUICIDE! Yes, we said it! Is it ambitious? Of course it is, but our veterans deserve more and N.M.E.O. is redefining the way we look at veteran reintegration. The veterans inability to reintegrate into the civilian life is one of the most significant factors associated with depression and veteran suicidality.
Battle Buddies: From Combat to Connection (©2024) developed by Dr. Jose Garcia-Cuellar, LCSW-S, Captain (Army National Guard), addresses the neurobiology of veteran hypervigilance, emotional disconnection, and identity shifts after service. Additionally, it helps veterans understand why their bodies and minds respond the way they do after service and how to rewire for connection, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or organization supporting the military community, you’ll find programs here that blend:
Polyvagal Theory:understanding the nervous system’s survival wiring
Interpersonal Neurobiology: restoring relationships and emotional connection
Peer Support Culture: drawing from the trust and loyalty of combat buddies, reimagined for post-service life(©2022). Want to join or learn more about our Veteran’s United Support Group? Submit a contact form below.
Our Contribution
Battle Buddies: From Combat to Connection
Battle Buddies: From Combat to Connection is a trauma-informed, Polyvagal and Interpersonal Neurobiology based peer group model designed for post-9/11 veterans with PTSD or reintegration challenges.
The BB-IPNB model draws on the trust and loyalty of military “battle buddies” and reimagines that connection for post-service life. Through education, peer co-regulation, and practical nervous system tools, veterans learn to shift from survival mode to a state of safety, connection, and purpose.
Number of Sessions:
8 weekly sessions (90–120 minutes each)
Building A Community Through Workshops
These fun, interactive and educational workshops offer a fast growing network of veterans. These immersive workshops will be offered at different locations that promote the needs and skills of the soldier’s identity. This is a great opportunity to connect with other veterans and develop a supportive network of comradery that helps recreate the military experience.
Mental Health Support
Our innovative approach to individual, family, and group mental health support is available to continue processing negative symptoms and daily frustrations in a safe environment. The mental health support offers various evidence based approaches of support such as PTSD treatment, Resiliency Techniques, Cognitive Processing Skills, and Meditative approaches. Service dogs are welcomed!