Nik Guran: A Journey of Service and Healing

Nik Guran, a retired Lieutenant Colonel with 24 years of dedicated service in the United States Army, has left an indelible mark on both the military and the lives he touched. Born with a deep sense of duty and a commitment to serving his country, Nik's journey has been one of resilience, sacrifice, and personal growth.

Throughout his military career, Nik Guran faced numerous challenges and triumphs. With four combat tours under his belt, totaling 38 months of active service, he experienced the realities of war firsthand. His deployments took him to volatile regions and demanding environments, including a significant deployment to Liberia in 2014, where he played a pivotal role in supporting the Ebola crisis. At the peak of his career, Nik assumed responsibility for organizing and leading a multinational force of 4,000 US and Coalition soldiers, demonstrating his exceptional leadership skills and ability to navigate complex situations.

Retiring from the army in 2019, Nik settled in Richmond Hill, Georgia, alongside his loving wife, Michelle, and their two sons, Jakob and Lucas. However, his journey has not been without its share of personal struggles. In hindsight, Nik recognizes that he began grappling with symptoms more than 20 years ago, following his first deployment to Iraq in 2003. Unfortunately, at that time, there was a misconception within military circles regarding the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among servicemen and women. Unaware of the symptoms, Nik developed a habit of self-medicating with alcohol.

It wasn't until 2010 that the gravity of Nik's situation became apparent, thanks to the unwavering support and insistence of his wife, Michelle. Recognizing the need for help, they embarked on a journey of healing together. Nik sought professional assistance, aiming to address his symptoms. However, even then, he was not initially diagnosed with PTSD, leaving him to navigate the complexities of his condition as best he could.

It was not until his retirement in 2019, that Nik Guran actually received an official diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite actively seeking help and regularly seeing a counselor, Nik, like many other veterans, continues to wrestle with the daily challenges of anxiety and self-worth.

As he reflects on his life, military service, and personal growth, Nik Guran remains grateful for the lessons learned, the bonds forged, and the opportunities to serve his country. Through his unwavering dedication and commitment to overcoming obstacles, he has emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience, reminding us all that it is possible to find light in the darkest of times.