My name is Chuck Miller. I am a veteran of the United States. I am also blind. Although I am not a combat-wounded veteran I am still disabled and feel as though I am a part of the disabled veteran community. I chose to go on the Rite of Return in 2018 as a way to understand where I am in my life. I have struggled for many years with the fact that I am not a combat veteran and that I am blind. One of my biggest challenges has always been my pride. I never wanted people to see me as a blind person.
What I found in the desert with at the Rite of Return ceremony was far beyond my wildest dreams. Not only was I able to experience healing from the other vets on their journey I also found healing within myself. This kind of shocked me because I thought I was healed. It amazed me how being alone in the desert while fasting really added clarity to my mind body and soul.
For the first time in my adult life, I felt as though I was a whole person. Even after 1 1/2 years after I claimed the new me at the Rite of Return, I reflect often about my time in Eastern Washington. To this day I find new lessons as I go through my life.
I believe that the Rite of Return was the single greatest factor in my ability to heal as a veteran and a blind person. I share my experience with as many veterans as I can so that they too can hopefully one day experience the miracle that I experienced in the desert.
What I feel about the ceremony is that it is extremely impactful to a veteran who has struggled with post-traumatic stress and depression. VeteranRites has a very unique way of providing a safe healing environment where everyone there is focused on the same healing process. Even though it's one of the most difficult things I've ever faced in my life, I would gladly do it again if I felt that I needed closure or a better understanding of my circumstances. Or simply to feel whole again with my veteran brothers and sisters. I highly recommend this program to all of my veteran friends who are struggling with post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, and so many other things that plague the veteran in today's world.
Charles “Chuck” Miller served 28 years in the United States Army and National Guard. He believes his calling in life is to continue to push himself and inspire others as whole man and elder to the veteran community. He claimed his Rite of Return in Eastern Washington in 2018 and lives in Jacksonville, FL.
