Operation Not Forgotten: Remembering Our Friend Jim

In November of 2016, Jim began to search for ways to actively deal with problems he was facing as a result of his 20 years’ service in the military, both in the Army and Marines. There were physical problems that were being treated by a physician, but what Jim really needed was help dealing with the emotional trauma he had faced in the military. Previously, he has sought help from the VA, but the waiting list was long, and they suggested he try getting help at a local American Legion. The Legion had no program to meet his needs, but they did put him in touch with Steve Schiffman, Director of Operation Not Forgotten Vet Life Communities. Jim said, “I immediately called. Steve told me that the program was designed specifically for veterans – by veterans. After talking to him, I felt like I had received an early Christmas present.”At the time, there was no Vet Life Community in Paulding County so Jim took the initiative to help Steve find a location for meetings, and also people who would participate as Life Coaches.
The first meeting of the Paulding Vet Life Community was held in the spring of 2017. Of the first meeting Jim said, “When my first meeting came, I was ready.  I was ready to release that pressure that I had been squashing down inside of me. Out of respect for the others at the meeting, I tried to keep it brief, but just hitting the high points felt like I had finally exhaled after holding my breath for a long, long time. Even though it was the first meeting and I didn't know the others very well, I still felt comfortable getting it out.”
Later he said, “I have only been involved in the Vet Life Community program for a few months, but those few months have benefited me, and my family, more than the decade of trying to stand on my own. My best experience related to this program, by far, has been when my family told me how pleased they are that I am going to the meetings and that I appear to be a happier person.”
Jim continued to grow stronger mentally and emotionally, but his physical problems grew worse as his body systems began to shut down. Jim passed away due to physical complications from his service to our country on March 6 of this year after valiantly battling his physical illness for 12 years. Jim had literally paved the for the Paulding Vet Life community to be established.
We, the members of the Paulding Vet Life Community, wanted to let everyone know that in our hearts and minds Jim was highly valued.
At our last Vet Life Community meeting, we reminisced about how it was Jim who had initiated the Paulding Vet Life Community. Had it not been for him, there would be no Vet Life Community in Paulding County. His impact has been significant. In this, he has a legacy.
We are grateful for the time he took to so carefully read our materials, and for the significant suggestions, he made regarding the materials used at our meetings. Jim cared so much, and his desire to help others will be long remembered.
In years to come the material he helped to revise will help generations of veterans and their families as they seek to reintegrate into society.
God Bless, Brother. You will be greatly missed.

Photo: (left) Steve Schiffman, (right) Jim Ellis

Operation Not Forgotten is an all-volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to measurably improve a veteran’s quality of life in these areas: mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Vet Life Community is a network of local weekly peer-based support meetings - veterans helping veterans, families helping families. Meetings are free for all participating veterans and their loved ones. The Paulding Vet Life Community for male veterans meets on Thursdays at 6:30 at the Bethany Christian Church Parsonage Annex located at 3264 Villa Rica Highway, Dallas, GA. 30157

More Information Contact: Steve Schiffman – - 770-947- 8606 Website: www.OperationNotForgotten.com