Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Corthell
Hi Jason, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a 4th generation firefighter and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who grew up in two different places due to my parents’ divorce. I was born in Canby, Oregon, but my mom moved to Cypress, TX to be closer to my grandparents. As a divorced kid, I faced challenges early on as expected but also unfortunately as an adult, I struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression in my mid-20s. I battled addiction to pain pills and alcohol, and as a divorced father of three, my career was slipping away.
On March 27th, 2015, I experienced a traumatic building collapse that left me with physical injuries and further exacerbating my mental health issues. During my recovery, I realized the lack of resources available for first responders struggling with mental health, which led me to launch Ironclad Wellness in 2021. Through this initiative, I have been speaking internationally about the importance of addressing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction in the first responder community.
As the President-CEO of Guardian Grounds Ranch, I am dedicated to guiding first responders, veterans, and their families to valuable resources without fear of judgment. We offer free camping and hunting excursions, cabin stays, and sponsor mental health appointments for those in need. My ultimate goal is to obtain a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and become a first responder counselor to provide support and resources to those in distress.
Through my personal journey and experiences, I have dedicated my life to helping others in the first responder community and beyond who may be struggling with mental health issues. My mission is to be a source of support and guidance for those in need and to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder profession.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think ultimately the biggest struggle for me was isolation and escaping accountability. I wish I would have had better and more proper relationships. Unfortunately the relationships I did have lacked accountability for me and I surround myself with enablers. The first major important change I made was changing my friend circle. Not to say those individuals were bad people by any means, our goals and achievements were not aligned and that made for some extreme strife. Obviously the struggles that come with mental health issues and addiction were the most prevalent even as recent as a few years ago, but a constant in my life now is never to wait until the perfect time, or until you are perfect as a person to help others… it will never happen.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have many hats I wear, almost to a detriment but not quite. I stay so busy now, and I am truly only able to do that because my wife and kids are amazing and my safe place.
In saying that, I am a full time Training Chief at Cypress Creek Fire Department who I have been with since 2004 (with exception for the Marine Corps from 2006-2010). Everyone here is truly family. I have known my fellow chief staff for over 20 years and that says something when you can still show up to work daily and feel like you have the best job in the world.
Ironclad Wellness, aforementioned, was an initiative I started with a website to host some of my podcasts I had done, as well as allow folks to reach me as I traversed the country speaking on my struggles and how to thrive outside of PTSD working into post traumatic growth. I have sense turned that into an LLC now and utilize it for its original use but have added mental wellness program building to my repertoire. I also have brought on mental health professional, Alexis Melton, to assist me with this endeavor and she has been an amazing help to the process. Alexis is a fellow first responder as well.
Lastly, Guardian Grounds Ranch was launched earlier this year and was literally dreamt up by my wife and I. Eventually we want an actual physical ranch where veterans, first responders, and their families can go to free of charge for rest, relaxation, and recreational activities. Currently we provide resources to those in need free of charge, hunting and fishing trips, and cabin stays in Lindale, TX. We are always looking for corporate sponsors to hop on board with us and assist in funding the awesome things we are able to do.
My proudest moment as a professional has been having the means necessary to donate to other causes and also provide services for others. Just being there for someone in a time of need is extremely fulfilling and I believe has been a calling within my DNA years before I even knew it.
I believe my innate ability to multi-task extremely efficiently and also the ability to listen (not just hear) others is something I have found to be rare in todays day and age.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
It would have to be a memory with my grandparents and uncle. My Nana and Papa lived in Sugarland, TX when my mom, sister, and I first moved to Texas in 1995. My papa was retired at that time and was able to, and I think enjoyed, taking me to school in the mornings when my mom had to work during the week. So I got to spend a ton of time growing up with them in their home. To be exact, as a kid I collected basketball cards as a hobby and anytime I would get to go to the card shop outside their neighborhood, I would be ecstatic. I still remember how it smelled when you walked in and the guy that was always behind the counter that knew my papa and I by name. Another fond memory is sneaking into Pridgeon Stadium to watch football with my uncle who was only a couple years older than me. My mom used to give us enough money to get in and maybe get a drink, but we figured if we could sneak in and save that money we could get more snacks and candy, so that is what we did most times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.guardiangrounds.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardiangrounds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardiangroundsranch/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/guardiangrounds
- Other: https://www.ironcladwellness.com
