Mahlon Kester

is a proud and courageous single father

and veteran of multiple combat deployments to Iraq. For 12 years, he spent his days as an Army Ranger guarding the edges of danger for countless troops who needed rescuing. In 2005, Mahlon became an alcoholic, leaving his six children behind. His son was shot in battle--literally just weeks after graduating college. The alcohol soon took away Mahlon's mind and body. He sought help at a number of clinics and hospitals until they discovered that he smoked marijuana--an ingredient known to depress the brain functions which led to the psychotic episodes of "manic depression" (a type of mania) which eventually caused him to attempt suicide on four different occasions. It has been from this state of despair and self-medication that Mahlon hopes his fellow veterans will receive the help he never received. His mission is one with no end time goal but many people who would love to follow in his footsteps: Teaming up with local activist Mike McGivney to bring awareness (including exposure to veterans) to these mental illnesses and for Veterans of all branches of service; creating outreach programs through the Mahlon Foundation; raising money for research into both Cannabis and Alcoholism through community networking events and traditional marketing; collaborating with local Universities to make education available to their students about Marijuana as a substance (Alcoholics Anonymous); and connecting potheads and vets together (gatherings like the September 4th Freedom Weekend hosted by Teens Together).

In addition to his work with medicinal cannabis therapy, Mahlon founded Operation HOPE, an organization that works extensively with law enforcement and military personnel seeking legal ways to access relief from PTSD. Mahlon also organized several medical marijuana clinics of his own during his military and police career! Mahlon's passion, dedication and unwavering willingness to service continue to inspire hundreds of Vets everywhere with an open-door policy! All people are welcome when it comes to identifying themselves as being'veterans' looking for support due to stress/debilitating conditions or other similar effects and we treat our own like we wish to be treated by others, whether through anonymous, confidential conversations via telephone, Facebook message, text etc., online messaging or regular visits at local clinic offices. We have an open door policy regardless of where you came in... regardless of your status under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Keep on goin', Mahlon! This is how these "cause dujour!