MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — As the nation reflects on the lives lost and sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001, one South Florida veteran is sharing how the events of that day changed the course of his life — and how accepting help during one of his darkest periods ultimately allowed him to help others.

The events of 9/11 are etched in Derek Auguste’s memory.

“I was in shock and I did have family at the World Trade Center on 9/11,” Auguste said.

One cousin narrowly avoided the attack because he was still on his way to work. Another was at the World Trade Center and never came home.

“My cousin was luckily on his way to work and had to walk back home,” Auguste said. “Another cousin of mine was working on the concourse underneath and has never been found.”

The aftermath of the attacks also affected Auguste professionally. At the time, he was working in corporate sales.

“My sales dried up. My job dried up,” he said.

Looking for a way to provide for his family, Auguste decided to enlist in the U.S. Army.

“My daughter was 3 years old when I joined the military,” he said. “My son was born while I was serving in the military.”

Auguste spent 15 months in Iraq and served multiple deployments during his 11 years in the military, eventually reaching the rank of staff sergeant.

Then came another difficult decision.

“So I made the tough decision — OK, it’s time for me to hang up my boots,” he said.

A difficult transition home

Leaving the military presented challenges Auguste hadn’t anticipated.

After spending years away from his family during his service, Auguste said transitioning back into their everyday lives was difficult.

“Close to half the time I was in the military, I was not home,” he said. “So my wife and kids had to learn how to operate without me there.”

The family of four also had to adjust financially without his full-time military salary.

Eventually, Auguste said his home fell into foreclosure.

He was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and struggled with suicidal thoughts.

“When you’re in such a dark place, the most irrational thoughts seem rational,” Auguste said.

Seeing his wife helped him realize something needed to change.

“Seeing my wife’s face made me realize I have to do something,” he said.

Auguste received mental health counseling and reached out to United Way Miami Mission United and the Center for Financial Stability.

“To have someone take a step back and take a look and gave me that pathway — here’s an answer,” he said.

With help, Auguste was able to pay back the debt on his mortgage.

Mission United also helped him begin thinking about what would come next.

“What’s next?” Auguste recalled asking. “And he was like, ‘You have to go to school. You have to get a degree.’”

And he did.

Helping other veterans

In 2020, Auguste graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in political science.

His journey eventually led him to Florida International University, where he now serves as program director in the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

His new mission is helping other veterans navigate their own paths after military service and reminding them that difficult circumstances don’t have to define their futures.

“The future is bright because you are going to be part of it,” Auguste said.

His journey has also come full circle.

Auguste now serves as chair of the United Way Miami Mission United Advisory Board — the same program that helped him define his financial and educational goals during his own transition to civilian life.

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