At 66, Willie Spruill is not just a decorated U.S. Army veteran—he’s a symbol of resilience, hope and the healing power of community and care. After two decades of service, including time with the 82nd Airborne Division and multiple deployments, Spruill faced a new kind of battle: the invisible wounds of trauma, chronic pain and emotional isolation.
After leaving the Army, life slowed down for Spruill. He was enduring chronic pain from a cracked pelvis and frequent migraines. The physical pain was compounded by emotional distress, and at one point, Willie contemplated ending his life. “There is a stigma around veterans and healthcare,” he says. “We don’t want to show weakness. The care is there if you want it. We just have to swallow our pride and get the care we deserve.”
Spruill had run track in his younger days, but his health issues kept him from returning to an active lifestyle. At a particularly low point, Spruill happened to see a sign for the North Carolina Senior Games and decided he was going to turn things around and participate. He talked to his son about connecting to the care and community he needed to get back on his feet. He started by taking short walks, putting one foot in front of the other. His progress boosted his spirits, sharing “In the first week I was able to run, I just screamed out, ‘I can run again!’”
Spruill’s comeback began with asking for help and culminated in competing in 28 track meets in one year and winning three events at the National Senior Games. He was honored as a <a href="https://nsga.com/humanagamechangers/">Humana Game Changer</a> in 2023, a recognition for older adults who defy aging stereotypes and inspire others to live actively. “Getting back into running really saved my life,” he says. “It’s more healing than anything else.”
The Mental Health Crisis Among Veterans
Spruill’s story is not unique. Nearly half of all U.S. veterans are age 65 or older, and many face complex physical and mental health challenges. PTSD, survivor’s guilt and moral injury often intensify with age*. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the veteran suicide rate is 60% higher than the national average.
Dr. Bethany Davis, MD, a veteran of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and now a physician at <a href="https://www.centerwellprimarycare.com/">CenterWell Senior Primary Care</a> in Clarksville, Tennessee, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “Invisible wounds often don’t heal if untreated,” she says. “Mental health is integral to overall well-being. The earlier we speak up, the sooner we can begin to get our lives back.”
Humana’s Commitment to Care
Recognizing these challenges, Humana and USAA have co-created the Humana USAA Honor &nbsp;Giveback Plans, designed specifically with veterans in mind and available to anyone eligible for Medicare. These Medicare Advantage plans can provide more flexibility and convenience to access care from providers outside the VA, without losing your VA benefits and offer:
<ul>
<li>$0 copays for in-network mental health services, including therapy and specialist visits, both virtually and in-person.</li>
<li>Part B premium giveback, adding money back into members’ Social Security checks.</li>
<li>$0 monthly premiums, plus dental, vision and hearing coverage.</li>
<li>Access to civilian doctors and specialists, offering flexibility and convenience.</li>
</ul>
Humana also invests in organizations and initiatives that provide services and supports for veterans. Among them are <a href="https://wefacethefight.org/">Face the Fight</a>, a coalition aimed at reducing veteran suicide, and <a href="https://www.vfw.org/community/community-initiatives/uniting-for-veterans">Uniting for Veterans</a>, a collaboration with the VFW to address food insecurity, homelessness and other social determinants of health.
A Message of Hope
Spruill’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—with the right support, care, and community. “Most mental health issues are invisible wounds,” he says. “That’s dangerous if you ignore them. There is help. Do not hesitate.”
To learn more about Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans for veterans, visit <a href="https://www.humana.com/medicare/veterans?cm_mmc=Digital_Medicare-_-PublicRelations-_-AEP2026-_-VetHumNewsArticle">Humana.com/Medicare/Veterans</a>.
Disclaimer:
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in the Humana network. Limitations on telehealth services, also referred to as virtual visits or telemedicine, vary by state. These services are not a substitute for emergency care and are not intended to replace your primary care provider or other providers in your network. Any descriptions of when to use telehealth services are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please refer to your evidence of coverage for additional details on what your plan may cover or other rules that may apply.
The Part B Giveback Benefit pays part or all of your Part B premium and the amount may change based on the amount you pay for Part B. The Humana USAA Honor plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare and veterans should consider all of their health plan options.
<a name="_Hlk210051925" id="_Hlk210051925"></a>Humana Insurance Company pays royalty fees to USAA for the use of its intellectual property. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term “USAA member” or “USAA membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA and the USAA Logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Automobile Association. All rights reserved. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Sources:
* U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/older-veterans/index.asp">Resources for Older Veterans - Mental Health</a> 
** U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/aging_veterans.asp">Older Adults and PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD</a> 
*** U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/articles/article-pdf/id1622901.pdf">Psychological Resilience in U.S. Military Veterans: Results from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study</a>

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From the Battlefield to the Track: Willie Spruill’s Journey and the Power of Mental Health Support for Veterans

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