Filter heroes statewide, by region or by cause.
Shawn Durnen
Tacoma
Hero Story
Shawn Durnen is a proud son of the state of Michigan. Shawn, an Iraq war veteran knew his calling early on. As someone who grew up in a poor neighborhood, not many options joined the US Army following the crash of the big 3. Shawn a decorated vet and community member has dedicated his life to serving military, veterans, their families, community youth and much more.
Shawn, the president of NineLine Veteran Services works nationally, creating opportunities in employment, housing, case management and direct care services. Utilizing comprehensive evidence based practices to help those who come to him for support.
As someone who lived through the trials of war, financial hardship, his own battles with PTSD and trauma, Shawn is the success he wants to see in the world. “Service above self” his life motto and the base for his organization. Shawn has been recognized on a national scale for his philanthropic initiatives, service projects to include construction rebuilds in the city of Detroit, housing preservation and affordable housing initiatives for vulnerable neighborhoods and marginalized communities.
His work on a national scale has been recognized by the highest offices in the U.S to include the Obama administration. 2020 marked new heights for this individual as he created coordinated care protocols scaled on a national level with the new ETS-SP program where he and his team coordinate transition services and support for military members leaving the services in their last 90 days.
Shawn sits on several local and nationwide commissions focusing on equitable practices for access to services and growing needs, additionally working on taboo subjects with community feedback such as mental health, addiction, recovery and legislative needs for comprehensive planning.
Locally, he is known as a youth league soccer coach, employer, trainer and corporate leader for families, meanwhile known as dad and husband at home. Leading initiatives locally is his passion and working nationally to help decision makers put the people first is his job.
Shawn Durnen
Tacoma
Hero Story
Shawn Durnen is a proud son of the state of Michigan. Shawn, an Iraq war veteran knew his calling early on. As someone who grew up in a poor neighborhood, not many options joined the US Army following the crash of the big 3. Shawn a decorated vet and community member has dedicated his life to serving military, veterans, their families, community youth and much more.
Shawn, the president of NineLine Veteran Services works nationally, creating opportunities in employment, housing, case management and direct care services. Utilizing comprehensive evidence based practices to help those who come to him for support.
As someone who lived through the trials of war, financial hardship, his own battles with PTSD and trauma, Shawn is the success he wants to see in the world. “Service above self” his life motto and the base for his organization. Shawn has been recognized on a national scale for his philanthropic initiatives, service projects to include construction rebuilds in the city of Detroit, housing preservation and affordable housing initiatives for vulnerable neighborhoods and marginalized communities.
His work on a national scale has been recognized by the highest offices in the U.S to include the Obama administration. 2020 marked new heights for this individual as he created coordinated care protocols scaled on a national level with the new ETS-SP program where he and his team coordinate transition services and support for military members leaving the services in their last 90 days.
Shawn sits on several local and nationwide commissions focusing on equitable practices for access to services and growing needs, additionally working on taboo subjects with community feedback such as mental health, addiction, recovery and legislative needs for comprehensive planning.
Locally, he is known as a youth league soccer coach, employer, trainer and corporate leader for families, meanwhile known as dad and husband at home. Leading initiatives locally is his passion and working nationally to help decision makers put the people first is his job.