Joseph Latham

Graduated Sentinel Staff Sergeant, US Marine Corps
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Joseph Latham grew up in a very patriotic town with flags on every light pole. He enlisted in the Marines following in the footsteps of his uncles who served and grandfather who served in WWII. Joseph only planned on serving for 4 years, but after the events of September 11th, he continued to serve for a total of 15 years. Those years consisted of a lot of ups and downs but are ultimately etched in his mind as his greatest accomplishment in life. He does not view his service as a sacrifice but as an honor. Joseph completed two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, as well as three Military Expeditionary Unit deployments throughout various countries in the Pacific Ocean. In 2004 he was injured by an IED explosion during combat operations causing a concussion from the blast and receiving shrapnel to his legs, hands, and hearing loss that required hearing aids.

Upon his discharge in 2016, Joseph struggled with building new relationships. The military issued friends and peers, but in the civilian world, he had to learn to be open to his community and seek out the similarities such as being parents, patriots, or enjoying similar activities. Joseph completed his master’s degree in July 2018 and was accepted to a clinical PsyD program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology graduating in June 2022. While pursuing school, graduated Sentinel, Deverson Lochard, told him about the program he was using to help him through his schooling – Sentinels of Freedom, and encouraged Joseph to apply.

Since his acceptance to Sentinels of Freedom, Joseph has been connected to ACP, who paired him with a mentor that has made an impactful difference in his journey. They remain close and continue the mentoring relationship. He was also provided with networking opportunities, connected to financial counseling, and provided a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of living while going to school full time. During biannual reviews with his case manager, Joseph has stated the assistance from SOF has been unmeasurable and a huge help for him and his family while he pursues his dream of becoming a licensed clinical psychologist working with veterans by assisting them through addiction, trauma, and interpersonal relationships.

Before graduating, Joseph was selected for a position in the Advanced Mental Health Interprofessional Education Fellowship Program with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. This was a huge accomplishment for Joseph and is a testimony of his hard work and dedication to his education. Achieving this goal is a distinct honor as this is a very sought-out and competitive internship. Since graduating Joseph has accepted a position as the Director of Veteran’s Service Center at Irvine Valley College. He plans to remain in Long Beach, CA with his wife Talia and their 4 kids as they continue to grow within their community and family.

“This organization holds a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the assistance you provided for me. Your support in my academic journey will bear dividends in the number of veterans I will support in my future endeavors.”
– Joseph Latham Psy.D.