I am Mark Nasmith, and I joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1992. In 2000, and 2002, I was involved in some difficult missions.

My career ended near midnight in February, 2019, when PTSD hit me brutally hard and terrifyingly fast. I sought help, but turned to alcohol to cope. My last drink was in February, 2021. I was medically released from the Canadian Forces two years later.

It was only through the help of others that I survived. I feel good helping others because it is my chance to give back. I can be there for someone else who may be stuck where I was.

I offer something different.

I found that, both consciously and subconsciously, I used many of the military planning and operations tools, doctrine, tactical training and other lessons from my time in the military to help my recovery. Float - Move - Fight comes from that. I don’t try to teach these when I facilitate or coach, but I do find many of the underlying themes and approaches very helpful. Occasionally they offer a fresh look at problems that have gridlocked a person’s recovery.

I have personal experience in addiction recovery. I also have paid and volunteer experience and formal training in coaching, facilitating, and supporting veterans and police. Personal experience includes:

  • 31 years as a senior officer, leader and mentor to both military and civilian personnel, in Canada and deployed overseas

  • Two periods of residential addiction recovery (5 months)

  • Family struggles and renewal

  • Experience with a 12-step program (Alcoholics Anonymous) and a non-stepped program (SMART: Self-Management and Recovery Training)

My formal experience and training includes:

  • SMART Facilitator Course

  • Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery, Recovery Coach Academy (part 1)

  • Mental Health First Aid for Veterans (includes military and police) through the Mental Health Commission of Canada

  • Paid recovery coaching of military personnel (serving and retired) at a respected rehabilitation facility in Ontario

  • 150+ hours/3 years facilitating public addiction recovery groups

  • 150+ hours/3+ years facilitating an addiction recovery group for military and police (serving and retired)

  • Peer support of military personnel (serving and retired)

  • Volunteer support to the Department of National Defence Mental Health Services, and Operational Stress Injury Social Support group