Honoring Our Heroes: The Spirit of Memorial Day and the Life-Changing Work of Silvio Ayars

Memorial Day is about honoring the courageous men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. It's a day that holds deep significance—one that reminds us of the incredible sacrifices made by our military heroes. Yet, it's also a powerful moment to reflect on those veterans among us who continue to make a difference every day, long after they take off their uniform. These are the heroes who live quietly in our communities, whose daily actions change lives, offer hope, and provide strength to fellow veterans in need.

At Nuvision, we believe these everyday heroes deserve recognition and gratitude. Each month, we spotlight people whose dedication inspires and whose impact echoes far beyond their service. Their stories remind us why service matters and how it continues to change our communities for the better. This Memorial Day, we’re honored to share the powerful story of Silvio Ayars—a veteran whose commitment to helping others is both inspiring and life-saving.

A Lifetime of Service: Going Above and Beyond for Veterans

Silvio served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, spending significant time overseas, including critical deployments during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. But when he retired, his commitment to serving others didn't end. It just took a new form. Today, Silvio works with Volunteers of America Northern Rockies through a suicide prevention program dedicated specifically to veterans.

Silvio described his unique approach to us: "I really don't care if I piss a veteran off. I'd rather you be mad at me and want to beat me down. Because you know what? You'll be there tomorrow, hating my guts. And that's fine. Because you're still alive.” His job involves reaching out to veterans in crisis, facilitating peer support groups, and sometimes stepping in directly when there's no one else available. Recently, he spent months leading groups inside a Wyoming prison, helping veterans behind bars confront tough emotional wounds and start healing.

Behind the Struggle: Moral Injury Explained

Silvio explains his work around something called moral injury—a deep emotional wound that happens when someone does, sees, or can’t prevent something that goes against their core values. It's different from PTSD, but just as serious, often causing depression, isolation, and even leading some veterans to consider suicide. Silvio's mission is to intervene before these veterans reach their breaking point.

Silvio explains further: "Moral injury is a wound to your soul. You've done something, witnessed something, or failed to prevent an act, and it violates your moral code to the point where you can't reconcile it." He continues, "In combat, you might instinctively react and harm innocent people, or you might be forced into impossible decisions like choosing who lives and who dies when resources are limited."

These experiences can leave veterans grappling with intense guilt, shame, and remorse. "You don't feel like you're a good person," Silvio says. "Some people can even feel they're such a terrible person that not even God could forgive them."

Connecting Through Personal Experience

“I know first-hand what the veterans that come through my moral injury program are going through,” Silvio shared. Having faced his own battles with PTSD, he uses his experience to connect with veterans who might otherwise feel completely alone. Silvio described discovering his own PTSD: "I found out through my VA disability examination that I had a healthy dose of PTSD. The doctor even said, 'Man, you got PTSD,' and I argued because I didn't see myself that way. But he was right."

Silvio added, "Through treatment, group sessions, and talking openly about it, I've learned to manage it. The fog lifted, and I'm happier now. I still get angry, but now I control it instead of it controlling me. That experience helps me understand and support veterans who are struggling. If I was put on this Earth to save one person's life, I'm good. That's what I'm here for."

Supporting Veterans Through Community Action

Silvio’s dedication doesn't end with his job. He’s also deeply involved with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA). Through fundraising, community service, and direct action, he and his fellow riders provide real, hands-on support to veterans. Silvio described, "We’ve donated tens of thousands of dollars to programs like Honor Flights, service dog training, and food assistance."

Silvio talked about how close-knit the group is at CVMA, emphasizing their bond: "We have a saying, 'When a brother calls, I will answer.' And that's what I do for both the calls. I'm going to answer night, day, whatever. I'll knock walls down, whatever I got to do, I'll answer and we'll get to you."

Why Silvio's Story Matters

Memorial Day isn’t just about honoring those we’ve lost—it’s also about recognizing those who keep making sacrifices for others. Silvio Ayars shows us what it looks like to keep serving others long after active duty ends. His efforts ensure that veterans are never forgotten, and that they always have someone in their corner helping them move forward.

At Nuvision, it’s an honor to tell stories like Silvio’s because they remind us how much one dedicated person can change lives. This Memorial Day, let’s remember those we've lost, thank the veterans still with us, and celebrate people like Silvio Ayars—heroes who continue to make a real difference every single day.