Founder & CEO Dr. Anthony Newkirk is a Native American & African American 10-year (1989-2000) USAF ammunition specialist veteran. Here is his remarkable story or resiliency and personal growth.
Q. You now have a distinguished career as a Veteran and a Ph.D.; was this something your younger self who enrolled in the USAF would have imagined?
Honestly, my younger self could never have imagined the path I’m on today. When I first enlisted in the USAF at age 17, I was focused on getting out of the hood riddled with ACE and possibly un-living as a hero. Life threw some unexpected challenges my way, including battling PTSD and navigating the justice system. Through those struggles, I gained resilience and found my purpose. The journey from the military to prison and then to a Ph.D. in IT and a Doctor of Healthcare Administration from an HBCU has been transformative. Every step was necessary to lead me to where I am now—helping others through Warriors Code Inc. and creating meaningful programs for veterans, BIPOC, and beyond.
Q. Of the many adult programs you offer for veterans, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+, which has been the most surprising? Please share the most effective technology assets.
There were really no surprises. As someone who has overcome life’s challenges, I can tell you that any one of us is capable of overcoming incredible odds. Each hurdle we’ve faced has taught us resilience and strength, shaping us into individuals who can rise above adversity. With determination, support, and belief in ourselves, we can achieve what once seemed impossible, inspiring others along the way.
In terms of technology, we’ve utilized refurbished laptops and integrated SMART Goals and SMART Recovery, both of which use structured, evidence-based tools that help participants take control of their expedition to wellness. We also use telehealth platforms to expand our reach, allowing veterans and other participants to connect regardless of location. These assets ensure we can offer consistent and accessible care to all.
Q. Tell us about your Outpatient Treatment Center. What is the most rewarding aspect of your center?
Warriors Code Inc. Outpatient Treatment Center is a space where individuals can come for support, healing, and community. We focus on a lifestyle (not 30/60/90 day) Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program that includes various interventions such as life skills, coping strategies, wellness practices, grief counseling, and self-care techniques. The most rewarding aspect is seeing the transformation in people who initially felt stuck or defeated. Watching them build new lives, reconnect with their families, and find peace is incredibly fulfilling.
Q. If you were granted one wish to improve your Outpatient Treatment Center, what would that be?
It would be to expand our resources for holistic healing practices. While we already incorporate cultural elements and SMART recovery, I would love to provide even more access to mental health services and traditional wellness methods, such as sweat lodges and elder-guided teachings. This would help bridge modern therapy and ancestral wisdom, creating a more complete and culturally sensitive approach to healing.
Q. Or any other information you would prefer to share with our audience of educators and program administrators?
I want to share the importance of cultural humility in any program—especially those serving BIPOC (black, indigenous, person of color) and marginalized communities. Understanding the histories and the unique challenges these communities face is critical in offering effective support. I would encourage educators and administrators to seek out cultural humility education beyond DE&I workshops and to consider how they can incorporate it into their work to serve their participants better.