“Welcome and thanks for visiting my site. In many ways, my music, my writing and my work and everything else that went into The Ladder UPP are nothing more than my own cry for healing, born from the deepest moments of my despair, and that is precisely why it resonates … because we all have much more in common than we realize. Take your time, look around – I’ll see ya’ on the climb.” Silouan Green

Life is an amazing thing. One minute I’m an invincible Marine, then in a split second I’m in a jet crash on my way to ruin. It all almost ended for me in a drug fueled haze of insomnia driven by the darkness of PTSD. I stared countless times into the barrel a loaded gun, clenched desperately in my own hand. And now, years later, I look at my seven kids, incredible wife and wonder, was that really me?

The Ladder UPP is no different. It began as nothing more than a diversion from my insomnia and hallucinations and evolved over the next ten years: first a poem, then a guitar, then songs, then a book, then CDs, then a workbook, then a Video, then a mad push to reach Soldiers, Marines and Vets. A trusted friend pointed out to me that I had created some kind of key that helped quench people’s thirst for a solution to battle the demons of life.

The Ladder UPP has grown to help Soldiers at Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, and the National Guard. It has reached Marines at Camp LeJeune, and veterans at the VA and other veterans organizations. Especially Reserve and Guard units where our brave sons and daughters don’t often have access to the resources available on an active duty installation, The Ladder UPP offers hope to those souls teetering on the brink…alone. And just as importantly, anyone undergoing the transitions of life. Retiring, leaving military service, all can be immense stresses, but with purpose, planning and courage they are also great opportunities for growth and personal renewal.

As I speak and travel around the country, people from all walks of life and experiences seem to be moved and motivated to action by The Ladder UPP: firefighters and EMTs, people struggling with the death of a loved one, divorce or a sick child. It can be used alone or in a group, it doesn’t require drugs, nor does it even need supervision. I have seen hope in the eyes of people who look to be among the toughest and bravest of us all and it makes me truly believe it will help our precious service-members find purpose and flourish. In many ways, The Ladder UPP is nothing more than my own cry for healing, born from the deepest moments of my despair, and that is precisely why it resonates…because we all have much more in common than we realize.

We all come to a point in our life where we must choose to either live free or continue on without passion or purpose. May you choose to live free, may you choose to fan the flame of passion and purpose burning inside each one of us. It was put there for a reason.