Those We Leave Behind

October 27, 2025 

Mark Lefebvre, Author of "Healing A Village: A Practical Guide To Building Recovery Ready Communities"

Tom O'Connor, Publisher

Earlier this year, Mark Lefebvre authored a well-read article for us titled "Lessons Learned: A Community Is Essential For Your Healing In Recovery."

Mark founded and served as statewide director of the Maine Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) program, which focuses on building statewide capacity to recruit, train, and support Maine businesses as RFWs. As the Pinetree Director of Community Engagement, Mark was responsible for developing Recovery Ready Communities in New Hampshire and Maine, two US states most affected by the opioid crisis. Mark is in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. He and his wife, Vivian, are among the co-founders of Safe Harbor Recovery Center, a peer community center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Mark's book, Healing a Village: A Practical Guide to Building Recovery-Ready Communities, is about hope. 

According to Mark Lefebvre

A few weeks ago, I shared an account of a so-called "God-shot" where I encountered a man walking along US Route 1 in Hampton, NH. I used the word "disabled" loosely because, even though he was walking with a prosthetic leg, he was anything but disabled—he was moving along at a good pace despite the scorching heat and temperatures in the 90s. For context, I'll repeat what I learned when I pulled over to offer him a ride.

The man was walking north on Route 1 with a backpack and a wooden baluster (from a stair railing), coming from Salisbury, MA, more than 10 miles to the south. By my estimate, he'd been passed by at least 200 cars in the four or so hours it took for him to reach Hampton.

"My name is Mark," I said as I offered my hand. "Hop in."

"Raymond Dan Hubbard, sir," he replied. "I appreciate the lift."

After introductions, I asked where he was headed. "To the Hampton Public Library to use their computer," he responded.

I inquired if he was a veteran, and he responded, "Affirmative."

I delivered him to the library, gave him my business card, and told him he could call me anytime. I would take him anywhere. Raymond and I stayed in touch over the next few days as he visited other friends at Hampton Beach. He was in contact with Harbor Care, a non-profit organization based in Nashua, NH, that provides services to individuals and communities in need. Notably, Harbor Care serves as the fiscal agent overseeing funding for New Hampshire's statewide network of Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs). 

They offer services to veterans, and Raymond has been working with them. He was having trouble finding a rental, as most landlords he contacted were booked to capacity with summer rentals. Affording rent is not an issue for Raymond, as he has money in the bank and receives VA disability benefits. He proudly claimed that he is not looking for a handout.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital

We agreed that we'd have coffee soon. I hadn't heard from Raymond in several days until he texted me saying he was at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, waiting for surgery on a shattered kneecap in his other knee. While riding a scooter at Hampton Beach, he was forced off the road by a car and ended up tumbling into the street. I visited Raymond that day in the hospital, and he was in considerable pain despite medication. 

His leg was stabilized in a metal brace after doctors had inserted pins in his knee. He was scheduled for more surgery in a few days once the swelling subsided. Raymond was in good spirits and appreciated the visit. 

Over the past week, I've visited Raymond alone and with my friend Eric Ott. We brought him Mountain Dew, snacks, Taco Bell, and fried chicken from a local deli. We got him books and magazines to keep him occupied. I also brought him a nicotine delivery device, which remains out of sight from his caregivers—so far. I researched him online to learn more about his history and satisfy my curiosity. I was stunned by what I learned.

Sergeant Raymond Dan Hubbard lost his leg on July 4, 2006, while deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his service, he received the Purple Heart. 

I learned from the article below:

"(He) was standing in a compound just north of Baghdad when a mortar shell landed next to him. Besides taking off his leg, the explosion sent shrapnel deep into his neck, cutting the carotid artery. Blood was everywhere, but the medic had the presence of mind to reach into the wound to grab the severed artery – sort of a human tourniquet. For 15 minutes, that soldier held Ray's life in his hands."

In addition to those injuries, Raymond also suffered a stroke, which affects his facial expression and the use of his right (writing) hand.

Raymond is a gentle, creative, and romantic soul. He riffs on movies, music, poetry, and especially history. His paternal lineage has proudly served in Vietnam and World War II.

Raymond Dan Hubbard is a war hero. He was called to serve his country. He served honorably, nearly losing his life in the process. He returned to his hometown of Delevan, Wisconsin, to a hero's welcome. He has PTSD. He is in recovery from addiction to pain medication, which led to IV heroin use. Yet he cannot find a roof to qualify for medically necessary rehabilitation.

This is Sergeant Raymond Dan Hubbard's story. Let us not leave him behind.

Update on Sgt. Raymond Dan Hubbard's Condition: 

Raymond has been safely rehabilitating at Rochester Manor in Rochester, NH, where the staff has been fantastic. He's been there for just over a month and is looking forward to being discharged around the end of September. He's healthy and remains optimistic about his future.

The VA of New Hampshire has been assisting him in securing permanent residency and has successfully reclaimed his van from the tow storage facility at his prior home.

Fingers crossed, he will be fully independent by October 2025. There's a way!

---

Mark Lefebvre is a person in long-term recovery from addiction. Mark was the founder and statewide director of the Maine Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) program. As Director of Community Engagement at Pinetree Institute, he was also responsible for developing Recovery Ready Communities in the Seacoast of New Hampshire and southern Maine. You can reach out to Mark by email at marklefebvre9@gmail.com

If you enjoyed this article, 

Please forward this to a friend or colleague who might benefit from it!