#VeteranStories

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Soldier's Last Post Shaina Tranquilino November 7, 2024

Philip Connor sat alone on his porch, the dawn just starting to edge over the hills, casting a faint light on the rows of fields stretching out beyond his farmhouse. The mornings had become his time—quiet, unburdened by the chaos that lingered in the darker hours of the night. He cradled a cup of black coffee, its warmth steadying his shaking hands, hands that had seen too much.

It had been three years since his final tour, but the memories of that last deployment clung to him like an unseen shadow. Night after night, he was yanked back to that place, forced to relive the sounds, the smells, and—most painfully—the faces of his fallen comrades. He’d seen counselors, taken medication, and tried every form of therapy he could find, yet peace seemed as distant as the deserts he had left behind.

Then, one morning, an idea struck him like a flash of lightning: letters. He would write to them, his fallen friends—Jack, Marco, and Ben, and all the others who hadn’t come home. He didn’t know why the thought had occurred to him, but it brought a calm he couldn’t explain. That very afternoon, he sat down at his old wooden desk, took a deep breath, and put pen to paper.

“Dear Jack,” he wrote, “You were the best of us. Always quick with a joke, always there to calm us down when the days turned dark.” He poured himself into the letter, letting the words carry his pain, his anger, and, yes, his gratitude. Writing was hard at first, and at moments he felt silly, foolish for talking to the dead. But he kept going, each word giving him a sense of relief he hadn't felt in years.

Each morning brought another letter. He wrote about their shared memories, the laughs, and even the arguments. Each word, he realized, was a step forward—a small release of the burden he carried.

“Dear Marco,” he penned another day, “you were the first to step forward, always ready to shield the rest of us from the worst of it. I want you to know that I’ll never forget your courage. You taught me what it means to be brave.”

One by one, he penned his thanks, and one by one, he let each friend go. Each letter transformed his pain, giving it a place outside himself. He knew these were more than just letters; they were his way of paying tribute, his way of healing.

As the last letter was finished, Philip felt something shift inside him, a gentle release. The weight that had pressed against his chest was lighter. There was an unexpected peace, fragile but real, the beginning of something he had long thought impossible.

One morning, after the final letter was sealed, Philip walked to the nearby hill where an old oak tree stood. He buried the letters beneath its roots, each one a tribute, a silent promise to live for them. As he stood beneath the morning sun, a feeling of warmth and stillness washed over him.

For the first time in years, Philip Connor felt like he was home.

[monsterkong]

Building a Legacy: Lessons from Veterans Who Refuse to Quit

🛡️ Veterans on a Mission to Change the Narrative Veterans are often seen as warriors who have left the battlefield, but their fight doesn’t end there. This blog post dives into the lives of several veterans who are determined to change the narrative. They’re not just survivors—they’re leaders, fathers, and mentors who are building a legacy that extends far beyond their time in the military.

🏞️ The Project: Where Pain Meets Purpose The Project is an intense experience that pushes participants to their limits, both physically and mentally. For these veterans, it’s a chance to reclaim their sense of purpose and prove to themselves that they still have what it takes. The lessons learned in The Project go far beyond the physical—they’re about resilience, perseverance, and the power of brotherhood. It’s in the struggle that these men find their true strength.

🦸 Fatherhood: Redefining What It Means to Be a Man One of the most profound transformations these veterans experience is in their role as fathers. The transition from soldier to civilian is tough, but becoming a father is an even greater challenge. These men are committed to breaking the cycle of absentee fathers, choosing to be present and engaged in their children’s lives. They’re not just providing for their families—they’re shaping the next generation of leaders.

🌍 The Agogi and Squire Programs: Mentorship in Action Through the Agogi and Squire programs, these veterans are passing on their wisdom to the next generation. They’re teaching young men the importance of discipline, respect, and self-reliance. These programs are about more than just physical training—they’re about building character and preparing these young men for the challenges of life. The impact is immeasurable, as each participant leaves with a stronger sense of self and purpose.

💡 Overcoming the Past: Dealing with Trauma and Moving Forward The conversation often turns to the importance of dealing with past traumas. These veterans understand that to move forward, they must first confront the demons that have held them back. By facing their past head-on, they’re able to break free from the patterns that have kept them stuck. This process isn’t easy, but it’s essential for true growth. It’s a reminder that the journey of self-improvement is ongoing and requires constant effort.

🎯 Conclusion: Never Quit, Never Surrender, Always Forward The title of this post says it all—these veterans refuse to quit. They’ve faced incredible challenges, both on and off the battlefield, but they continue to push forward. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up. They’re not just building a legacy for themselves—they’re paving the way for future generations to follow. Let their journey inspire you to keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles you face.

#TransformativeJourneys #ResilienceAndStrength #OvercomingChallenges

[heswrongshesright]

VetClaims.ai the TurboTax for Veterans VA Claims with Luke Simianer - HWSR Ep 95

In this intriguing podcast episode of 'He's Wrong She's Right,' hosts Andrew and Nona are joined by their guest, Luke Simianer, founder of VetClaims.AI. The conversation dives into Luke's journey of creating a SaaS app, aiming to streamline the VA claims process for veterans, much like the TurboTax experience. Venturing through humorous tangents about hairstyles, military experiences, and technical difficulties, the episode highlights the innovative approach VetClaims.AI takes to alleviate the arduous claims process. Luke shares insights on entrepreneurship, AI in healthcare, and the upcoming challenges and milestones in building disruptive technology for veterans. The engaging discussion also explores the benefits of honest introspection through apps, the importance of offering veterans support tailored to their needs, and the evolving landscape of veteran services, all framed by candid stories and good humor.

Visit VetClaims at the link https://lemacks.app/hwsrvcai 

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00:00 Introduction to the TurboTax for VA Claims

00:55 Welcome to the Podcast

00:59 Meet Luke Simianer

03:50 Technical Difficulties and Podcasting Challenges

05:16 AI and Bug Fixing in New Ventures

10:15 The Journey of Building a SaaS App

11:08 Expanding into Separation Health Assessments

11:42 Challenges Faced by Veterans and VSOs

17:14 The Importance of Accurate Medical Documentation

28:48 From Nursing to Tech Entrepreneurship

36:16 Moving Across the Country for a Dog

36:27 Homelessness and a Pit Bull Named Colbert

36:47 Army Paycheck Issues and Homelessness

37:06 Mustang Stories and Picking Up Colbert

37:49 Dealing with Army Overpayment

39:40 Challenges with Military Service and Transition

41:16 Veteran Stories and Feedback

42:07 Future of Veteran Claims and Technology

44:33 Veteran Organizations and Community Building

46:03 Systemic Change in Veteran Claims

47:51 Rapid TBI Testing and Military Medical Care

51:43 Perceptions of Military Service and Patriotism

53:45 LinkedIn and Social Media Experiences

55:47 Self-Education and Legal Battles

01:00:01 Promoting Veteran Entrepreneurship

01:08:50 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

#AndrewLemacks #NonaPhelps #HWSR #LukeSimianer #Podcasting #VeteranStories #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #TechForGood #VeteranSupport #VAClaims #Innovation #MentalHealth #AI #Technology #Military #CommunitySupport #SuccessJourney #Resilience #Business #Leadership #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #LifeAfterMilitary

[verticalmomentum1]

#FlashbackFriday

We Went Back Back…

So On Today’s Episode Of The Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast With Host Richard Kaufman Veteran-Keynote Speaker We Sat Down With Veteran And Celebrity Chef Bryan Jacobs.

➡️Listen: https://anchor.fm/richard-kaufman/episodes/Food-for-thought---with-Veteran-and-Celebrity-Chef-Bryan-Jacobs-ek2j67

Get ready to dive deep into an emotional journey 😢🌟 in this heart-touching episode!

We explore the inspiring story of a man whose love for cooking 🍳❤️ is just the beginning.

From his challenging days in Iraq 🏜️🪖 to his noble mission in aiding veterans battling homelessness 🏠 and the invisible scars of PTSD 🧠💔, his tale is one of resilience and hope.

Plus, he's on a quest to spread the joy of cooking with Revelle:meals and Vets 2 Success 🍲🌈.

Stay tuned till the very end for a mind-blowing cooking tip that'll change your kitchen game! 🤯👨‍🍳

Huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors Donald Dodson-Tammi Moses for making this episode possible 🙌💖.

#CookingWithHeart #VeteranStories #InspiringJourneys 🌟👨‍🍳🇺🇸

[nemesiscuriosity]

The Hidden Sacrifices: Honoring Our Brave Soldiers #shorts #army

Experience the profound journeys of our soldiers in “Salute to Valor.” Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content honoring our heroes. Drop a comment to show your respect and support for the troops! MilitaryTribute, ArmedForces, SoldierBravery, ArmyLife, MilitaryHeroes, FrontlineStories, ArmyTraining, NationalDefense, HeroicSoldiers, MilitaryRespect, VeteranStories,…

[defensenow]

"Unprecedented Visit to DPAA: Insights from Brenda Lee McCullough and Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Williams"

IMCOM-Pacific | Story by R. Slade Walters | Thursday, September 28, 2023

#DPAA #BrendaLeeMcCullough #JonWilliams #unprecedentedvisit #insights #YouTube #veterans #military #POW #MIA #honor #remembrance #history #legacy #America #USA #soldiers #rememberance #militaryheritage #veteranstories #inspiration

[verysarasota]

Today I went to the funeral for the vet with no immediate family. Locally the word spread through social media quickly. Lots of people showed up. This is something that my parents would have attended. They would have jumped in the car in Virginia and drove down just for the funeral. And not because my dad too was a vet. He’s not buried here in Sarasota, this VA cemetery wasn’t here yet when he died. I’m happy to attend but i do wonder how can we find out about vets who are still with us and have no immediate family. Would have been nice to visit him when he still had a story to tell. My parents would have jumped in the car for that too. . . . . . . . . . #verysarasota #sarasota #veteranstories #veteran #vacemetery #vetwithnofamily #visitveterans #family #sarasotaveteranscemetery #floridaveterans #suncoast #ilovesarasota #iloveflorida https://www.instagram.com/p/B3FtRy7hDri/?igshid=11mvp2oqfg7qr

[woodburnedwarriors-blog]

Awesome interview with #cn2news today! Thank you for sharing our story! #veteranownedbusiness #marines #nationalguard #marines #veteranstory #news #localnews #hardwork #cool #instalike #clock #woodworking #mangift #mancave #woodburned #handcarved #handmade #christmas www.woodburnedwarriors.com (at Rock Hill (Newport) SC)

[amlitlover]

Stephen Crane The Veteran

On the day we honor those who served, enjoy Stephen Crane's short story, the unknown sequel to "The Red Badge of Courage" in which Henry Fleming, now an old man, reminisces. https://americanliterature.com/author/stephen-crane/short-story/the-veteran

[navyhistory]

#Navy #Slang: Geedunk, or better known as a "Geedunk bar," was where sailors got their ice cream. Anybody have any good stories #veterans #veteranstories

[heswrongshesright]

Smokeless Vets & Vote4America Special Guest Matt Kenney - HWSR Ep 93

In this episode of the 'He's Wrong She's Right Podcast,' hosts Andrew Lemacks and Nona Phelps sit down with Matt Kenny of 'Smokeless Vets' and 'Vote4America.' The discussion delves into the culture of smoking in the military, the challenges of quitting tobacco, and the impact of veteran engagement in civic duties like voting. Matt shares his own journey from military service to veteran advocacy, highlighting the importance of harm reduction strategies and the underrepresentation of veterans at the polls. The talk is interspersed with anecdotes about military life and reflections on the policy landscape, while also calling upon veterans to connect with their peers and take actionable steps towards healthier habits and civic participation.

Check out Smokeless Vets https://www.smokelessvets.org/ 

and Vote4America https://www.vote4america.org/ 

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00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:50 Welcome to the Podcast

01:07 Matt Kenny's Mission and Organizations

02:37 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

06:15 Smoking and Tobacco Use in the Military

08:38 Challenges and Strategies for Quitting Tobacco

13:58 Building and Growing Smokeless Vets

20:18 Engaging Veterans in Policy and Advocacy

31:20 Vote America: Encouraging Civic Participation

35:52 Navigating Voting Decisions as a Veteran

37:11 Challenges Faced by Homeless Veterans

38:31 Disconnection from Politics

39:11 Encouraging Veteran Voter Registration

41:58 Community Support for Veterans

49:09 Veteran Advocacy and Stolen Valor

56:17 The Importance of Checking on Battle Buddies

01:03:29 Transitioning Out of the Military

01:05:31 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

#AndrewLemacks #NonaPhelps #HWSR #MattKenney #SmokingCessation #VeteranAdvocacy #HealthAndWellness #VoteAmerica #VeteranSupport #MilitaryLife #QuitSmoking #NicotineAddiction #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranHealth #CommunitySupport #VeteranAwareness #VeteransMatter #HesWrongShesRight #QuitTobacco #MentalHealthMatters

[wetsuco-blog]

My life began the moment I saw the other side. My life began when another’s ended, when the world slowly drifted out his eyes, I felt it pass into mine. What meaning I had now found through my brother.  His death had taught me to live like there isn’t another tomorrow. I am living for two now. Every morning I awake to a new day, the sun shines, the birds chirp, and I move rapidly towards life. I am not a morning person but then I see the pictures of us on the wall. I will never fail my brother, not again.

I joined the Army as a Combat Medic. I learned my craft, certified as a Medic, saved a few lives, and saw a lot of dicks. Too many dicks. When I left the Army, I realized my life’s work was not in medicine but in helping people.  I will never know if that was something I had before or if it was character attribute that I had picked up while in. I pride myself in knowing that the actions I am taking are helping others live fruitful lives and I pray that they pass it forward. In honesty, I have learned that they probably do not. Fuck it though, because for every 25 people I help, maybe one will pass it forward. My faith keeps me engaged. How can you curse and be a man of faith? Easy. “I am therefore I am.” Deal with it.

           After the service, I attended Texas A&M receiving a degree in Business. Who cares though? Why is there so much focus on what degree you get if you do not do anything meaningful with it? There are famous porn stars with Masters Degrees.  I am not saying that their degrees did not help them in any way. Just seems like they could have done the same thing and not spent money on the degree. A man of faith watched pornography? I was in the Army for 5 years, so yes, I may have strayed a little from the path.

           After school, I started working for a non-profit organization that helped deliver medical supplies to third world countries. I am also involved in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Habitat for Humanity.  It is a lot and the pay sucks. The thing that really keeps me going is that last look. The stare into what seems like nothingness that my brother had on his face. I hope that every day he looks down upon me and smiles, drinks a shot of Jameson, and says “Fuck yeah Preach, just take one more step and we will be there.” I’ll keep stepping brother if you just sit on that observation post in the sky and watch my six.  Until we regroup my brothers. Cheers.

  -Preach

[verticalmomentum1]

💥Discover the inspiring journey of Brent Walker an Iraq War veteran turned CEO of Killfoot Clothing and host of the Proud To Be An American Podcast, on the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast With Host Richard Kaufman.

🇺🇸Hear how Brent overcame a life-threatening injury in Iraq, battled personal demons, and transformed challenges into triumphs.

🇺🇸His story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, from dealing with alcoholism and a difficult divorce to finding solace in his loyal dog Bandit and support from his loving family.

🇺🇸Learn how Brent navigated the tumultuous transition from military life, his decision to leave Ranger school, and his successful pivot during COVID to launch a unique clothing brand.

🇺🇸Get valuable insights into entrepreneurship, life lessons, and the power of persistence.

🇺🇸Tune in to this real-life story of overcoming obstacles and thriving against all odds.

🎧Listen now: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri - play Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, or click here: [https://anchor.fm/richard-kaufman6/episodes/How-to-be-resilient-when-life-tries-to-KILL-YOU-with-KILLFOOT-CLOTHING-CEO-Brent-Walker-e1cc8q7](https://anchor.fm/richard-kaufman6/episodes/How-to-be-resilient-when-life-tries-to-KILL-YOU-with-KILLFOOT-CLOTHING-CEO-Brent-Walker-e1cc8q7)

✅Join THE INNER CIRCLE ⭕️ for exclusive content and insights from top thought leaders and game changers: [https://linktr.ee/VerticalMomentum](https://linktr.ee/VerticalMomentum)

#VeteranStories #Resilience #EntrepreneurJourney

[1lady1lena]

#VeteranStories #LadyLena #ltlradiotalkDOTcom

[verticalmomentum1]

EVER WANTED TO WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK? IT’S NOT TOO LATE…

On This Episode Of The Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast We Went Way Back To Our Chat With The Amazing Michael Mcgarrey.

➡️ Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/8xkSpmOWC1E?si=qOTl4UWN6givzFQN

➡️ Listen: https://anchor.fm/richard-kaufman6/episodes/Unveiling-Your-Narrative-Exploring-The-Art-Of-Story-Telling-With-Michael-Mcgarrey-e2ac6ld

My Hot 🥵 Take…

🇺🇸 I had the privilege of interviewing author and combat veteran Michael McGarrey, delving into his captivating journey.

🇺🇸 We explored why horses have a unique ability to soothe the tormented soul and discovered the rigorous training that bull riders undergo.

🇺🇸 Michael shared his remarkable decision to join the Army at the age of 27 and the transition from military to civilian life, shedding light on the challenges veterans and first responders face in the civilian workforce.

🇺🇸 We also enjoyed some entertaining anecdotes from his days working in the trades in NYC.

📖 Michael revealed the inspiration behind his writing journey and offered valuable advice for aspiring authors who may not know where to start.

📖 He emphasized the importance of a book cover that grabs attention and discussed the ongoing work that follows the publication of a book.

📚 Fun fact: The word "author" is short for "authority," reflecting the knowledge and expertise they bring to their work. I invite you to listen to our insightful conversation and check out Michael's book, "Life's Most Memorable Moments: A Collection of Stories," available on Amazon.

🔥 Dive into his inspiring stories and gain a deeper understanding of the topics we explored during our interview.

Thank You To Our Sponsors :

The 2X #1 Amazon Best Selling Book 📖 available at www.VerticalMomentumpodcast.com

Carrie Murray Beavers Of Soldier Girl Coffee Company For Making Amazing Coffee ☕️ With A Mission.

#AuthorInterview #VeteranStories #WritingJourney #ListenNow