Uncategorized Jul 27, 2020
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast I talk with Pastor Robert Caridi, a leader I met when he attended our first Centers of Hope leader training event this past February in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert was born to in an Italian-American family in North Bellmore, New York. He was raised Roman Catholic, and followed all the required religious practices attending mass regularly. He graduated college with a BS in Education, and earned a Master’s in Special Education— a subject he taught for 30 years. He married to Theresa (who joined him with us in Birmigham) back in 1983 and we continued our religious practices.
But, grace entered the equation…
In March 1989 they attended Neighborhood Assembly of God and heard the message of freedom preached. In his words, “Both my wife and I gave our hearts to the Lord that day and were born again. Since that day, by God’s grace, we never looked back.”
Caridi had a pastor who preached verse-by-verse through the Bible, thereby giving him a foundation of faith that he’s learned to apply everywhere in the world. In January 2015, his Pastor was killed in a car accident in upstate New York. I walked the congregation through the healing process of this tragic loss… then, something unexpected happened….
They voted on as an Interim Pastor…
Then, not much time later, they asked him to become the Senior Pastor. For 3 1/2 years, he pastored the church while finishing my career in education.
In June 2018, he retired from teaching and has been leading the Neighborhood Assembly (the name of his church).
I asked Robert to join us because his church saw a unique opportunity to serve veterans. A lot of times church leaders reach out to us and wonder, “What do I do? Or are there veterans around here?”
Robert talks about some of the tough questions he’s helped veterans navigate (i.e., there’s a difference between murder, which is wrong, and killing, which warriors sometimes have to do).
And he discusses the necessity of building trust….
He answers questions about medications (some people think they’re “all bad,” others thing medication is THE exclusive way to go… he offers us a 3rd option).
He talks about connecting veterans to other veterans, and staying in touch without being pushy….
And, he discusses the power of story….
Here’s how it all happened. Quite simply, he served the people right before him at each step of the way.
To learn more about Caridi’s church, go to http://bellmoreag.org/who-we-are/our-leadership
To find the Warrior Hope manual on Amazon, go to: https://amzn.to/2OCd5zs
Or, locate the leader guide here: https://amzn.to/2ZBnCRF
Sign up for the email list on WarriorHope.com home page for updates about the next training event.
It’s OK if it’s hard to make the transition home (Sabrina Fears)
Sabrina Fears comes from a military family. In some way, when she enlisted, she knew what to expect.
But, then again, you can’t always know, can you?
Here are three takeaways from the talk with Sabrina—
✅ It changes you.
Don’t expect to be the “same person” coming out of the military as went in. The changes aren’t all bad, either. In fact, some are quite good and will carry you well into your future.
✅ It’s OK to adapt after.
You might respond to sights and seasons and smells and situations differently post-deployment than you did before.
Give yourself permission to adjust.
✅ Get some tools that work for you.
And, don’t go at it alone. In the same way you wouldn’t try to build a house— or a car— or even cook a meal— with your bare hands— don’t endeavor to build a life without the right tools, either.
Find some resources— in the form of groups, books, processes— that have worked for others and give them a try.
In the end, it’s OK if it’s hard making the transition back home. Think about it logically. It was an adjustment went you left, wasn’t it?
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Helping veterans in your family (w/ Rex Parvin)
Rex Parvin has two son-in-laws who’ve served. In fact, one serves now.
Furthermore, Rex leads a group for veterans.
From the unique perspective of a father, he shares what to do— and what not to do— when it comes to helping your loved ones walk through the healing process.
He says this—
✅ Repeat the things that help—
Don’t assume that everything you do (that works) is a “one and done.” Repeat them.
(By the way, the things that help could be different for different people. So don’t presume there’s a formula.)
✅ Expect it to be hard.
Change is difficult. If you go into it expecting there to be challenges, you’ll realize that what you’re enduring is normal and common.
If you think transition will be easy, you’ll feel whammies.
✅ Listen to it, but don’t try to “fix it.”
Talking helps.
But don’t talk to anticipate what you’re going to say next and then dispense advice. Talk to listen… to be a sounding board.
And remember… it all comes down to relationships. Those require time and investment… but, like most long-term investments, the payoff is always worth it.
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Everybody hurts, everyone can heal, everyone can find a next mission (w/ Rock Hobbs)
Rock Hobbs has been a fighter pilot, a commercial airline pilot, an addict… and now leads a ministry that helps people— from all walks of life— find inner healing. He teaches from an overflow of what he’s learned the hard way.
In this podcast we talk about his story— and some of the events that led him to continue turning from one chapter to the next, until he found himself healed, healing, and helping others heal.
He says this…
✅ You probably “stuffed” some things inside when you were deployed— by necessity. Now, it’s time to “un-stuff” them.
Think about that statement.
There’s no time— when you’re flying 500+ mph OR even during deployment— to heal. By necessity, you push the pain to the side, be it physical or emotional. You press on.
But, later, you MUST unpack the hurt and get help.
✅ It’s normal to be affected by what you experienced.
Many warriors think they’re flawed when they sense they have an issue. The opposite is true, however. The things you endure during deployment aren’t “normal.” As such, it would NOT be normal to be unaffected by them….
✅ Don’t just cover it up and “keep yourself busy.” Heal the hurt.
Rather than burying it, deal with it. Then move one.
There’s still a next mission for you.
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Learn more about Rock’s ministry at https://trministries.org
You’ve done hard(er) things before (w/ Scott Landreth)
Scott Landreth is no stranger to the Warrior Hope podcast (season 1, episode 16). We pulled him back into the convo because— for the past year— Scott has been leading a “Centers of Hope” group.
This is a HUGE step, because Scott was initially hesitant about even attending a group (just as our guest in episode 6, Andrea Melcher) was.
I asked Scott, “What would you say to someone who’s thinking about leading one…?”
Here’s what he said…
✅ You can do it— you’ve done hard things before…
It’s odd that a lot of men and women will jump out of planes, run INTO enemy fire, and serve our country valiantly— but then they’re nervous about leading a group.
Let’s be real. You’ve got the skills. Yo’ve done tough stuff before; you can do this!
✅ Two factors are consistent— healing and the mission.
Scott mentioned that, post-deployment, veterans need healing. Deployment is a life-changing event.
They also need a “next mission” to give their life to.
Leading a group— like Centers of Hope— counters both fronts at the same time. It helps you walk in healing AND it actually IS a mission.
✅ Two big things you learned in the military that you can apply to your life now = camaraderie and connection.
Finally, Scott reminds us that everything is about relationships. It always was— and always will be.
By the way, that’s Scott’s new service dog, Thor, on the pic.
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Lead with Love (w/ Dani Rocco)
Dani Rocco is an author, a podcaster, and the mother of a soldier. So, she brings a unique perspective to the Warrior Hope podcast— a view we haven’t heard before.
Here’s what to listen for—
✅ If the solider is deployed the entire family is deployed.
Think about it like this— what happens to one person in the family affects EVERYONE in the family. Whether it’s schooling, a hospital stay, a new relationship… or deployment, if one person faces a life-changing event (in any area of life), the entire family does.
✅Whereas soldiers need support when they return from deployment, families need it while the soldier is away.
Notice that the family’s needs come at a different time.
While the solider is deployed, the men and women they work with ARE their support system. They’re involved— close and personally— in the grind.
But the family now lacks a family member. And an essential component in their daily flow.
✅Create a support system that’s bigger than what you think you need.
We often need the support system and then begin to build it. But, once you need it, you may not have time to build exactly what you need.
So, go ahead now and over-estimate your need…
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
About Dani’s book =
Developing a strong relationship within yourself and then as a family unit is one of the many secrets to all successful relationships. The purpose of this book is to give tools and skills to implement in your own life.
First through true stories and then through practical skill development from the workbook.
Devoted to a Soldier = 4 pillars to strengthen the family unit:
1.Develop Your Family Mission Statement
2.Learn how your ego prevents you from manifesting the life you desire
3.Understanding the power of your subconscious
4.Use the strength of your mind
Paperback =
Kindle =
You’re Not the Only One (w/ Chris Turner)
Chris Turner is back on the Warrior Hope podcast, sharing a significant chapter of his story…
In this show, Chris talks about the time a fellow Marine stood with them— in the barracks— celebrating, only to take his life just a few hours later.
No one understand.
There were no warning signs.
Nothing was ever said beforehand.
Everyone just assumed the man had been OK.
Until he wasn’t.
That leads us to one of our first observations.
✅ Your hurt(s) may seem obvious to you— but they MAY NOT be to everyone else. You’ve got to say something.
Here’s the follow-up. We oren assume our story is unique. And it is.
Kinda.
But, and this is important…
✅ Your story isn’t that unique.
I mean, sure, the details are different. And you’re certainly one of a kind. But, there hurts you feel are common to MANY people.
That means you’re not abnormal.
And it means you’re certainly not alone.
Finally, there’s this…
✅ The biggest breakthroughs happen in the connection, that is, when we come together— even at those pain points— and push forward.
By the way, Chris talks about his song, “If You Drink,” which features MMA Fighter Randy Couture. And, he spells out what it means.
Plus, wait until the end of the episode and you can see the video (if you’re watching) or hear the song (if you’re listening).
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www.freedomtournation.com = the home page for all things Freedom Tour
Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
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Learn more about Chris at www.christurnermusic.com
Or …
Instagram – @christurnermusic
Facebook – @cturner96
Twitter – @christurner96
TikTok – @christurnermusic
Is War Justifiable? (w/ Don Malin)
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast, we talk with Don Malin, a retired chaplain.
(Incidentally, Don is the soldier who first mentioned that PTSD would be a major issue of concern— almost a decade ago— when Crosswinds first began searching for a topic for the first feature film.)
Here are a few takeaways from the talk with this spiritual leader / solider….
???? You must mourn in order to receive comfort.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus actually promised, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will receive comfort.”
It’s almost like MOURNING is the door, the entry point we must pass through, to get to the place of comfort.
Of course, we tend to squash our feelings— especially any that smack of weakness or seem “bad.” But, we must own WHERE we are, so we can move forward to where we want to be.
If we’re in a place of sadness— because of a deployment situation, because of an altered family dynamic— it’s OK to mourn.
In fact, it’s encouraged.
It IS the way forward.
???? Families in deployment face different schedules, different needs… and need communication.
I asked Don what chaplains did— especially in war zones.
Surprisingly, they help warriors sort the trauma of the battle field, but they also help them clear their minds about the home front, too. It’s almost like the warrior lives in two parallel worlds at once.
???? Murder is not the same as killing, and killing is not the same as murder…
(The soul often “keeps the score,” regardless of how we’re able to mentally order this, but— listen in— and Don will outline what this means. If you need additional help, go back to the previous episode, where we discuss the topic of Moral Injury in details.)
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
The Bigger Pain Point than PTSD + the Suprising Cure (Moral Injury)
In this talk we take you straight to the Warrior Hope curriculum, to the lesson where we discuss Moral Injury.
Whereas PTSD takes the form of “fight vs flight” and is a response to an external threat, Moral Injury most often looks like guilt and/or shame… and is a response to internal threats.
With Moral Injury, you feel like YOU are the problem.
(Or, more accurately, what you have seen, experienced, done, or not done creates that problem.)
Our best guess it that of the 22 warriors who fall victim to suicide each day, most struggled with Moral Injury morseso than PTSD.
That said, here are the three takeaways to listen for—
???? Moral Injury is different than PTSD (and must be seen as such).
We’ll outline the differences in more detail in this talk.
???? You just address the hurt you want to heal.
If you break your right arm, placing your left in a cast won’t heal it. The same is true with Moral Injury and PTSD— you must “cast” the “broken bone” you want to heal.
???? Freedom is STILL found when you gain courage and step into the light.
The way forward— especially for Moral Injury— is heading straight into the light (of course, guilt and shame HATE the light and contend for you to stay in the dark).
When you walk into the light, though, freedom comes almost naturally…
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
When Trauma Comes Home (w/ Eugene Cuevas)
Eugene finished shooting the film for the upcoming Crosswinds documentary, loosely titled “When Trauma Comes Home,” this past fall. Right now, the team is in post-production / full edit mode.
Over the past few years, Eugene has gotten to be an expert in the area of post-deployment issues…
… released two feature length documentaries AND shooting the third (which is almost ready to release) tends to provide you with a unique skillset and wisdom-base.
In our talk, he mentioned this…
???? Veterans have many resources available— but what of the family?
This is one of my top takeaways from our chat, and it makes all the sense in the world. Families are units. Teams. At the most intimate level.
And that leads us to our second observations.
???? If one family member is affected, everyone is affected…
This is essential to recognize.
Think about it. You wouldn’t doubt for a second that a kid going to college, a mother or father enduring surgery, or someone in the family moving out doesn’t change everyone in some way…
… yet we rarely apply the same logic to military matters.
If one person is changed— in any way— everyone is.
Furthermore…
???? You might be more affected than you think— and that’s OK.
Really. Give yourself space to heal.
What you’ve been through— in any form of deployment and being separated from family (particular if there are injuries, deaths, and other changes) is a life-changing event.
Don’t presume that you can just “flip the page” and move to the next chapter of life.
Pause.
Connect with others.
Do the deeper work.
And give it time….
Stay ’til the end— you can watch some of the footage from the upcoming feature-length film.
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Your Next Mission is Staring You in the Face (w/ Staff Ouderkirk)
Stafford Ouderkirk just retired— for the second time.
The first time around, he retired from the military.
The second time— this time— he retired from TekSouth, a military contractor.
Teaming with Crosswinds and the efforts of Warriors on Mission was a perfectly natural fit. For years, Staff and the warriors he worked with relied on the help of military contractors like the company he retired from the second time around.
While working at TekSouth, he realized he had a unique opportunity to serve the soldiers whom he had been— in the same way he had been served.
“It’s all give and take,” he says. “We always help everyone in any way we can.”
On this podcast, we talk a lot about several themes…
It’s all part of how Staff has lived for the past 60+ years. And, it’s how he intends to keep moving forward.
He reminds us that “You never know who you’re helping when you serve someone.”
And, “A lot of people are looking for a mission. You don’t have to look far. There’s always someone right in front of you whom you can serve.”
Those two points comprise some of my top takeaways from this talk…
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Hope for the Warrior Family book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/hope-for-the-warrior-family/
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Wounded healers work wonders for themselves and others (w/ Andrea Melcher)
I met Andrea Melcher via Zoom— when she accidentally dropped in on one of the online Centers of Hope groups I was hosting.
Thinking the group didn’t apply to her, she connected with one of the women on our team and then decided to stay involved— for just a few more weeks.
Why didn’t the group apply?
Because we were talking about PTSD…
Oddly enough, Andrea had been formally diagnosed with PTSD— and had a blind spot, thinking a group that was talking about PTSD had nothing to offer her help.
But she stayed.
And persisted.
And worked the program at her own pace, garnering the support of her husband and other friends. In time, she felt she was ready to have a group— a live, in person gathering— in her hometown.
But no one else would lead it. Not the church. Not the local VA. No one.
Moreover, everyone told her plainly, “You’re supposed to lead this. You’re supposed to empower others with what you’ve learned— and are learning.”
So, just over a year later, here she is, leading her group.
Two groups, actually.
Andrea leads a group for warriors, using the Warrior Hope curriculum, while her husband leads a group for spouses utilizing our Hope for the Warrior Family book.
And they mix it up with nights in which everyone just hangs out together…
Is it working?
You bet.
By the way, Andrea is also one of the first females to be authorized (with orders) to wear the 75th Ranger Regiment Combat Patch.
She’s afraid of heights— but will jump out of planes and fast rope.
She’s also afraid of speaking in front of groups, but leads a fabulous movement in her area.
Here’s part of their story, along with my three takeaways from our talk together…
In it, you’ll find that your biggest breakthroughs often come in helping others break through themselves…
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Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Hope for the Warrior Family book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/hope-for-the-warrior-family/
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Toilet paper is a luxury item— but brotherhood definitely shouldn’t be (w/ Andrew Farrer)
I met Andrew Farrer back in 2021— when I was teaching the Warrior Hope material at a leadership training (certification) event in Tennessee, just south of Nashville. At the time, we were about to launch the Freedom Tour (see episode 3, with Chris Turner), just beginning to make headway into the Tennessee area.
Andrew was— at that time— the incoming chaplain for the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) in the State of Tennessee, where we were beginning to use the curriculum as a means to take hope + healing to veterans throughout the state.
In this episode Andrew shares his story, as well as how he realized (during the training) that he still had “unchecked baggage” he needed to deal with.
Turns out, we all do…
And, as we discuss it with others, we discover that our stories aren’t that unique.
That is, we often think we’re the ONLY ones enduring a problem or a pain-point, but there are others. Many others.
Sure, the details are different.
Yes, everyone’s experience varies…
But, there are SO MANY areas where we can connect. And should. Because healing often happens in those spaces, when we meet each other at the bottom, hold each other up, and begin making small steps— and then strides— forward.
Listen in— or watch. You’ll be glad you did…
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Andrew’s links =
VFW, Department of Tennessee Chaplain (Facebook group) = https://www.facebook.com/groups/572102340686968/
Stones River VFW Post 12206 = https://www.facebook.com/groups/783116829035730/
Tennessee VFW website = https://vfwtn.org/
Crosswinds info =
Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
What if PTSD also shows what’s right about you— not just what’s “wrong”?
You likely hear the term “PTSD” a lot, but have you stepped back to see what it actually means…?
In episode 4 of the Warrior Hope podcast, we break it down and define it, using the info from lesson 2 of the Warrior Hope curriculum.
Here are a few things you’ll learn—
⭐️ PTSD isn’t new. In fact, it’s been around as long as people have been around. Though we’re just now using the term “PTSD,” it’s existed under different names for a long, long time.
⭐️ PTSD is a natural response to external threats. It often elicits a “fight or flight” response based on where we are, who we’re with, and what the threat is (some people say “freeze” is another response, but we interpret that as a subset of “flight”).
⭐️ PTSD alerts us to something we actually need to deal with— in our soul. And, in the same way we shouldn’t ignore physical symptoms, we don’t want to overlook “soul symptoms,” either. Those emotional responses are highlighting something we need to learn, an area we need to explore so we can find healing…
And that leads me to this final observation…
⭐️ When you sense something “wrong” with you— and it elicits an emotional reaction, most often that highlights what’s RIGHT about you rather than what’s WRONG…
Think about it…
War is a traumatizing event.
So is abuse.
So is an accident, a natural disaster, and so many of the other triggering events which cause PTSD.
To endure ANY of those an not be affected wouldn’t show that we’re healthy— it would highlight the opposite, that we’re not.
So, when we feel an emotional reaction (like PTSD), we shouldn’t feel any more shamed than we would for feeling winded after running 5 miles, feeling hot after walking through a desert in the middle of the day, or feeling physically exhausted after staying up all night…
Those responses show that we’re normal.
+++++
Crosswinds info =
Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
Bringing Freedom to a Town Near You (w/ Chris Turner)
Chris Turner headlines The Freedom Tour— a project Crosswinds uses to take the message of hope + healing to veterans. The tour is the vehicle; healing from the past and launching into your next mission is the message…
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast Chris talks about the unique strategy— and why it works.
And, of course, I offer my three takeaways—
⭐️ We all carry a weight no on talks about
Yet everyone knows it’s there. So, maybe we should just own the fact that— for each of us— life is BOTH tough and beautiful.
⭐️ We can connect in those common areas…
… the common areas of the struggle.
No one is immune from it. And, we’re better together…
⭐️ Pace your healing…
It’s a journey, not just a destination.
That sounds cliche, I know. But, it’s better when you recognize that the pain didn’t come in an instant, so it probably won’t just vanish in an instant either.
Walk it out…
++++++
www.freedomtournation.com = the home page for all things Freedom Tour
Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
+++++++
Learn more about Chris at www.christurnermusic.com
Or …
Instagram – @christurnermusicFacebook – @cturner96Twitter – @christurner96TikTok – @christurnermusic
The conversations we need to have about PTSD (w/ Eugene Cuevas)
Season 2 of the Warrior Hope podcast rolls out today…
What’s it about?
In episode #1 of the new season I discuss it…
✅ We connect veterans to their next mission
✅ The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past
✅ Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission
✅ Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
The take-ways from this week’s talk =
???? You’ve got skills.
Warrior training is the best on the planet. Everyone tries to mimic it— from athletes to business school. You have it, and the training still works— for all areas of life.
???? The clothes don’t make the man (or woman).
It works the other way.
So you took off the uniform.
No problem. The uniform was important, but not as valuable as you.
???? Now, you choose the mission.
When you were in the service, you were told what to do— and served with honor.
Now, you get to decide where you’ll exert that honor….
+++++++
Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
You’re still that warrior (Warrior Hope Podcast)
Season 2 of the Warrior Hope podcast rolls out today…
What’s it about?
In episode #1 of the new season I discuss it…
✅ We connect veterans to their next mission
✅ The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past
✅ Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission
✅ Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
The take-ways from this week’s talk =
???? You’ve got skills.
Warrior training is the best on the planet. Everyone tries to mimic it— from athletes to business school. You have it, and the training still works— for all areas of life.
???? The clothes don’t make the man (or woman).
It works the other way.
So you took off the uniform.
No problem. The uniform was important, but not as valuable as you.
???? Now, you choose the mission.
When you were in the service, you were told what to do— and served with honor.
Now, you get to decide where you’ll exert that honor….
+++++++
Warriors on Mission = connect veterans to their next mission. The most common obstacles we see are 1) isolation and 2) unresolved hurts / unprocessed pain of the past. Finding that next mission matters because 1) you have a purpose, and 2) there are people who are going the affected (for the good!) by you living that mission. Those people include your family, your friends, and fellow service members…
Learn more at http://Warriorsonmission.org
The Centers of Hope = https://warriorsonmission.org
Stream Invisible Scars (PTSD) or Honoring the Code (Moral Injury) here: https://warriorsonmission.org/films/
Warrior Hope book = https://warriorsonmission.org/product/warrior-hope-basic-training-for-living-on-mission/
Warrior Hope online course = https://warriorsonmission.org/online-courses/
How a Dog Healed a Veteran (Scott Landreth)
Uncategorized Aug 31, 2020
Scott Landreth served in the Army from 1975-1982… due to the classified nature of many of his missions, he can’t tell you a whole lot other than that he was stationed in several stateside locations, as well as Greece, Germany & other “undisclosed places.”
I met Scott when he walked through the doors of one of our meetings with Rambo, his service dog. Scott acquired Rambo after decades of living— and enduring— Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD on his own.
“Rambo really gave me my freedom back,” he says.
Then, after describing HOW Rambo did that, he adds, “And my wife. Hers, too. She was no longer stuck, having to wait on me… she could move about, too. So, he brought both of us freedom and healing.
In this episode we discuss Service Dogs of Alabama— and what service dogs do. And, we dive into Scott’s story (the parts he can share).
We talk about what it means to have an animal that that—
*read your mood
*know when and how to “get your back”
*awaken you when you’re sleeping and having a nightmare
*handle dozens of tasks you might not be able to do for yourself
*understand which people around you are “safe” and which ones aren’t
Here’s part of Scott’s— and Rambo’s— story.
Service Dogs of Alabama = http://www.servicedogsalabama.com
https://www.facebook.com/scott.landreth.7
Scott & Rambo = 2-minute video story = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc2NPRu4F60
Fox 6 News story = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6OPdLbeIcs
We Made It— You Can, Too (Sara Gilliam)
Dr. Sara Gilliam is the spouse of a retired US Army Colonel who served 33 years as an armor officer with five deployments. She and her family share their experience with combat related PTSD and MI in effort to break the stigma and help others find a path toward healing.
Find the full show notes + links to other content we discuss at https://www.WarriorHope.com/blog/14
If You Drink… (Chris Turner)
Chris’ song highlights the struggles that vets deal with when suffering from PTSD. The imagery— and lyrics— vividly show how one vet chooses to deal with his fight. Rather than drinking your sorrows away… or going downhill, he song communicates, come and sit with us. Let’s walk this thing out together…
Full show notes + links to Chris’ website & social feeds at https://www.WarriorHope.com/blog/13
Serve in the Field You’ve Been Planted (Robert Caridi)
Uncategorized Jul 27, 2020
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast I talk with Pastor Robert Caridi, a leader I met when he attended our first Centers of Hope leader training event this past February in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert was born to in an Italian-American family in North Bellmore, New York. He was raised Roman Catholic, and followed all the required religious practices attending mass regularly. He graduated college with a BS in Education, and earned a Master’s in Special Education— a subject he taught for 30 years. He married to Theresa (who joined him with us in Birmigham) back in 1983 and we continued our religious practices.
But, grace entered the equation…
In March 1989 they attended Neighborhood Assembly of God and heard the message of freedom preached. In his words, “Both my wife and I gave our hearts to the Lord that day and were born again. Since that day, by God’s grace, we never looked back.”
Caridi had a pastor who preached verse-by-verse through the Bible, thereby giving him a foundation of faith that he’s learned to apply everywhere in the world. In January 2015, his Pastor was killed in a car accident in upstate New York. I walked the congregation through the healing process of this tragic loss… then, something unexpected happened….
They voted on as an Interim Pastor…
Then, not much time later, they asked him to become the Senior Pastor. For 3 1/2 years, he pastored the church while finishing my career in education.
In June 2018, he retired from teaching and has been leading the Neighborhood Assembly (the name of his church).
I asked Robert to join us because his church saw a unique opportunity to serve veterans. A lot of times church leaders reach out to us and wonder, “What do I do? Or are there veterans around here?”
Robert talks about some of the tough questions he’s helped veterans navigate (i.e., there’s a difference between murder, which is wrong, and killing, which warriors sometimes have to do).
And he discusses the necessity of building trust….
He answers questions about medications (some people think they’re “all bad,” others thing medication is THE exclusive way to go… he offers us a 3rd option).
He talks about connecting veterans to other veterans, and staying in touch without being pushy….
And, he discusses the power of story….
Here’s how it all happened. Quite simply, he served the people right before him at each step of the way.
To learn more about Caridi’s church, go to http://bellmoreag.org/who-we-are/our-leadership
To find the Warrior Hope manual on Amazon, go to: https://amzn.to/2OCd5zs
Or, locate the leader guide here: https://amzn.to/2ZBnCRF
Sign up for the email list on WarriorHope.com home page for updates about the next training event.
Faith on the Front Lines (Don Malin)
In this episode, we talk about Don’s background and what led him to enlist…
And then we talk about the things chaplains deal with daily, as trusted counselors and advisors in the theatre of combat.
Full show notes at https://www.WarriorHope.com/blog/11
Freedom & Joy (Ginger Branson)
Jul 6, 2020
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast, we talk with Ginger
Branson, a Desert Storm veteran (relative to this talk) and member
of Mensa (probably relative in some way).
Ginger (LTC-Ret, US Army) served in Desert Storm with the 251st
Evacuation Hospital January 1991 through May 1991. During the 16
weeks the 251st Evac Hospital was operational in Saudi Arabia, they
admitted 2,250 patients, performed 428 major operative procedures,
and recorded 36,374 outpatient visits. They were told,
unofficially, that we were “the busiest hospital in theater.”
Ginger took a unique background to the Army…
She began as a civilian nurse and, in her words, “hated it.”
Then, after serving in the Army… she loved it. We discuss why there
was a difference in this podcast.
And, we talk about other things she learned while serving
overseas, amidst a “strange” culture….
Why did the women walk behind the men instead of in front?
(It’s not why you think.)
What did men do when they married multiple women?
(That wasn’t what she initially thought, either.)
We also talk through some of the “deeper” issues— like what was
really happening with refugees, what they did when the war was
over, and how Ginger re-integrated into civilian life…
Ginger is— this is my impression—a “joy bomb.” She’s content,
and happy, and it oozes to everyone around her…
But, she’s realized there’s so much to be thankful for…
And she’s seen just how important the people around you truly
are…
It’s easy to take things for granted until you see the world and
see the “other side” of the story— many times realizing that things
are “better” than you thought at first glance, yet also realizing
that there’s so much you possess that you’ve taken for granted…
Ginger has a combined service— in the U.S. Army and in the
Reserve— of 22 years. In the time— and since then— she met a lot of
people. In this talk she offers a list of resources and
organizations who are ready to assist veterans.
So, if you’re a military family listen for mention of AmVets,
DAV, American Legion, and more…
And, take a look at Ginger’s book on Amazon.
The full episode is available at www.WarriorHope.com/blog/10 or
your favorite podcast provider.
Past pain can be a platform to empower others (Willie Hampton)
Jun 29, 2020
“Hamp,” as everyone calls him, is a magnet. With 8 years of
military service, 25 years in civiil service, and now leadership at
the local DAV chapter (Disabled American Veterans), people are
drawn to for life + hope + encouragement.
But he hasn’t always felt like that. (And, he’ll tell you,
sometimes he still doesn’t feel that way.)
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast we go way back to
Hamp’s days on the submarine, talk ab out his time as a Navy police
officer, and reflect on the scars of service that were
invisible…
… the hurts that no one sees.
He reflects back on his day’s time in Vietman, wondering if
perhaps he had the same struggles.
At some point, I asked Hamp, “How did you know something was
wrong? If it wasn’t a physical injury, how did you know…?”
He explains it in this talk. And, he describes how he not only
found hope + healing through some relationships at the local VA,
but how he determined to turn around and help others— encouraging
them with the same help he received.
Now, Hamp leads the local chapter of the DAV, specializing in
helping veterans who were either injured in active duty OR have an
injury that was aggravated because of active duty receive their
benefits.
On Tuesdays, they navigate veterans through the pile of
paperwork required to receive benefits. On Thursdays, they function
more like “family,” and on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays they run a food
pantry.
Listen in.
And pay attention as Hamp talks about the notion that many
wounds— some of the deepest ones— aren’t seen on the surface of our
skin. They mark our souls.
Then, notice…
… the pain in your past may very well become the platform you
use to propel others towards hope + healing, too.
Paul explained it like this, “He comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be
able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians
1:4 NLT).
++++++++++++
More info at https://www.WarriorHope.com/blog/09
Choosing Joy Amidst Pain (Gloria Williams)
Uncategorized Jun 08, 2020
Staff Sgt. Gloria Williams served in the United States Air Force as a communications specialist stationed in Europe, the Philippines and stateside.
She gets great joy from sharing her experiences in service as a way of helping others. Gloria is particularly interested in providing help through Mental Wellness forums.
In this talk, Gloria opens up about the hurt she experienced in the military, specifically as a victim of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). She talks about how this affected her marriage, and what it means for now….
… Then, she talks about her business— a home-based enterprise which she uses as a platform to encourage, equip, and empower other women with the message of true beauty.
In her story you’ll see a great example of what it means to live the mission we have of:
Watch the video of Gloria and two other veterans discussing Centers of Hope: https://youtu.be/5fPUyDYzthU
Take the free PTSD self-check at www.WarriorHope.com/PTSD
Warrior Hope– purchase on Amazon- https://amzn.to/2KuJmZS
Invisible Scars– stream the film free at www.InvisibleScars.online
Stream the film about Moral Injury, Honoring the Code, at www.WarriorHope.com/HTC.
Emotional Health = Part of Total Health (Andy Jenkins)
In this talk we discuss the importance of emotional health— as a component of overall health.
You see, we’re all multi-faceted people, having various parts to us.
1. Physical 2. Spiritual 3. Intellectual 4. Social / relational 5. Emotional
We readily identify with the first four- but maybe not the fifth.
And, we generally OWN and notice the OBVIOUS issue in any area with the exception of emotional issues.
Turns out, though, that you’re only as strong as the weakest link.
Look at it this way: a 20-link chain with 19 links can carry 1,500 pounds and one link that can hold only 15 pounds will never lift more than 15 pounds. Regardless of how powerful the other 19 are, they’re held back by the weak link. That’s easy to understand, right?
For more info go to www.WarriorHope.com/blog/07
Life Interrupted (Eric Fort)
Eric talks about being “called up” and having to change his life mid-college…
… then talks through what deployment was like, what it’s like to think you’re going but then not make it to the front lines… and then what it’s like coming home to a hero’s welcome that you’re not sure you deserve.
Listen for more info on Operation Therapic, a project Eric’s nonprofit spearheads… designed to impact warriors in creative ways.
More info at www.WarriorHope.com/blog/06
Always in Process (Scott Strickland)
Major Scott Strickland served in numerous capacities in the United States Army, including flying Apache helicopters. Since returning Scott continues to assist his fellow veterans who may be struggling with post military issues.
In this talk we listen to his story about serving in the military, the lessons he learned, and how we’re all always in the process of healing and identifying the next mission.
Learn more at www.WarriorHope.com/blog/05
Moral Injury – A Deeper Look (Andy Jenkins)
Continuing from our interview in the previous episode with General Mukoyama, we discuss Moral Injury- a close counterpart to PTSD that often looks like it and manifests symptoms in similar ways. Despite that cliche that if it “looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck… then it’s a duck,” when it comes to PTSD and Moral Injury, the two are different.
In this talk we take a deeper dive…
For more info, go to www.WarriorHope.com/blog/04
Moral Injury (Maj. Gen. Jim Mukoyama)
James H. Mukoyama, Jr. dedicated his career to the service of our nation, for service in combat was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and 3 purple hearts. He earned promotion to the rank of Major General, and in retirement he now serves as president and CEO of the nonprofit Military Outreach, USA.
In this talk, the General shares his story— and he introduces us to Moral Injury.
For more information, go to www.WarriorHope.com/blog/03
Intro to PTSD (Andy Jenkins)
In episode 2 of the Warrior Hope podcast we talk about PTSD.
The reality is that most of us are not diagnosable with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. So, our goal isn’t to get a diagnosis. Rather, our goal is to talk honestly about the emotional hurts of the past— not matters how big or small they are— so that we can walk forward in greater degrees of health.
For more information, go to www.WarriorHope.com/blog/02
Hope Now (Bob Waldrep)
For more info on this podcast go to www.WarriorHope.com/blog/01
Bob Waldrep is the Executive Director of Crosswinds, founded the organization in 2008.
He’s the co-writer and Executive Producer for the films, Invisible Scars, which addresses the trauma associated with PTSD, and Honoring the Code, which deals with Moral Injury.
In addition to these documentaries, he’s authored or co-authored a stack of books… most recently, the Warrior Hope curriculum we use at Centers of Hope.
Bob has been researching the emotional and mental traumas associated with military service since 2012. Since that time he has spoken with and interviewed hundreds of veterans and experts in the field of trauma. This research and these relationships form the foundation for Warrior Hope, the curriculum created to encourage, equip, and empower veterans who attend Centers of Hope.
In this episode, we discuss Bob’s venture into those films and get the backstory…
Here’s a cool piece info about it all…
Bob’s father served in the 88th Infantry Division during WWII. After researching and producing the Invisible Scars film, Bob said, “I found myself reevaluating my own familial experience. Through the process I realized my own father suffered with PTSD. His experiences in WWII had clearly left their own scars. But, the truth is they weren’t exactly invisible. They could be seen in the nightmares that plagued his sleep, in the attitude with which he faced the world, and in the alcohol which offered temporary relief. I am convinced his life would have been different if someone could have shared something like Invisible Scars with him.”
In other words, the films he created to serve others actually helped provide some perspective for him…
In this introductory episode to the Warrior Hope podcast we talk with Bob about the origins of the veterans’ projects— how the idea for the films came, the emergence of the Warrior Hope book and the Centers of Hope groups, and a look at what’s next…
+++++++
Take the free PTSD self-check at https://www.warriorhope.com/PTSD
Stream the first film, Invisible Scars, at www.InvisibleScars.online
Donate to the project at https://secure.goemerchant.com/secure/custompayment/crosswindsfoundation/815/default.aspx? (Crosswinds is a 501c3, so gifts are tax deductible.)