Podcasts – Page 8 – Stigma Free Vets Zone

“Your son didn’t come home” | Heidi Carlson

June 4, 2021 nimba 00:54:09 1 Comment

Heidi Carlson’s father was a Marine, her family had a history of substance abuse and addiction. Her marriage to a Vietnam War veteran — scarred by abuse — ended in divorce. The loves of her life would be her two sons and her six grandchildren. When her son David announced his decision to enlist in the US Army. Heidi was frightened yet proud. David, an infantryman, returned from his first deployment to Iraq in good spirit and health. When meeting David at the airport returning from his second tour she immediately noticed, as a mother would, that his eyes were different and evasive. While hugging her son he said to her, “your son did not come home this time.” Heartbroken and afraid, what waited for them both were many years of suffering, substance abuse, severe mental health issues and prison punished them, but a mothers love would never surrender.

DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban, Bob Bach and Erin Schraufnagel are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, Erin Schraufnagel or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Losing the present to the past | Joe Pospichal

May 28, 2021 nimba 01:00:25 0 Comments

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A native of Grafton, Wisconsin, Joe Pospichal graduated high school in 1984. The events of 9/11 — along with other incentives — made his military enlistment an easy decision. Joe deployed to Iraq leaving behind a pregnant wife. Working the roads outside the wire would profoundly alter Pospichal’s outlook on life with many nights the longing to be home with the love of his wife gave soothing sanity to life.

Punishing challenges to life, with his wife and two children, would lead to divorce and many regrets for Pospichal. A still-present battle with cancer arose which has gone into remission, but not without trailing health issues — including total double-hip replacement at 36.

From the glorious invisibility of a 20 year old soldier in a combat tanker division, through events leaving scars he could never not have foreseen: today, Pospichal is of positive mind and spirit.

His determination and introspection have him in control of how he views the world and responds. He is certainly a hero of mind and spirit.

Winters’ describes the significance of a trip he took back to Vietnam

May 21, 2021 nimba 00:49:17 0 Comments

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Former Marine and Vietnam veteran Larry Winters’ journey to confront his past led him to a remarkable career: namely, decades spent counseling veterans. He has also recorded his thoughts and feelings through poetry and other forms of expression and helped facilitate a writers’ workshop.

In the concluding segment for our conversation, Winters’ describes the significance of a trip he took back to Vietnam. He details what he’s learned from those with whom he has connected. He also contemplates what may be ahead in the future.

Basic Training Transformed Winters in Ways That Have Lasted a Lifetime.

May 14, 2021 nimba 00:48:43 1 Comment

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Experiences he encountered in basic training transformed him in ways that have lasted a lifetime. Some of his exploits in Vietnam delivered similar effects.

In this segment of the Stigma Free Vet Zone podcast we meet Larry Winters, author of the book, “The Making and Unmaking of a Marine: One Man’s Struggle for Forgiveness.”

Winters’ leads us through the maze of his personal struggles and details how and why he continues to seek reconciliation for actions from a distant past.

A Journey From Betrayal to Peace

May 7, 2021 nimba 01:13:30 0 Comments

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As the daughter of an active US Marine, Kim followed her father into service. Becoming a US Marine was a defining moment for Kim. She said it was one of the greatest achievements of her life outside of having her daughters. While serving, Kim was sexually assaulted. The trauma of that action left her feeling betrayed and alone. Getting out of that unit helped significantly, but when command shifted her back, things started to get bad again. Kim left the Marine Corps feeling betrayed and regretful of her time of service. Ashamed, she hid her service history until a friend coaxed her to seek help. Now, after treatments she is once again proud of her service and her accomplishments during her time in uniform. Currently she promotes kindness and racial justice through social media and local activism.

David Carlson on Rising Up After a Lifetime of Trauma

April 30, 2021 nimba 01:06:31 0 Comments

David Carlson joins me today to discuss his troubling childhood upbringing – from being raised in chronic toxic environments, acting out and trouble with the law to joining the military and rebuilding his life. He shares his battles with substance abuse, why he chose to join the Army National Guard, and how the structure and discipline he received during basic and infantry training improved his perspective about his self-worth and his sense of identity. He shares his experiences while serving two tours in Iraq and the stark differences in structure and discipline between military life and civilian culture. He also shares his experiences with losing sight of his purpose in life, how CrossFit and what inspired him to dedicate his life to serving and helping others. Working with the Orban Foundation for Veterans to instill hope in those seeking it.

When our Darkest Moments Create our Highest Fulfillment

April 23, 2021 nimba 01:01:34 0 Comments

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Bob Nevin is a native of Queens in New York. At an early age Bob, his parents and family moved to UpState New York. Bob’s mom was home raising the family while his dad, a WWII veteran of the war in the South Pacific, built his career in aviation.

Bob’s dream of a life in aviation and the opportunity to begin that training led him to enlist in the US Army. After helicopter flight training Bob arrived in Vietnam assigned as co-pilot on a ‘dust off’ combat medivac helicopter. Regarded as one of the most dangerous military jobs in the Vietnam War, Bob’s tour of duty would give credence to this regard.

Shot up and shot down with many combat rescue missions flown, powerful memories would begin to become Bob’s lifelong companions. With his love of aviation intact Bob left the battlefield for a career in commercial aviation. However, one of his many memories was flying the last commercial flight out of Boston on 9/11.

Today, Bob’s life has led him to reconnect with the traumas of his past and in doing so he has a new found dedication to improve his condition of human spirit. This is done by focusing on the powerful gift of horses, which is the central focus of Bob’s work. The powerful gift of horses is the central focus of Bob’s work to improve and resolve his and others traumas.

Have a listen to his remarkable work and the dedicated members of Alliance 180 and their entire team.

For more information on Suicide Preventions for Veterans and First Responders please visit: https://www.alliance180.org/

With His Life in Chaos, Family Gave Him the Reason to Ask for Help!

April 16, 2021 nimba 00:57:39 0 Comments

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Growing up listening to his Fathers stories, Sgt. Dave Arensdorf knew he’d serve in the armed forces as well. Joining the US Marines as a sophomore in high school, he was only 16 when he enlisted. Sgt. Arensdorf deployed to Fallujah in 2004-2005, and spent time working as a mechanic, guard, and operator for motor-T. After coming home there were some relationship conflicts that were just more than he cared to tolerate. At his insistence, he was added to the next outgoing deployment to Iraq. Now in 2008 he deployed to Taqaddam, Iraq. While the hours were long, Sgt. Arensdorf enjoyed the tour and volunteered to be extended for a 3rd tour while in country. Finally returning home in 2010, he discharged from the US Marine Corps, got married, and had 2 children. After a divorce, Sgt. Arensdorf came face to face with the memories of the deployments. His children were his only joy in the world. Knowing this wasn’t the way it should be Sgt. Arensdorf sought help from a therapy team of veterans. After a few years he turned the corner and has found joy in his work, life, and family again. The lessons Sgt. Arensdorf learned growing up, serving, deploying, and healing has continues his mission and helped to safe another life.

When Heroin and his “God-Box” Failed him Otis Chose to Confront Past Traumas

April 9, 2021 nimba 01:05:06 0 Comments

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Otis arrived in Milwaukee “on a stick” and homeless . It had been over thirty years since Otis had accepted a mainline injection of heroin as payment fora debt owed him. people, places and things were hard to make sense of.

He had grown up as one of only eight African American families in rural Western Pennsylvania. His father was a hard working man who expected the same from his son after high school. Otis chose to enlist in the US Army, a decision his mother, who he loved dearly, did not approve.

On leaving military service Otis was diagnosed with schizophrenia. A life of Denial, isolation and coverup followed.

That payment of heroin and continued addiction would give relief from the voices in his head, but that heroin would become a bigger enemy than relief. Over 2 dozen attempts at required rehab along with incarceration followed before he realized only he could face his past traumas, understand and resolve them. Otis made the decision to seek help.

Otis entered treatment, a lifelong commitment to redemption.

Listen now to Otis share how this decision has taken him to a new recognition of the human spirit beyond his own. Through his work with Dryhootch Otis shares how he changed those values in his “God-box” and dedicates his life to improve the condition of the human spirit for all who are searching.

At the top of his list is his love for his two children and obligation to be ever present for them in understanding his journey.

For more information on Dryhootch please visit: https://www.dryhootch.org/

Extraordinary Display of Courage and Accuracy

March 29, 2021 nimba 00:23:30 1 Comment

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She is the past president of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Student Veterans Organization. Lia Coryell is a former U.S. Army Soldier who was diagnosed with MS. “I spent my time at home trying to stay alive” says Lia. Through courage, determination and with extreme physical challenges Lia is now a star U.S. paraolympian in archery. Join us as Lia shares her inspirational story.