Tag: sobriety

Indomitable Spirit; The Joy of Rebuilding a Life’s Purpose!

August 12, 2022 kwheaton4 Podcast Episodes 00:41:29 0 Comments

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Former Army medic Chris Swift has shared several podcasts with us. You will find his experiences leading up to this Friday August 12 episode on the podcast episode page of our webpage.
Today we continue Chris’ transition experiences after his 55 month deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan serving as a combat medic. After years of punishing and unexpected reactions resulting in alcoholism, legal problems and other issues Chris acknowledged and sought out help for these reactions. Now participating in several veteran projects as a veteran or peer mentor Chris has found his life purpose as an official Veteran Peer Counselor in the VA Healthcare System. In this episode Chris shares the joy in life he has earned with indomitable spirit and courageous dedication to resolving  the
experiences of transition!
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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 and Bob Bach 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 and Bob Bach 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.

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

March 4, 2022 kwheaton4 Podcast Episodes 01:05:30 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.

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Introducing SFVZ’s Newest Host: Erin Schraufnagel

January 28, 2021 nimba Podcast Episodes 00:13:31 0 Comments

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Erin Schraufnagel is joining Mike Orban and Bob Bach as an interview host for the Stigma Free Vet Zone podcast. Erin logged 12 years with the Marines and two tours of duty to Iraq. Upon return she faced her demons and won. Erin will undoubtedly ask good questions and bring insight to the sometimes not pretty process of reintegration into civilian society after years in a war zone. Listen to Bob and Mike introduce and welcome SFVZ’s newest host, Erin Schraufnagel.

From Under A Bridge to Off A Bridge? | Mark Flower

January 22, 2021 nimba Podcast Episodes 01:01:56 4 Comments

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Mark Flower enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation from High School. He served, then lived life gaily until issues took hold, bringing him to homelessness and addiction. The hardest step – seeking help – started Mark on his journey in recovery. This recovery is maintained by giving back and by being of service to others who struggle with similar experiences. Giving back helps keep Mark on track in his recovery!

The Enemies Within | Erin Schraufnagel

November 23, 2020 nimba Challenging, PODCAST 01:11:38 0 Comments

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With great pride and patriotism Erin Schraufnagel joined the United States Marines Corps after the 9/11 attack in New York City in 2001. Twelve years later, Staff Sergeant Schraufnagel left the military life behind her. She shares her expectations for deployments to Iraq, a marriage strained between deployments, the unexpected enemies in her own ranks, rage, depression, alcohol and the horrifying near-death accident of her two-year-old daughter — which only added to the trauma. The inner strength that made Erin a Marine would now surface again, she took responsibility for life and brought love back to her family.

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Words of Wisdom: The Story Behind One Vietnam Veteran’s Podcast

November 14, 2020 nimba PODCAST 0 Comments

“There are many of us who have experienced these reactions who are here to tell you there is hope. It’s more important to not worry what the world thinks of your but to set a goal of being happy by yourself in a room when no one else is around,” Orban says.