In this special “Best of Season 2” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations centered on the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of connection, and finding renewed purpose through service.

Kyle shares insights on the cultural shift veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life and the systemic gaps that make that transition difficult. Colonel Arthur Jenkins reflects on the power of peer-to-peer connection and why simply listening can be life-changing. Ryan opens up about how volunteering became a cornerstone of his post-military identity, helping him rebuild community and purpose.

These conversations highlight a common truth: no veteran has to navigate life after service alone- and connection can be the first step toward healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The cultural disconnect veterans face when leaving the military
• Why reintegration into civilian life is often more complex than expected
• The power of veteran-to-veteran connection and shared experiences
• How listening and validation can transform lives
• Volunteering as a pathway to purpose and personal growth

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - Kyle on reintegration challenges and cultural transition

5:06 - COL Arthur Jenkins on connection and listening

9:54 - Ryan on volunteering and finding purpose after service

Featured Episodes:

Post-Service Reintegration and Community Building with Kyle Hanlan

Stronger Together: Veteran Fellowship, Mentorship, and Advocacy with Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr.

Seeking Mental Health and Community Support with Ryan Allman

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we sit down with Lily Thomas, a Veterans Justice Outreach social worker at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, to explore how veterans can access support when facing legal, mental health, or substance use challenges. Lily shares how early intervention, treatment programs, and community partnerships are helping veterans rebuild stability and avoid deeper legal consequences. If you or someone you know has served and needs support, this conversation highlights practical pathways to get connected with the right resources and take the first step toward recovery.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How the Veterans Justice Outreach Program helps justice-involved veterans get connected to treatment
• The Veterans Response Team and its role in supporting veterans in crisis
• What Veterans Treatment Court is and how it helps veterans address legal and mental health challenges
• The wide range of inpatient and outpatient VA services available for veterans
• Why reaching out to the VA can make a big difference for veterans

0:00 – Intro

1:06 – Lily’s Role at the VA

3:19 – Veterans Response Team

6:36 – Veterans Treatment Court

8:43 – Mental Health & Treatment Services

12:49 – Make The Phone Call

Lily Thomas

Learn more about Lily Thomas HERE

Episode Links:

VA Coatesville Health Care:

https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/programs/first-responders-veterans-response-team/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

This “Best of Season 1 – Part 2” episode highlights powerful moments from past conversations with veterans who shared their personal stories of service, resilience, and recovery. Jermaine reflects on the support he received from his Navy unit during a personal tragedy and how that experience shaped the way he helps others. Darcy shares her struggle balancing motherhood, military service, and mental health, while advocating for breaking the stigma around asking for help. Ricardo discusses the life-changing impact of military medical care as he navigated a multiple sclerosis diagnosis near the end of his career. Together, these stories highlight the strength veterans find in support, openness, and shared experience.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The power of military camaraderie during personal hardship
• Balancing military service, motherhood, and mental health
• Breaking the stigma around asking for help
• Why open conversations about mental health matter
• The importance of medical support and benefits for veterans

0:00 - Intro

0:47 - Jermaine on Navy support during a personal tragedy

4:36 - Darcy on mental health struggles while serving

10:21 - Ricardo on military medical care and veteran health benefits

Featured Episodes:

Generations of Service – Dedication To The Navy with Jermaine Wilson:

https://untoldvalor.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/12415352-ep-7-generations-of-service-dedication-to-the-navy-with-jermaine-wilson

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help – Ricardo Byrdsong’s Three Decades In The Navy:

https://untoldvalor.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/12524787-ep-10-don-t-be-afraid-to-ask-for-help-ricardo-byrdsong-s-three-decades-in-the-navy

Battling Shame & Mental Health Stigmas with Darcy Rideout

https://untoldvalor.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/12596523-ep-11-battling-shame-mental-health-stigmas-with-darcy-rideout

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this special “Best of Season 1” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about addiction recovery, breaking stigma, and the strength found in the veteran community. Roy shares his journey from alcoholism and homelessness to sobriety and serving others. Marley reflects on the military’s cultural shift around mental health and asking for help. Dr. John Taylor highlights the life-changing impact of veteran organizations and shared knowledge. These stories remind us that healing begins with connection, and no veteran has to struggle alone.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Overcoming the stigma of asking for help
• The role of VA programs in long-term healing
• The military culture shift around mental health
• Why veteran organizations are critical after service
• Helping others as the pathway to personal healing

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - Roy on stigma and barriers to seeking help

7:43 - Marley on military culture shift and mental health

11:29 - Dr. John Taylor on veteran organizations

Featured Episodes:

Military or Jail? Roy Remone’s Story of Finding Purpose After Trauma

Beyond Battlefield: Marley Ganthier’s Advice When Returning To Civilian Life:

The Power of Support: Why Veterans Must Share Their Stories with Dr. John Taylor

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, Kevin (KC) Drayton shares a powerful story of service, faith, and lifelong purpose. From growing up in North Philadelphia to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, KC shares how early responsibility, family influence, and personal conviction guided his path. He discusses the realities of military service, the lasting impact of the Beirut bombing, and why service didn’t end when his military time did.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Why service became a multigenerational calling in KC’s family
• Early leadership lessons learned in the Marine Corps
• How faith, family, and country shaped KC’s major life decisions
• Transitioning from military service to lifelong community service
• Why staying active, hopeful, and engaged matters after service

0:00 – Intro

1:26 – Getting to know KC

6:49 – Transitioning out of the military

10:05 – Community outreach & Compeer Corps

12:30 – KC’s message to veterans

Kevin Drayton

Learn more about Kevin HERE

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David E. Kelly shares a powerful behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare through the stories of the Marines he interviewed in Iraq. Drawing from his work with the Marine Corps Field History Unit, Kelly explains why preserving firsthand accounts of service members matters. From Fallujah to Husaybah, this conversation explores brotherhood, leadership under pressure, and the unseen emotional weight service members carry long after deployment.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• David Kelly’s unique role in documenting Marines’ stories
• The importance of preserving war stories for military and civilian audiences
• The weight of leadership carried by young Marines in high-stakes environments
• The deep bond of brotherhood formed in combat and its lasting impact
• Post-deployment stress and the challenge of returning to everyday life

0:00 – Intro

4:32 – David’s books

5:38 – The Marine Corps Field History Unit

7:36 – First Fights in Fallujah

11:44 – Post-deployment stress & life after war

16:46 – Final thoughts

David Kelly

Learn more about David HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Hell in the Streets of Husaybah:

https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Streets-Husaybah-Battalion-Marines/dp/1636241506

First Fights in Fallujah:

https://www.amazon.com/First-Fights-Fallujah-Operation-Vigilant/dp/1636243185

Eight-Wheeled Warriors and Grunts:

https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Wheeled-Warriors-Grunts-Infantry-Operations/dp/1636244920

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we sit down with Army veteran and survivor advocate Jaimie Ames, co-founder and CEO of Operation Host, to explore the often-unspoken realities of military sexual trauma (MST) and PTSD among veterans. Jaimie shares her personal journey, her time in the Army, and the lived experiences that shaped her mission to create survivor-led, peer-to-peer support systems that actually meet veterans where they are.

The conversation dives into why trauma is never “one-size-fits-all,” how survivor-led peer support creates a sense of trust and understanding, and the powerful impact of alternative healing tools like equine therapy and guided self-reflection. Jaimie also introduces Operation Host’s upcoming PTSD healing workbook and explains how learning to recognize personal triggers can be a life-changing step toward healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How Jaimie’s Army service and lived experience shaped Operation Host
• Why trauma and healing look different for every veteran
• The power of survivor-led, peer-to-peer support
• The purpose behind Operation Host’s upcoming PTSD healing workbook
• Learning to identify personal triggers before symptoms escalate

0:00 – Getting to know Jaimie

1:59 – Operation Host’s mission

6:41 – The PTSD healing workbook and identifying triggers

11:05 – Getting involved with Operation Host

12:59 – Encouragement for veterans hesitant to seek help

Jaimie Ames

Jaimie Ames is a U.S. Army veteran who served six years and is the co-founder and CEO of Operation HOST (Healing Our Sexual Trauma), a peer-led nonprofit supporting veterans (both male and female) living with the trauma of sexual assault and PTSD. She holds a degree in business and accounting and brings decades of experience in community service, organizational leadership, and survivor advocacy. Jaimie has recently partnered with international bestselling author Richard Paul Evans to further develop Operation HOST and to co-create a comprehensive PTSD healing workbook, slated for release in early 2026. As an MST and PTSD survivor herself, she combines lived experience with trauma-informed leadership to build safe, compassionate spaces where veterans can reclaim connection, hope, and healing.

Episode Links

Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/

Volunteer with Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/join-our-cause/

Donate to Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/giving-back/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we’re joined by Army veteran and founder of Green Star Families of America, Matt Cahill, for an honest conversation about life after military service and the unseen battles many veterans face. Matt reflects on his years as an Army medic, the physical and emotional weight that followed retirement, and how personal loss shaped his mission.

He shares the vision behind Green Star Families- an effort to bring national recognition and meaningful support to families who lose a veteran to suicide- and explains why mental health deserves the same urgency as physical battlefield care.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Matt’s path from Army medic to veteran advocate
• The mental and physical toll of long-term military service
• Why Green Star Families exists and what it represents
• How improving military mental health care can benefit civilians

0:00 – Intro

1:25 – Matt’s background

6:20 – Starting Green Star Families

11:16 – Fixing military mental health

17:46 – Find your mission

Matthew Cahill

Learn more about Matt HERE

Episode Links

Green Star Families of America

https://greenstarfamilies.org/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/green_star_families?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/GREENSTARFAMILIES

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@green_star_families?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q