This Memorial Day, we're joined by two-star General Bob Dees for a profound conversation about honoring the fallen while serving those still carrying the invisible wounds of war.
As we explore the distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, we uncover something even more crucial – the "iceberg below the waterline" of veteran suffering that extends far beyond the names carved in memorial stones. When a self-described "Vietnam widow" explained that her husband "didn't die in Vietnam, but came home with an expiration date" before taking his own life, we're reminded that the toll of war continues long after combat ends.
General Dees shares the remarkable work happening at Healthy Veterans in Virginia, where a comprehensive nine-month program provides healing for veterans battling PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury. Through a combination of community support, dignified work, faith-based trauma recovery, emotional regulation training, and career preparation, veterans find new purpose on a beautiful 339-acre property complete with equine therapy and what the Japanese call "forest bathing." Just two weeks before our conversation, a veteran who had been driving 100 miles per hour looking for a tree to crash into found their facility instead – and is now on a path to recovery.
We also discuss the changing landscape of military leadership under the current administration, including the promising "Golden Dome" initiative that applies Israeli Iron Dome-like technology to protect American cities and strategic assets. Using advanced systems capable of "hitting a bullet with a bullet," this approach represents a new era in national defense.
Whether you've served in uniform, love someone who has, or simply want to better understand the true meaning of Memorial Day, this episode offers essential perspective on how we honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion – by caring for those still fighting battles within.
Do you have a story to share? Let us know and help spread the word about resources like healthyveterans.org that are saving lives every day.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.