A Soldier's Story - MSG. Alberto Rivera [UPDATED]

On Vets And Badges: "We're Alpha Males.. We Don't Ask For Help" -US Army MSG Alberto "Al" Rivera shares his struggle in transitioning to civilian life after retirement from 30 years of active-duty military service. The conversation focuses on the challenges veterans face, including mental health issues, the struggle for identity, and the importance of community support during and after our service. The speakers share personal stories and insights on coping with trauma, the stigma of seeking help, and the need for greater awareness and resources for veterans.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Veterans' Experiences02:43 - The Impact of Military Service on Identity04:58 - Challenges of Reintegration into Civilian Life06:28 - Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues08:54 - Understanding PTS and Its Effects11:27 - The Importance of Community and Support14:42 - Generational Differences in Seeking Help16:57 - The Role of Organizations in Veteran Support18:07 - Final Thoughts and Resources for VeteransAbout MSG Rivera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-rivera0321/About Vets And Badges Host:Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/[email protected] - 2025