Beyond the Uniform: Combat, courage and comraderie

What this episode covers

In this conversation, Justin describes himself as a team-oriented person with strong work ethic who tries to “leave things better” than he found them, a value shaped by time attached to Marines as a Navy corpsman. He recounts joining the military after childhood fascination, attempting SEAL training, then serving five years as a medic primarily with 1/9 Marines and deploying to Afghanistan. He discusses difficult reintegration—fireworks triggering cover-seeking, and hesitation to seek formal help due to career impact. Justin traces a “windy road” through college, contracting overseas including Kabul, an MBA, and becoming an EMS/fire supplies sales rep, while emphasizing using VA benefits despite red tape. Justin and Sheena discuss the ways we need to help veterans, and how mental health is served by the buddy system.

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