Complacency Kills: Transitioning From USCG Special Ops to Civilian Life, Ben Hendricks Shares the Power of Forward Motion Which Lead to Helping Fellow Veterans and First Responders.

On the How Can I Help? Podcast, guest Ben Hendricks discusses his daily mantra “Complacency kills,” a military-taught reminder to avoid stagnation in family, health, work, and community service. He recounts eight intense years in the US Coast Guard, including time on a counter-terrorism team, and highlights lessons of accountability, integrity, trust, selfless service, and using laughter to endure hardship. Ben left the US Coast Guard in 2015 to prioritize family, then faced major injuries, and surgeries that forced a difficult transition; with support from his wife, mentors, and veterans’ resources, he finished a criminology degree, entered Assumption University’s rehabilitation counseling master’s program, built a veteran lounge, and worked at the VA helping veterans with service-connected disabilities. He later co-founded the nonprofit The Garrison Speed Shop, a free, sponsorship-funded, 6,800-square-foot workshop for veterans and first responders to work on motorcycles, learn trades like welding, rebuild camaraderie, and access allied resources, emphasizing positive community, purposeful kindness, and small daily acts of help.Follow Our Guest: The Garrison Speed Shop - WebsiteThe Garrison Speed Shop - InstagramThe Garrison Speed Shop - FacebookJoin the How Can I Help Movement!Grab Your Stickers!⁠How Can I Help Movement - Website⁠⁠How Can I Help Movement - Instagram⁠⁠How Can I Help Movement - Facebook