Episode 4: The Mask I Wore

For years, I convinced everyone including myself that I was okay.After my first deployment to Iraq with Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (CLR-15), I came home carrying more than just memories. I carried anxiety, hyper vigilance, nightmares, and a version of myself that learned to survive in a war zone but never truly learned how to come home.In this episode, I share how that survival mindset became the mask I wore for years. From running convoy missions through Al Anbar Province to building a career, earning degrees, and appearing successful on the outside, I talk about what it was really like to hide the invisible wounds of war while convincing everyone including myself that everything was fine.If you've ever felt like you had to hide your struggles behind a smile, this episode is for you.Veteran ResourcesI'd also like to recognize Operation Next Step, a veteran-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, transitioning service members, and their families connect with the resources they need. They provide guidance with VA benefits, employment, housing, food assistance, mental health resources, education, and other community support—because no veteran should have to fight life's battles alone.You can learn more by visiting www.operationnextstep.org, emailing [email protected], or following them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @OperationNextStep. I'll also have all of their contact information and links in the show description, so be sure to check those out after the episode.If you are a veteran in crisis, or you're concerned about one, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988, then press 1, or text 838255 to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line.You are not alone.