Episode 42: Lucas Velmer – From Combat Engineer to Civil Affairs: War, Transition, and the Reality After Service

In this episode of So There I Was, Travis sits down with Army veteran Lucas Velmer to unpack a career shaped by war, leadership, and a brutally honest transition out of the military. Lucas shares how he went from a small-town upbringing to joining the Army in 2000, serving as a combat engineer with multiple Iraq deployments, and eventually transitioning into Civil Affairs—working across complex missions that required adaptability, cultural awareness, and leadership under pressure. But this conversation goes deeper than deployments. From experiencing the shock of 9/11 early in his career to navigating a chaotic retirement during COVID—complete with medical boards, lost paperwork, and delayed pay—Lucas breaks down the reality many veterans face when the uniform comes off. Travis and Lucas also get into: * The evolution of military operations and integration across units * What Civil Affairs actually does (and why most people misunderstand it) * The mental shift from high-stress environments to civilian life * Why veterans struggle with identity, purpose, and adrenaline loss * The truth about “service comparison” and why it’s toxic * How storytelling and conversation help veterans process their experiences This is a raw, unfiltered discussion about service, transition, and what it really takes to rebuild life after the military. If you’ve served, are transitioning, or lead veterans—this episode will challenge your perspective. The post Episode 42: Lucas Velmer – From Combat Engineer to Civil Affairs: War, Transition, and the Reality After Service first appeared on Womack C3.