Episode 7: Jos Willard – The War That Never Came: A Veteran’s Identity Journey

In this episode of So There I Was, Travis sits down with former Army infantryman Jos Willard for a conversation that goes far beyond deployments and combat stories. Jos shares his unconventional Army journey—from joining with dreams of becoming an airborne cavalry scout, to earning jump wings, turning down a Ranger assignment, serving in Korea, working as a chaplain’s assistant, and navigating a medical discharge after years of knee injuries. But the heart of this episode is a question many veterans quietly wrestle with: “Am I a real veteran?” Having served during the gap between Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror, Jos opens up about the guilt, self-doubt, and identity struggles that can come from never deploying to combat—even after volunteering to serve and preparing for war. The conversation also explores: * Life in Korea during the 1990s * Airborne infantry culture * Ranger selection stories * Military identity and purpose * Chaplain assistant experiences * Suicide intervention and counseling * Mental health in the military * Service without combat * Leadership, sacrifice, and perspective This episode is a powerful reminder that service takes many forms, and every veteran carries a story worth telling. The post Episode 7: Jos Willard – The War That Never Came: A Veteran’s Identity Journey first appeared on Womack C3.