From Combat Trauma to Serving the Children of Fallen Heroes | A Marine Vet's Journey

This episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier features a powerful and honest conversation between Reno Collier and his guest, Mike, a Marine Corps veteran and law enforcement officer who shares his journey through trauma, PTSD, addiction, and ultimately, faith-based recovery. The discussion covers Mike’s experiences in combat during the Iraq War, the challenges of returning to civilian life without support or debriefing, and the spiral into alcohol and drug use as a way to cope with pain and loss. Mike opens up about his darkest moments, including thoughts of suicide, and how reaching out for help led him to the Mighty Oaks Foundation—a faith-based program for veterans and first responders.This episode contains discussion of PTSD, suicide, and trauma. It may not be suitable for all listeners and may be especially difficult for survivors. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you need support, resources are listed below.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Spend time in the Bible, especially passages about hope, healing, and God’s presence in suffering (such as Psalm 34:18, Matthew 11:28-30, or Romans 8:38-39).Reflect: Consider how God has shown up in your own struggles or how you might be resisting surrender. What does it mean to let go and trust God with your pain?Respond: Pray—“God, I surrender my pain, trauma, and addiction to You. Help me to trust You, to seek help, and to find hope in Your promises. Surround me with people who will walk with me in recovery. Amen.”Reveal: Share your story or offer support to someone else who is struggling. Volunteer with organizations like A Soldier’s Child or Mighty Oaks, or simply reach out to a friend in need.If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or addiction, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and there is hope.Resources:- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988- Mighty Oaks Foundation: mightyoaksprograms.org- A Soldier’s Child Foundation: asoldierschild.orgKeywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, PTSD recovery, veteran addiction, faith-based recovery, Mighty Oaks Foundation, A Soldier’s Child, trauma healing, sobriety, Christian recovery, military mental health, suicide prevention, hope, surrender, Bible, recovery testimony, service, spiritual awakening, addiction support, recovery podcast, Christian podcast, Reno Collier podcast, Mike’s story, Iraq War veteran, law enforcement, recovery resources, mental health, faith journey, overcoming trauma, helping others, recovery community, Christian faith, healing through service