He Survived Afghanistan. Then He Lost Brothers After Coming Home

Commander Greg Roach has spent his life serving others. After being rejected from the Naval Academy, he enlisted in the Navy's elite Nuclear Power Program, earned his way into Annapolis, became a submarine officer aboard a fast-attack submarine, taught future naval officers, and later volunteered to serve in Afghanistan. As Executive Officer of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kunar Province, one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan, Greg led a diverse team of military personnel and civilians through a challenging mission during the height of the war. They completed their mission. They brought everyone home alive. But the hardest chapter of his story began after the deployment ended. In this powerful conversation, Greg opens up about leadership, service, brotherhood, resilience, and the devastating reality of losing fellow veterans to suicide after returning home. He shares lessons learned from submarine warfare, combat deployments, mentoring future leaders, and helping veterans find purpose beyond military service. This episode explores: • Overcoming rejection and adversity • Life inside the Navy's nuclear submarine force • Leadership lessons from Afghanistan • The emotional cost of command • Veteran suicide and post-service struggles • Brotherhood beyond the battlefield • Finding purpose after military service • Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness Whether you're a veteran, first responder, leader, entrepreneur, or someone supporting a loved one who served, this conversation delivers powerful lessons about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of staying connected. If this episode impacts you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Because sometimes the most important battles happen after coming home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices