So There I Was...

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Martinez has lived enough experiences for several lifetimes. A first-generation Peruvian-American, Jaime enlisted as an infantryman, served in the 82nd Airborne Division, fought in Panama and the Gulf War, earned a direct commission, served at the Pentagon and White House, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, commanded at every level, and ultimately took battalion command while battling two aggressive cancers. But this conversation goes far beyond military service. Jaime shares the realities of transitioning from enlisted soldier to officer, the leadership lessons he learned from elite NCOs, and the emotional toll of spending years in a constant state of readiness. He reflects on combat deployments, service in The Old Guard, working inside the highest levels of government, and the challenges of leading soldiers while carrying his own private battles. After surviving two cancers during active duty and a third cancer years later, Jaime found himself confronting questions that many veterans face but few discuss openly: Who are you when the uniform comes off? How do you process trauma that cannot simply be erased? What happens when identity, career, relationships, and health all collide at once? In this deeply personal discussion, Jaime introduces his SWARMS framework: * Survival * Witness * Accountability * Regeneration * Mandate to Serve A philosophy born from combat, grief, illness, leadership, and rebuilding a life after repeated setbacks. This episode is an honest conversation about hypervigilance, post-service transition, veteran mental health, accountability, family, loss, and ultimately answering one of life’s biggest questions: What do you do with the gift of life? The post Episode 47: Jaime Martinez – What Do You Do With the Gift of Life? A Story of Service, Cancer, and Resilience first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode of So There I Was, Travis sits down with Kelley Jensen, Chief Marketing Officer of Brain Performance Technologies, to explore the growing use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for autism, PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, sleep issues, and traumatic brain injuries. Kelley shares the deeply personal story that led her into the field after searching for help for her autistic son, whose severe anxiety, OCD behaviors, and communication struggles dramatically improved following treatment. The conversation expands into how TMS and newer brain stimulation therapies are being used to help veterans dealing with PTSD, insomnia, suicidal ideation, and the long-term effects of military service. Travis and Kelley also dive into the realities of raising autistic children, the emotional exhaustion parents face, medication dependency, sleep deprivation, and the resistance many people have toward trying alternative treatments. The episode is honest, practical, and focused on one central message: people need more tools, more awareness, and more options. The post Episode 46: Kelley Jensen – TMS, Autism, and PTSD Recovery first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, Devin Fish shares the raw story behind his book Answering the Hard Questions: Let It Be the End of the Chapter, Not the End of the Book. From poverty, addiction in his family, repeated instability, and losing his mother while serving in the Army, Devin walks through the mental and emotional battles that nearly ended his life. He opens up about military life, depression, online scams, suicidal ideation, resilience training, and the difficult process of rebuilding identity and purpose. Devin explains how vulnerability, storytelling, and refusing to stay silent became the foundation for both healing and leadership. This conversation is honest, uncomfortable at times, and deeply human. https://www.amazon.com/Answering-Hard-Questions-Chapter-Book-ebook/dp/B0GR1LSNBQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HC3HS8QSGLNA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RB0K0IY3z0VvvOV9GFsblw.RIMWf6nY7gB-jAL_BSznZ_GzE2TRgA6Xzr1PDQBNmQM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Answering+the+hard+questions+-+Let+it+be+the+end+of+the+chapter%2C+not+the+end+of+the+book&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1778172561&sprefix=answering+the+hard+questions+-+let+it+be+the+end+of+the+chapter%2C+not+the+end+of+th%2Caps%2C869&sr=8-1 The post Episode 45: Devin Smith – Suicidal Thoughts, Army Life, and Rebuilding Identity first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, Mark Parrish shares his journey from National Guard service to building a multi-unit McDonald’s franchise operation. He reflects on joining the military before 9/11, deploying to Ramadi during one of the most violent periods of the Iraq War, and navigating the challenges of transition back to civilian life. Mark breaks down how military structure, discipline, and leadership translated into business success—while also addressing the realities of trauma, identity loss, and rebuilding purpose after service. From managing small teams in combat to leading over a thousand employees, he explains how long-term thinking, consistency, and personal accountability shaped his path. This is a grounded conversation about service, leadership, faith, and what it actually takes to win after the uniform comes off. The post Episode 44: Mark Parrish – War to Business Leadership first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, Evan Lowe shares his path from Army artillery officer to a future in marketing within the Army. He talks through ROTC beginnings, deployments, command experiences, and the reality of leading soldiers through both discipline and chaos. Evan breaks down the shift from combat arms to recruiting command and eventually into a highly selective Army marketing program. Along the way, he highlights leadership lessons, culture shock between units, and the challenge of balancing family, service, and career pivots. This is a candid look at adaptation, leadership under pressure, and building a new path without losing identity. The post Episode 43: Evan Lowe – Artillery to Marketing first appeared on Womack C3.

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.

In this episode, Travis sits down with Air Force veteran and First Sergeant Michael Brennan for one of the most raw and real conversations on military service, transition, and recovery. Michael shares his journey from joining the military after 9/11, through years of back-to-back deployments across Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, to leadership roles as a First Sergeant responsible for hundreds of airmen. But the most defining chapter came after the uniform. Just weeks after retiring, Michael was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury, open-heart surgery, and months of recovery—forcing him to rebuild not just his body, but his identity. This conversation dives into: * The reality of military leadership and responsibility * The transition from service to civilian life * Why most veterans get VA claims wrong * The mindset shift from “mission-first” to personal identity * Rebuilding after trauma—physically and mentally * What it really means to serve others after the military Michael now works helping veterans navigate VA disability and advocates for honesty, vulnerability, and preparation—especially while still in uniform. If you’ve served, are transitioning, or lead those who do, this episode will hit home. The post Episode 41: Michael Brennan – Leadership, Trauma, and Rebuilding After Military Service first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, Travis Womack sits down with Army officer Shahin Uddin to unpack a journey that starts in Bangladesh and leads to senior leadership in the U.S. military. After immigrating to America at age 12, Shahin’s path was shaped by sacrifice, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of opportunity—starting with joining the Army to pay for college. From infantry officer to military intelligence to public affairs, Shahin shares how each transition sharpened his ability to lead, communicate, and understand the people he serves. This conversation goes beyond career progression—it’s about identity, adapting to change, and learning to operate across cultures and missions. They also dig into the realities of military life: the evolution of technology, the importance of understanding your “customer” in leadership, and how shared hardship builds trust across vastly different backgrounds. This episode is a grounded look at what it really means to earn opportunity—and what responsibility comes with it. The post Episode 40: Shain Uddin – From Bangladesh to the U.S. Army: Leadership, Identity, and Earning the American Dream first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, Travis Womack sits down with Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Michael Brown for a conversation that cuts across service, risk, and reinvention. What starts as a practical decision to join the military turns into a career shaped by unexpected opportunity—from plumbing in the Air Force to pioneering software that transformed base engineering operations. Michael shares how early exposure to leadership at the Air Force Academy, combined with a willingness to step into uncertainty, positioned him to solve real problems others ignored. He walks through the moment he chose action over hesitation—building software in a system still reliant on paper—and how that decision ultimately scaled into a business serving nearly the entire Air Force. The conversation digs into risk, decision-making, and what separates people who move forward from those who stall. It also contrasts military eras—pre-internet service versus modern, tech-driven operations—and what’s been gained (and lost) along the way. This episode is grounded, practical, and honest. No fluff—just real perspective on leadership, adaptability, and building something that lasts. The post Episode 39: Michael Brown – From Air Force Plumber to Tech Founder: Building Opportunity from the Ground Up first appeared on Womack C3.

David Bartley — From Suicide Attempt to Saving Lives Through Connection In this episode, I sit down with David Bartley — speaker, mental health advocate, and someone who has dedicated his life to helping others after surviving his own suicide attempt. David didn’t serve in the military, but his connection to it runs deep — through family, through service to soldiers, and through years of speaking across installations about one of the most urgent issues facing the force: suicide. What makes David’s perspective different is simple — he’s lived it. After years of unresolved trauma, including childhood abuse and the loss of his father at a young age, David reached a breaking point at 48 years old and attempted to take his own life. What followed was a long road of recovery, therapy, and hard-earned clarity about what actually drives someone to that edge . In this conversation, we dive into: • The difference between what people think causes suicide vs. what actually does • Why beliefs — not just thoughts or feelings — drive actions • The dangerous lies people tell themselves when they feel worthless or hopeless • Why traditional “suicide prevention” approaches often miss the mark • The concept of “life preservation” instead of prevention • How small, everyday interactions can literally save lives • The power of connection — making people feel seen, heard, and valued David also shares a simple but powerful truth: You don’t need a program, a rank, or a title to make a difference. Sometimes it’s as small as remembering someone’s name, offering a kind word, or showing up when it matters. Because in the moments that count most — people don’t always reach out. They’re hoping someone reaches in. This episode is about hope, connection, and the responsibility we all carry to look out for each other. The post Episode 38: David Bartley – From Suicide Attempt to Saving Lives Through Connection first appeared on Womack C3.

Timothy French — Iraq, Loss, and the Reality of Combat Nobody Talks About In this episode, I sit down with Tim French — infantry veteran, Old Guard alum, and someone whose story captures both the intensity of combat and the weight that comes with it long after. Tim joined the Army just months before September 11th, 2001. Like many from that generation, 9/11 didn’t just shape his service — it accelerated it. Within a year, he was deployed to Iraq with a newly fielded Stryker unit, part of a force adapting in real time to a new kind of war . What follows is one of the most raw and honest accounts of military service you’ll hear. Tim shares the story of a non-combat vehicle rollover early in deployment — an incident that resulted in multiple casualties and forced him, at just 24 years old, to confront the kind of helplessness that no training can prepare you for . This episode dives into: • Joining the Army right before 9/11 and the mindset shift that followed • Deploying with one of the Army’s first Stryker units • The reality of training vs. real-world operations • A devastating non-combat loss and its lasting impact • The feeling of helplessness in life-and-death situations • Why some stories go untold for years — or decades • The gap between military experience and civilian understanding • Dark humor, survival, and how soldiers actually cope We also get into something most people never hear: What it’s like to carry stories you don’t tell — not because you can’t, but because there’s no audience that truly understands. This isn’t a highlight reel of war stories. It’s an honest conversation about loss, memory, brotherhood, and the moments that stay with you long after the uniform comes off. If you’ve served — or if you’re trying to understand those who have — this episode matters. The post Episode 37 – Timothy French — Iraq, Loss, and the Reality of Combat Nobody Talks About first appeared on Womack C3.

Jody Shouse — From Mogadishu to the Old Guard: A Career of Airborne Leadership In this episode, I sit down with Jody Shouse — a former commander of mine, mentor, and career Army officer whose path through the military spans airborne operations, Somalia, and multiple assignments with the historic 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. Jody’s story begins in 1988 when, fresh out of high school and unsure of his direction, he walked into an Army recruiting office looking for opportunity. What started as an enlistment as an Airborne Military Police soldier quickly turned into a career defined by leadership, service, and some incredible assignments around the world . One of the defining moments in his career came during operations in Mogadishu, Somalia, where he faced a decision that would ultimately shape the rest of his time in uniform — choosing loyalty to his soldiers over a set of orders that would pull him away from his squad . In this conversation we talk about: • Joining the Army in the late 1980s and becoming an Airborne MP • Deploying to Somalia and serving during the Mogadishu operations • The leadership decisions that define a career • The realities of loyalty and responsibility as an NCO and officer • Serving in the prestigious 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) • Command experiences and lessons learned over a long military career • Mentorship, leadership, and what it means to serve the soldiers beside you Jody’s story is a powerful reminder that military careers are rarely linear — and that the most important decisions leaders make often come down to people, not orders. This episode is about service, leadership, loyalty, and the long road of a soldier’s career. The post Episode 36 – Jody Shouse — From Mogadishu to the Old Guard: A Career of Airborne Leadership first appeared on Womack C3.

Ryan Woodruff, Marine Corps infantry veteran and CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. Ryan shares his combat experience in Iraq, the difficult transition home, struggles with identity and alcohol, and the long road to healing. He unpacks the power of community, faith, service, and purpose—and explains how Clear Path provides peer mentorship, service dogs, wellness programs, and practical support to help veterans and families truly come home. The post Episode 35: Clear Path Home: Service, Struggle, and Second Missions first appeared on Womack C3.

Retired Navy veteran Mark Schneider joins Travis to share his extraordinary journey from submarines to aircraft carriers to a combat deployment in Iraq supporting the Army. As the only combat nuclear limited duty officer, Mark offers rare insights into Navy culture, rank quirks, and the challenges of leading in the high-stakes world of nuclear operations. Packed with humor, leadership lessons, and cross-branch camaraderie, this episode is as enlightening as it is entertaining. The post Episode 34: Rank, Reactor, and Reality: Life in the Nuclear Navy first appeared on Womack C3.

Army veteran Jeremiah Anderson-Kaapa shares his journey from infantry deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan to serving in the Old Guard at Arlington. With over 1,200 funerals performed including the lying in state of President George H.W. Bush he reflects on the discipline, humility, and meaning found in honoring the fallen. Jeremiah opens up about leadership, transition, and the importance of holding on for “one more tomorrow.” A moving blend of humor, history, and hard truths. The post Episode 33: From Combat to Caskets: A Soldier’s Story of Service and Sacrifice first appeared on Womack C3.

Marine veteran Evan—better known online as Veritable Veteran—joins Travis to share his powerful journey through service, struggle, and healing. From deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to finding purpose after leaving the Corps, Evan reflects on combat stories, mental health battles, and the creation of his viral platform helping veterans laugh and connect. A raw, honest, and often hilarious look at life beyond the uniform. The post Episode 32: From the Corps to Community: The Veritable Veteran’s Story first appeared on Womack C3.

Matt Dewagner joins the show as his Army career is slowly coming to an end. He reflects on his enlisted time and later officer time serving in The Old Guard. His voice has narrated what would seem like countless ceremonies over the years. I had the pleasure of serving with Matt and his ability to tell a story is unlike any other. The post Episode 31: The Voice of The Old Guard first appeared on Womack C3.

Clay Novak shares about his pretty awesome and crazy military career and what sparked him to want to write a book! Check it out and if you like it he may have to write part 2! Keep Moving, Keep Shooting https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Moving-Shooting-Clay-Novak/dp/1646638441/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H9XJZPZRXUE6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5NOHVWGsFCqANh9a0CMliy3CwPeMJVG5ATz9-5-H1DLZu_yDYpDmVG0dJJfu0n0LHWiRLY7J-L0ojqXtG6AubuAP6F8yfJGh-XGjBQPyg7g.9l1Aku1smNkJVzm5uN63-3n1p8mVvzqnt2XSTEdKvHQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=clay+novak&qid=1733693432&sprefix=clay+novak%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1 The post Episode 30: Keep Moving, Keep Shooting first appeared on Womack C3.

Michelle Black joins us to talk about the worst time of her life and the search for truth. Her husband and Green Beret Bryan Black was killed in Niger in 2017 and the redacted information drove her to find the truth. The full story you can find in her book, "Sacrifice: Sacrifice: The Green Berets, a Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth." https://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Berets-Fateful-Ambush-Widows/dp/0593190955/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KRL5UL5A1ARU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Me3xdEIrutxPzGojFSwWM1v7HPR2sKc0PBD8mDULm6DfywFJwzXB1xjX1Of0mG0wjUhhucPLZCmuzMHYO9CA90p2Qo8cn0xv7y0WON6xm_9c5L3jtlhcZVok614h9c78RwLoiWN0_I3vLiYmdRIGmA.8ll5wmSdotK-3rIXHFG7DUySkwRgrlksLjt1QrAXdu4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Sacrifice%2C+a+green+beret&qid=1733691769&sprefix=sacrifice%2C+a+green+beret%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1 The post Episode 29: A Gold Star Widow first appeared on Womack C3.

Steve Wallace shares many of his adventures as a paratrooper, commander, Old Guard alumni, and one hilarious story of that time he had to find SGT Blake. The post Episode 28: A pallet in Pakistan and SGT Blake first appeared on Womack C3.

Building the Space Force, Breaking Under Pressure, and Leading Through It — Shawn William Campbell In this episode, I sit down with retired Air Force officer Shawn William Campbell — one of the first senior leaders tasked with standing up the United States Space Force. Shawn served 30 years in uniform, including nine years inside the Pentagon. His career spanned enlisted service, officer commissioning, flag-level leadership, and ultimately helping build the first new branch of the U.S. military in over 70 years. But this conversation isn’t just about rank or résumé. It’s about pressure. We talk about: • What it was like to stand up the Space Force during COVID • Leading inside the Pentagon when the building went dark • The weight of responsibility at senior levels • Geographic separation from family while in high-stakes leadership • How resilience pillars (mental, physical, social, spiritual) quietly erode • The moment everything caught up with him Shawn opens up about hitting a breaking point — not suicidal, but overwhelmed, exhausted, and isolated — and how his wife’s awareness and accountability relationships helped pull him back before it became something worse. We also dig into: • The myth that only combat veterans struggle • Why garrison life can be just as dangerous mentally • The stigma around mental health in uniform • Why leaders must model vulnerability • The importance of accountability partners • And what real strength actually looks like This is an honest conversation about leadership under pressure, invisible strain, and the responsibility senior leaders carry — not just for mission success, but for their own health and the health of their people. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations — or worn a mask while quietly struggling — this episode will resonate. Because resilience isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about knowing when to speak up. Want to be a guest? Sign up here: https://womackc3.com/stiw The post Episode 27: Building the Space Force, Breaking Under Pressure, and Leading Through It — Shawn William Campbell first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, I sit down with Alani Bankhead — Air Force investigator, author, and TEDx speaker — for a raw and honest conversation about purpose, pain, and protecting the vulnerable. Alani began her career on active duty before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve, serving as a special agent investigating some of the military’s most serious crimes. From counterintelligence and special operations deployments to leading child exploitation investigations, her work sits at the intersection of justice and humanity . But this episode goes deeper than résumé highlights. We talk about: • What it’s really like serving as an Air Force investigator • Working child exploitation and cyber crime cases • The emotional toll of protecting the vulnerable • Suicide, shame, and the culture of silence • The hidden weight of imposter syndrome in high performers • Alcohol, achievement, and unhealthy coping mechanisms • Why connection — not perfection — saves lives Alani also shares how her TEDx talk highlighted the unique role of electronic detection canines in finding digital evidence and protecting children — a powerful example of innovation meeting mission. At the heart of this conversation is her book, The Least of Us. In it, Alani pulls back the curtain on imposter syndrome — the internal voice that tells high-achievers they’re not good enough, not worthy, or one mistake away from being exposed. Drawing from her own journey through elite military assignments and deeply personal struggles, she explores how the very traits we try to suppress often become the strengths that define us. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in the room… If you’ve ever questioned whether you were enough… If you’ve ever carried success on the outside while fighting doubt on the inside… This episode — and this book — are for you. Get your copy of The Least of Us here: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Least-Us-Imposter-Syndrome-Greatest/dp/B0CHTSBJF3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32CA4E7OZHR5A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wQeZ4HDMW3OJgmVrOkvEWoW7sQ9r2G8GdEiSvvtZvyQ.y-z88PObpqRyL_q8sQJ0DwFbrM6Lfl-XG64kO0ROGkw&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+least+of+us+alani+bankhead&qid=1733686384&sprefix=the+least+of+us+alani+bankheaaps107&sr=8-1 Listen in. Share it. And check on your people. The post Episode 26: Alani Bankhead — Imposter Syndrome, Child Exploitation Investigations, and The Least of Us first appeared on Womack C3.

Don Bentley joins the show to talk about his career as an Apache Helicopter pilot, deploying to Afghanistan, and his transition into retirement and writing his first book. He is the author of three Tom Clancy novels as well as his own series, most recently the release of "Forgotten War." The post Episode 25: Don Bentley – Aviator turned Author first appeared on Womack C3.

Kat Kaelin served as one of the first volunteers for the Army "Cultural Support Team" (CST), also nicknamed the "The Pink Team," which was the pilot program to introduce women into combat arms. She served in Afghanistan, deployed with Army Rangers. We cover many topics from the challenges of being a woman in this roll, the expectations she was up against and how she is doing now mentally with the work she continues. The post Episode 24: The all female Cultural Support Team first appeared on Womack C3.

Michael Molinksi was a Marine Combat Photographer, that is the short version. He is an inventor, anti child drowning advocate, and an ultra fitness athlete. Listen in on his fun adventures in the Marine Corp as well as his never ending pursuit to help others since he got out. The post Episode 23: A Marine Combat Photographer first appeared on Womack C3.

Jerry Dugan joins the show to share how he went from his time in college going to be a Doctor to joining the Army and becoming a Combat Medic. The post Episode 22: An Army Combat Medic in Germany first appeared on Womack C3.

From 9/11 to 1/5 Marines — Mike Boscia’s Story In this episode, I sit down with former Marine Mike Boscia, who served from 2002–2006 as an NBC (Chemical, Biological, Radiological) specialist with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Mike’s journey into the Marine Corps started on September 11th. As a volunteer firefighter from Westchester County, New York, he responded in the immediate aftermath of the attacks — witnessing the collapse of the towers, digging through debris at Ground Zero, and experiencing firsthand the chaos, grief, and dark humor that only those who were there truly understand . That moment changed everything. Within a year, Mike joined the Marine Corps — determined to serve, determined to go to war, and determined to be part of something bigger than himself. In this conversation, we cover: • Responding to 9/11 as a firefighter • The reality of Ground Zero in the days after the attacks • Dark humor in tragedy and why it matters • Choosing the NBC field in the Marine Corps • Training in live nerve-agent environments • The culture of Marine Corps instructor/trainer life • Pride, identity, and what makes Marines… Marines • Life after service and transitioning into the corporate world There’s humor in this episode. There’s pride. There’s brotherhood. And there’s a raw reminder of why so many of us raised our right hands in the early 2000s. If you served in the GWOT era — or if 9/11 shaped your life in any way — this one will hit home. Want to be a guest? Sign up here: https://womackc3.com/stiw Full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-there-i-was/id1642849594?i=1000668193218 The post Episode 21: From 9/11 to 1-5 Marines, Mike Boscia’s Story first appeared on Womack C3.

Sam Westfall, CEO and founder of Archery N Motion, tells a tale of being involved in Tank gunnery and a deer unknowingly walked out onto the range. https://www.archerynmotion.com/ The post Episode 20: Tank Gunnery and a Deer first appeared on Womack C3.

Former Marine, Sean George joins the show to talk about his time as a Marine Officer, what he has learned in being an executive coach and the importance of continuing his fitness journey. Oh yeah, and his awesome book: On Mission: your journey to authentic leadership. Amazon link for book: https://a.co/d/ir89nsw The post Episode 19: 6 Miles, Granny Gear, Follow Me first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, I sit down with Jose Velazquez — a retired Army public affairs leader with more than 30 years of service and a career dedicated to telling the Army’s story. Jose started his journey in an unexpected way. Growing up in the projects with dreams of working in radio and television, he took a chance with an Army recruiter hoping the military might offer a path into broadcasting. It did — launching a career that would take him around the world sharing the stories of soldiers and the missions they served . From playing rock music for troops as a military broadcaster to leading major public affairs efforts at the highest levels of the Army, Jose built a career focused on communication, leadership, and connection. In this conversation we discuss: • How Jose found his way into Army broadcasting • What it’s like to serve in the Army public affairs field • Telling the Army story from the tactical level to the Pentagon • Serving as the public affairs advisor to the Sergeant Major of the Army • The realities of leadership inside a military communication mission • Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship Jose also shares lessons from his transition after retiring in 2021, including how shifting from the military mindset of “we” to the civilian world of “me” can be one of the hardest parts of leaving service. Today, he runs his own media consulting business and continues helping veterans, service members, and organizations communicate their stories more effectively. This episode is about leadership, communication, transition, and the power of storytelling — both in uniform and beyond it. The post Episode 18: Jose Velazquez — 30 Years Telling the Army’s Story first appeared on Womack C3.

Rob Prah joins the show and tells several stories of his many years of service including his experience of being in basic training on 9/11. The post Episode 17: Basic Training on 9/11 first appeared on Womack C3.

MSG Sean Sweeney joins the show to talk about his career and what drove him to write his book "Leading While Being Led." Also a few good stories from our time together in The Old Guard. Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-While-Being-Led-Enlisted/dp/B0CRP4YTX4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LXF1BY8XFZT4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wzpvM1lIw0LKh1bhD9cLyxJ3T1K6Ab89KoHA0mTjM8M.5JWqbAwyp2V47DFlvxAGiViN0ZoOjEoi-RQ9CMETnx8&dib_tag=se&keywords=leading+while+being+led&qid=1710968637&sprefix=leading+while+being%2Caps%2C423&sr=8-1 The post Episode 16: Leading While Being Led first appeared on Womack C3.

Mark Reilly — Music, Service, and the Mission to Heal Through the Washington Tattoo In this episode, I sit down with Mark Reilly — 20-year Army veteran, former member of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and President of The Washington Tattoo. Mark spent two decades representing the Army at the highest levels — from presidential ceremonies to international performances — but his mission today runs deeper than precision drill and pageantry. We talk about: • What it’s like serving 20 years in The Old Guard • Performing at the White House and high-level ceremonies • The pressure of perfection when representing the Army on a national stage • The deeper purpose behind military music But the heart of this episode centers on something far more personal. Mark shares the story of his grandfather — a World War II Army infantryman in the Pacific who later died by suicide. That story became the driving force behind The Washington Tattoo’s mission: using music as a pathway for connection, healing, and mental health support for veterans, first responders, and families. We dive into: • The neuroscience behind music and PTSD recovery • How rhythm and sound affect the brain • Why music can bridge generational trauma • The importance of belonging and shared experience • And how creative outlets can become lifelines This is a conversation about legacy, service, grief, purpose — and what it means to turn personal pain into a mission that helps others. Because sometimes the drum isn’t just an instrument. It’s a way back to each other. The post Episode 15: Playing Drums for Presidents first appeared on Womack C3.

Former Army special forces operator Nick Mastrovito, tells some hilarious tells of being SF during Desert Storm. The post Episode 14: Throwing grenades in the ocean first appeared on Womack C3.

Kevin Dow Crowsyn joins the show and tells a hilarious story of being in Kuwait at the beginning of the war. Visit his website: https://www.kevincrowsyn.com/ The post Episode 13: With only one bullet first appeared on Womack C3.

John McGlothlin, author of How to Deal with Damn Near Anything - The Paratrooper's Guide to Life tells us about life as a paratrooper in Italy and more. Get the book at: https://www.amazon.com/How-Deal-Damn-Near-Anything/dp/1636767516#:~:text=Book%20overview&text=In%20How%20to%20Deal%20with,essential%20to%20facing%20any%20challenge. The post Episode 12: John McGlothlin – Paratroopers Guide to Life first appeared on Womack C3.

Shawn Livingston tells several stories including being in Germany during 9/11, his time as a Green Beret and training future Officers in OCS. The post Episode 11: Shawn Livingston – In Germany during 9/11 first appeared on Womack C3.

LTC (Ret.) Dave Grossman — Suicide, Sleep Deprivation & the Hidden Killer Among Veterans In this powerful episode, I sit down with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Dave Grossman, former West Point psychology professor, Army Ranger, and author of On Killing, On Combat, and On Spiritual Combat. We tackle one of the most urgent issues facing veterans, first responders, and young Americans today: suicide. But this conversation goes deeper than statistics. Colonel Grossman breaks down: • The myth behind the “22 veterans a day” narrative • The real biological drivers behind suicide • The shocking link between sleep deprivation and impaired judgment • Why alcohol and sleep loss create the perfect storm • How CPAP therapy and sleep hygiene can literally save lives • Why service dogs are one of the most powerful suicide prevention tools available • The critical importance of community, laughter, and shared stories We also discuss post-traumatic growth, the danger of isolation, and the responsibility we carry to check on our people — not just post a number online. This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s practical, actionable, and grounded in decades of research and lived experience. If you are a veteran, first responder, or someone who loves one — this episode matters. Sleep is not weakness. Connection is not weakness. Asking for help is not weakness. Listen in. Share it. Check on your people. Want to be a guest? Sign up here: https://womackc3.com/stiw The post Episode 10: Psychology of Suicide first appeared on Womack C3.

Vince Fowler joins the show and tells many stories from his time as a Canadian Paratrooper. One being the Fort Bragg green ramp disaster. The post Episode 9: Vince Fowler – A Canadian Paratrooper first appeared on Womack C3.

Luke Shabro, former Navy veteran and current Army civilian, talks about his passion for reading and some fun differences between services. The post Episode 8: Luke Shabro – Navy blue to Army Civilian Green first appeared on Womack C3.

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.

In this episode of So There I Was, Travis sits down with retired Navy veteran Neal Stratham to explore a military career unlike anything most people can imagine. As a nuclear machinist mate aboard the USS Alabama, Neal spent years operating nuclear reactors, living underwater for months at a time, and serving on one of America’s most critical strategic deterrence platforms. Neal shares what life is really like aboard a ballistic missile submarine—from 18-hour workdays and sleeping just feet from missile tubes to spending nearly two months submerged without seeing sunlight. He explains the intense training required to become a nuclear operator, the culture of the submarine force, and why Hollywood rarely gets submarine life right. The conversation also covers: * Serving aboard the USS Alabama * The Navy’s nuclear training pipeline * Life during and after 9/11 * Submarine camaraderie and culture * Recruiting in rural Kansas * Military transition and civilian careers * Mental health and asking for help * Leadership lessons from 21 years of service Packed with humor, perspective, and stories rarely heard outside the submarine community, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of the military’s most unique professions. The post Episode 6: Neal Stratham – 60 Days Underwater: Life Inside a Nuclear Submarine first appeared on Womack C3.

In Episode 5 of the So There I Was podcast, host Travis Womack interviews Ash Hess, a retired Army veteran with 22 years of service and a key figure in the modernization of Army marksmanship doctrine. The episode delves into Hess’s career journey, particularly his pivotal role in rewriting TC 3-22.9, the Army’s rifle marksmanship manual, replacing outdated “fundamentals” with the “shot process”—a method rooted in sports psychology and real-world application. Hess shares how he crowd-sourced the manual with input from over 150 passionate shooters, turning it into one of the Army’s most downloaded documents since its 2016 release. The conversation also explores how Hess influenced the redesign of the Army rifle qualification, emphasizing realistic combat conditions like magazine changes and position transitions. Through innovative dissemination—targeting both junior leaders via board prep and commanders via qualification performance—Hess and his team effectively reshaped Army training culture. Beyond his military contributions, Hess discusses his seamless transition into the defense industry with Knights Armament, fulfilling a personal goal of remaining active in the firearms community. He also shares insights into launching his own shooting competition company, Quantified Performance, and leveraging LinkedIn as a tool for marketing and networking. The episode offers rich, candid reflections on military service, institutional change, veteran entrepreneurship, and the power of purpose-driven innovation. The post Episode 5 – Ash Hess, Writing Army Marksmanship Doctine first appeared on Womack C3.

Jay Reafs talk about his time from serving in the Navy on the USS Nimitz. He shares a funny story from his time at sea during the gulfwar. The post Episode 4: On the Nimitz first appeared on Womack C3.

Special guest Adam Braatz, founder of The Thriving Veteran and author of "LinkedIn Mastery: For Veterans & Transitioning Service Members" joins us to discuss the issue with service members questioning value of each others service and how to use your service in your LinkedIn profile. The post Episode 3: Service Shaming first appeared on Womack C3.

In this episode, host Travis Womack reconnects with old friends Mike, Donovan, and Brown as they relive their time in Iraq from 2006–2009. From incoming mortars and skidding RPGs to the legendary Humvee they called “Patches,” the crew shares hilarious, raw, and harrowing memories of combat, chaos, and brotherhood. More than just war stories, it’s a reminder of resilience, camaraderie, and finding humor in the hardest moments. The post Episode 2: The day “patches” was destroyed first appeared on Womack C3.

Where were you on 9/11? I tell my story and briefly what made me join the Army. The post Episode 1: The 9/11 episode first appeared on Womack C3.

The start of the So There I Was... podcast. The post Promotional Episode first appeared on Womack C3.