U.S. Army Cavalry Scout and Purple Heart recipient David Kendrick Jr. shares his powerful journey from being shot by a sniper in Baghdad at 20 years old to becoming a national mental health advocate, NAMI ambassador, author, and speaker. He opens up about survivor’s guilt, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a suicide attempt—and how therapy, community, and purpose helped him rebuild his life.

In this episode of “Success After Service” on The Warrior Alliance Network, David discusses:

- The Father’s Day mission in Iraq that changed everything

- Healing from life‑threatening injuries and invisible wounds

- How NAMI and the NAMI Homefront program support veterans’ families

- Turning pain into purpose through advocacy, his memoir “Cavalry,” and the Lion Speaking Agency

- Practical ways veterans and families can recognize warning signs and seek help

If you’re a veteran, family member, mental health professional, or supporter, this conversation offers real insight, hope, and tools for navigating life after service.

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Army Green Beret veteran and Special Forces medic Chris Jacobsen shares his journey from post-9/11 enlistment to 16 years in Special Forces, deployments across the globe, and the tough transition back to civilian life. He explains how volunteering and mentorship with the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) helped him rediscover purpose, and how he now serves as Southeast Regional Coordinator empowering veterans and mentoring youth in character and leadership. Hear insights on mental health, life after service, community, travel, and why giving “service after service” can change lives for veterans and their families.

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Army veteran Jeremy M. Walker joins Success After Service to share his powerful story of enlisting at 16, earning a Bronze Star for Valor in Afghanistan, overcoming injury and PTSD, and redefining purpose after a 22-year military career. He explains how founding Helmets to Boots helps veterans and their families navigate transition, mental health, VA benefits, and entrepreneurship, and why community partnerships like The Warrior Alliance and the Atlanta Black Chamber are critical. Hear candid insights on identity after taking off the uniform, turning pain into service, and using leadership skills to build businesses, strengthen communities, and prevent veteran suicide.exposureninja

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