In this episode, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David E. Kelly shares a powerful behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare through the stories of the Marines he interviewed in Iraq. Drawing from his work with the Marine Corps Field History Unit, Kelly explains why preserving firsthand accounts of service members matters. From Fallujah to Husaybah, this conversation explores brotherhood, leadership under pressure, and the unseen emotional weight service members carry long after deployment.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• David Kelly’s unique role in documenting Marines’ stories
• The importance of preserving war stories for military and civilian audiences
• The weight of leadership carried by young Marines in high-stakes environments
• The deep bond of brotherhood formed in combat and its lasting impact
• Post-deployment stress and the challenge of returning to everyday life

0:00 – Intro

4:32 – David’s books

5:38 – The Marine Corps Field History Unit

7:36 – First Fights in Fallujah

11:44 – Post-deployment stress & life after war

16:46 – Final thoughts

David Kelly

Learn more about David HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Hell in the Streets of Husaybah:

https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Streets-Husaybah-Battalion-Marines/dp/1636241506

First Fights in Fallujah:

https://www.amazon.com/First-Fights-Fallujah-Operation-Vigilant/dp/1636243185

Eight-Wheeled Warriors and Grunts:

https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Wheeled-Warriors-Grunts-Infantry-Operations/dp/1636244920

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we sit down with Army veteran and survivor advocate Jaimie Ames, co-founder and CEO of Operation Host, to explore the often-unspoken realities of military sexual trauma (MST) and PTSD among veterans. Jaimie shares her personal journey, her time in the Army, and the lived experiences that shaped her mission to create survivor-led, peer-to-peer support systems that actually meet veterans where they are.

The conversation dives into why trauma is never “one-size-fits-all,” how survivor-led peer support creates a sense of trust and understanding, and the powerful impact of alternative healing tools like equine therapy and guided self-reflection. Jaimie also introduces Operation Host’s upcoming PTSD healing workbook and explains how learning to recognize personal triggers can be a life-changing step toward healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How Jaimie’s Army service and lived experience shaped Operation Host
• Why trauma and healing look different for every veteran
• The power of survivor-led, peer-to-peer support
• The purpose behind Operation Host’s upcoming PTSD healing workbook
• Learning to identify personal triggers before symptoms escalate

0:00 – Getting to know Jaimie

1:59 – Operation Host’s mission

6:41 – The PTSD healing workbook and identifying triggers

11:05 – Getting involved with Operation Host

12:59 – Encouragement for veterans hesitant to seek help

Jaimie Ames

Jaimie Ames is a U.S. Army veteran who served six years and is the co-founder and CEO of Operation HOST (Healing Our Sexual Trauma), a peer-led nonprofit supporting veterans (both male and female) living with the trauma of sexual assault and PTSD. She holds a degree in business and accounting and brings decades of experience in community service, organizational leadership, and survivor advocacy. Jaimie has recently partnered with international bestselling author Richard Paul Evans to further develop Operation HOST and to co-create a comprehensive PTSD healing workbook, slated for release in early 2026. As an MST and PTSD survivor herself, she combines lived experience with trauma-informed leadership to build safe, compassionate spaces where veterans can reclaim connection, hope, and healing.

Episode Links

Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/

Volunteer with Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/join-our-cause/

Donate to Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/giving-back/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we’re joined by Army veteran and founder of Green Star Families of America, Matt Cahill, for an honest conversation about life after military service and the unseen battles many veterans face. Matt reflects on his years as an Army medic, the physical and emotional weight that followed retirement, and how personal loss shaped his mission.

He shares the vision behind Green Star Families- an effort to bring national recognition and meaningful support to families who lose a veteran to suicide- and explains why mental health deserves the same urgency as physical battlefield care.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Matt’s path from Army medic to veteran advocate
• The mental and physical toll of long-term military service
• Why Green Star Families exists and what it represents
• How improving military mental health care can benefit civilians

0:00 – Intro

1:25 – Matt’s background

6:20 – Starting Green Star Families

11:16 – Fixing military mental health

17:46 – Find your mission

Matthew Cahill

Learn more about Matt HERE

Episode Links

Green Star Families of America

https://greenstarfamilies.org/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/green_star_families?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/GREENSTARFAMILIES

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@green_star_families?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q