In this episode of Untold Valor, Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos shares her powerful journey from Army medic to nationally recognized advocate for women veterans impacted by military sexual trauma. She discusses the challenges many veterans face after service, the evolution of support systems within the VA, and why peer-to-peer connection can be life-changing. Dr. Santos also opens up about spirituality, healing, and the importance of finding support instead of suffering in silence.

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

• Personal Story: Dr. Santos’ journey
• Women Veterans: Advocacy and progress
• Military Trauma: Challenges after service
• Peer Support: Veterans helping veterans
• Mental Health: Healing and recovery
• Breaking Silence: Why conversations matter

0:00 – Intro

1:39 – Get to know Dr. Santos

5:04 – On the other side of the oath

6:53 – Creating a platform for women veterans

8:26 – The struggle to speak up

11:01 – The importance of peer-to-peer veteran support

12:52 – Dr. Santos’ encouragement to veterans

Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos

Learn more about Dr. Santos HERE

Get a copy of My Desert Storm: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Phillyvet/dp/B0DRMHW6R6

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 “Best of Season 3” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about mental health, transition, and rediscovering purpose after military service. Myra shares why veterans must advocate for themselves and seek support without shame. Darrin reflects on the lasting emotional weight of traumatic experiences as a young medic. And Kat opens up about the difficult transition of being medically retired from the Air Force and rebuilding her identity through service in a new way.

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

• Self-advocacy after service
• PTSD, anxiety, and mental health management
• The pressure of trauma as a young medic
• Why veterans need connection and support
• Rebuilding purpose after medical retirement
• The culture shock of civilian life and school

0:00 - Intro

0:51 - Myra on advocating for yourself after service

4:16 - Darrin on trauma, pressure, and mental health

11:12 - Kat on medical retirement and rebuilding purpose

EPISODE LINKS

There Is Always Hope with Myra Fields-Rouse

No Problem Is Too Big: Finding The Courage To Seek Support featuring Darrin Henry

When One Door Closes: Strength In New Beginnings with Kat Kirkman

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

This “Best of Season 2” episode highlights powerful moments of recovery, resilience, and life-changing support systems. Michael shares how his difficult transition out of the military led him to a new purpose, helping fellow veterans find meaningful careers. Dr. Maio reflects on the “three Jens” who entered his life at critical moments and helped save it. And finally, Lena opens up about the mentors who recognized her struggles and guided her toward healing and growth.

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

• Transition struggles after military service
• Finding purpose through career coaching
• The hidden cycle of depression and isolation
• Life-saving power of connection and intervention
• Mentorship, faith, and support systems

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - Michael Bate on career transition challenges

5:41 - Dr. Nick Maio’s “three Jens” story

11:55 - Lena Fowler on mentorship and PTSD

Featured Episodes:

Finding Your Path After the Military with Career Specialist Michael Bate

Holding Onto Hope with Dr. Nick Maio

Finding Strength in Community and Faith with Lena Fowler

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