Veteran Voices: SITREP

Tom & Chris Faust

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Mental Health

We are Tom and Chris Faust; father and son. We are veterans. We are Veteran Voices. This is SITREP, where we provide information about resources for veterans and interviews with veterans about their situation, experiences, and what they may be doing to help other veterans. Our mission is to provide information that helps veterans transition from military to civilian life in order to prevent veteran homelessness.

3 days ago

The Freedom Fighter Path to Healing and Purpose | Episode 53

What happens when a veteran comes home from war, but the battle continues inside? For many veterans and first responders, the toughest battles are fought in silence, through trauma, isolation, addiction, broken relationships, and the struggle to rediscover purpose. In Episode 53 of Veteran Voices: SITREP, host Tom Faust welcomes Shade Bounds and Danny McDaniel, co-founders of the Freedom Fighter Foundation, for a powerful conversation about overcoming the unseen war and reclaiming a life of freedom, faith, and purpose. Shade, a 14-year Army veteran, shares his personal journey through alcohol addiction, emotional struggles, and learning to ask for help. Danny, an author, pastor, and leadership mentor, discusses recognizing the roots of emotional and spiritual struggles and finding lasting transformation. Together, they explore post-traumatic growth (PTG), faith-based healing, mentorship, and the importance of community in helping veterans and their families move forward. IN THIS EPISODE * Why veterans struggle with invisible battles after service * Recognizing isolation, withdrawal, and self-destructive behavior * PTSD, trauma, and the potential for post-traumatic growth * How unresolved trauma affects marriages and families * The Freedom Fighter pathway: Forge, Freedom, Fight, and Fulfill * Building trust, accountability, and supportive relationships * Rediscovering purpose and a new mission after military service * Programs for veterans, first responders, and their families "If you're drawing breath, your mission here on this earth is not over." CONNECT WITH THE FREEDOM FIGHTER FOUNDATION 🌐 https://freedomfighterfoundation.org/ The foundation supports veterans, first responders, and families through mentorship, faith-based programs, community, and events. Visit the website to request help, volunteer, or learn more. BOOKS MENTIONED 📘 Freedom: Winning the Battle Within, by Danny McDaniel A biblical approach to overcoming destructive patterns, fear, insecurity, and internal struggles. https://thefreedombook.org/ 📗 The Combat Trauma Healing Manual, by Chris Adsit A Christ-centered resource addressing combat trauma, grief, forgiveness, and recovery. https://www.logos.com/product/199675/the-combat-trauma-healing-manual-christ-centered-solutions-for-combat-trauma EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Your Mission Isn't Over 00:38 Meet Shade Bounds and Danny McDaniel 02:33 Shade's Military Service and Personal Struggles 05:00 Understanding the Battle Within 07:55 Warning Signs of Hidden Struggles 10:13 Trauma's Impact on Families 14:27 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth 19:50 Trust, Safety, and Vulnerability 22:44 The Combat Trauma Healing Manual 24:00 Addressing the Roots of Trauma 26:41 The Freedom Fighter Pathway 29:13 Why Freedom Requires Discipline 36:26 Finding Fulfillment and Purpose 41:00 Community and Changing Thought Patterns 45:40 Vulnerability and Accountability 53:10 Build the Bow, Build the Man 55:07 Marriage and Family Programs 57:40 Virtual Support and Group Meetings 01:01:38 How to Get Help 01:03:03 Supporting the Foundation 01:04:34 A Story of Transformation ABOUT VETERAN VOICES: SITREP Hosted by Tom and Chris Faust, Veteran Voices: SITREP gives veterans a platform to share their stories, challenges, experiences, and successes. Our mission is to support the veteran community through honest conversations about transition, mental health, resilience, resources, and life after military service. 🌐 Visit Us: https://www.veteranvoices.us 📧 Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us 👍 If this conversation resonates with you, please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Help us reach more veterans and families who need to hear these stories. Your story matters. Your mission isn't over. US Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ #VeteranVoices #VeteranMentalHealth #PostTraumaticGrowth #FreedomFighterFoundation #VeteranSupport Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
6 Sept

Untitled EpisodeEx-Navy SEAL Dr. Tony Dice: Addiction, Recovery & Life After the Trident

What happens when the traits that make you successful in the military become the very things that make civilian life harder? Dr. Tony Dice returns to Veteran Voices to go deeper into his story and his new book, exploring addiction, recovery, emotional compulsivity, fatherhood, and the difficult transition from the Navy SEAL teams to civilian life. Tony shares stories from the book—including the unforgettable water tower incident—and explains how a lifelong need for intensity, achievement, and “more” eventually helped him recognize a deeper pattern beneath his addiction. We also discuss why veterans and other high performers can struggle to recognize when their greatest strengths have become liabilities, the danger of simply replacing one addiction with another, and Tony’s Holistic Change Model for understanding recovery. One of the most important messages from this conversation is also one of the simplest: “Hey, you got a minute? I'm not okay.” Tony explains why asking someone for help isn't a burden—and why being trusted enough to help someone through their darkest moment should be considered an honor. Topics include: • Tony Dice’s new book and audiobook • Life after the Navy SEAL teams • Addiction and 12-step recovery • Emotional compulsivity • The need for intensity and achievement • Why veterans can become comfortable in chaos • Military-to-civilian transition • Mental health and suicide prevention • Replacing one addiction with another • The Holistic Change Model • Fatherhood after recovery • Connection, accountability, and finding purpose If this conversation makes you think of a veteran, first responder, service member, or family member who needs to hear it, please share the episode. Subscribe to Veteran Voices for more honest conversations about military service, transition, recovery, purpose, and life after the uniform. Weblinks: Bishop & Dice Defense: https://bishopdicedefense.com After the Trident by Dr. Tony Dice: https://www.drdicebook.com https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
23 Aug

Why This Army Veteran Is Running Across North Carolina

What happens when a veteran refuses to accept that his best days are behind him? In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Army veteran Jonathan Milkovich shares his journey from physical injuries, grief, unhealthy drinking, and the loss of military community to renewed purpose through fitness. Jonathan opens up about losing a fellow soldier, burying his own emotions while caring for everyone else, and the ultimatum from his wife that forced him to confront what was happening. He also explains how training for his first post-service race helped him rediscover confidence, improve his mental wellness, strengthen his marriage, and realize that he was capable of far more than he had been told. That transformation inspired Jonathan to found Operation WarriorFit, a nonprofit that helps veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and first responders access free or significantly discounted entries to races and competitive fitness events. Jonathan is now preparing for Operation Carolina, a 700-mile run across North Carolina in just 17 days. From September 21 through October 7, 2026, he will run from Murphy to Manteo to raise awareness and funds for veteran and first responder mental health. In this conversation, Jonathan discusses: • Why losing military community can make transition so difficult • The relationship between physical activity and mental wellness • How Operation WarriorFit removes financial barriers to fitness events • Why beginners, walkers, and experienced athletes are all welcome • How a race can restore accountability, purpose, and belonging • Why showing up matters, even when you do not cross the finish line • The mission behind Jonathan’s 700-mile Operation Carolina run As Jonathan reminds us, taking the first step is often the hardest and most powerful thing a person can do. Learn more or apply through Operation WarriorFit: https://www.operationwarriorfit.org/ Follow Operation Carolina: https://www.operationwarriorfit.org/operation-carolina Explore more episodes of Veteran Voices: SITREP: https://podcast.veteranvoices.us/ Contact us: https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us If this conversation can help someone you know, please like, subscribe, and share it. CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes discussion of suicide, grief, alcohol misuse, and mental-health struggles. If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or visit: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ #VeteranVoices #OperationWarriorFit #VeteranMentalHealth #JonathanMilkovich, #OperationCarolina, #veteranfitness, #firstresponderfitness, #endurancerunning, #suicideprevention, #mentalwellness, #raceentryassistance Watch the video podcast on YouTube. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
4 Aug

Keep the Memories, Lose the Pain with Roger St Julian

In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Tom and Chris sit down with Army veteran, therapist, and founder of Third Space Therapy, Roger St. Julian, for a powerful conversation about service, identity, trauma, transition, and healing. Roger shares his journey from ROTC and the 82nd Airborne to deployment in Iraq, where his mission shifted from combat expectations to training, mentoring, and rebuilding trust. He opens up about wrestling with the feeling that his service was somehow “lesser,” the loss of brotherhood after leaving the military, and the difficult transition into civilian life. After a severe motorcycle accident left him with a traumatic brain injury, coma, retrograde amnesia, and the need to rebuild his identity from the ground up, Roger found a new mission: helping others heal. This conversation explores: • Why veterans sometimes question the value of their service • The loss of military brotherhood after transition • Alcohol, adrenaline, and the search for meaning after service • Traumatic brain injury and rebuilding identity • Why healing cannot happen in isolation • Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART • The idea behind “keep the memory, lose the pain” • How therapy can happen outside the traditional office setting • Roger’s vision for Third Space Therapy • Veteran organizations that help restore purpose, mission, and community Roger’s message is clear: the uniform may come off, but the mission does not have to end. If you are a veteran searching for purpose, healing, connection, or your next chapter, this episode is for you. Learn more about Roger and Third Space Therapy: https://thirdspacethreshold.com Resources mentioned: University of Health and Performance Team Rubicon Team Red, White & Blue RICE: Restorative Innovative Campus Ecosystem Veteran Voices: SITREP is hosted by Army veterans Tom Faust and Chris Faust. Our mission is to share stories, insights, and resources that help veterans transition, heal, and thrive in civilian life. Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, advocates, and organizations making a difference. #VeteranVoices #SITREP #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #PTSD #TBI #VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #ARTTherapy #ThirdSpaceTherapy #ArmyVeteran #VeteranSupport Contact us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us https://veteranvoices.us Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
11 Jun

Preserving the Story Behind Challenge Coins with Anna Redmond

In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Tom and Chris Faust sit down with Anna Redmond, founder of BRAV and AllCoin, to talk about the powerful meaning behind challenge coins and the stories they carry. Challenge coins have long been part of military, veteran, first responder, and security communities. But as Anna explains, the coin itself is only part of the story. The real value is in the memory, the moment, the relationship, and the meaning behind it. Anna shares how she first discovered challenge coins while building relationships with veterans and first responders through her security company, BRAV. What started as curiosity became a mission: help preserve the stories behind the coins before they are forgotten. The conversation explores how AllCoin is creating a digital challenge coin network where veterans, first responders, organizations, and coin holders can upload their coins, preserve the stories attached to them, and even create digital twins of physical coins using blockchain technology. Tom and Chris also walk through creating the first Veteran Voices SITREP Podcast digital challenge coin during the episode. In this conversation, we discuss: The meaning behind challenge coins Why the story matters more than the metal How challenge coins preserve memory, service, and connection The difference between collecting coins and earning them How families can preserve the history behind a loved one’s coins How AllCoin creates digital challenge coin walls How blockchain can help protect provenance and authenticity Why challenge coins matter across military, veteran, first responder, and security communities Guest: Anna Redmond Founder of BRAV and AllCoin AllCoin: allcoin.brav.co Contact: anna@braav.co Thank you for watching Veteran Voices: SITREP, where we share stories, resources, and conversations that matter to veterans, military families, first responders, and the people who support them. Please like, subscribe, and share this episode to help us get these conversations in front of more people. https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
22 Jan

Why Being ‘Physically Present’ Isn’t Enough for Your Family

Veteran Voices: SITREP -Episode 48 In this powerful episode of Veteran Voices, we sit down with Alex Johnson, a combat veteran who shares his unfiltered journey from war, identity loss, and alcohol dependency to healing, accountability, and conscious leadership. Alex opens up about the moment his marriage nearly ended, how alcohol became a coping mechanism after leaving the military, and what finally forced him to surrender control and seek help. He walks us through laying face-down on a therapist’s office floor, learning to remove the “armor” at home, and redefining what service, leadership, and strength really mean outside the uniform. This conversation dives deep into: Transitioning out of the military and losing structure, identity, and accountability PTSD, alcohol use, and the danger of “being present but not available” Why surrendering and therapy are not weakness Conscious leadership vs. reactive living Healthy accountability between veterans Rebuilding marriage, fatherhood, and trust Letting go of comparison and focusing on 1% growth What real service looks like after the military This episode is for veterans, spouses, leaders, and anyone navigating change, trauma, or personal growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re supposed to become, this conversation is for you. 🔔 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Disclaimer: The discussions and topics covered on this podcast/transcript are for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional medical advice. Our hosts and guests are not medical professionals and are not qualified to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any medical condition. If you're seeking medical advice or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. The information and opinions shared on this podcast are based on personal experiences, research, and general knowledge, and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical care. We encourage our listeners to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about their health or well-being. By consuming this podcast/transcript, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms. We're happy to provide information and insights, but we're not qualified to provide medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please seek help from a qualified medical professional. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
11/12/2025

Your Disability Income Is Power — Here’s How to Use It

In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Tom and Chris sit down with financial professional Nick Jarvis — a man quietly becoming the go-to guide for veterans facing medical retirement, disability decisions, severance, and the terrifying question… “What now?” Nick breaks down the real challenges veterans face when stepping out of the military and into civilian life — the uncertainty, the fear, the lack of clarity, and the overwhelming options no one ever explains. You’ll hear Nick’s simple, powerful message: You have options. You’ve earned them. And you can thrive, not just survive. 🔍 In this episode, we cover: • How to translate a military MOS into civilian job opportunities • Why disability income is untapped power most veterans don’t leverage • What to do with your TSP when separating • The truth about severance, pensions, and private retirement strategies • How families can better understand the emotional weight of transition • Why too many veterans struggle — and how to change that Nick also shares real stories of veterans he’s helped, the mindset shifts that changed their futures, and his mission-driven approach rooted in service, clarity, and family protection. If you’re a veteran, a spouse, or someone supporting a service member through transition, this is required listening. You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with Nick Jarvis: 🌐 Website: NicholasJarvis.com 📞 Phone/Text: 208-755-9288 About Veteran Voices: SITREP Hosted by father-son Army veterans Tom and Chris Faust, the SITREP podcast exists to empower veterans with real stories, real resources, and real conversations that support a successful transition into civilian life. Like, comment, and subscribe to help us reach more veterans who need this information. https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
27/11/2025

Veteran to Police Officer: A Step-By-Step Guide With Frank McGaha

In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Navy veteran and former federal law enforcement officer Frank McGaha joins us to share a raw, unfiltered look at transition, failure, purpose, and the realities of life after the uniform. Frank takes us through his journey from BUD/S and SEAL training, to aviation, to multiple deployments, to a career-ending set of injuries — and the moment he realized he could no longer safely do the job he loved. What followed was a complete reinvention: rebuilding his identity, finding new purpose, and creating a coaching program for law enforcement candidates, including veterans navigating the toughest hiring process in the country. If you’ve ever struggled with transition, questioned your purpose, or wondered how to keep serving when your body or circumstances say otherwise — this conversation is going to hit home. 🎙️ In this episode we cover: The brutal truth Frank learned the first time he truly failedHow injury forced him to rethink everything he thought he was meant to doThe culture shock veterans face when entering law enforcementWhy so many military skills don’t translate on paper — and what actually doesWhat departments really look for in the psych eval, polygraph, and background checkHow veterans can still find purpose, camaraderie, and service after the militaryThe role mentors played in shaping Frank’s entire careerThe one mindset shift that helped him rebuild from the ground up🔥 Key episode themes: Failure as growth • Veteran transition • Law enforcement careers • Mental toughness • Injury & resilience • Identity after service • Purpose • Mentorship • Preparing for a second mission Who This Episode Is For ✔ Veterans struggling with transition ✔ Active-duty service members preparing to ETS ✔ Veterans considering law enforcement careers ✔ Officers looking for stronger mindset, leadership, and preparation ✔ Anyone who’s ever felt stuck between who they were and who they’re becoming About Veteran Voices: SITREP Hosted by Army veterans Tom Faust and Chris Faust, Veteran Voices: SITREP exists to support, encourage, and empower veterans in their next chapter. Each episode dives into stories, tools, and conversations that help veterans navigate life after service with purpose, clarity, and community. You’re not alone. You have a mission. And this is your SITREP. https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Connect With Frank 👉 Armogan Consulting & Training LLC (https://www.armoganct.com/) Support the Mission 👍 Like 🗣 Comment 🔔 Subscribe Your engagement helps us reach more veterans who need these conversations. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
18/10/2025

Poetry as Therapy: Finding Healing and Purpose After Service | Chris Clark Interview

In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, co-hosts Tom and Chris Faust sit down with Army veteran and poet Chris Clark (SFC Retired) to explore how creative expression can help veterans process trauma and rediscover purpose after service. After retiring from over two decades in the Army, Chris found that transitioning to civilian life wasn’t as simple as expected. Through poetry, he discovered a powerful outlet for reflection, healing, and connection. Join us as we talk about: Replacing one routine with another after the militaryHow writing became Chris’s form of therapyThe challenges and surprises of adjusting to civilian lifeFinding identity and meaning beyond the uniformIf you’re a veteran navigating life after service—or know someone who is—this conversation will remind you that your story still matters, and healing often starts with sharing it. 📌 About the Podcast: Veteran Voices: SITREP shares real stories, resources, and insights to empower veterans in transition. Hosted by Tom Faust and Chris Faust, both Army veterans, the show covers topics like PTSD recovery, homelessness prevention, entrepreneurship, and community support. 🔗 Follow & Connect: 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform 🌐 Visit veteranvoices.us 🔗 Where to Find Chris Carter: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoetic1z https://www.instagram.com/thepoetic1z/# https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoetic1z https://www.facebook.com/thepoetic1z 🔗 Where to Veteran Voices: https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us #VeteranVoices #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #PoetryHealing #ChrisClark #PTSDRecovery #VeteranSupport Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP
02/10/2025

Breaking the Silence: Veterans, Addiction, and the Road to Recovery with Dr. Tony Dice

Episode 44 – Dr. Tony Dice: After the Trident Former Navy SEAL, firefighter, paramedic, and now clinical therapist, Dr. Tony Dice has lived through both the highs of service and the depths of addiction. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Dr. Dice opens up about the darker side of military culture, how alcohol and drugs became “emotional currency,” and the spiral that led him to rock bottom. He shares powerful moments from his fight for sobriety—what he calls “passive suicide”—and the turning point that came when he realized his son might follow in his footsteps. Now 15 years sober, Dr. Dice has dedicated his life to helping veterans and first responders through Bishop & Dice Defense, a unique program that builds trust through tactical training before bringing in mental health support. We talk about: The transition from SEAL teams to civilian life—and the dangers of unchecked freedomWhy veterans need specialized treatment approaches for PTSD and addictionHow asking for help goes against military conditioning, yet saves livesHis upcoming book After the Trident: A Navy SEAL’s Battle with Secret Shame and AddictionWhy “even heroes need heroes”This episode is a gut-punch reminder that the toughest fight often begins after the uniform comes off—and that recovery and redemption are always possible. Dr. Dice's Links: Bishop & Dice Defense: http://www.bishopdicedefense.com/ Get the Book: http://www.drdicebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bishopdicedefense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tonydice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.dice.5 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.tonydice Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast. Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranvoicessitrep #VeteranVoices #SITREP

10 Episodes

We are Tom and Chris Faust; father and son. We are veterans. We are Veteran Voices. This is SITREP, where we provide information about resources for veterans and interviews with veterans about their situation, experiences, and what they may be doing to help other veterans. Our mission is to provide information that helps veterans transition from military to civilian life in order to prevent veteran homelessness.

Creator

Tom & Chris Faust
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Pearl Lane, LLC d.b.a. Veteran Voices: SITREP
Show Website

Veteran Voices: SITREP