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.

5D AGO

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 a text 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

1h 8m
12/11/2025

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 a text 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

57 min
11/27/2025

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 a text 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

1h 19m
10/18/2025

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 a text 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

1h 14m
10/02/2025

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 a text 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

54 min
08/07/2025

Beyond PTSD: The Hidden Wounds of War with Dr. Brian Livesay

🎙️ Episode 43: Dr. Brian Livesay — Moral Injury, PTSD, and the Healing Journey In this powerful episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Dr. Brian Livesay—Army veteran, psychologist, and innovator of Critical Memory Integration (CMI)—joins Tom and Chris Faust to dive deep into the unseen wounds veterans carry after service. From redefining PTSD as a survival response to exposing the silent epidemic of moral injury, Dr. Livesay brings a raw, compassionate, and expert perspective to the complex mental health challenges faced by transitioning service members. He shares: * His own journey from the battlefield to the therapy room * The emotional cost of leaving the uniform behind * A story of transformative healing through CMI * Why moral injury needs more attention, and how we begin to heal from it Whether you're a veteran, a loved one, or someone who supports the military community, this is a must-hear conversation about hope, pain, purpose—and the power of facing your story head-on. 🫡 “Faith moves mountains... I’ve seen people transform the topography of their lives.” — Dr. Brian Livesay Dr. Brian Livesay's BIO: https://www.veteranvoices.us/livesay-bio Additional Links Arise Alliance: https://arisealliance.org/ Arise Alliance Institute: https://www.instagram.com/ariseallianceinstitute/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5MyzV9KBg0eJ0uY88N-zCw 👉 Subscribe for more interviews that support veterans in their transition to civilian life. 🎧 Listen on all platforms: https://podcast.veteranvoices.us 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters here. Our website: https://www.veteranvoices.us Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Send us a text 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

1h 11m
07/15/2025

Battlefitted: How Robert Wheeler Turned Pain into Purpose

What happens when your military service ends, but the battle within continues? In this powerful episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, Navy veteran Robert Wheeler shares his unfiltered story of identity loss, trauma, depression—and how he found hope again. From military police service to struggling through the dark aftermath of his transition, Robert opens up about holding a gun in his hand, nearly giving up, and what saved him: connection, coaching, and a mindset shift rooted in gratitude. Today, Robert leads Battlefitted, helping veterans and first responders navigate trauma, rediscover purpose, and build resilience through fitness, mindset, and discipline. This is a must-watch for anyone seeking real talk about what it takes to heal after service. 🔗 Connect with Robert: https://battlefittedbrand.com 🎧 Robert's Podcast: Battle Harder 👕 Texas Strong T-shirt (charity support): Available on the website Please like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Your voice matters. #MilitaryTransition #PTSDSupport #Battlefitted Send us a text 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

32 min
07/04/2025

From Soldier to Puzzle-Making Pioneer

In this episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, hosts Tom and Chris Faust sit down with veteran and lifelong "word nerd" Gail Marie Beckman—a trailblazing cruciverbalist who's been crafting custom crossword and word search puzzles since 1991.Gail shares her inspiring journey from enlisting in the Army to escaping the family construction business to building a one-of-a-kind puzzle business from scratch. Learn how a typo-filled cable company sparked her first custom crossword, how her puzzles have brought joy and healing to families and corporations alike, and why she believes puzzles offer mental clarity and therapeutic escape—especially for veterans.We also explore:Her service in Baumholder, Germany in the late '70sCreating puzzles for brands like Purina, Humana, and Johns HopkinsA special veteran-themed puzzle supporting suicide preventionHer heartfelt Betty White tribute puzzleAdvice for veterans looking to turn their passion into a businessPlus, don’t miss the exclusive word search puzzle Gail created for the Be The One campaign — available to download for free!🎁 Free Puzzle Download (Suicide Prevention & Veteran Support):👉 https://veteranvoices.us/be-the-one🛒 Check out Gail's puzzle books:Available via Barnes & Noble Print-on-Demand — titles include Mind, Body, Crosswords and More, Cannabis & Crosswords, and her upcoming Fur & Feathers puzzle collection!👉 http://veteranvoices.us/beckman-books💬 Connect with Gail:Find her on LinkedIn to inquire about custom puzzles for your next event, family celebration, or corporate training.👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-marie-beckman-638725309/———🪖 Veteran Voices: SITREP is your go-to podcast for real conversations that empower, uplift, and inform veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more inspiring veteran stories and resources.📢 Veteran Voices: SITREP — Where your voice matters.#VeteranVoices #CrosswordCreator #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryToCivilian #PTSDSupport #PuzzleTherapy #WomenVeterans #BeTheOne #VeteranTransition #GailBeckman #SuicidePrevention #PodcastInterview👉 https://www.veteranvoices.us👉 Email Us: sitrep@veteranvoices.us Send us a text 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 min
06/03/2025

Still in the Fight: Vanity Dawson on Advocacy, Healing, and the Mission Beyond the Uniform

Episode 40 - Interview with Vanity Dawton - Victim Advocate In this powerful episode of Veteran Voices: SITREP, hosts Tom and Chris Faust sit down with Vanity Dawson, an Air National Guard veteran, trauma therapist, and former SHARP and victim advocate. Vanity opens up about her personal journey from service member to licensed clinical professional counselor—revealing how her military experiences and personal trauma shaped her calling to support others. 💬 Hear how: Helping others helped Vanity heal herselfShe’s become a safe space for veterans seeking mental health supportWorking with children and adults has expanded her missionHer transition out of uniform was only the beginning of her service 🎧 Whether you're a veteran, a survivor, or someone passionate about healing and advocacy, this conversation will move you, inform you, and remind you that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. 📚 Mentioned in this Episode: Vanity’s book: Life After Trauma: Companion workbook: Empowered by Resilience Connect with Vanity: https://vanitydawson.com 🔥 Subscribe for more veteran stories, resources, and tools to help you thrive after service. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe Our Website: ⁠https://www.veteranvoices.us⁠ Email Us: ⁠sitrep@veteranvoices.us⁠ #VeteranVoices #SITREP #VanityDawson #MentalHealth #MilitaryTransition #TraumaHealing #VeteranSupport #AirNationalGuard #VictimAdvocate #PostMilitaryLife Send us a text 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

30 min
05/20/2025

A Mother’s Mission – Theresa Hart & the Power of Newby-Ginnings

When grief meets grit, something extraordinary happens. In this soul-stirring episode of Veteran Voices, we sit down with Theresa Hart, a Gold Star mother who transformed unimaginable loss into unwavering service. After the death of her son, Sgt. Nicholas Newby, Theresa founded Newby-Ginnings of North Idaho—a nonprofit providing completely free support to veterans, active service members, and Gold Star families. What started in her garage is now a lifeline for thousands. 🔥 Hear how Newby-Ginnings exploded into a sanctuary where food, clothing, household essentials—and hope—are given with zero cost and zero judgment. 💥 Learn how this grassroots effort thrives on community, not government funding. 🛠️ Discover how you can get involved, start your own version, or just soak up the powerful lesson in resilience, purpose, and paying it forward. If you’re a veteran, a supporter, or simply a human who believes in raw impact—this episode will move you. 🫶 Share this. Support this. And never underestimate what one determined woman can do in the name of love and legacy. 👉 Visit: https://www.newbyginnings.org 🔔 Like, Subscribe, and let’s amplify this mission! Our Website: https://veteranvoices.us Email us at: sitrep@veteranvoices.us #VeteranSupport, #GoldStarMother, #TheresaHart, #NewbyGinnings, #VeteranVoices, #MilitaryFamilies, #PodcastInterview, #NonprofitHeroes, #VeteranResources, #GriefToGiving, #PurposeDriven Send us a text 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

30 min

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