The Veterans Unmasked’s Podcast

Veterans Unmasked
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Veterans Unmasked is more than a podcast—it's a living archive dedicated to preserving the stories of military veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and those whose lives have been shaped by service. Hosted by Remy, a Disabled Combat Veteran/Gold Star Husband, each long-form conversation goes beyond headlines, sound bites, and social media posts to document the real experiences behind the uniform. From combat deployments and life-saving calls to personal loss, transition, resilience, and purpose, these stories are recorded, preserved, and shared so future generations can hear them directly from the people who lived them. Through the Veterans Unmasked Legacy Archive, we are building a permanent collection of voices, experiences, lessons, and memories that might otherwise be lost to time. Because every story matters. Because every voice deserves to be heard. Because behind every uniform is a story. Unmasked. Unbroken. Support the Mission Watch Full Episodes @ Veterans Unmasked on Youtube Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 010 | Elina Hobbs | Finding Her Voice After Military Service, MST & PTSD

    Some stories are difficult to hear. Some are even harder to tell. In this deeply personal episode of Veterans Unmasked, Navy veteran Elina Hobbs shares her journey through military service, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), PTSD, betrayal, healing, and ultimately finding the strength to reclaim her voice. This conversation is not simply about what happened to her. It is about surviving what no one should have to endure. It is about carrying invisible wounds while continuing to move forward. It is about discovering that healing is possible—even after years of silence. Military Sexual Trauma affects thousands of service members and veterans, yet many survivors never speak publicly about their experiences. Elina chose to tell her story in the hope that someone listening may realize they are not alone. This episode contains discussions of: • Military Sexual Trauma (MST) • PTSD • Trauma and recovery • Mental health • Military life • Healing and resilience Viewer and listener discretion is advised due to mature subject matter. About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations. Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten. Where Silence Ends. Learn More 🌐 Website https://VeteransUnmasked.org 📚 Legacy Archive https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive 🎧 Listen on Podbean https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story. Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers. New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.

  2. Jul 20

    Episode 009 | Roxanne Sotelo-Adamick | From the Navy to Life After Service

    Military service is filled with moments that change us forever. Some happen during duty. Others happen in everyday life. In Episode 009 of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Roxanne Sotelo-Adamick, a United States Navy veteran, as she shares her journey through military service, unexpected challenges, memorable duty stations, and the experiences that helped shape the person she is today. From stories in British Columbia and Hawaii to the friendships, hardships, and humor that come with military life, Roxanne offers an honest look at the realities of serving in uniform. Her story reminds us that not every defining moment happens in combat—many come from the people we meet, the places we go, and the obstacles we overcome along the way. Veterans Unmasked exists to preserve the stories of veterans, first responders, military families, and Gold Star families so they are never forgotten. Because when we share our stories, we remind others they are not alone. Where Silence Ends. Stories Live Forever.   About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations. Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten. Where Silence Ends. Learn More 🌐 Website https://VeteransUnmasked.org 📚 Legacy Archive https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive 🎧 Listen on Podbean https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story. Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers. New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.

    Episode 009 | Roxanne Sotelo-Adamick | From the Navy to Life After Service

  3. Jul 13

    Episode 008 | Willie Acklin | When The Alarm Sounds

    About This Episode Episode 008 | When the Alarm Sounds What happens after the alarm sounds? For most people, it's the beginning of an emergency. For firefighters, it's another call that demands split-second decisions, teamwork, leadership, and the willingness to place others before themselves. In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Senior Captain Willie Acklin of the Houston Fire Department for an honest conversation about life in the fire service. Willie shares stories from decades of experience, discussing leadership, compassion fatigue, firefighter training, brotherhood, lessons learned from Fallujah, emergency response, and the emotional realities that most people never see behind the flashing lights. From humorous firehouse stories to life-changing moments on the job, this conversation offers an inside look at what it truly means to answer the call. Whether you're a firefighter, veteran, law enforcement officer, EMT, first responder, or simply someone who wants to better understand the people who serve their communities every day, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations. Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten. Where Silence Ends. Learn More 🌐 Website https://VeteransUnmasked.org 📚 Legacy Archive https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive 🎧 Listen on Podbean https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story. Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers. New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.

  4. Jul 6

    Episode 007 | Tim Stroud | Building Community Through Stay Tuned For Vets

    Some people leave the military. Others never stop serving. In Episode 007 of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Tim Stroud, an Army veteran, combat medic, veteran advocate, and founder of Stay Tuned For Vets, to discuss what service truly looks like after the uniform comes off. From his experiences as an Army medic to creating programs that connect veterans through music, woodworking, community events, and peer support, Tim shares why purpose, connection, and service remain just as important after military life. This conversation isn't just about military service. It's about continuing to answer the call. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Serving as an Army Combat Medic ✅ Transitioning from military service ✅ The mission behind Stay Tuned For Vets ✅ Veteran community outreach ✅ Why purpose matters after service ✅ Music and creative healing ✅ Building relationships within the veteran community ✅ Leadership beyond the military ✅ Helping veterans reconnect ✅ Continuing to serve after taking off the uniform About Tim Stroud Tim Stroud is an Army veteran, combat medic, and the founder of Stay Tuned For Vets, an organization dedicated to connecting veterans through community, music, creative projects, education, and service opportunities. His mission is simple: No veteran should feel alone after their service ends. About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations. Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten. Where Silence Ends. Learn More 🌐 Website https://VeteransUnmasked.org 📚 Legacy Archive https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive 🎧 Listen on Podbean https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked Connect with Stay Tuned For Vets Stay Tuned For Vets If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story. Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers. New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.

  5. Jun 29

    Episode 006 | Cory Kammerdiener | Beneath the Surface | U.S. Navy Submariner & Electronic Technician

    What is life really like beneath the ocean's surface? For more than 12.5 years of military service, Cory Kammerdiener answered that question as a U.S. Navy submariner. Serving aboard the USS Drum, the USS Dolphin, and with the Near Term Mine Reconnaissance (NMRS) program, Cory experienced a side of military service that few people ever see. In Episode 006 of Veterans Unmasked, Cory takes us inside the world of the Silent Service, sharing stories of emergency situations aboard submarines, the realities of serving underwater for months at a time, and the brotherhood forged beneath the surface. During this conversation, Cory discusses: ⚓ Life aboard U.S. Navy submarines ⚓ The culture of the Silent Service ⚓ A collision with a Panamanian cargo ship ⚓ Flooding in the engine room ⚓ A dangerous hydrogen sulfide leak ⚓ The transition from military service to civilian life ⚓ Building a successful business after the Navy ⚓ The value of the VA Home Loan and veteran benefits Today, Cory is the owner of HOMEROCK Realty, where he continues serving others by helping families achieve homeownership while remaining a strong advocate for the veteran community. Every Veterans Unmasked episode exists to preserve the stories, experiences, sacrifices, and legacies of the men and women who have served—before those stories are lost. ☕ Proud Partner: Iron Soldiers Coffee Company Use promo code: IRONUNMASKED Save 5% on all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌐 Website: Support the Mission Cashapp: $VeteransUnmasked 🎧 Listen On: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeartRadio 📱 Follow Veterans Unmasked: Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. If you believe these stories matter, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and consider supporting the mission. Honor. Remember. Never Forget.

    Episode 006 | Cory Kammerdiener | Beneath the Surface | U.S. Navy Submariner & Electronic Technician

  6. Jun 22

    Episode 005 | Mark Cupp | Army Tanker | Finding Purpose After Service, PTSD & Second Chances

    Mark Cupp served as an Army 19K Tanker after joining the military in 2008. Like many young soldiers during the Global War on Terror, he enlisted with a clear purpose: to serve his country and make a difference. In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, Mark shares stories from Fort Knox, Fort Hood, and his deployment to Iraq, including life in Kirkuk and Erbil. He reflects on military culture, deployment expectations versus reality, leadership lessons, and the moments that still make him laugh years later—including surviving incoming mortar fire while trapped inside a scorching porta-john. But this conversation goes far beyond military humor. Mark speaks candidly about PTSD, medical discharge, losing rank, struggling after service, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, recovery, and the difficult transition from soldier to civilian. He discusses how organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Second Chance, church communities, and fellow veterans helped him rebuild his life and rediscover purpose. This is a conversation about resilience, accountability, healing, faith, and the people who stand beside us when life becomes difficult. Veterans Unmasked is dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and the people who support them through honest, long-form conversations that ensure these experiences are never forgotten. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☕ Proud Partner: Iron Soldiers Coffee Company Use promo code: IRONUNMASKED Save 5% on all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌐 Website: Support the Mission Cashapp: $VeteransUnmasked 🎧 Listen On: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeartRadio 📱 Follow Veterans Unmasked: Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. If you believe these stories matter, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and consider supporting the mission. Honor. Remember. Never Forget.

  7. Jun 15

    Episode 004 | Sergio Payan | Army Veteran & Firefighter | From fighting war to fighting fires

    Veterans Unmasked | Episode 004 From fighting a war overseas to fighting fires at home, Sergio Payan's life has been defined by service. In this powerful episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with Army veteran, firefighter, and EMT Sergio Payan for an honest conversation about military service, brotherhood, sacrifice, loss, and the responsibility of continuing to serve others long after leaving the battlefield. Sergio shares stories from his Army service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the transition back to civilian life, and his career as a firefighter and EMT. He also reflects on the loss of three close friends and fellow soldiers—PFC Aaron M. Genevie, PFC William C. Johnson, and PFC Michael P. Pittman—whose memories continue to shape the man he is today. This episode explores: • Service during Operation Iraqi Freedom • Brotherhood and military life • Coping with the loss of fellow soldiers • Transitioning from the Army to civilian life • Firefighter and EMT service • Mental resilience and purpose • Continuing to answer the call This episode is dedicated to the memory of: 🇺🇸 PFC Aaron M. Genevie 🇺🇸 PFC William C. Johnson 🇺🇸 PFC Michael P. Pittman Their service, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☕ Proud Partner: Iron Soldiers Coffee Company Use promo code: IRONUNMASKED Save 5% on all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌐 Website: Support the Mission Cashapp: $VeteransUnmasked 🎧 Listen On: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeartRadio 📱 Follow Veterans Unmasked: Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. If you believe these stories matter, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and consider supporting the mission. Honor. Remember. Never Forget. #VeteransUnmasked #SergioPayan #ArmyVeteran #Firefighter #EMT #OperationIraqiFreedom #VeteranStories #FirstResponder #Brotherhood #MilitaryPodcast #FirefighterLife #NeverForget #GoldStarFamilies

  8. Jun 8

    Episode 003 | Brice Porter | Air Force Veteran | From Service to Purpose

    In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with retired U.S. Air Force veteran Brice Porter for a candid conversation about military service, leadership, mental health, brotherhood, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off. After more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, Brice has continued his mission of serving others through the Men's Textile Collective Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veterans build community, connection, and healing through creativity and shared experiences. Together, Remy and Brice discuss the realities of military life, the challenges many veterans face during transition, the importance of maintaining strong support networks, and why service doesn't end when a military career does. This episode is a powerful reminder that purpose can be found in unexpected places—and that every veteran's story matters. Learn More at: Men's Textile Collective Foundation About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served. Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked #VeteransUnmasked #BricePorter #AirForceVeteran #MensTextileCollectiveFoundation #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

    Episode 003 | Brice Porter | Air Force Veteran | From Service to Purpose

  9. Jun 1

    Episode 002 | Taylor Mahaffey | USMC Veteran | The Silence After Service

    In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with U.S. Marine Combat Veteran Taylor Mahaffey for a candid conversation about military service, combat deployments, and the often-overlooked challenges that follow after returning home. Taylor reflects on enlisting after the events of September 11th, training at Camp Pendleton, and deploying to Iraq during a time when mortar and RPG attacks were a regular part of daily life. But this conversation goes beyond combat. Together, they discuss the loss of structure after leaving the military, the isolation many veterans experience, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the reality that struggles such as anxiety, depression, addiction, divorce, and suicide affect veterans from every background—not just those who served in combat roles. Throughout the discussion, Taylor shares the moment he realized he was not alone in what he was experiencing and why veteran-to-veteran connection can be a critical step toward healing. This episode also highlights organizations and resources helping veterans find support, purpose, and community, including Sunny Creek Ranch, FOB Razor, the Marine Corps League, VA programs, county veteran services, and Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court. Learn more about Equine Therapy: Sunny Creek Ranch - Horses for Heroes About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served. Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked #VeteransUnmasked #VeteranPodcast #MarineCorps #CombatVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDAwareness #VeteranStories #MilitaryCommunity #USMC

  10. May 25

    Episode 001 | Part 2 | Karen Pfeifer | Gold Star Wife | The Conversation

    In Part 2 of our Memorial Day launch episode, we sit down with Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer for a raw and honest conversation about grief, military family life, loss, resilience, and moving forward after tragedy. After sharing the story of losing her husband, PFC Chris Pfeifer, and giving birth to their child just 24 hours later in Part 1, this episode opens the door to a deeper discussion about the long-term realities faced by Gold Star families and the strength required to carry on. This is not scripted. This is not surface-level. This is a real conversation about sacrifice, love, trauma, survival, and remembrance. About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served. Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked #VeteransUnmasked #GoldStarSpouse #ArmySpouse  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

  11. May 25

    Episode 001 | Part 1 | Karen Pfeifer | Gold Star Wife | Don’t Ever Leave Me

    In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer shares the story of her husband, PFC Christopher Pfeifer of the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the life they were building together before war changed everything. From deployment and injury in Afghanistan to the final days spent at his side, Karen speaks openly about love, fear, grief, isolation, and the unimaginable reality of becoming a mother less than 24 hours after losing her husband. This episode is not about headlines or politics. It is about the human cost carried long after war ends. Veterans Unmasked exists to preserve these stories with honesty, dignity, and respect — ensuring the voices of veterans, Gold Star families, and those impacted by service are never forgotten. ⚠️ This episode contains discussions involving combat injuries, death, grief, and trauma that may be difficult for some listeners. These stories cannot be documented, preserved, and shared without the support of those who believe in this mission. Donations, sponsors, and community support directly help Veterans Unmasked continue recording and archiving conversations like this for future generations. About Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served. Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked #VeteransUnmasked #GoldStarSpouse #ArmySpouse  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

  12. May 21

    Intro Music for Veterans Unmasked Podcast

    This is for testing purposes

  • 12 Episodes

About

Veterans Unmasked is more than a podcast—it's a living archive dedicated to preserving the stories of military veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and those whose lives have been shaped by service. Hosted by Remy, a Disabled Combat Veteran/Gold Star Husband, each long-form conversation goes beyond headlines, sound bites, and social media posts to document the real experiences behind the uniform. From combat deployments and life-saving calls to personal loss, transition, resilience, and purpose, these stories are recorded, preserved, and shared so future generations can hear them directly from the people who lived them. Through the Veterans Unmasked Legacy Archive, we are building a permanent collection of voices, experiences, lessons, and memories that might otherwise be lost to time. Because every story matters. Because every voice deserves to be heard. Because behind every uniform is a story. Unmasked. Unbroken. Support the Mission Watch Full Episodes @ Veterans Unmasked on Youtube Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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