The Unseen Journey Operation Red Wings Foundation

Welcome back to *The Unseen Journey*, a podcast dedicated to supporting veterans and their families as they navigate life after the military. In this episode, we have a truly inspiring guest, Robert Elliott. Robert shares his incredible journey from serving in the Marine Corps to becoming a successful farmer and founder of the Veterans Farm of North Carolina. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and dedication to helping fellow veterans find purpose and healing through agriculture.
Join us as Robert discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from military to civilian life, the pivotal moments that led him to farming, and the development of his nonprofit that supports veterans in agriculture. We also talk about the unique struggles veterans face during their transition and how programs like Robert's are making a significant impact in suicide prevention and community building. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding new purpose after service.
Key Points:
- [00:47] - Introduction of Robert Elliott and his background.
- [02:10] - Robert’s journey from the Marine Corps to farming.
- [10:34] - Challenges faced during the transition to civilian life.
- [17:02] - The inception and growth of Veterans Farm of North Carolina.
- [23:34] - The importance of purpose and community for veterans.
- [32:19] - Advice for veterans on utilizing VA benefits.
- [41:10] - Comprehensive overview of the agricultural training program.
- [49:05] - The impact of Robert’s program on veteran suicide prevention.

Links Mentioned:
- [Operation Red Wings Foundation](https://www.orwfoundation.org) - Learn more about the retreats and resources available for veterans.
- [Veterans Farm of North Carolina](https://www.veteransfarmnc.org) - Discover how Robert's nonprofit is making a difference in the lives of veterans through agriculture.

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Welcome to another episode of  The Unseen Journey, a captivating podcast dedicated to uplifting veterans and their families as they navigate life after the military. Join us as we welcome the incredible Cheryl and dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of first deployment families. Together, they explore the intricate tapestry of trauma recovery post-deployment, unraveling the impact on family dynamics and uncovering powerful coping mechanisms. Get ready for an insightful conversation that delves into the importance of understanding trauma and the resilient spirit that guides us through life's toughest challenges.
Key Points:
Support for Veterans:
The podcast aims to provide support and resources for veterans and their families as they navigate life after military service.

Mental Health and Resilience:
The discussion touches on invisible wounds, mental health challenges, and strategies for resilience among veterans and their families.

Parenting and Blind Spots:
Cheryl discusses parenting challenges, the importance of creating safe spaces for growth and learning, and addressing blind spots in personal development.

Trauma and Coping:
Personal experiences of trauma post-deployment are shared, including coping mechanisms like therapy and recognizing blind spots in behavior.

Trauma Recovery:
The conversation revolves around the host's journey through trauma recovery post-deployment, highlighting experiences of hyper-vigilance, coping mechanisms, and the impact on family life.

Supportive Spouse:
The discussion emphasizes the role of a supportive spouse in understanding and navigating trauma-related behaviors and challenges, highlighting the importance of communication and empathy.

Navigating Protocols and Education:
The episode touches on challenges in navigating protocols and education around trauma, including experiences in therapy, dialogue with schools regarding safety drills, and the importance of veteran-led support and resources.



Quotable Moments:
"The military is a second language because it really does have its own dialog.”

"Making a safe space to take risks, have opportunities for failure, and learn from that failure is crucial for growth.”

"Addressing blind spots allows us to confront who we are and who we want to be, especially in parenting roles."

Welcome to The Unseen Journey, a podcast dedicated to supporting veterans and their families as they navigate life after the military. In this episode, host Guy introduces special guest Tonja, who shares her experiences with the Alpha Stim device and its impact on mental health and well-being. They also get into the various applications of the Alpha Stim, its benefits, and how it has helped veterans manage conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Key Points:
Introduction to Alpha Stim:
The episode begins with a brief introduction to The Unseen Journey podcast, highlighting its focus on mental health support for veterans. Guy introduces Tonja, who shares her background and experiences with the Alpha Stim device.
Alpha Stim Experience:
Tonja describes her initial experience with the Alpha Stim during an individual retreat and how it took several sessions to find the right settings for her. She emphasizes the device's impact on improving her sleep quality and reducing headaches.
Benefits and Applications:
The conversation expands to discuss the broader benefits of the Alpha Stim, including its efficacy in managing anxiety, chronic pain, and other related conditions. Tonja shares personal anecdotes and insights into how the device has positively influenced her daily life and family dynamics.
Accessibility and Usage:
Tonja highlights the accessibility of the Alpha Stim through programs like Operation Red Wings Foundation and its availability for veterans through healthcare providers like the VA. She also shares tips on using the device effectively in different settings, such as during travel or before stressful events like exams.
Versatility of Alpha Stim:
Tonja emphasizes the versatility of the Alpha Stim device, mentioning that it can be worn on the head or clipped onto clothing, making it convenient for use in various settings. She shares personal experiences of using it as a passenger in a car, highlighting its ease of use and effectiveness in preventing drowsiness without falling asleep at the wheel.
Consistency and Benefits:
Tonja stresses the importance of consistent use of the Alpha Stim for optimal results, noting that gradual changes over time contribute to improved energy levels and reduced anxiety. She shares insights into how self-care practices like using the Alpha Stim can enhance overall well-being and enable individuals to show up positively in their relationships and daily activities.
Quotable Moments:
"The Alpha Stim was a game-changer for me. It improved my sleep quality and reduced the frequency of headaches."

"Consistent use of the Alpha Stim has positively impacted my next-day energy levels and overall well-being.”

"Using the Alpha Stim has allowed me to show up more positively for my family, reducing the impact of my mental health challenges on our daily lives."

Links Mentioned:
https://www.orwfoundation.org

In this episode, host Guy introduces special guest Kristy to discuss Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and its benefits for Veterans and others. They explore the technology, treatment process, and funding options, shedding light on an alternative approach to healing and wellness. Join us for valuable insights into HBOT and its potential impact on Veterans' health and well-being, and a broader conversation about alternative healing approaches.
Key Points:
Exploring HBOT Therapy: 
The discussion delves into the concept of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the benefits, and the treatment process, including the use of medical oxygen and masks.
Funding and Accessibility: 
Guy and Kristy discuss funding options for HBOT treatments, including TRICARE and VA referrals, making it accessible to Veterans in different states.
Alternative Healing Approaches: 
The conversation touches on the importance of exploring alternative therapies beyond medications, highlighting the potential benefits for Veterans' overall well-being.
Approved Conditions for Chamber Treatment:
The conversation delves into the approved conditions for HBOT treatments, exploring the criteria and protocols for accessing this life-changing therapy.
Holistic Benefits:
Kristy and Guy discuss the holistic benefits of HBOT, ranging from brain health to nerve regeneration and wound healing, emphasizing the importance of a multi-faceted approach to wellness.
Discovering Different Healing Approaches:
The discussion extends to alternative healing approaches beyond medications, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Alpha-Stim, highlighting the diverse options available for Veterans' well-being.
Frequency and Protocol:
Questions about the frequency of HBOT treatments and their impact on daily life are addressed, providing insights into the practical aspects of incorporating this therapy into one's routine.
Quotable Moments:
 "There are a lot of Veterans who get on pills, but exploring alternative therapies can be really beneficial."
"Approaching problems with the body requires multiple aspects. Adding one more option to the kit bag for healing is awesome.”
Links Mentioned:
https://www.orwfoundation.org

https://hbot4heroes.org/

In this episode of The Unseen Journey podcast, we delve into the life experiences and challenges faced by a Veteran who shares his journey of transitioning from military service to civilian life. From struggles with mental health to finding support and understanding, this episode offers valuable insights into the unseen battles Veterans often face. From the impact of a service dog to the importance of self-awareness, this episode sheds light on the unseen challenges veterans face and the pathways to healing and resilience.
Key Points:
Transition from Military to Civilian Life:
The guest discusses his journey from serving in the Air Force to navigating life after leaving the military. He highlights the challenges of finding purpose and stability outside of the military environment.
Struggles with Mental Health:
The guest opens up about his experiences with PTSD and the difficulties he faced in accessing adequate support and resources from the VA.
Importance of Support Networks:
He emphasizes the role of supportive communities, such as fellow veterans and understanding colleagues, in aiding his journey towards healing and acceptance.
Overcoming Challenges:
Despite facing various setbacks and hurdles, the guest shares how he found resilience and strength through personal growth, seeking alternative therapies, and building a supportive network.
Accountability and Support:
The guest discusses how his wife's accountability and support have helped him become more aware of others' struggles and less uptight, leading to personal growth and improved relationships.
The Role of a Service Dog:
He shares how his service dog has significantly reduced his anxiety in public settings and helped him trust more in society, highlighting the transformative impact of animal companionship.
Connecting with Other Veterans:
Through retreats and interactions with fellow Veterans, the guest emphasizes the importance of building connections, finding common ground, and relying on each other for support during challenging times.
Self-Awareness and Personal Growth:
Reflecting on his journey, he underscores the significance of self-awareness in building meaningful relationships, managing anxiety, and navigating life after military service.
Quotable Moments:
"I never realized how much of a game changer having a service dog is."
"Being around fellow veterans who understand your experiences is invaluable."
"It's about finding common ground and coexisting, rather than competing or proving oneself."
"You've got to learn to be comfortable with yourself and become self-aware before you can share that with anybody else."

Welcome to "The Unseen Journey," a podcast dedicated to supporting veterans and their families as they navigate life after the military. In this episode, Guy is joined by special guest Lottie, who shares her transformative journey and the tools she's found helpful in overcoming her invisible wounds and injuries. This episode highlights the resilience of Veterans and the valuable resources available to support their mental health and well-being beyond their military service.
Key Points:
Tools for Healing:
Lottie introduces her service dog and discusses how her companion, along with an Alpha Stim device, helped her cope with emotional challenges.
Veteran Retreats:
The podcast emphasizes the importance of Veteran retreats in providing mental health support, therapy sessions, and holistic tools like Alpha Stim and HeartMath techniques.
Navigating Post-Military Life:
The conversation delves into Lottie's journey of transitioning from military life, facing personal traumas, and finding courage to seek help and support.
Awareness of Trauma:
The conversation touches on the importance of raising awareness about military sexual trauma survivors and advocating for policies that support survivors and their families.
Navigating VA Benefits:
Lottie shares insights into the complexities of navigating the VA system, discussing challenges faced by Veterans in accessing benefits and resources.
Empowerment Through Sharing: 
The podcast encourages veterans to share their experiences and seek community support, emphasizing the power of storytelling and peer connections in healing journeys.
Quotable Moments:
"Being your own advocate and speaking up for yourself is such a powerful thing to do."
"Together, we can make the unseen journey a little easier for our Veterans.”
Links Mentioned:
https://orwfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/lottie.cooperaroundtheworld/