The mission of Veteranology is simple: Help veterans leaving active service experience healthy and fulfilling transitions into the civilian world. This is done by interviewing veterans who have found success in their new life outside of the military, individuals who have created service organizations and non-profits that serve the veteran community, and professionals deeply integrated into the backdrop of veteran life, such as doctors, lawyers, and caseworkers.
Jay is a Marine Corps veteran from Illinois, currently living in Denver, CO. He served with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines as a machine gunner. He left the service as a sergeant and attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, graduating with a BS in Economics. A few months after graduating he led a project called Pax2Pax, a bicycle ride across the country in honor of Lance Corporal Johnny Strong, a marine who had been killed in Iraq on a patrol Knight was leading. Knight’s team raised over $20,000 for charity. He now hosts Veteranology, a podcast that serves veterans by sharing the stories of vets who have found healthy and fulfilling lives after leaving the service.
IN THIS PARTICULAR EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:
Jay's transition out of the service and his bike ride across the U.S., which he called the "biggest band-aid he needed," as well as the realization of how important it is to tell his story
The importance of building trust in a veteran sharing their story, or helping a veteran to share their story
Thoughts about finding a new identity after leaving the service
Jay's thoughts on the epidemic of veteran suicide
Finding a way to get to the root of psychological problems through any means possible, including art therapy and volunteering
Some thoughts on the challenges of being an "angry vet" on social media
Thriving in spite of challenges and disabilitiesLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Veteranology Web Site
Veteranology Facebook Page
Veteranology Episode 5: Russell Davies
Veteranology Episode 7: Dr. Craig Bryan
Veteranology Episode 13: Stop Soldier Suicide
Veteranology Episode 16: Curt Bean
Veteranology Episode 18: Redmond Ramos