Welcome to episode 9 of the In the Name of Service Podcast. Here we broadcast stories of everyday men and women who’ve answered a call to serve in hopes of inspiring and catalyzing the rest of us to follow suit in our own way. Today’s interview is with Eric Hohman. Eric is a former Combat Controller, MBA, and president of the First There Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure current and former Combat Controllers know they have teammates ready to assist them when life becomes difficult. They help coordinate access to medical, mental, and substance abuse treatments and provide emergency financial assistance, career guidance, and help connect families to various support services. First There honors past, present, and future Combat Controllers by raising awareness of their vital contributions to armed conflicts and natural disasters throughout American history. 2022 was their first year and they helped 22 Controllers and 7 family members. They are on pace to help more of their members with job placement, medical aid, and telling their story.

In today’s conversation, Eric takes us through his own story, highlighting some of the pain he has experienced and how those experiences have given him the insight he needed to help others today. Specifically, Eric talks about survivor’s guilt, depression, using alcohol to self-medicate, and suicidal ideation. These are not uncommon for combat veterans, especially following their separation from service due to several losses occurring simultaneously such as the loss of purpose, loss of belonging and support, and the loss of identity.

However, if there is anything at all you hear from Eric’s story, I want you to hear this: Number 1: Having any of these or other symptoms does not make you weak. I will say that again: Having these or other symptoms does not make you weak. 2: You are not alone. I’ve worked with the most elite military men and women in the world and they too struggle with all of the symptoms mentioned and more. 3: Not reaching out and talking to someone is the easiest way for THIS enemy to defeat you. THIS enemy will whisper lies to you all day long to keep you from growing and healing. 4: Like other enemies you have faced, you can beat this one. Do not, as Eric says, suffer in silence. Call me or call Eric or call someone you know and talk today, right now.

I hope this conversation gives you hope today. This episode is dedicated to Chris “AZ” Rush. For more information on the First There Foundation, Combat Controllers, or resources for support, please take a look at the show notes. Thank you for listening!

Additional resources:

The history of First There: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-combat-controllers-first-there/

Chris “AZ” Rush: https://www.1stthere.org/about/chris-az-rush/

To Donate: https://www.1stthere.org/donate