In this episode of Finding Freedom, host John Odermatt sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker, former US Marine Corps infantry officer, combat veteran, and executive director of Mighty Oaks Foundation. Jeremy shares his journey from leading Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq to struggling with identity loss after leaving the military, and ultimately finding purpose through faith-based veteran support work.
The conversation explores how military service creates a deeply ingrained identity that can leave veterans lost when they transition to civilian life, often leading to anger, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. Jeremy explains how Mighty Oaks Foundation addresses the root cause—identity crisis—rather than just treating symptoms, helping over 7,000 veterans, first responders, and their spouses rebuild their lives on a foundation of faith and purpose. The discussion covers leadership principles from Jeremy's book "Leadership by Design," emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others and helping them reach their potential, not about rank or authority. Jeremy advocates for a holistic approach to veteran care that combines clinical therapies with spiritual foundation, arguing that without clarity on identity and purpose, other interventions fall short. The episode concludes with information on how Mighty Oaks provides free five-day programs and ongoing aftercare to help those struggling with post-traumatic stress and transition challenges.
0:00 - Introduction: Real Leadership in Crisis
0:47 - Welcome & Episode Preview
1:07 - Sponsor: Fox and Sons Coffee
2:03 - Introducing Jeremy Stalnecker
2:20 - Jeremy's Path to the Marine Corps
3:04 - Commissioning & First Battalion Fifth Marines
5:31 - 9/11 and Deployment to Iraq
5:52 - Battle of Baghdad Experience
6:17 - Transition Struggles After Leaving the Marines
6:47 - Identity Crisis and Anger Issues
9:25 - Finding Help Through Community
11:12 - Universal Struggle with Identity Loss
12:00 - Mighty Oaks Foundation's Approach
12:07 - Identity, Purpose, and Hope Connection
13:30 - Suicide Prevention and Root Causes
14:38 - Military vs. Civilian Identity
17:18 - Faith-Based Identity vs. Job-Based Identity
20:32 - Offensive Faith and Leadership by Design
22:12 - Redefining Leadership
24:03 - Leadership Definition: Serving Others
27:55 - Creating Environments for Growth
31:31 - The Challenge of Comfort Culture
34:29 - Opportunity for Young People
36:18 - When to Let People Go vs. Perseverance
37:24 - Mighty Oaks Five-Day Program Overview
40:00 - Stories of Transformation
45:11 - The Foundation of Faith
46:10 - Funding and Government Support
50:24 - How to Support Mighty Oaks Foundation
51:57 - Final Thoughts & Closing
Jeremy Stalnecker & Mighty Oaks Foundation: https://mightyoaksprograms.org
March or Die Podcast: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/
John Odermatt on Twitter: https://x.com/JohnOdermatt
John Odermatt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnodermatt/
Newsletter: https://john-odermatt-finding-freedom.kit.com/105b53c794
This episode is brought to you by Fox and Sons Coffee – fresh, high-quality coffee shipped directly to your door, available as whole bean or ground to your preference. Get 15% off orders of $40 or more with promo code JOHN at checkout. Visit: FoxNSons.com
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