Regiment of the Cross | Catholic Faith-Based Veteran Podcast

Roman Carbajal discusses his journey of seeking spiritual growth and personal development through physical challenges and the transformative experience of the Camino.

Takeaways

• Seeking growth through challenges
• Isolation and reliance on spirituality

Chapters

• 00:00 Seeking Spiritual Growth

his episode reflects on the profound impact of The Passion of the Christ and how it shaped my understanding of Holy Week and the sacrifice of Christ. For many Christians, the film brought the reality of the Crucifixion into sharp focus and deepened the spiritual meaning of Easter.

I share personal reflections on how the film influenced my faith and how it continues to serve as a powerful meditation during Holy Week.

The conversation also explores leadership and pastoral care in the military, including the recent policy encouraging military chaplains to minimize visible rank. While rank is an important part of military structure, the intent behind this policy is to make chaplains more approachable—especially for young soldiers who may feel intimidated seeking help from a senior officer.

This Holy Week reflection ties together faith, sacrifice, and service, examining how the message of the Cross continues to resonate in the lives of soldiers, veterans, and anyone searching for meaning during the most sacred week of the Christian calendar.

What happens when military veterans return home and feel called to the land?

In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, we explore Armed to Farm, a nationally recognized training program that helps military veterans transition into careers in agriculture. Created by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, this program provides hands-on instruction, mentorship, and resources to help veterans build sustainable farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses.

For many veterans, farming becomes more than a job — it becomes a path toward purpose, healing, and community.

We discuss how the program works, what veterans can expect from the training, and how agriculture is helping former service members reconnect with the land while building a new mission after military service.

Whether you're a veteran considering agriculture, a supporter of veteran programs, or simply curious about the powerful connection between faith, service, and the land, this conversation will inspire you.

If you're a veteran interested in agriculture, this episode may open a door you didn't know existed.

Learn more about the program here:
https://www.armedtofarm.org

Topics Covered

• Transitioning from military service to farming
• The mission and structure of the Armed to Farm program
• Veteran agriculture training opportunities
• Building community through farming
• Agriculture as a path to healing and purpose

About Regiment of the Cross

Regiment of the Cross is a podcast dedicated to veterans, first responders, and their families — sharing stories of faith, resilience, service, and purpose after the uniform.

You are not alone.

Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, leaders, and people living a mission-driven life.

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In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, we explore the extraordinary life of Fr. Emil Kapaun, the Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain whose courage, faith, and sacrifice inspired soldiers during the Korean War.

Fr. Kapaun served on the battlefield alongside American troops, risking his life to rescue wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Even after being captured and held as a prisoner of war, he continued to minister to fellow soldiers—leading them in prayer, caring for the sick, and encouraging them to hold onto hope.

From confronting enemy soldiers while rescuing the wounded, to celebrating Easter in a bombed-out church, to encouraging fellow POWs to forgive their captors, Fr. Kapaun’s witness remains one of the most powerful examples of faith and pastoral courage in military history.

His heroic actions ultimately led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor for valor.

This episode reflects on the life, legacy, and spiritual strength of a priest who truly lived out the Gospel under the most difficult circumstances.

Fr. Kapaun’s story reminds us that faith, courage, and charity can endure even in the darkest moments of war.

• The life and military service of Fr. Emil Kapaun
• Ministry to soldiers during the Korean War
• Heroic battlefield rescues under enemy fire
• Faith and prayer among prisoners of war
• The story behind his Medal of Honor

Regiment of the Cross is a podcast dedicated to veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. We explore stories of faith, resilience, and the spiritual battles faced by those who serve.

#FrKapaun
#MedalOfHonor
#KoreanWar
#MilitaryHistory

What happens after the mission ends?

In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, we sit down with Air Force veteran Evart Outlaw to discuss the powerful connection between military service, mentorship, and agriculture.

After leaving the military, many veterans struggle to find a new sense of mission. Organizations across the country are working to change that by helping veterans transition into farming, ranching, and land stewardship.

Evart shares his journey from military service into the agricultural community and explains how mentorship programs are helping veterans build meaningful careers on the land.

We discuss the importance of hands-on training, the role of mentorship in rebuilding purpose after service, and how organizations like the
Farmer Veteran Coalition and
American Farmland Trust
are supporting veterans across the country.

The conversation also highlights a growing concern: America is losing thousands of acres of farmland every day to development, and preserving working land has become a national priority.

For many veterans, agriculture offers something deeply familiar — responsibility, discipline, and a mission that serves others.

Sometimes the path to healing isn’t found in stepping away from responsibility…

…it’s found in being entrusted with life again.

Topics discussed in this episode

• Transitioning from military service to agriculture
• The role of mentorship for veterans entering farming
• Hands-on training and why veterans learn well through experience
• Farmland conservation and the loss of American farmland
• How farming restores purpose and community for veterans

You Don’t Call Yourself a Grunt… You Earn It. The conversation delves into the significance of the title 'the grand Padre' as a term of endearment and its association with the Marines. It explores the deeper meaning of the title and its representation of camaraderie and belonging within the military community.

Takeaways

• The title 'the grand Padre' holds deep significance as a term of endearment and symbolizes camaraderie and belonging within the military community.
• Earning the title 'the grand Padre' signifies being part of the military community, getting dirty on the battle lines, and sharing the same experiences as the Marines.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Significance of 'the Grand Padre' Title

From Battlefield to Barnyard | Veterans Finding Purpose in Farming

The conversation explores the transition of veterans from the military into ranching, highlighting the high risk populations in farming and the importance of organic farming. It also discusses the challenges and resources available to veterans in this transition.

Takeaways

• Veterans transitioning into ranching
• High risk populations in farming
• Importance of organic farming

Chapters

• 00:00 Veterans Transitioning into Ranching

The conversation begins with a reflection on the iconic scene from Apocalypse Now and the pride and honor associated with serving in the CAV.

Takeaways

• Iconic scene from Apocalypse Now
• Pride and honor in serving with the CAV

Chapters

• 00:00 Pride and Honor in Serving with the CAV

The conversation begins with a tribute to Robert Duvall, highlighting his military service and iconic film roles. It then transitions to an analysis of a movie trailer, focusing on specific scenes and their significance. The discussion concludes with reflections on the diversity and unity within the military.

Takeaways

• Honoring Robert Duvall's legacy
• Reflections on military service

Chapters

• 00:00 Honoring Robert Duvall
• 07:31 Diversity in the Military

The conversation delves into the speaker's deep sense of honor and pride in serving with the First CAV, expressing a profound love for the experience and the memories associated with it.

Takeaways

• Deep sense of honor and pride in serving with the First CAV
• Profound love for the experience and the memories associated with it

Chapters

• 00:00 Honored Service with the First CAV