Aaron Quinonez, better known as Sgt. Q, is the Founder of Q Missions, an award-winning non-profit organization that helps veterans overcome the effects of war and recover from trauma. He leads the development of the Operation Pop Smoke app. Operation Pop Smoke is designed to be a platform used by veterans and those closest to them to help prevent suicide. Sgt. Q is also the owner of Reliable Commercial Cleaning, a veteran-owned janitorial service company in the Puget Sound area.

Sgt. Q joins me today to explain how Operation Pop Smoke works and how it can help curb the suicide statistics among veterans. He describes what inspired him to develop the app and the core philosophy it runs on. He also explains why it’s unlikely for men to call the suicide hotline and how the app can make it easier for veterans to find the help they need during a moment of crisis.

“It puts the power to save a life in the hands of the person closest to the veteran.” - Sgt. Q

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Sgt. Q:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Stephanie Harmon is the Chairman of Utah Honor Flight. Utah Honor Flight works under the Honor Flight program where they help veterans visit war memorials built in their honor. She helps make sure all the papers are properly turned in and personally flies with the veterans to make sure everyone is safe and enjoys their trip. When she’s not flying with vets, Stephanie works as a tax accountant.

Stephanie joins us today to share what the Honor Flight is about and how this program helps veterans feel the appreciation they deserve. She shares some of the stories of the veterans they have helped and the lessons she has learned from them. She explains why veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars feel neglected. Stephanie also shares the impact that participating in the Honor Flight program has had on the lives of the veterans and their families.

“It’s not just about seeing these memorials. It’s about getting that welcome home that they didn’t get.” - Stephanie Harmon

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Stephanie Harmon:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Joseph Duarte served in the Marine Corps for three years. He is the father of two sons, both of whom had joined the military to follow in their father’s footsteps. After serving 3 and a half years, his youngest son, Curtis, was deployed to Afghanistan as a Combat Engineer when an IED set off an explosion that collapsed a building, ending his life. Joseph later received a Gold Star as a form of recognition for his son’s service and bravery.

Joseph joins us today to share his story as a Gold Star dad and how the family commemorates his son’s memory. He describes why he enlisted in the army, his role, and what it means to receive the Gold Star. He shares the story of his son who served more than his fair share of years in the military, his passion for helping his unit, his heroism, and the event that cost him his life. Joseph also discusses the community programs they participate in to keep his son’s memory alive and how he and his family coped with their grief.

“Everybody grieves in their own way. It's an individualized journey.” - Joseph Duarte

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Joseph Duarte:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Shawn Laurie is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and life purpose and recovery coach. He was a combat veteran for nine years, part of the National Guard, and did two tours in Afghanistan. He was injured during his second tour and had to spend two years in recovery. After being considered non-deployable due to his PTSD and anxiety diagnosis, he sought to find purpose outside of serving the country. It took some time and he faced many challenges along the way, but Shawn eventually discovered his purpose in helping other veterans who have lost meaning. He has since been known as “The Veteran Guy.”

Shawn joins us today to describe his battle with feeling stuck with a PTSD diagnosis and the situation he was in and how he found his purpose in life by helping others. He shares his life in the army and how he lived his life shortly after being declared non-deployable. He explains how he personally fought his inner demons, his addictions, and how he coped with his PTSD. Shawn also discusses some of the events and groups he started to help fund organizations that seek to keep the 22 alive.

“Just because you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD doesn’t mean you’re stuck with that for the rest of your life.” - Shawn Laurie

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Shawn Laurie:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Jason White has seen his share of combat - both on the battlefield and within. He served 10 years in the Marine Corps before medically retiring. Today, Jason leads the Florida chapter as the Chapter Director with the Birdwell Foundation, a non-profit organization that is on a mission to decrease and eliminate veteran and first responder suicide through peer-to-peer mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities.

Jason joins us today to share his combat experiences that eventually led to his medical retirement. He shares the emotional rollercoaster he experienced after being released from duty and explains why he believes he didn’t catch the symptoms of his PTSD sooner. He explains why he believes many combat veterans forget to honor themselves after being discharged and how it impacts their mental health. He shares how peer-to-peer mentorship and guidance has helped him through his darkest moments after his retirement and how finding a purpose and mission helped him through the healing process. He also explains why family support is crucial for veterans as well as their families and the veteran and family support services offered at the Birdwell Foundation.

“We honored our values. We honored our uniform. We honored ourselves. But we forget to do that when we get out and are struggling.” - Jason White

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Jason White:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Mikel Brooks is a Purple Heart and Valor decorated Army veteran and the founder of We Are The 22. We Are The 22 is an organization composed of veterans who have grown weary of losing more soldiers at home than they did in combat. He was involved in two combat tours, one of which he was injured, which ultimately led to his medical retirement. Mikel started the group because he experienced first-hand what it was like to suffer from PTSD and substance abuse. More than that, he also experienced what it was like to not have any purpose in life, and his group seeks to change all of that - one veteran at a time.

Mikel joins us to share his inspiration in starting We Are The 22. He describes his life as a soldier on duty, the injury that retired him, and the substance abuse that followed. He discusses the importance of having a purpose for soldiers and how the majority of veterans feel aimless after retirement. Mikel also explains why money isn’t the real problem for veterans and why he was initially critical of the VA and their processes.

“A soldier has to have a purpose. You take that away from them and they fall apart.” - Mikel Brooks

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Mikel Brooks

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Terry Laverty is a veteran Marine who volunteered to be deployed in Vietnam in 1970. Now, he’s serving the country in another way - by helping the veteran community and fighting for 22. Though the battles he fought in his younger days are vastly different from today’s, his goal remains the same: to band together and survive against all odds.

Terry joins me today to share his experience in participating in the veteran’s community and the role he plays. He shares his life as a soldier and why he’s active in the fight for 22. He describes some great success stories as well as explain how the community has taught them to help veterans. Terry also discusses his thoughts on alternative treatments and why anyone with PTSD can be helped.

“People can survive PTSD through proper doctoring and assistance.” - Terry Laverty

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Terry Laverty

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Chrystal Verrengia-Bushnell is the Co-Founder and Vice President of 22 Until None, an organization on a mission to combat the veteran suicide statistic of 22-a-day - and bring it down to NONE. The organization hosts events and offers counseling and support to veterans with emergency financial aid and transitioning back into the life of a citizen. Chrystal was a former Department of Defense worker for the Marine Corps as well as a former 911 emergency dispatcher.

Chrystal joins us to discuss how 22 Until None helps veterans settle back into life after service. She describes their process and what veterans can expect when connecting with them. She shares what inspired her to fight the 22-a-day veteran suicide statistic and her perspective on being married to a combat veteran. She also explains why many veterans don’t ask for help and why other combat veterans are often their most valuable resource to combat the darkness.

“A veteran might understand they need help, but the prospect of having to go and seek it out or filter through a bunch of resources can be very overwhelming.” - Chrystal Verrengia-Bushnell

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Chrystal Verrengia-Bushnell

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Rick Kolberg is a US Army veteran and father of two young boys. During his deployment in Iraq, he was involved in an ambush that forced them to be on the defensive for more than three hours. He also had a personal battle with a disease that almost made him take his own life. Despite his experiences, Rick chose to live on and serve his country in his own way after retirement.

Rick joins us today to share his stories on the day they were ambushed by the enemy and his battle with Graves’ disease that almost crushed his hopes for living. He recounts his life in the Army, his deployment, his duties, and the people he served with. He describes the day his squad was forced to engage an enemy group in Iraq, the emotions he felt, and the people they lost. Rick also discusses the time his disease caused him to retire early, which subsequently plunged him into a depressive state from which he has since recovered from.

“Defining my why has given my life purpose; has allowed me to define, in my own terms, what service looks like.” - Rick Kolberg

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Resources Mentioned:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.

Raven Black helps veterans get their lives back after coming home from deployment. She took it upon herself to assist soldiers in coping with the chaos of society through volunteerism and by simply listening to what veterans have to say. Raven is actively advocating for mental health treatment as well as financial compensation to help them adjust to life faster and reduce the risk of depression-related suicide. She manages Take My Hand, a Facebook page dedicated to supporting veterans.

Raven joins me today to share the many ways civilians can help veterans get their lives back on track. She discusses what drove her passion for helping veterans and how her family ties and upbringing factored into her career path. She explains what veterans really need during their times of struggle. Raven also shares advice to those who want to help veterans and provide tips on what they can do.

“When you're in the depths of depression, you don't reach out; you don't know how to ask for help.” - Raven Black

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Connect with Raven Black:

Help Military Veterans Share Their Story

Thanks for tuning into the Surviving Me Podcast, the show for military veterans find the support they need to survive the battle within. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. For more stories and resources for our brothers-in-arms, be sure to follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Don’t forget to share your favorite episode to help us raise awareness for our brothers-in-arms.

And remember - you are not alone. There is support. There is help. There is a purpose in life after the military.

DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.