Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Chronic pain can change nearly every part of life, but it doesn’t have to define what comes next. U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient Dwight Boddorf shares how injuries sustained in Iraq reshaped his career, relationships, leadership, and daily routines. He explains why managing energy can matter more than managing time, how he’s built systems around his limitations, and what it takes to remain ambitious while living with pain. It’s a powerful conversation about adaptation, purpose, and continuing to move forward. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Manage energy, not just time- Take advantage of the windows when your body and mind are working with you
• Pain doesn’t have to become identity- Accepting limitations doesn’t mean allowing them to define your entire life
• Build systems around limitations- Documentation, cross-training, backups, and routines can create resilience at work and at home
• Find new ways to stay present- Honest conversations and adapted activities can help preserve meaningful family connections
• Ambition and chronic pain can coexist- Long-term goals may require different routes, smaller steps, and a willingness to adapt

0:00 - Intro

3:21 - The invisible side of chronic pain

8:59 - Managing energy instead of time

11:07 - Finding healthy distractions

14:21 - Rebuilding your identity after injury

20:29 - Leading responsibly while hurting

26:30 - When and how to disclose chronic pain

30:58 - Being truly present for your family

37:54 - Staying ambitious despite chronic pain

40:54 - Dwight’s book, The Municipal Battlefield

43:50 - What progress really looks like

46:32 - Dwight’s message to veterans

Dwight Boddorf

Dwight Boddorf is a municipal manager in Pennsylvania overseeing public utilities, public safety, infrastructure, and regional partnerships. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, he has held leadership roles in higher education and federal, county, and local government. He is a 2025–2026 Hoover Institution Veteran Fellow and author of The Municipal Battlefield. His work focuses on local governance, institutional leadership, regional cooperation, and strengthening communities’ capacity and resilience.

EPISODE LINKS

Dwight’s Book, The Municipal Battlefield

MORE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps

Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application

Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS:  Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Veterans dealing with PTSD, addiction, or difficult treatment experiences may have more options than they realize. In this episode, we sit down with clinical social worker Susan Maroto to talk about E.M.D.R. therapy, how trauma can remain unresolved for decades, and why finding the right therapist matters. Susan also explains pharmacogenomic testing and how genetics may help guide medication decisions. The conversation ultimately centers on asking better questions, exploring different treatment approaches, and becoming a stronger advocate for your own mental and physical health.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How E.M.D.R. therapy is used to help process traumatic memories
• The importance of experience and trust when choosing a trauma therapist
• How PTSD and substance use can be connected rather than treated as completely separate problems
• How family members can support someone going through trauma treatment
• How pharmacogenomic testing may identify potential gene-drug interactions
• Advocating for yourself when making mental health and medication decisions

0:00 - Intro

3:06 - Introducing Susan

4:53 - Stress, Trauma & PTSD

7:27 - What Is E.M.D.R.?

10:56 - What a Session Looks Like

15:02 - Choosing an Experienced Therapist

16:32 - Substance Use & E.M.D.R.

19:03 - Family Support

20:08 - Finding the Right Therapist

29:05 - Pharmacogenomic Testing

35:46 - When to Consider Testing

37:37 - Advocate for Yourself

41:18 - Reasons for Hope

Susan Maroto

Susan earned her master's degree in clinical social work from Bryn Mawr College in 1993 and has been working in the mental health field ever since. Her work has spanned schools, residential treatment centers, adoption agencies, and her private therapy practice, which she still maintains in Media, PA. Susan was trained in E.M.D.R., which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, in 1999.  E.M.D.R. is the most effective treatment for PTSD of the treatment modalities that are in existence today.

EPISODE LINKS

Therapy With Susan: https://therapywithsusan.com/

Tempus Genomic Testing

Genesight Mental Health Meds Test

MORE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps

Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application

Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS:  Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Season four of Untold Valor introduced listeners to veterans whose service continued long after they left the military. Their experiences reveal how grief, leadership, faith, family, advocacy, and storytelling can shape a new mission after life in uniform. This special retrospective revisits three conversations that reflect the many different ways veterans continue serving their communities and fellow military families.

In part one of this best of show, Matt Cahill explains how personal loss inspired the Green Star Families of America and a national effort to recognize families affected by veteran suicide. KC Drayton reflects on four generations of military service, his Marine Corps experience, and the importance of identifying your priorities when transitioning into civilian life. David Kelly also shares how his work documenting nearly 200 Marines and sailors in Iraq grew into a series of books preserving their firsthand stories for future generations.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Green Star: Recognizing families affected by veteran suicide
• New Mission: Personal loss can inspire meaningful advocacy
• Continued Service: Military values can guide civilian life
• Life Priorities: Faith and family shape major decisions
• Preserving History: Firsthand accounts keep service stories alive

0:00 – Intro

0:40 – Matt on Green Star Families

5:46 – KC on Military Service

13:13 – David on Recording Veterans’ Stories

EPISODE LINKS

Green Star Families of America: Honoring Families of Veterans Lost to Suicide with Matt Cahill

A Life Committed To Serving with Kevin (KC) Drayton

Preserving Veteran Stories with Lt. Col. David Kelly

MORE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps

Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application

Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS:  Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Filmmaker Sid Holmes joins Untold Valor to discuss The Wait, his powerful documentary chronicling the lives of Vietnam veterans beyond the battlefield. Rather than beginning with combat, Sid explores who these men were before they served, revealing how childhood, military service, and the journey home shaped the rest of their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving veterans' stories, the healing power of sharing difficult experiences, and why no veteran should ever suffer in silence. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

The Wait – Why Sid created his Vietnam documentary

Vietnam Experience – Following veterans from enlistment through homecoming

Healing Through Storytelling – Why sharing experiences can be therapeutic

From Film to Stage – Turning veteran stories into a live production

Hope & Resources – Encouragement for veterans to seek support

0:00 – Intro

1:19 – Why Sid wanted to tell Vietnam veterans' stories

3:20 –Why the film begins with childhood

9:16 – Veterans opening up through conversation

10:37 – Powerful veteran stories

14:06 – The many different paths that led men to Vietnam

16:30 – Adapting The Wait into a stage play

19:39 – Sid's message to veterans and their families

Sid Holmes

Learn more about Sid HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Check out Sid’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@afamreport/videos

The Weight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_zOZMAf8ec

The Stage Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo3VIMzNmg8&t=9s

Articles about The Weight:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1keX1Q6MLqv-3SUyOAWOzvSL1rkEOcDHi/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_dh3HkLuX2rtSi906LQKjOsZQ8zhY563/view?usp=sharing

MORE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps

Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application

Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS:  Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this special "Best of Season 3 – Part 2" episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about leadership, resilience, and finding purpose after military service. Bart Womack shares lessons on embracing change and helping others reach their potential. Jeremy Stalnecker reflects on his Marine Corps experience, personal transition, and the mission behind Mighty Oaks. Dartanyun Wilkins-Harvey discusses the challenges veterans face after service and how helping fellow veterans find employment has become his calling.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The importance of embracing change and understanding the "why"
•  Lessons in leadership and accountability
•  Finding purpose after military service
•  The value of veteran-to-veteran support
•  Helping veterans overcome barriers to employment

0:00 - Intro

0:40 - Bart on leadership, change, and accountability

5:12 - Jeremy on military service and Mighty Oaks

10:43 - Dartanyun on transition, employment, and helping veterans succeed

EPISODE LINKS

From Service to Storytelling: CSM Bart Womack’s Story (Part 1)

The Mighty Oaks Foundation: Saving Lives, Restoring Families and Changing Legacies with Jeremy Stalnecker (Part 1)

DVOP: Helping Veterans Find Their Next Step with Dartanyun Wilkins-Harvey

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode of Untold Valor, Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos shares her powerful journey from Army medic to nationally recognized advocate for women veterans impacted by military sexual trauma. She discusses the challenges many veterans face after service, the evolution of support systems within the VA, and why peer-to-peer connection can be life-changing. Dr. Santos also opens up about spirituality, healing, and the importance of finding support instead of suffering in silence. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Personal Story: Dr. Santos’ journey
• Women Veterans: Advocacy and progress
• Military Trauma: Challenges after service
• Peer Support: Veterans helping veterans
• Mental Health: Healing and recovery
• Breaking Silence: Why conversations matter

0:00 – Intro

1:39 – Get to know Dr. Santos 

5:04 – On the other side of the oath

6:53 – Creating a platform for women veterans

8:26 – The struggle to speak up

11:01 – The importance of peer-to-peer veteran support

12:52 – Dr. Santos’ encouragement to veterans

Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos

Learn more about Dr. Santos HERE

Get a copy of My Desert Storm: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Phillyvet/dp/B0DRMHW6R6

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this “Best of Season 3” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about mental health, transition, and rediscovering purpose after military service. Myra shares why veterans must advocate for themselves and seek support without shame. Darrin reflects on the lasting emotional weight of traumatic experiences as a young medic. And Kat opens up about the difficult transition of being medically retired from the Air Force and rebuilding her identity through service in a new way.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Self-advocacy after service
• PTSD, anxiety, and mental health management
• The pressure of trauma as a young medic
• Why veterans need connection and support
• Rebuilding purpose after medical retirement
• The culture shock of civilian life and school

0:00 - Intro

0:51 - Myra on advocating for yourself after service

4:16 - Darrin on trauma, pressure, and mental health 

11:12 - Kat on medical retirement and rebuilding purpose

EPISODE LINKS

There Is Always Hope with Myra Fields-Rouse

No Problem Is Too Big: Finding The Courage To Seek Support featuring Darrin Henry

When One Door Closes: Strength In New Beginnings with Kat Kirkman

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

This “Best of Season 2” episode highlights powerful moments of recovery, resilience, and life-changing support systems. Michael shares how his difficult transition out of the military led him to a new purpose, helping fellow veterans find meaningful careers. Dr. Maio reflects on the “three Jens” who entered his life at critical moments and helped save it. And finally, Lena opens up about the mentors who recognized her struggles and guided her toward healing and growth.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Transition struggles after military service
• Finding purpose through career coaching
• The hidden cycle of depression and isolation
• Life-saving power of connection and intervention
• Mentorship, faith, and support systems

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - Michael Bate on career transition challenges

5:41 - Dr. Nick Maio’s “three Jens” story

11:55 - Lena Fowler on mentorship and PTSD

Featured Episodes:

Finding Your Path After the Military with Career Specialist Michael Bate

Holding Onto Hope with Dr. Nick Maio

Finding Strength in Community and Faith with Lena Fowler

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this special “Best of Season 2” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations centered on the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of connection, and finding renewed purpose through service. 

Kyle shares insights on the cultural shift veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life and the systemic gaps that make that transition difficult. Colonel Arthur Jenkins reflects on the power of peer-to-peer connection and why simply listening can be life-changing. Ryan opens up about how volunteering became a cornerstone of his post-military identity, helping him rebuild community and purpose.

These conversations highlight a common truth: no veteran has to navigate life after service alone- and connection can be the first step toward healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The cultural disconnect veterans face when leaving the military
• Why reintegration into civilian life is often more complex than expected
• The power of veteran-to-veteran connection and shared experiences
• How listening and validation can transform lives
• Volunteering as a pathway to purpose and personal growth

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - Kyle on reintegration challenges and cultural transition

5:06 - COL Arthur Jenkins on connection and listening

9:54 - Ryan on volunteering and finding purpose after service

Featured Episodes:

Post-Service Reintegration and Community Building with Kyle Hanlan

Stronger Together: Veteran Fellowship, Mentorship, and Advocacy with Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr.

Seeking Mental Health and Community Support with Ryan Allman

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we sit down with Lily Thomas, a Veterans Justice Outreach social worker at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, to explore how veterans can access support when facing legal, mental health, or substance use challenges. Lily shares how early intervention, treatment programs, and community partnerships are helping veterans rebuild stability and avoid deeper legal consequences. If you or someone you know has served and needs support, this conversation highlights practical pathways to get connected with the right resources and take the first step toward recovery.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How the Veterans Justice Outreach Program helps justice-involved veterans get connected to treatment
• The Veterans Response Team and its role in supporting veterans in crisis
• What Veterans Treatment Court is and how it helps veterans address legal and mental health challenges
• The wide range of inpatient and outpatient VA services available for veterans
• Why reaching out to the VA can make a big difference for veterans

0:00 – Intro

1:06 – Lily’s Role at the VA

3:19 – Veterans Response Team 

6:36 – Veterans Treatment Court

8:43 – Mental Health & Treatment Services

12:49 – Make The Phone Call 

Lily Thomas

Learn more about Lily Thomas HERE

Episode Links:

VA Coatesville Health Care:

https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/programs/first-responders-veterans-response-team/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q