Vets And Badges

What do police officers do after responding to a mass shooting? Sometimes... they go get dinner. And that's not callousness. That's survival.

Certified mental health Clinician, City of Sweetwater Police Officer Milton Montes De Oca — retired Miami PD Commander, amd U.S. Army veteran — sits down with Robert Asencio to pull back the curtain on the "alpha male culture" inside law enforcement and the military, and what happens to the human brain when it's forced to normalize the abnormal — day after day, call after call.

In this episode:

🔹 Why first responders use dark humor — and what it's really hiding

🔹 How chronic trauma rewires the brain (neuroplasticity & hypervigilance explained)

🔹 The real cost of "alpha male culture" on officer health and home life

🔹 Why identity crisis after retirement can be more dangerous than the job itself

🔹 Commander Montes de Oca's own journey through trauma, counseling, and cathartic breakthrough

🔹 How to find the RIGHT therapist if you're in law enforcement or the military

If you've ever wondered why cops seem "numb" to things that would shatter a civilian — this is the episode that explains it. And more importantly, what to do about it.

⚠️ "We're not superhuman. We're just human beings asked to do superhuman things." — Cmdr. Milton Montes de Oca

🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with veterans, first responders, and the experts who understand them.

Resources:

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1

First Responder Support Network:

https://www.firehouse.com/mental-health

Safe Call Now (First Responders): 1-206-459-3020

📌 CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Normalizing the Abnormal: Coping Mechanisms in Law Enforcement

05:47 - The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

11:59 - Identity Crisis: The Transition from Officer to Civilian

18:03 - Understanding PTSD and Its Symptoms

23:59 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Therapy

30:03 - Finding the Right Clinician: A Guide for First Responders

#VeteranMentalHealth #FirstResponderMentalHealth #PolicePTSD #MilitaryPTSD #LawEnforcement #VetsAndBadges #FirstResponders #PTSD #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

He survived an IED in Fallujah, served on the National Security Council, and told the truth to Congress. Then the President ended his career. - Followed by President Trump's impeachment.

This is the true story of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman — one of the most decorated, most scrutinized, and most misunderstood veterans in modern American history.

What happens when a soldier's greatest battle isn't on a battlefield — it's in a hearing room on Capitol Hill?

LTC Alexander Vindman served 21 years in the United States Army. He earned a Purple Heart in the Iraq War after his patrol was struck by an IED in 2004. He survived. He kept serving. He rose to become Director of European Affairs on the National Security Council — one of the most trusted positions in American government.

Then came the Ukraine call.

When President Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman was on that call. He did what every soldier is trained to do — he reported it through the proper chain of command. He testified before Congress under oath. He told the truth.

Within days, he was escorted out of the White House. His promotion to Colonel — already approved — was blocked. His 21-year military career was over.

In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Robert Asencio sits down with LTC Vindman to hear the full story — from his family's escape from the Soviet Union as Jewish refugees in 1979, to his time in combat in the Middle East, to the moment he made the decision that would define his legacy.

"Do the right thing and damn the consequences."

This is a story about military sacrifice, moral courage, what it truly means to serve your country when the cost is everything, and resilience to charge forward.

Chapters:

00:00 - A Journey of Service and Sacrifice

10:01 - From Refugees to Warriors: The Immigrant Experience

19:45 - Military Life: Lessons from Combat

29:52 - Navigating Conflict and Ethics in National Security

About LTC Alexander Vindman:

Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Purple Heart recipient, and Iraq War veteran. He served as Director of European Affairs for the National Security Council from 2018–2020. His testimony during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump made him a central figure in one of the most consequential moments in modern American political history.

About Your Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired Police Captain, former Florida State Representative, and U.S. Army Veteran with over 34 years of combined service. On Vets and Badges, he sits down with veterans, first responders, and leaders to bring you the real stories behind the uniform.

🎖️ Subscribe for more veteran stories, military sacrifice, and real conversations with those who served:

https://www.youtube.com/@VetsAndBadges-fe7it

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

📲 Follow Vets and Badges:

https://vetsandbadges.com/

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

A heartfelt interview with Arthur Frederick Snow about his son U.S. Army SGT. Andrew Snow's military service, struggles with PTSD, and the healing journey through innovative treatments and community support.

Our speaker shares a poignant veteran story, reflecting on the profound impact of military deployment to war and the changes observed in a loved one after serving. This account highlights the long-lasting effects of events like September 11 on service members and their families. It underscores the critical importance of addressing veteran mental health.

Andrew survived Ramadi. He came home a different man. And his father watched it all — the PTSD, the TBI, the moral injury, the years of fighting a war no one could see.

This is Arthur Snow's story. A Gold Star father. A witness. And a voice for every family that never got the answers they deserved.

In this episode of Vets and Badges, host Robert Asencio — retired Police Captain and Army veteran — sits down with Arthur Frederick Snow, whose son Andrew served in Ramadi, Iraq, and came home carrying wounds that couldn't be seen on any X-ray. Arthur shares the brutal reality of loving a combat veteran through PTSD, traumatic brain injury, moral injury, and addiction — and what it means to lose a son not on the battlefield, but to the war that followed him home.

This conversation is about more than grief. It's about the veteran mental health crisis hiding in plain sight, the failure of systems meant to protect our warriors, and the courage it takes for a family to speak the truth — even when it hurts.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Andrew Snow's Military Service

01:53 - Challenges of Returning Home and Mental Injuries

03:46 - The Struggles with PTSD and Suicide Attempts

06:11 - Innovative Treatments: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

07:01 - Andre's Faith and Healing Trips to Israel

08:00 - Honoring Andrew at Arlington and Community Support

08:53 - Reflections on Service, Sacrifice, and Healing

Resources for Veterans & Families:

🆘 Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

🔗 The 22 Project: https://support22project.org/

🎖️ Vets and Badges — Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science.

New episodes every week.

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📩 Share this episode with a veteran family who needs to hear it.

📲 Follow @VetsAndBadges:

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🎙️ https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

VAB - 2026

⚠️ This episode discusses war, combat PTSD and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

Anwar Aalam shares a personal account of a difficult period, including a DUI and a cliff incident, which he interprets as subconscious self harm. He discusses feeling suicidal and how this period impacted his mother, highlighting the deep connection between personal struggles and family. This raw reflection offers insight into the complex psychology of coping with mental health challenges.

Chapters:

00:00 - From War to Peace: Anwar Aalam's Journey

06:01- Facing the Aftermath: Transitioning from Combat to Civilian Life

11:57 -Healing and Hope: Overcoming PTSD and Finding Purpose

The story of a healing journey:

He survived two combat deployments — Afghanistan and Iraq. He fought in the "2nd Battle of Ramadi" with the U.S. Army's legendary 37th Armored (tank) Regiment (AR) -The Bandits' Thunder Platoon. But the war that almost killed him started after he came home.

Anwar Aalam returned from battle carrying wounds no one could see — panic attacks that left him gasping, nights with no sleep, reckless choices he couldn't explain. He didn't call it PTSD. He didn't know what to call it. He just knew something was wrong — and that he was running out of time to fix it.

In this episode, Anwar sits down with Robert Asencio to tell the story he almost didn't survive — and the faith, therapy, and brotherhood that brought him back.

What you will hear:

-How Anwar went from Marine recruit to 101st Airborne and 1-37th AR combat veteran

-What PTSD actually felt like — before he had a name for it/p>

-The moment he realized he was subconsciously trying to end his life

-How one Air Force friend changed the trajectory of his recovery

-Why he stopped letting medication be a crutch — and what he did instead

-The role of faith, accountability, and therapy in rebuilding after war

-His message to every veteran still fighting invisible battles

"Every adversity has a seed equal to or greater benefit — if you look for it."

— Ammar Alam, U.S. Army Combat Veteran

About Anwar Aalam:

Anwar is a combat veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division and 37th AR, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq before joining Thunder Platoon in Germany for a 15-month tour in Ramadi during the "2nd Battle of Ramadi." After being med boarded from service, he fought his hardest battle at home — and won. Today, his mission is to be a blessing to others walking that same road.

🎙️ Vets And Badges is hosted by Robert Asencio — retired Police Captain, Army veteran, and former Florida State Representative.

Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science.

🔗 Resources:

📞 Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988, then press 1

💻 veteranscrisisline.net

📲 Follow @VetsAndBadges:

🌐 Spotify

📘 Facebook

📸 Instagram

🎙️https://CommunityNewspapers.com

🎙️https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

VAB - 2026

On Vets And Badges, Judge Steve Liefman is leading the fight to fix America's broken mental health court system -and he's calling on YOU to help. Contact your elected leaders today!

Judge Leifman shares his 30-year journey transforming mental health and criminal justice systems. Discover how innovative programs, legal insights, and community efforts are reducing recidivism, saving costs, and improving lives.

Chapters:

00:00 - Judge Leifman's Journey into Mental Health and Justice

02:26 - The State of Mental Health Treatment in the US in the 20th Century

04:18 - Inhumane Conditions in State Hospitals and Deinstitutionalization

06:15 - The Irony of Deinstitutionalization and Its Consequences

08:41 - Legal Challenges and the Florida Supreme Court Ruling

10:09 - The Case of the Psychotic Man and System Failures

15:02 - Miami's Community Mental Health Summit and System Mapping

16:50 - Creating a New Approach: Pre- and Post-Arrest Diversion

18:12 - Results of the Miami Model: Cost Savings and Reduced Arrests

19:11 - Addressing Police PTSD and Improving Public Safety

20:55 - The Need for Specialized Facilities for Acute Mental Illness

22:22 - Identifying the Highest-Need Individuals and Costly Cycles

24:03 - Building a Comprehensive Facility for Recovery and Reintegration

25:56 - Economic Impact: Cost Savings and Medicaid Opportunities

27:38 - Challenges and Future Steps for Miami's Mental Health Initiative

29:21 - Future of Miami as a Model for Mental Health and Justice Reform

Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis exposed failures in communication of immigration enforcement—escalating tensions and deepening public distrust in law enforcement leadership.

In this episode, retired Police Chief Christopher Mannino joins Robert Asencio and Dr. Pamela Seraphine for a candid conversation on crisis communication in law enforcement. They examine how political rhetoric shapes public perception, why transparency and credibility are essential during high-stakes incidents, and how communication failures can erode trust.

The discussion also explores the neurobiological impact of stress on officers, underscoring the need for comprehensive training, wellness support, and recovery practices. Together, they make the case for building a culture where officers are empowered to intervene when a colleague is losing control—strengthening accountability, improving decision-making under pressure, and restoring public confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Crisis Communication in Law Enforcement

03:11 - The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Communication

06:01 - The Importance of Transparency and Honesty

09:07 - Understanding Neurobiological Load in Crisis Situations

12:11 - Creating a Supportive Culture in Law Enforcement

14:48 - Personal Reflections on Stress and Decision Making

17:56 - The Need for Comprehensive Training in Law Enforcement

20:54 - Prioritizing Officer Wellness and Recovery

24:04 - Empowering Officers to Intervene

26:54 - Conclusion and Call to Action

About Neuroscientist Dr. Pamela Seraphine:

https://www.drpamelaseraphine.com/

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

In this episode of Vets and Badges, host Robert Asencio engages in a profound conversation with Chris Wiacek, a U.S. Amry combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They delve into the often-overlooked aftermath of war, discussing the psychological toll on service members and the challenges they face upon returning to civilian life. Chris shares his personal experiences, including a harrowing incident during his deployment that continues to haunt him. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the struggles veterans endure and the need for better support systems to aid their transition back into society.

Chris recounts his journey from military service to becoming a police officer, revealing how untreated trauma led him down a path of self-destruction through alcohol abuse. However, a turning point in his life came when he sought help, leading him to rehabilitation and ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career in social work to assist other veterans and first responders. The episode emphasizes the significance of reaching out to those who have served, as a simple conversation can make a profound difference in their lives.

OUT OF THE FIRE INTO THE LIGHT DOCUMENTARY:

https://outofthefireintothelight.com/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - The Cost of War: A Veteran's Perspective

01:39 - Meet Chris Wysak: A Combat Veteran's Story

03:28 - The Box Incident: A Harrowing Experience

11:32 - Life After Combat: Untreated Trauma

16:29 - Turning Point: Seeking Help and Recovery

21:35 - A New Mission: Helping Fellow Veterans

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

#History: American Hero, Colonel Tedesco III shares his experiences as the US Army's 1-37 AR Task Force Commander during the intense 2md battle of Ramadi, Iraq. He discusses the challenges of urban combat, the strategies employed to secure neighborhoods, save lives, and the importance of genuine leadership in high-stress environments.

Colonel Tedesco reflects on his personal journey, the sacrifices made for family, and the ongoing struggles faced by veterans. He offers valuable insights for future leaders, emphasizing the need for authenticity, learning from others, and the importance of support systems for healing after trauma.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Battle for Ramadi: A Commander’s Perspective

13:07 - Leadership in Combat: Personal Experiences and Challenges

30:14 - Lessons for Future Leaders: Insights and Advice

36:57 - Healing and Moving Forward: Support for Veterans

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

On Vets And Badges: "We're Alpha Males.. We Don't Ask For Help" -US Army MSG Alberto "Al" Rivera shares his struggle in transitioning to civilian life after retirement from 30 years of active-duty military service. The conversation focuses on the challenges veterans face, including mental health issues, the struggle for identity, and the importance of community support during and after our service. The speakers share personal stories and insights on coping with trauma, the stigma of seeking help, and the need for greater awareness and resources for veterans.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Veterans' Experiences

02:43 - The Impact of Military Service on Identity

04:58 - Challenges of Reintegration into Civilian Life

06:28 - Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues

08:54 - Understanding PTS and Its Effects

11:27 - The Importance of Community and Support

14:42 - Generational Differences in Seeking Help

16:57 - The Role of Organizations in Veteran Support

18:07 - Final Thoughts and Resources for Veterans

About MSG Rivera:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alb

erto-rivera0321/

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025

In this episode of Vets and Badges, the hosts delve into the complex emotions of anger, trauma, and betrayal experienced by first responders.

Ep 2 of Neuroscience of Self-Mastery explores the brain science behind these emotions, the impact of unresolved trauma on law enforcement, and the importance of mental health and self-mastery in high-stakes environments. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and support systems within the first responder community to navigate the challenges they face.

Chapters

00:00 - Understanding Anger and Rage in First Responders

03:03 - The Neuroscience of Emotion and Behavior

05:53 - The Impact of Training on Emotional Responses

08:58 - The Ripple Effect of Violence and Anger

11:59 - Betrayal and Its Emotional Consequences

14:41 - Processing Trauma and Emotional Mastery

17:47 - The Depth of Suffering and Empathy

20:08 - Recognizing the Essence of Self

26:15 - Understanding Mental Health Awareness

27:19 - Navigating Trauma in First Responders

29:53 - The Importance of Faith and Mission

31:12 - Metacognition and Self-Awareness

33:16 - The Need for Training in Law Enforcement

34:09 - Prioritizing Mental Health in Law Enforcement

35:48 - The Concept of Brain Health

37:46 - Self-Mastery and Leadership

40:05 - Creating Supportive Communities

42:50 - The Role of Brotherhood in Healing

About Vets And Badges:

Guest: SGT, Edward Buckman, PhD:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-buckman/

Co-Host: Dr. Pamela Seraphine:

https://www.drpamelaseraphine.com/

Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

Source, B-Roll:

TMZ, UT Public Safety

Video:

LiveNOW from FOX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38PQTPZnSRw

NBC 6 South Florida

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1xcfLWshH0

Richard French Live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpmHxn6NIIA

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2025