Veterans and Canine Heroes: Chris Willingham’s Journey with U.S. War Dogs Association.

In this episode of the World Changing Veterans Podcast, we speak with Chris Willingham, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran and president of U.S. War Dogs.

Chris shares his unique journey from joining the Marine Corps in 1999 to serving as a military working dog handler and continuing his service through U.S. War Dogs.

Chris discusses the rigorous selection process for dog handlers, the bond between handlers and their dogs, and how his passion led him to a lifelong commitment with U.S. War Dogs.

The episode also covers U.S. War Dogs’ efforts in supporting active and retired military working dogs, including its RX program and emergency care efforts.

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on social media, and share this episode with your Battle Buddies!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:45 Meet Chris Willingham: Marine Corps Background

02:57 Becoming a Canine Handler

04:10 The Bond Between Handler and Canine

06:52 Canine Roles in Combat

13:58 U.S. War Dogs Association: Mission and Impact

16:33 Supporting Retired Military Working Dogs

26:35 Celebrating 25 Years of U.S. War Dogs

31:16 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

Ways to connect:

U.S. War Dogs Association: uswardogs.org

World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected] and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans

Welcome to the World Changing Veterans Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Michael Kaltenbach, a former Army tank operator who is now in the world of beekeeping and maple syrup making. Michael shares his journey from military service to civilian life, the challenges he faced during his transition, and how he found solace in beekeeping. He talks about his small business, Soldiers of Wax, which uses beekeeping to help other veteran beekeepers in his community. Michael also discusses the valuable resources provided by the Texas Veterans Commission and gives advice to veterans looking to start their own business. Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with a true world-changing veteran. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on social media, and share this episode with your Battle Buddies!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Michael’s Military Background

01:38 Transition to Civilian Life

02:46 Discovering Beekeeping

03:52 Challenges and Support Systems

11:08 Beekeeping as Therapy

17:57 Starting Soldiers of Wax

18:52 Connecting with Local Veterans and Beekeeping

19:37 The Therapeutic Power of Beekeeping

20:57 Opening the Workshop to the Community

21:51 Navigating Veteran Resources

25:34 The Origin of Soldiers of Wax

29:09 Advice for Veterans Starting a Business

32:35 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Ways to connect:

Soldiers of Wax: soldiersofwax.com | Instagram: soldiers_of_wax

If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected] and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans

Welcome to the World Changing Veterans Podcast Season2! In this episode, co-hosts Dave and Will reflect on the impactful journey of Season 1 and share exciting news about the future of World Changing Veterans (WCV). They discuss their vision of transforming the podcast into a movement focused on helping veterans live intentionally and build a supportive community.

Dave and Will also provide insights into what to expect in Season 2, including continuing interviews, introducing online meetups, and offering mini-challenges to encourage intentional living. Don’t miss Will’s inspiring stories of divine connections and the ongoing mission to make a positive impact in the veterans’ community. Subscribe and become part of the movement!

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:33 Reflecting on Season One

00:58 The Vision for WCV: Beyond a Podcast

02:05 The Importance of Community

03:51 Connecting and Growing the Movement

08:20 Intentional Living and Mini Challenges

14:23 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Ways to connect

If you would like to connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media.

Instagram: wcveterans

LinkedIn: World Changing Veterans

Andy Min is a former Marine who shares his journey from his time at the Merchant Marine Academy to his decade-long service in the Marine Corps. Andy discusses his motivations for joining the military, his passion for the Marine Corps, and his experiences in service, including his transition to civilian life. He offers insights into the importance of resiliency, gratitude, and finding a mission-driven purpose post-service. The episode also highlights Andy's reflections on leadership and the significance of continuing to give back as a veteran.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Andy's Early Life and Pre-Military Background

01:43 Choosing the Marine Corps

04:04 Life at the Merchant Marine Academy

06:51 Joining the Marine Corps and Aviation

07:56 Military Career Highlights

12:00 Transition to Civilian Life

14:41 Advice for Veterans

18:11 Leadership and Resilience

21:39 World Changing Veterans

24:38 Shoutouts and Conclusion

Ways to connect

If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected]

Join us on the World Changing Veterans Podcast as we welcome back Ed Choi during PTSD Awareness Month. Ed shares his powerful story of battling PTSD, his work in the Birdwell Foundation, and his journey from PTSD to PTSG—Post-Traumatic Stress Growth. Discover how faith-based healing, community, and personal experiences can help veterans find hope and recovery. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation filled with insights on trauma, faith, and the power of Christ-centered therapy.

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:06 Ed Choi's Background and PTSD Journey

01:53 Birdwell Foundation and Combat Trauma Healing

06:26 The Role of Faith in Healing PTSD

10:31 Theological Insights on Suffering and Healing

18:03 Relating Jesus' Trauma to Veterans' Experiences

20:49 Testimony of Healing and Faith

21:12 Dealing with Residual PTSD

21:47 The Four Fs of Trauma

23:44 Gradual Weaning Off Medication

24:57 Support Systems and Advice for Veterans

26:43 Survivor's Guilt and Honoring Fallen Comrades

31:24 Civilian Support and Understanding PTSD

36:28 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Ways to connect

If you would like to connect with Ed Choi or find out more about The Birdwell Foundation, you can email him at [email protected] or [email protected].

If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected]

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Combat Trauma Healing Manual: Christ-centered Solutions for Combat Trauma by: Chris Adsit (Author)

When War Comes Home: Christ-centered Healing for Wives of Combat Veterans (Bridges to Healing Series) by: Military Ministry (Author), Chris Adsit (Author), Rev. Rahnella Adsit (Author), Marshele Carter Waddell (Author)

Royce Herring is a Coast Guard veteran and entrepreneur. In this episode, Royce openly discusses his struggles with PTSD, alcohol addiction, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of community, support, and having a mission, offering practical advice for veterans facing similar challenges. Royce's inspiring story highlights resilience, the value of supportive relationships, and the power of admitting when help is needed.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:31 Royce's Background and Coast Guard Service

02:23 Family Military Heritage

05:10 Joining the Coast Guard

08:04 Coast Guard Experiences and Duties

15:00 Transition to Civilian Life

21:09 Dealing with PTSD

24:32 The Immediate Aftermath of Injury

25:16 Struggling with Feelings of Abandonment

26:31 The Mental Toll of PTSD

27:26 Turning to Substance Abuse

28:27 A Friend's Intervention

29:18 Recognizing the Problem

30:41 Signs of PTSD and Addiction

34:13 The Importance of Community Support

37:57 Finding a New Mission

41:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Ways to connect

If you would like to connect with Royce Herring, you can email him at  [email protected]

If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected]

In this episode of World Changing Veterans, co-hosts David and Will share the heart behind the movement. Will speaks about empowering veterans to live with intention, support one another, and create meaningful change in their communities. David reflects on how his faith and a life-changing dream inspired his commitment to serving veterans. Together, they explore the power of community, the importance of purpose, and how every veteran has the potential to make a lasting impact within their own sphere of influence.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to World Changing Veterans

00:19 Meet the Hosts: David and Will

00:52 The Inspiration Behind World Changing Veterans

01:22 Living Intentionally as Veterans

02:17 The Power of Community and Connection

04:31 Addressing Challenges and Finding Purpose

08:12 David's Journey and Vision

20:07 Will's Coaching and Community Building

26:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

Ways to connect

If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected]

Greg Storm is a retired Navy Reserve Commander and seasoned aviator. In this episode, Greg speaks candidly about the values instilled by his military service, the resilience gained through overcoming professional setbacks, and the significance of maintaining a supportive network, both professionally and personally. He also shares anecdotes about impactful mentors and the importance of receiving both positive and negative feedback for personal growth.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:56 Greg's Background and Navy Journey

01:49 Influence of Greg's Father

04:09 Lessons from the Military

05:22 Transition to Civilian Life

07:30 Pursuing a Career in Aviation

10:56 Leadership in the Military and Aviation

15:30 Reflecting on Leadership and Mentorship

20:13 The Importance of Feedback

20:57 Community and Faith

23:07 Advice for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

25:05 Defining a World Changing Veteran

27:56 Inspirational Stories of Leadership

31:58 Shoutouts and Final Thoughts

Ways to connect

If you would like to connect with Greg Storm, you can email him at [email protected]

If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the World Changing Veterans Podcast, we interview Ed Choi, a former Army Chaplain with a distinguished military career. Ed shares his insights on the importance of community, the transition from military to civilian life, and transforming PTSD into post-traumatic stress growth (PTSG). He reflects on his impactful ministry, his involvement with the Birdwell Foundation, and emphasizes the value of caring for those around you as a way to effect meaningful change. Ed also offers practical advice for veterans on transitioning effectively and finding their purpose post-service. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice for veterans and inspirational stories of resilience and growth.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction: Making an Impact in Everyday Life

02:26 Welcome to the World Changing Veterans Podcast

02:29 Meet Ed Choi: From Army Chaplain to Distinguished Career

03:13 Ed Choi's Journey: From High School to Seminary

04:21 Joining the Army Chaplaincy

05:17 Deployments and Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan

06:32 Understanding and Addressing PTSD

09:23 The Importance of Community and Support

16:06 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

21:31 Living Life Intentionally and Finding Balance

23:08 Closing Thoughts and Shoutout

Ways to connect

If you would like to connect with Ed Choi or find out more about The Birdwell Foundation, you can email him at [email protected]  or [email protected].  

If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at [email protected]