21 Sept 2023
Soldiering On, Overcoming PTSD and Mentoring Others
Today Mike welcomes Chief Warrant Officer Mike Gonzalez, a United States Army veteran. He shares his story of starting from a challenging upbringing to a arriving at a distinguished military career and his subsequent battle with PTSD.
Mike joined the military in 1992 as an infantryman, eventually rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He later transitioned to becoming a warrant officer, which he humorously refers to as "the dark side."
He discusses how the events of 9/11 changed the trajectory of his military service, leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. After 22 years in the Army, he retired and faced the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite these difficulties, Gonzalez found healing through spirituality, family support, and professional help.
He now works as a government contractor, guiding soldiers through the deployment process at Fort Bliss, Texas, and actively serves as a peer mentor for those dealing with PTSD. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of believing in something greater, maintaining a sense of humor, and giving back to the veteran community.
Ladies and gentlemen, veterans and military families, loyal listeners of the podcast, I want to share my profound gratitude and a deep sense of honor with you today to express our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to our podcast have been nothing short of remarkable.
Each episode we've shared and every Sentinel’s story we've told has truly exemplified the spirit of resilience each wounded and injured post-9/11 Veteran and how motivated they are to overcome their disabilities through higher education leading to meaningful careers and successful lives. They have certainly earned a place at our nation’s table of abundance and opportunity by their service and sacrifice at our nation’s call.
As we reflect on the incredible journey of Season 1, we're reminded of the power of storytelling and the strength that comes from sharing our experiences. This podcast has become more than just a series of episodes; it has evolved into a community of listeners and supporters who share a deep respect for the wounded and injured veterans we support and a commitment to ensuring their success stories.
And now, as we eagerly look ahead, I am thrilled to announce that Season 2 of our podcast is set to kick off in early 2024. We have more stories to tell, more insights to gain, and more connections to forge. But in the meantime, I encourage each one of you to take a moment to revisit the episodes from Season 1 that you may have missed. The wisdom, the courage, and the shared moments of triumph over challenges are waiting for you to experience once again.
But our mission doesn't stop here. I urge you to extend the reach of our Veterans Never Stop Serving podcast by sharing it with your fellow veterans, military family members, friends, colleagues, and anyone who could benefit from the stories of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond of service of our Sentinels. Let's ensure that the support network we've cultivated grows stronger and wider, touching the lives of those who may be seeking connection and understanding.
In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to each Sentinel who has taken the moment to share their journey from impact to rehabilitation, returning home, transitioning to higher education, and onto their career objectives. Their stories of successful transitions from military life to fulfilling career dreams are powerful and inspiring and it is our mission to amplify the voices of veterans and foster this veteran community that Never Stops Serving.
As we eagerly anticipate the launch of Season 2 in 2024, let us continue to stand united in our commitment to our veterans. We hope you all will join us to listen to their stories and understand the after-service value they bring to our nation.
God bless our veterans, and God bless America.
Mike Conklin
