In this episode, I sat down with three close friends—Zack Brown, Kasey Brown, and PJ Kratohvil—all veterans who served overseas in the Army and Marines. We unpack what life in the military gave them, what it took, and how faith became the thread that started to stitch them back together. From life growing up to the trauma of combat, and from isolation to post-traumatic growth, this conversation is raw, redemptive, and real. If you’ve ever wondered how to care well for the veterans in your life—or if you're a veteran yourself looking for hope—this one’s for you.In This Episode[00:00] Meet Zach, Casey, and PJ: Army and Marine Corps Vets[03:00] Church Kids with No Relationship: How Faith Rekindled in Combat[07:00] Not Called to Be Good Men: Deconstructing Religious Misconceptions[10:00] Gold and Shadow: What Military Life Taught Them[16:00] Isolation After Return: Why Veterans Struggle in Civilian Life[22:00] Surface-Level Friendships and the Mission That’s Missing[26:00] War, Guilt, and God’s Grace: Wrestling with Moral Injury[31:00] Misconceptions About Vets and What They Really Need[36:00] “You're Not Special”: The Lie of Isolation and the Need for Brotherhood[41:00] Welcome Home, Not Just Thank You: Honoring Veterans Well[44:00] Jobs, Purpose, and the Path to Healing[47:00] Faith and Freedom: How Jesus Heals the Warrior’s Heart[54:00] Organizations on the Frontlines of Veteran HealingResourcesBooksOn Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman On Spiritual Combat by Lt. Col. Dave GrossmanTribe by Sebastian JungerVeteran Support OrganizationsTRG (Therapeutic Recreation Group) Website InstagramDenton County MVPN (Military Veteran Peer Network) WebsiteVictory Therapy Center WebsiteGallantFew (provides free counseling for veterans) WebsiteCasualties of War (Founded by Zack Brown) WebsiteFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsCovenant EyesVictory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.CommunioCommunio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email
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