S3E20 Fighting for Hope: Veteran Suicide and the Battle for Belonging

Friends,

As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. But there is another group of veterans quietly fighting battles long after deployment ends, those struggling to transition home, find belonging, and rediscover hope in civilian life.

In this deeply important conversation, I’m joined by retired Lt. Colonel John Garcia, host of the Regiment of the Cross podcast, to discuss the invisible struggles many veterans face after returning home from service.

John shares the heartbreaking realities surrounding veteran suicide, the emotional and psychological challenges of transitioning into civilian society, and the ways advocacy, agriculture, storytelling, and authentic human connection can help restore dignity, purpose, and hope.

Together, we explore:

• Why the transition home can feel isolating and disorienting
• The importance of belonging and being truly seen
• The emotional toll of military service and reintegration
• The alarming statistics surrounding veteran suicide
• How civilians can better support veterans in their communities
• Why storytelling and meaningful work can become pathways to healing

This episode is both a Memorial Day reflection and a call to greater compassion, awareness, and connection.

If you know someone serving in the military, transitioning home, or quietly struggling, please share this conversation with them.

Connect with John Garcia

• Listen to the Regiment of the Cross podcast
• Email: regimentofthecross@gmail.com

Connect with Dr. Carron

• Interested in joining Dr. Carron for a forgiveness Masterclass this summer? Join the Freedom to Forgive Interested List. This course is for Christian women 50+ who have survived trauma, spent years in therapy, are living good lives, but still feel something is missing. In this course, we will journey together through a process of healing, release and renewal.
• Partner with Us: https://go.drcarron.com/FIFYPodcastGift
• Join the weekly newsletter: https://go.drcarron.com/newsletterfreegiftoptin
• Work with me 1:1 — Looking for shame‑free, nonjudgmental support on your healing journey? Limited spots available. Schedule a free consultation and let’s chat: https://go.drcarron.com/chatwithdrcarron

Love the Podcast?

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Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forgiveness-is-for-you-overcome-trauma-through-forgiveness/id1721956839

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Credits

• Host & Producer: Dr. Carron Silva
• Podcast Editor: Dr. Carron Silva
• Cover Art Designer: Dr. Carron Silva
• Music: Kode M (@kodemaster90)
• Social Media Manager: Diamond_Media00

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. Guests are welcomed in a spirit of respectful dialogue and freedom of expression.

A Final Word

Thank you for listening, Friend. Remember: Forgiveness is for YOU.