#74 - John Thompson: Saving Veterans, Building Hope and Restoring Purpose

In this powerful and moving episode of The Oliver Bardwell Podcast, I sit down with John Thompson, President and Co-founder of Salute to the Fallen, a veteran-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health support, and honoring the legacy of those who served. John shares his deeply personal journey from enlisting in the military at 17, surviving combat injuries, and overcoming his own battles with PTSD and substance abuse, to founding an organization that saves lives and provides critical resources to veterans and their families.

We discuss Salute to the Fallen's groundbreaking vision for a first-of-its-kind veteran rehabilitation facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa—a 50-acre haven featuring on-site counseling, hyperbaric chambers, EMDR therapy, and 100 tiny homes offering a nine-month program to help veterans transition back into civilian life. John offers eye-opening statistics on veteran suicide and homelessness, shedding light on the urgent need for better mental health resources and community support.

John also opens up about the challenges veterans face when returning home, the gaps in support from institutions like the VA, and the life-saving interventions he and his team undertake through their crisis response program. He emphasizes the importance of faith, purpose, and brotherhood in the healing process, and how Salute to the Fallen is working to build bridges between military personnel, veterans, and civilians.

This episode is not only a call to action but a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of community. Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or simply someone who cares about supporting those who served, this conversation will inspire you to get involved and make a difference.

Support Salute to the Fallen:salutetothefallen.org

Follow John and his team on Facebook: Salute to the Fallen Foundation

If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out. There is help. There is hope.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Veteran Rehabilitation Facility02:59 Addressing Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health05:47 Salute to the Fallen: A Nonprofit for Veterans12:04 Personal Struggles and the Path to Recovery18:07 The Importance of Community and Support24:08 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life30:07 Advocacy and Political Engagement for Veterans35:07 Political Landscape and Election Dynamics39:28 Controversial Campaigns and Identity Politics44:30 Masculinity and Family Dynamics49:40 Mental Health Initiatives and Veteran Support01:03:12 Funding and Community Engagement for Veterans

"It's through intelligent and respectful dialogue that we create positive change." - Oliver Bardwell

https://www.oliverbardwell.com/