In this powerful episode of The ToosDay Crüe Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with US Army Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and author Jason Rumbaugh for an unforgettable conversation about combat, survival, brotherhood, Trauma, healing, and purpose.
Jason takes us deep into his journey from growing up in Washington State to serving as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq, surviving an IED attack, receiving the Purple Heart, and ultimately transforming his experiences into his memoir, "Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier’s Journey."
This isn’t just a military story.
It’s a story about resilience.
It’s about finding humor in the darkest moments, honoring those who never made it home, overcoming the invisible wounds of war, and discovering a new mission after military service.
Throughout the conversation, Jason shares powerful insights about:
✅ Life as a Combat Engineer during the Iraq War
✅ Surviving IED attacks and combat operations
✅ Brotherhood and bonds forged in war
✅ The realities veterans face after returning home
✅ Mental Health, Therapy, and healing from trauma
✅ The process of writing his memoir Waves of Shrapnel
✅ Leadership lessons from military service
✅ Veteran suicide awareness and seeking help
✅ Finding purpose through storytelling and authorship
✅ Life, Family, and recovery after combat
Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, military family member, history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stories of courage and perseverance, this episode delivers powerful lessons that extend far beyond the battlefield.
Jason’s honesty, humor, and authenticity make this one of the most compelling veteran conversations we’ve featured on The ToosDay Crüe Show.
📚 Learn more about Jason Rumbaugh and his memoir Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier’s Journey.
If this episode resonates with you, please:
👍 Like the video
💬 Leave a comment sharing your thoughts
🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and conversations
📢 Share this episode with veterans, military families, and friends
Most importantly, if you’re struggling, remember that help is available. You are never alone.
Key Takeaways
• Surviving combat changes you—but it doesn’t define you.
• Brotherhood and service create lifelong bonds.
• Healing begins when we share our stories.
• Mental Health support is strength, not weakness.
• Purpose can emerge from even the darkest experiences.
• The stories of fallen service members deserve to be remembered.
About Jason Rumbaugh
Jason Rumbaugh is a Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War veteran, husband, father, and author of Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier’s Journey. His memoir chronicles his experiences from military training and overseas deployments to combat operations in Iraq and the challenges of returning home after war. Through storytelling, Jason seeks to honor his fellow soldiers while helping others better understand the veteran experience.
#JasonRumbaugh #PurpleHeart #IraqWarVeteran #VeteranStories #MilitaryPodcast #ArmyVeteran #CombatEngineer #WavesOfShrapnel #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #MilitaryMemoir #TheToosDayCrue #MisfitNation #VeteranAuthor #MilitaryLife
