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September 11th, 2024

Episode 289-From Combat to Resilience: Rich LaMonica's 22-Year Army Journey and Mental Health Advocacy

  1. Episode 289-From Combat to Resilience: Rich LaMonica's 22-Year Army Journey and Mental Health Advocacy Sara Gullihur-Bradford aka SJ Childs 20:01

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What happens when a New Jersey native with dreams of joining the Army turns those dreams into a 22-year journey of service? Join us as we chat with Rich LaMonica, a retired Army veteran who opens up about the values instilled in him by his hardworking parents and the challenges he faced, including a last-minute scramble to prepare for college. We reflect on his four combat deployments and how the patience and communication skills he honed over the years contrast with today's culture of instant gratification. It's a heartfelt discussion that touches on the host's own memories of waiting for letters from her father during Desert Storm and the unique bond formed through those exchanges.

In a raw and candid segment, Rich delves into the psychological aftermath of war, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to seek help. Rich shares personal stories about how combat changes a person and the subsequent struggle to find appropriate mental health support. He highlights the power of family support, resilience, and humor, offering practical advice like stacking small daily victories to maintain momentum. Rich also stresses the significance of finding tailored professional help and the supportive networks available to veterans and first responders, making this a crucial listen for anyone facing similar challenges.

Rich also shares invaluable resources for mental health support, including podcasts and nonprofit organizations like Team RWB and the Travis Manion Foundation. We discuss his upcoming book about soldiers transitioning back to civilian life and his ongoing mentorship projects with the Travis Manion Foundation. We wrap up with a heartfelt conversation about the unexpected joys of meaningful encounters and their lasting impact on our lives. For more information, visit The Misfit Nation website and check out The Misfit Nation Podcast on all social media platforms.

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Sara Bradford Podcaster, aka SJ Childs

Sara Bradford is an Autistic woman and advocate and is the CEO of SJ Childs LLC, an autism consulting business to support families. She is a member of the Autism Council of Utah and also the owner of FB Autism Advocates Support Group. She is a mother of 2, and her husband and kids are also on the autism spectrum. She is a Global Autism Speaker, as well as a Podcast Host-The SJ Childs Show Podcast. She continues to strengthen her community through local university and hospital Autism partnerships, police training, corporate autism training programs, and more. Sara is a children's book author, pen name SJ Childs. Subjects such as autism, dyslexia, physical differences, anxiety, and more. Helping children understand themselves and support their peers with neurodiverse needs. Encouraging love and inclusion in every situation.

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