Most veterans prepare for a new job. Few prepare for losing their identity.
Episode Description
When Gabriel Axtell medically retired from the Marine Corps during COVID, he expected transition to be challenging. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the loss of mission, brotherhood, and purpose would push him into crisis.
This conversation reveals the life-changing text message that saved his life, the mentorship that helped him rebuild, and the work he’s now doing to help other veterans avoid reaching that same breaking point.
In this episode, you’ll discover
• Recognize the hidden identity challenges many veterans face after leaving military service
• Understand why purpose—not Employment—is often the missing piece during transition
• Learn how peer mentorship and community support can interrupt a crisis before it becomes a tragedy
• Discover how faith, Family communication, and daily discipline helped Gabriel rebuild his life
• Explore the resources available through The Warrior’s Journey and its network of veteran-serving organizations
About Gabriel Axtell
Gabriel Axtell is a retired Marine with a special operations background who experienced firsthand the challenges of military transition. After surviving a personal crisis and finding support through The Warrior’s Journey, he now helps veterans, service members, and families navigate purpose, resilience, and life beyond the uniform. His personal experience gives him unique insight into what veterans need during their most difficult seasons.
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⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction
02:42 – Transitioning During COVID
08:08 – The Phone Call That Changed Everything
12:41 – Fixing the Veteran Support Ecosystem
18:32 – Building Daily Resilience
22:07 – The Warrior’s Journey Programs
31:22 – Closing & Resources
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