In this special “Best of Season 2” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations centered on the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of connection, and finding renewed purpose through service.

Kyle shares insights on the cultural shift veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life and the systemic gaps that make that transition difficult. Colonel Arthur Jenkins reflects on the power of peer-to-peer connection and why simply listening can be life-changing. Ryan opens up about how volunteering became a cornerstone of his post-military identity, helping him rebuild community and purpose.

These conversations highlight a common truth: no veteran has to navigate life after service alone- and connection can be the first step toward healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The cultural disconnect veterans face when leaving the military
• Why reintegration into civilian life is often more complex than expected
• The power of veteran-to-veteran connection and shared experiences
• How listening and validation can transform lives
• Volunteering as a pathway to purpose and personal growth

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - Kyle on reintegration challenges and cultural transition

5:06 - COL Arthur Jenkins on connection and listening

9:54 - Ryan on volunteering and finding purpose after service

Featured Episodes:

Post-Service Reintegration and Community Building with Kyle Hanlan

Stronger Together: Veteran Fellowship, Mentorship, and Advocacy with Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr.

Seeking Mental Health and Community Support with Ryan Allman

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode, we sit down with Lily Thomas, a Veterans Justice Outreach social worker at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, to explore how veterans can access support when facing legal, mental health, or substance use challenges. Lily shares how early intervention, treatment programs, and community partnerships are helping veterans rebuild stability and avoid deeper legal consequences. If you or someone you know has served and needs support, this conversation highlights practical pathways to get connected with the right resources and take the first step toward recovery.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How the Veterans Justice Outreach Program helps justice-involved veterans get connected to treatment
• The Veterans Response Team and its role in supporting veterans in crisis
• What Veterans Treatment Court is and how it helps veterans address legal and mental health challenges
• The wide range of inpatient and outpatient VA services available for veterans
• Why reaching out to the VA can make a big difference for veterans

0:00 – Intro

1:06 – Lily’s Role at the VA

3:19 – Veterans Response Team

6:36 – Veterans Treatment Court

8:43 – Mental Health & Treatment Services

12:49 – Make The Phone Call

Lily Thomas

Learn more about Lily Thomas HERE

Episode Links:

VA Coatesville Health Care:

https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/programs/first-responders-veterans-response-team/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

This “Best of Season 1 – Part 2” episode highlights powerful moments from past conversations with veterans who shared their personal stories of service, resilience, and recovery. Jermaine reflects on the support he received from his Navy unit during a personal tragedy and how that experience shaped the way he helps others. Darcy shares her struggle balancing motherhood, military service, and mental health, while advocating for breaking the stigma around asking for help. Ricardo discusses the life-changing impact of military medical care as he navigated a multiple sclerosis diagnosis near the end of his career. Together, these stories highlight the strength veterans find in support, openness, and shared experience.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The power of military camaraderie during personal hardship
• Balancing military service, motherhood, and mental health
• Breaking the stigma around asking for help
• Why open conversations about mental health matter
• The importance of medical support and benefits for veterans

0:00 - Intro

0:47 - Jermaine on Navy support during a personal tragedy

4:36 - Darcy on mental health struggles while serving

10:21 - Ricardo on military medical care and veteran health benefits

Featured Episodes:

Generations of Service – Dedication To The Navy with Jermaine Wilson:

https://untoldvalor.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/12415352-ep-7-generations-of-service-dedication-to-the-navy-with-jermaine-wilson

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help – Ricardo Byrdsong’s Three Decades In The Navy:

https://untoldvalor.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/12524787-ep-10-don-t-be-afraid-to-ask-for-help-ricardo-byrdsong-s-three-decades-in-the-navy

Battling Shame & Mental Health Stigmas with Darcy Rideout

https://untoldvalor.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/12596523-ep-11-battling-shame-mental-health-stigmas-with-darcy-rideout

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q