In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, Thad and Tyler sit down with Benjamin Lee, a former Air Force EOD technician turned founder of Solar Security Net, a nonprofit aimed at reducing energy costs for disadvantaged communities by leveraging solar energy. Benjamin shares his journey from military service and combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling addiction, confronting the loss of purpose after leaving the Air Force, and ultimately finding a new mission. He discusses the complexities of military life, including the psychological challenges faced by EOD technicians, and how those experiences led him to develop Solar Security Net. The conversation dives into the power of community, personal resilience, and how clean energy can be a force for positive change.

Links

Home - Solar Security Net

Go fund Me for Solar Security Net

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience and Recovery: Benjamin’s story is a testament to confronting trauma head-on, tackling addiction, and regaining purpose by serving others.

2. Solar Security Net: The nonprofit seeks to alleviate the energy burden for low-income families by constructing utility-scale solar farms, funded through corporate tax offsets.

3. Combat and Mental Health Benjamin shares firsthand insights into the psychological toll of being an EOD tech and the struggles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

4. Community Focused Solution: Solar Security Net is designed to build infrastructure that benefits communities, providing free or reduced-cost energy while fostering local partnerships.

5. Purpose Through Service: Benjamin emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from living a life of service to others, a lesson he's carried from his military career into his nonprofit work.

Chapters

03:01 From Military to Nonprofit: A New Mission

05:51 Understanding EOD: The Unsung Heroes

08:45 The Evolution of IED Tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan

12:06 The Psychological Toll of War

14:55 Finding Purpose in the Aftermath

17:48 The Birth of Solar Security Net

21:08 Building a Sustainable Future

24:00 Community Impact and Energy Independence

26:51 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Clarity

30:09 The Role of Service in Personal Growth

33:04 Advice for Those Struggling with Purpose

36:03 The Importance of Community and Connection

39:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Keywords:

Solar energy, renewable energy, nonprofit organization, military transition, energy independence, community solar, EOD technician, Iraq, Afghanistan, addiction recovery, purpose after military, green energy, disadvantaged communities, personal resilience, combat PTSD, sustainability.

In this special Wing It Wednesday episode, Thad and Tyler take a break from the heavier topics to reflect on their personal experiences surrounding September 11th and the events that followed. After the intensity of the last episode, this conversation acts as a palate cleanser of sorts, providing a mix of deep reflection and lighthearted banter. They recall where they were on 9/11, how it changed their lives, and the global shifts they witnessed—from the DC sniper to the invasion of Iraq and the stop-loss policy. The two hosts also open up about their own military challenges, from extended deployments to unexpected personal hurdles, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of military life during this era. The conversation takes a turn toward conspiracy theories, including speculation about an inside job on 9/11, before reminding listeners of the importance of moving forward while honoring past sacrifices. Wrapping up on a lighter note, Thad and Tyler dive into fun discussions about Bigfoot, Stonehenge, and teasing future podcast episodes, providing a refreshing balance of humor and reflection.

Links Check out Flow State Endurance's team fundraising page for Guardian Revival

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Impact of September 11th

05:06 Military Experiences and the Wars

10:16 Confusion and Uncertainty

19:02 Personal Stories and Emotions

32:16 The Challenges of Military Life and the Impact on Families

33:10 The Controversial Stop-Loss Policy and its Effects on Soldiers

36:02 The Existence and Influence of the Military-Industrial Complex

43:12 Different Perspectives on Conspiracy Theories about September 11th

01:01:30 Preview: A Retired EOD Tech's Nonprofit Solar Energy Company

Keywords

September 11th, memories, experiences, impact, invasion of Iraq, DC sniper, stop-loss policy, military, September 11th, deployments, pregnancies, stop-loss, conspiracy theories, moving on, Bigfoot, Stonehenge

In this powerful episode, Thad and Tyler are joined by Jeremy Thibodeaux, a former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment MH-47 Flight Engineer and Silver Star recipient, who is now pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Jeremy opens up about his personal journey, reflecting on how both his childhood and military service impacted his mental health. From battling serious childhood illnesses to confronting the emotional toll of combat, Jeremy’s story is a testament to the deep connection between physical and mental health.

Jeremy shares his experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), not just as a result of his intense combat missions but also from the long-term effects of being bullied as a child due to his health conditions. He talks about the importance of addressing mental health in a community where it’s often stigmatized, and how his own journey to healing led him to pursue a career in psychology to help others. The episode dives deep into Jeremy's decision to break the cycle of silence around mental health and how he uses his personal experiences to help his son, who also faces health challenges.

Links

The Arcane Project

The Guardian Revival One Mile Challenge

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

13:49 Childhood Illnesses and Resilience

19:03 Joining the Military and Pursuing Dreams

22:30 Parenting and Teaching Kindness

27:37 Becoming a Crew Chief Mechanic in the 160th

37:08 First Deployment and Memorial

38:14 Recalling Military Experiences

44:49 Sharing Stories of Combat

51:33 Intense Firefights and Close Calls

58:36 Transitioning to Civilian Life

01:07:35 Struggles with Mental Health

01:10:29 Journey to Recovery

01:13:03 The Impact of Trauma

01:14:25 Pursuing a Degree in Psychology

01:15:53 Developing New Ways of Thinking

01:16:19 Cognitive Processing Therapy and Neuroplasticity

01:17:18 Faith and Spirituality in Healing

01:18:42 The Importance of Seeking Help

01:27:22 Jeremy's Work in Behavioral Health

01:30:23 Jeremy's Nonprofit Project for Veterans

Key Words

Resilience and Recovery Podcast, Breaking the Silence on PTSD, Mental Health Awareness Podcast, PTSD and Mental Health Recovery, Overcoming PTSD Podcast, Veteran Mental Health, Healing from Trauma, PTSD Resilience Stories, Mental Health Stigma Podcast, Military PTSD Recovery, Mental Health Conversations, First Responder Mental Health, Combat PTSD Awareness, Mental Health in the Military, Psychological Resilience Podcast