85: Mental Disorder Is Not A Crime

Our culture is naive, not examining what soldiers in combat are really asked to do with little guidance on how to return to civilian life.

This important conversation brings to light the idea that most veterans of war are never given the opportunity to fully understand the effect their service has on their psyche, and some are driven down a cascade of crime due to an undiagnosed psychiatric disability. It is becoming more commonplace to legally divert vets into a mental health discovery program, help them integrate their past experiences and move forward in a healing way.

Originally aired on November 7, 2023 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

46: Veterans Need Natural Healing

The power of this story can impact veterans and non-veterans alike.

An immensely brave veteran and human, Javier Romo, turns his back on the mainstream VA medical system and finds freedom from his trauma with natural ways of healing. After struggling for years with prescription drugs, alcohol use and criminal activity to suppress his pain, he knew he needed dramatic changes and leaned in to exercise, lifestyle changes and a healthy diet as the catalyst for well-being, with much success. He now spends his time leading other veterans and being a positive role model to improve their quality of life and find purpose.

Originally aired on August 30, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

22: Property Of The Armed Forces

It takes one to know one; Veterans healing together at Central Oregon Veterans Ranch.

These women are strong, flexible, adventurous and have a passion for their country, yet share misogynistic stories from their time in the service that completely dismantle equal opportunity propaganda. Major Kara Kelly and Alison Perry, both military veterans with rank, never reported the sexual abuse they experienced out of fear of the wrath of over-powering male figures. It is out of these experiences that led Alison to open Central Oregon Veterans Ranch to heal and transmute emotions of retired soldiers who feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Originally aired on March 21, 2018 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point