The Common Veterans

By: Kenneth Holmes | Jeff Schrock | Fred Schlorke | Tony Buoscio | Casey Hendrickson
  • Summary

  • The Common Veterans is a podcast created by veterans, for veterans, exploring topics that matter most to the veteran community. From personal stories and shared experiences to deep dives into ethical, moral, and societal issues, each episode brings an authentic voice to conversations that resonate. Whether it's navigating post-military life, discussing mental health, or exploring subjects like ethics, morality, and religion, The Common Veterans is a place for open dialogue and community. Join us as
    Kenneth Holmes | Jeff Schrock | Fred Schlorke | Tony Buoscio | Casey Hendrickson
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Episodes
  • Episode 15 : Let's Talk About Series - Religion
    Nov 28 2024
    Common Veterans: Episode 15 - Let’s Talk Politics Common Veterans: Season 2 Addendum Episode 15: Let’s Talk Series: Politics

    In this episode of The Common Veterans podcast, part of the "Let's Talk About" series, we break the rule: “Never talk politics, religion, or money at the dinner table.” We’ll dive into politics, its intersection with military life, and a political card game for a bit of fun (and maybe some chaos).

    Who Are We?

    Each host shares their perspective, kicking off with Casey explaining the rules of "Leftdiculous", a political card game. Before playing, we discuss what politics means to us as veterans, exploring its personal and military implications.

    Politics and the Military

    We explore how politics shapes the military through current events and historical decisions:

    • Pete Hegseth: A potential DoD director pick by Trump.
    • General Chris Donahue: His career has faced Senate roadblocks.
    • Tulsi Gabbard: A former Congresswoman and Army officer as an intelligence pick.

    These discussions show how decisions in Washington impact military life.

    Politics Game Night

    We play "Leftdiculous", a game blending humor with political scenarios. Our rule is simple: Play the game or lose. It’s a fun way to explore political debates and spark productive conversations.

    Special Outpost: Stolen Valor

    We address accusations of stolen valor against one of our own. Every veteran here has been vetted, and we stand by their integrity. This segment explores what stolen valor means and how to counter misinformation.

    Season 3 Preview

    Season 3 will explore life after service, from transitioning to civilian life to advocacy and creative outlets. With 24 episodes, we’ll highlight how veterans thrive beyond their military careers.

    Thank you for supporting The Common Veterans. Politics can be divisive, but as veterans, we bring a unique perspective. Stay tuned for more as we wrap up Season 2 and prepare for an exciting Season 3!

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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Episode 14: Let's Talk Series - Ethics and Morality
    Nov 4 2024

    Welcome back to The Common Veterans podcast! We’re excited to bring you another episode in our "Let's Talk About" series, where we dig deep into issues that impact Veterans and service members. Today, we’re taking on the complex topic of Ethics and Morality—a subject that touches every part of life, but one that takes on unique meanings in the military and Veteran communities.

    Understanding Ethics and Morality in a Military Context

    When we talk about ethics and morality, we’re discussing the foundation of how we judge right from wrong and act accordingly. For many of us, these ideas are first shaped at home, through family, school, and community. But in the military, our understanding of ethical behavior often evolves, shaped by rigorous training, the demands of service, and the moral challenges that arise in situations most civilians will never encounter.

    In this episode, we’ll explore these foundational concepts and dive into what makes ethical behavior distinct from moral beliefs. For some, ethics are the rules or principles set by society or institutions, while morality often reflects our personal values. We’ll reference insights from our recent discussion on religion to frame these differences and understand how they’re viewed within military life.

    Facing Ethical Challenges in Service

    One of the most unique aspects of military service is how it presents ethical challenges that are rarely found in civilian life. In the field, service members may face difficult decisions that test their values and beliefs. How do you act when commands or circumstances push those boundaries? When is following an order the ethical thing to do, and when might it conflict with personal morality?

    Military codes of conduct are designed to provide structure and guidance during high-stress situations, but real-life scenarios often don’t fit neatly within any rulebook. Whether it’s a decision made in combat, a command that seems morally gray, or the ethical responsibilities of leadership, these experiences create moments that shape a person’s ethics and morality for a lifetime.

    Living with Military Ethics in Civilian Life

    After returning to civilian life, Veterans often find that the ethical framework developed during service doesn’t always align with what they encounter in the civilian world. The transition can be challenging, as situations that once seemed clear-cut in the structured environment of military life may feel complex and ambiguous back home.

    This experience is sometimes referred to as "moral injury," a term for the internal conflict that arises when a person’s actions—or the actions they’ve witnessed—violate their core moral beliefs. For many Veterans, moral injury is one of the hardest wounds to heal, but fortunately, there are resources and communities offering support. In this episode, we’ll touch on some of these resources and discuss ways that Veterans can find healing and adapt to their post-service lives.

    Looking Ahead: Politics

    To close out today’s episode, we’re excited to announce that our next "Let’s Talk About" installment will focus on Politics. It’s a topic that plays a significant role in military and Veteran life, influencing everything from policy to personal perspectives. In this next conversation, we’ll discuss how political issues impact those who serve, and we’ll share insights on the role of political beliefs within the Veteran community.

    Thank you for joining us as we dive into these meaningful conversations. Make sure to subscribe, share your thoughts, and stay tuned for our next episode!

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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Episode 13: Let’s Talk Series: Religion
    Oct 28 2024

    In this episode of The Common Veterans podcast, we continue our "Let's Talk About" series by diving into the topic of religion. We explore what religion means, its role within the military, and how it impacts the lives of Veterans. Whether deeply religious or not, we open the floor for a thoughtful discussion on how faith and spirituality intersect with military life.

    Introduction to the “Let’s Talk About” Series

    Our “Let’s Talk About” series is a space for veterans to explore important topics in a deeper way. We started with Religion, with upcoming episodes focused on ethics, morality, and politics. Each discussion brings forward the unique perspectives of service members and Veterans.

    Defining Religion

    Religion is a system of beliefs, values, and practices that helps people understand the world and their place in it. However, it’s important to distinguish religion from denominations—religion refers to broad traditions like Christianity or Islam, while denominations are branches within those religions, such as Catholicism or Methodism.

    Religion in the Military

    The military is a place of religious diversity, where service members from various backgrounds and faiths come together. Religion often provides a sense of comfort and strength during difficult times, such as combat deployments. In this episode, we explore how religion shapes service members’ lives and how the military accommodates diverse faith practices.

    Veterans and Faith

    After transitioning out of the military, faith continues to play a key role in the lives of many Veterans. Religion or spirituality often helps Veterans cope with challenges like PTSD or loss. Some reconnect with traditional religious communities, while others find solace in alternative spiritual practices like meditation or nature.

    Next Episode: Ethics and Morality

    Stay tuned for our next episode on Ethics and Morality, where we’ll dive into the foundations of ethical behavior and moral decision-making, especially in the military context.

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    2 hrs

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