From Soldier to Mental Health Advocate: Shawn Burnah's Journey after 30 Years of Service
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of The Strategic Veteran, where host Adam Peters sits down with special guest Shawn Burnah. Shawn shares his incredible story from 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army—including 24 years on active duty and six in the reserves—to his transformative journey into civilian life and mental health advocacy.
In today's episode, Shawn delves into his early life, rise to the rank of Sergeant Major, and his experiences leading critical operations, including his time with the Asymmetric Warfare Group. Shawn also opens up about the challenges he faced transitioning to civilian life, particularly as a single father, and his dedication to mental health and wellness for veterans.
This episode is packed with valuable insights and real-life stories that will resonate with veterans navigating their own transition and anyone interested in the powerful narratives of military life and entrepreneurship.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:06 - Welcome to The Strategic Veteran
0:40 - Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit
1:23 - Introducing Shawn Burnah
2:26 - Shawn's Military Journey
2:59 - Greeting and Initial Compliments
3:26 - Shawn's Early Life and Inspirations
5:06 - The Rigors of Early Responsibility
7:18 - Wrestling and Early Athletic Pursuits
10:37 - Joining the Military: Family Influences
12:04 - Early Military Career as a Medic
15:20 - Shifting Career Goals
16:34 - Wrestling and High School Experiences
18:00 - Real-Life Challenges in Military Service
19:00 - Personal Anecdotes and Reflections
22:00 - Importance of Mental and Emotional Recovery
24:00 - Influential Figures and Family
27:04 - Entrepreneurship and New Career Path
29:10 - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Resilience
33:25 - Shawn’s Advice to Fellow Veterans
35:40 - Overcoming Personal Hurdles
39:20 - Establishing a New Normal
42:10 - Building a Support Network
45:30 - The Role of Community in Recovery
48:00 - Practical Tips for Transitioning Veterans
51:15 - Career Development Post-Military
54:10 - Balancing Professional and Personal Life
57:40 - Strategies for Mental Wellness
1:01:15 - Education and Continuous Learning
1:04:05 - Navigating Relationships after Service
1:08:10 - Tools for Emotional Resilience
1:11:30 - Embracing Civilian Opportunities
1:14:45 - The Power of Mentorship
1:17:50 - Shawn’s Vision for the Future
1:21:05 - Lessons Learned from Military Service
1:24:15 - Adapting Military Skills to Civilian Life
1:27:30 - The Importance of Self-Reflection
1:30:10 - Creating Long-Term Goals
1:33:20 - Financial Planning and Stability
1:36:40 - The Impact of Therapy and Counseling
1:40:15 - Finding Fulfillment Post-Service
1:43:10 - Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
1:46:30 - Wellness Practices and Habits
1:49:05 - Tackling Veteran Stereotypes
1:52:15 - Shawn’s Closing Thoughts
1:55:30 - Final Q&A
1:58:00 - Closing Remarks
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