We start off this show with Vicki Behenna, mother of 1st Lt. Michael Behenna, reacting to the recent news of the pardoning of her son by President Donald Trump. Behenna served slightly under 5 years of a 15 year sentence in Ft. Leavenworth for the killing of terrorist Ali Mansur Mohamed. Michael has always maintained that he acted in self-defense. Michael appeared with us back on Episode 88 when he was released, and this closes the chapter of a very dark period for the Behenna family. They are very thankful that President Trump made this a priority and that so many people raised enough attention to bring this issue to the forefront. Vicki hopes to see the same outcome for other men still serving time for questionable offenses that she believes are good men.

Next, we’re joined in studio by former Green Beret and author of “Separating From Service: The Mental Health Handbook for Transitioning Veterans,” Eric Burleson. We have a very frank discussion about the many issues that veterans face when leaving the military, and how for him, some of these issues stemmed from hardship outside of life in combat. What’s unique about this book is that Eric takes a deep dive into the neuroscience behind why veterans face the particular issues that they do when coming home to a very new life in so many aspects.

Follow Eric on Twitter @Eric_Burleson, pick up the book, and proceeds from the Kindle edition will be benefiting the family of a friend and fellow Green Beret killed in action. This was a very important podcast and you’ll hear Eric get into some dark areas that many would be afraid to reveal. So, major kudos to the work he is doing in helping his fellow vets.