A Veteran’s Journey to Healing

Drive On Podcast

In this episode, we look into the inspiring journey of Mark Perna, a former Marine Corps infantryman with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Mark shares his experiences from the battlefield to the trials of reintegration into civilian life, touching on themes of resilience, healing, and the power of self-discovery through challenging times. His story unfolds through discussions on overcoming the aftermath of combat, exploring non-traditional paths to healing, such as yoga and meditation, and the role of community and support systems in facilitating growth and recovery. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of the veteran experience, highlighting the importance of facing fears, embracing change, and finding solace in connection and purpose.

(00:00) Welcome to Drive On (00:25) Introducing Mark Perna: A Marine's Story of Resilience (00:58) Parenting After War: Sharing Stories with the Next Generation (03:22) Marine Boot Camp: Preparing for War (08:32) Deployment to Afghanistan: The Reality on the Ground (13:19) Combat Experiences: The Intensity of Firefights (48:39) Returning Home: The Challenge of Reintegration (49:22) The Harsh Realities of Combat and Its Aftermath (51:18) Struggling with Trauma and Seeking Solace in Risky Behaviors (01:00:57) The Journey Towards Healing: From Medication to Meditation (01:11:56) Finding Peace Through Yoga and Embracing New Beginnings (01:24:05) Skydiving: A Leap Towards Self-Discovery and Love (01:32:55) Reflections on Service, Sacrifice, and the Path to Healing (01:39:33) Is It Service Connected?: The Misadventures of a Paratrooper

Links & Resources

• Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

Transcript

View the transcript for this episode.