The short answer
Many Veterans find that telling their story is a powerful way to process their experiences. On a recent episode of the Helping The Brave podcast, host Ed Parcaut talked with Army Veteran Jared Maxwell about his service, combat deployments, PTSD, and how he uses writing to work through the aftermath of war. This conversation highlights how shaping your memories into a story can be a key part of the journey after service.
Joining and Serving
In his conversation on the podcast, Jared Maxwell shares his personal story of service. He talks about why the events of 9/11 motivated him to join the Army. He went on to become an Airborne infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division, a unit known for its rapid deployment capabilities.
Jared discusses his combat deployments, including serving in Iraq during the early part of the war. These experiences, like those of so many combat Veterans, left a lasting impact. The podcast dives into these raw and honest parts of his journey, exploring not only his time in the military but also his transition into law enforcement and his experience with post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. You can hear his full story on the episode, "Veterans Share Real Army Stories: Iraq And Afghanistan War".
Writing to Take Control
A key part of Jared's story is his use of writing to process his experiences. This is a path many Veterans have found helpful. The act of putting memories onto a page can bring a sense of order to chaotic thoughts and feelings.
This idea is central to the work of Ron Capps, Veterans Writing Project. A Veteran and author himself, Ron Capps founded his organization on a powerful principle: "Either you control the memory, or the memory controls you." By teaching Veterans and their families how to shape their experiences into stories, the Veterans Writing Project offers a way to gain mastery over difficult memories. They provide free writing workshops to help people do just that.
Similarly, the nonprofit Warrior Writers (Lovella Calica) uses writing and art to help Veterans bear witness to their own lives and connect with others. Their community workshops and retreats create a space where Veterans can share their stories and feel understood. The goal is not clinical therapy, but creative expression and community.
Your Story Has Value
You do not have to be a professional writer to benefit from this process. Every Veteran's firsthand story is valuable and worth preserving. That is the mission of the Veterans History Project (Library of Congress). This federal archive collects and saves the oral histories of American Veterans. Anyone aged 15 or older can use their field kit to record an interview, ensuring that these important personal accounts are not lost to time.
Sometimes, the power of a story comes from telling it out loud. Organizations like The Moth (Changemakers workshops) teach people how to find, shape, and tell a true story to a live audience. They believe that stories hold everything together, from humor and fear to duty and humanity. Sharing your story in a room full of people can build powerful connections and remind you that you are not alone.
Processing experiences with war and service can be difficult and bring up strong emotions. It is a journey, not a destination. Whether through writing, speaking, or just talking with a trusted peer, opening up can be a vital first step. Organizations like Objective Zero (Betsey Mercado) are built on the idea that one person willing to listen can save a life. Their app connects Veterans with peers who have similar experiences, because sometimes the best person to talk to is someone who just gets it.
Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. If you are struggling with difficult memories or emotions, you are not alone.
If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Next step
Listen to the full conversation with Jared Maxwell to hear his powerful story in his own words. Then, consider exploring one of the writing or storytelling projects mentioned here. Your story matters, and there are free resources available to help you tell it.
Helping The Brave provides education and resource information. It is not VA and does not provide accredited claims representation. This article is general information, not legal or medical advice.