Losing camaraderie after leaving the military can be one of the hardest parts of the transition. No one seems to understand, and it’s easy to feel isolated-even in a room full of people. But what if there was a way to rebuild that sense of purpose and connection?
Enter Charles Watkins, an Army veteran who knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle after service. As a former chaplain assistant, he spent his time in the military helping soldiers through their toughest moments. But after leaving the Army, he found himself battling his own transition struggles, feeling lost, and searching for meaning.
That search led him to faith-not just in a traditional sense, but as a tool for resilience, healing, and finding purpose. Charles started Breaking the Silence, an organization designed to support veterans and first responders through faith-based and secular resources, giving them a safe place to connect, share, and rebuild.
In this episode, Charles and Scott discuss:
How military service impacts mental and spiritual well-being
The struggles veterans face when transitioning out of service
Why faith and resilience go hand-in-hand
The importance of community and finding a mission after the military
Actionable steps for veterans looking to reclaim their sense of purpose
If you’ve ever felt lost, disconnected, or like something was missing, this conversation is for you. You don’t have to do this alone-there’s a tribe waiting for you.
Timestamps:
00:02:00 – Charles’ journey from Army chaplain assistant to veteran advocate
00:07:00 – The unseen struggles veterans face after leaving service
00:14:30 – How faith and resilience work together for healing
00:25:00 – The power of veteran community and shared experience
00:37:15 – How to find purpose and service after the military
Links & Resources
Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Website: https://the22.org
Follow Charles Watkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4the22/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@veteransministry
