537
Downloads
16
Episodes
Veterans Unmasked is more than a podcast—it's a living archive dedicated to preserving the stories of military veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and those whose lives have been shaped by service.
Hosted by Remy, a Disabled Combat Veteran/Gold Star Husband, each long-form conversation goes beyond headlines, sound bites, and social media posts to document the real experiences behind the uniform.
From combat deployments and life-saving calls to personal loss, transition, resilience, and purpose, these stories are recorded, preserved, and shared so future generations can hear them directly from the people who lived them.
Through the Veterans Unmasked Legacy Archive, we are building a permanent collection of voices, experiences, lessons, and memories that might otherwise be lost to time.
Because every story matters.
Because every voice deserves to be heard.
Because behind every uniform is a story.
Unmasked. Unbroken.
Support the Mission
Watch Full Episodes @ Veterans Unmasked on Youtube
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Explore the unfiltered stories of military veterans and their families on Veterans Unmasked, a compelling podcast hosted by Remy, a combat veteran and Gold Star spouse. Delve into the complexities of military life, from the challenges of PTSD to the impact on families and the transition to civilian life. Through heartfelt conversations, Veterans Unmasked aims to bridge understanding, honor unsung heroes, and amplify the voices that deserve to be heard. Join us as we unmask the stories that shape us and bring to light the resilient journeys of those who have served.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
1 hr 34 min
What happens when military service ends, but the drive to serve never does?
In Episode 14 of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Martin Melkonian, a veteran whose story stretches from military deployments and detainee operations in Iraq to motorcycle culture, veteran advocacy, service dogs, fundraising, and years of giving back to the veteran community.
Martin takes us inside his military experience, including his deployment to Camp Bucca, Iraq, where he served with Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion 5. He reflects on joint operations with the Army and Air Force, the importance of every military occupation, and an experience that took on an entirely different meaning years later: interacting with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before ISIS emerged as the organization the world would eventually come to know.
The conversation also turns to the consequences that followed many veterans home. Martin discusses burn pit and toxic exposure, including the loss of Petty Officer Anthony Thornton to brain cancer, and why veteran health advocacy remains personal to him.
But Martin's story isn't defined solely by military service.
We talk about his involvement in motorcycle clubs and the misconceptions surrounding that community, his efforts supporting veteran organizations and homeless and disabled veterans, and his work helping raise money and awareness for causes throughout Texas. Martin also discusses Give Us Paws, service dogs, his German Shepherd Chance, and the role these organizations can play in veterans' lives.
And because this is Veterans Unmasked, the conversation isn't all serious.
Martin shares stories about hallucinating from exhaustion during boot camp, tackling a drill instructor, taking his wife to the gun range, being rear-ended on his motorcycle by his own wife, discovering that Top Gun may have given him unrealistic expectations about Navy jobs, and why one experience caused him to swear off Starbucks.
Through the humor, loss, military memories, motorcycles, advocacy, and community service runs one consistent theme:
Service doesn't necessarily end when you take off the uniform. Sometimes it simply changes form.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
Find us on Social Media
Facebook
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers.
New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
2 hr 14 min
What happens when the uniform comes off, but the desire to serve never goes away?
In Episode 13 of the Veterans Unmasked Podcast, we sit down with Army veteran Dustin Cook for a conversation that goes far beyond military service.
As a fourth-generation veteran, service has always been part of Dustin's life. But like many veterans, leaving the military brought an entirely new set of challenges.
During this episode, we discuss:
• The reality behind the "22 veterans a day" conversation
• Why the military doesn't teach service members how to transition back into civilian life
• Finding a new sense of purpose after military service
• The complicated emotions surrounding the phrase, "Thank you for your service"
• Life as a middle school science teacher and the challenges facing public education
• Emergency communications and disaster response operations
• How military skills can be adapted and applied long after service ends
• Family, mentorship, leadership, and giving back to the veteran community
We also share a few stories that will make you laugh, including conversations about Call of Duty lobbies, Top Secret security clearances, and one unforgettable story involving a military radio and a canteen full of water.
At its core, this episode is about something many veterans understand all too well:
The mission may change, but the desire to serve never truly disappears.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
Find us on Social Media
Facebook
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers.
New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Aug 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
1 hr 50 min
Every veteran has a story. Some battles happen on the battlefield. Others begin after the uniform comes off.
In Episode 12 of the Veterans Unmasked Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Maddron for one of the most honest and deeply personal conversations we've had in the studio.
Jeff opens up about military service, the emotional weight of attending memorial services while deployed, the invisible wounds that followed him home, and the darkness that eventually led him to a suicide attempt. Rather than hiding from those moments, he shares them in the hope that someone else may realize they are not alone.
But this isn't a story about giving up.
It's a story about choosing to stay.
Today, Jeff is a husband, father, business owner, and living proof that even after life's darkest moments, purpose can still be found. His journey is one of resilience, healing, faith, family, and discovering that the mission doesn't end when military service does—it simply changes.
Throughout this conversation, Jeff reflects on the realities of military life, the impact of loss, rebuilding after trauma, and the importance of reaching out before it's too late.
Whether you've served, love someone who has, or simply believe in the power of authentic conversations, this episode offers hope, perspective, and a reminder that tomorrow is always worth fighting for.
Topics in this episode include:
- Military service
- Memorial services during deployment
- Mental health
- PTSD and depression
- Suicide prevention
- Recovery and healing
- Family
- Leadership
- Finding purpose after service
- Life beyond the uniform
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
Find us on Social Media
Facebook
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers.
New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Aug 3, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
2 hr 41 sec
From Desert Storm and Somalia to Embassy Security duty and life after catastrophic injury, William "Big Sarge" Hansen's story is one of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering service.
In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, Big Sarge reflects on growing up in a family with generations of military service, earning the title of United States Marine, deploying around the world, and facing life-changing challenges years after leaving active duty. Through humor, honesty, and hard-earned perspective, he shares lessons about resilience, recovery, and the importance of continuing to serve others.
Whether you have worn the uniform yourself or simply want to better understand the people behind it, this conversation offers an authentic look at the sacrifices, struggles, and victories that often go unseen.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
Find us on Social Media
Facebook
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers.
New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Jul 27, 2026
Jul 27, 2026
2 hr 20 min
Some stories are difficult to hear.
Some are even harder to tell.
In this deeply personal episode of Veterans Unmasked, Navy veteran Elina Hobbs shares her journey through military service, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), PTSD, betrayal, healing, and ultimately finding the strength to reclaim her voice.
This conversation is not simply about what happened to her.
It is about surviving what no one should have to endure.
It is about carrying invisible wounds while continuing to move forward.
It is about discovering that healing is possible—even after years of silence.
Military Sexual Trauma affects thousands of service members and veterans, yet many survivors never speak publicly about their experiences. Elina chose to tell her story in the hope that someone listening may realize they are not alone.
This episode contains discussions of:
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
• PTSD
• Trauma and recovery
• Mental health
• Military life
• Healing and resilience
Viewer and listener discretion is advised due to mature subject matter.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers.
New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Jul 20, 2026
Jul 20, 2026
2 hr 43 min
Military service is filled with moments that change us forever. Some happen during duty. Others happen in everyday life.
In Episode 009 of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Roxanne Sotelo-Adamick, a United States Navy veteran, as she shares her journey through military service, unexpected challenges, memorable duty stations, and the experiences that helped shape the person she is today.
From stories in British Columbia and Hawaii to the friendships, hardships, and humor that come with military life, Roxanne offers an honest look at the realities of serving in uniform. Her story reminds us that not every defining moment happens in combat—many come from the people we meet, the places we go, and the obstacles we overcome along the way.
Veterans Unmasked exists to preserve the stories of veterans, first responders, military families, and Gold Star families so they are never forgotten.
Because when we share our stories, we remind others they are not alone.
Where Silence Ends. Stories Live Forever.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers.
New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
3 hr 36 min
About This Episode
Episode 008 | When the Alarm Sounds
What happens after the alarm sounds?
For most people, it's the beginning of an emergency.
For firefighters, it's another call that demands split-second decisions, teamwork, leadership, and the willingness to place others before themselves.
In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Senior Captain Willie Acklin of the Houston Fire Department for an honest conversation about life in the fire service. Willie shares stories from decades of experience, discussing leadership, compassion fatigue, firefighter training, brotherhood, lessons learned from Fallujah, emergency response, and the emotional realities that most people never see behind the flashing lights.
From humorous firehouse stories to life-changing moments on the job, this conversation offers an inside look at what it truly means to answer the call.
Whether you're a firefighter, veteran, law enforcement officer, EMT, first responder, or simply someone who wants to better understand the people who serve their communities every day, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers. New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.
Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
1 hr 19 min
Some people leave the military.
Others never stop serving.
In Episode 007 of Veterans Unmasked, we sit down with Tim Stroud, an Army veteran, combat medic, veteran advocate, and founder of Stay Tuned For Vets, to discuss what service truly looks like after the uniform comes off.
From his experiences as an Army medic to creating programs that connect veterans through music, woodworking, community events, and peer support, Tim shares why purpose, connection, and service remain just as important after military life.
This conversation isn't just about military service.
It's about continuing to answer the call.
In this episode, we discuss:
✅ Serving as an Army Combat Medic
✅ Transitioning from military service
✅ The mission behind Stay Tuned For Vets
✅ Veteran community outreach
✅ Why purpose matters after service
✅ Music and creative healing
✅ Building relationships within the veteran community
✅ Leadership beyond the military
✅ Helping veterans reconnect
✅ Continuing to serve after taking off the uniform
About Tim Stroud
Tim Stroud is an Army veteran, combat medic, and the founder of Stay Tuned For Vets, an organization dedicated to connecting veterans through community, music, creative projects, education, and service opportunities. His mission is simple:
No veteran should feel alone after their service ends.
About Veterans Unmasked
Veterans Unmasked is a nonprofit organization preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, caregivers, and community leaders through long-form documentary-style conversations.
Every interview becomes part of our permanent Legacy Archive so these stories will never be forgotten.
Where Silence Ends.
Learn More
🌐 Website
📚 Legacy Archive
https://VeteransUnmasked.org/the-legacy-archive
🎧 Listen on Podbean
https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@VeteransUnmasked
Connect with Stay Tuned For Vets
If this conversation inspired you, please consider subscribing, leaving a comment, and sharing it with another veteran, first responder, or family member. Every share helps preserve another story.
Veterans Unmasked is a long-form documentary podcast preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, military spouses, and caregivers. New episodes premiere every Monday at 5:00 AM CT on podcast platforms, with full video episodes released Fridays at 5:00 PM CT on YouTube.