In Part 2 of our conversation with Joseph “Joey” Pena, the discussion moves from early trauma to operational reality.

Joey shares what it was like being among the first boots on the ground in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, operating under martial law, and navigating a city where law enforcement had been compromised and order had collapsed.

He recounts:

• Taking back the French Quarter

• Rules of engagement during “blue on blue” encounters

• The presence of private security contractors

• The breakdown of trust in uniform

• Stop-loss extensions during the Iraq War

• Leadership manipulating deployment orders

• Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City

• Living with hypervigilance after returning home

• Setting boundaries in relationships while managing PTSD

This episode is not about glorifying combat. It is about what happens when systems fail, and what that does to the people inside them.

For leaders, it is also a reminder:

When structure collapses, human behavior changes fast.

In this episode of Down & Dirty with Michael Julian, we sit down with Joseph “Joey” Pena for one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations we’ve had.

Joey opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse, growing up as a preacher’s kid, and how early trauma shaped his identity long before he ever joined the military.

From the 82nd Airborne to deployments in Iraq and responding to Hurricane Katrina, Joey shares what combat really looks like — and what happens after the uniform comes off.

We discuss:

• Childhood trauma and long-term psychological impact

• Becoming a protector after being bullied

• Katrina and witnessing societal breakdown

• Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City

• Stop-loss and military extension

• PTSD, hypervigilance, and setting boundaries

• Turning a .50 cal round into a wedding ring

• Breaking generational cycles of violence

This episode isn’t about war stories.

It’s about accountability. Healing. And choosing not to pass pain forward.

If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, identity, or rebuilding your life after chaos - this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca LaFosse, a former law enforcement officer who transitioned to a successful career in corporate security. Rebecca shares her journey from a sheltered upbringing to becoming a narcotics detective, including harrowing experiences on the job and challenges she faced as a female officer. She opens up about the trauma and toxicity she encountered in policing, and how she ultimately found fulfillment in a new role with RaySECURE, a company developing innovative mail screening technology.

Rebecca discusses overcoming adversity, finding balance between work and family, and her continued passion for protecting others in her current position. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose through helping others stay safe.