In this episode of The Unsung Veteran, I sit down with Javier Rodriguez, a former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, to talk honestly about life after the military, leadership, and the difficult process of rebuilding identity once the uniform comes off. Javier shares his journey from joining the Marine Corps as a young man determined to serve, through deployments, instructor duty, and leadership roles, to an unexpected and challenging exit from the military. We discuss the reality many veterans face when their transition doesn’t go according to plan—and why a single moment or decision does not erase a lifetime of service. This conversation dives into the things most people don’t talk about: • Losing structure and identity after leaving the military • The pressure of leadership and carrying stress alone • Learning to lead in the civilian world where authority looks different • Fatherhood, family, and choosing presence over rank • Veteran mental health, purpose, and community after service Javier also talks about his work today as a civilian leader and his involvement with Irreverent Warriors, an organization focused on bringing veterans together through camaraderie, humor, and connection to combat isolation and veteran suicide. This episode isn’t about perfect careers or clean endings. It’s about resilience, growth, and finding meaning beyond the title you once held. If you’re a veteran, family member, or someone trying to understand what military transition really looks like, this conversation matters. Thank you for watching and supporting The Unsung Veteran.