In this episode, host Christian Lane interviews firefighter, veteran, and founder of Victory Medals, Andrew Siwy, who shares his journey from childhood bullying to military service and firefighting. Andrew discusses the impact of his experiences on his mental health, the significance of self-awareness, and the challenges faced during his deployments in Afghanistan. He reflects on the importance of understanding intent in human interactions and the ethical complexities of military duty, emphasizing the need for compassion and humanity in service roles. In this conversation, Andrew shares his journey from military service to becoming a firefighter, detailing the mental health challenges he faced and the importance of support systems in recovery. He recounts a traumatic incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival and discusses the need for recognition of sacrifices made by first responders. Andrew emphasizes the significance of mental health strategies and the role of community support in navigating trauma. 

 Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Siwy's Journey 

02:52 Overcoming Childhood Bullying 

05:44 Self-Awareness and Reflection 

08:09 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Aspirations 

10:58 Joining the Canadian Armed Forces 

13:24 First Deployment to Afghanistan 

21:36 Cultural Shock in Kandahar 

27:09 Second Deployment and Special Forces Experience 

35:05 The Complexity of Military Ethics 

40:36 Reflections on Duty and Humanity 

44:29 Understanding the Military Mindset 

45:18 The Journey Through Mental Health Challenges 

46:10 Crisis and Recovery: A Personal Story 

52:34 The Role of Support Systems in Recovery 

55:25 Navigating Trauma in First Response 

01:00:05 Responding to Tragedy: The Lapu-Lapu Day Incident 

01:11:32 Personal Growth and Mental Health Strategies 

01:14:17 Honoring Service: The Importance of Recognition 

01:20:32 Advocating for Civilian Recognition of Sacrifice 

keywords military, service, resilience, mental health, bullying, Afghanistan, Canadian Armed Forces, firefighting, leadership, special forces, military mindset, mental health, first responders, crisis recovery, support systems, trauma response, personal growth, service recognition, civilian honors, mental health strategies 

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