We are excited to be joined today by Darrin Henry, a Staff Sergeant and Medic in the Pennsylvania National Guard and owner of Barracks Baristas Coffee Company, who has a powerful story to share. Darrin’s military career spans over 16 years, during which he has faced many high-pressure, life-or-death situations that greatly impacted his mental health.  

In this episode, he opens up about his struggles with anxiety and alcohol and the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Darrin speaks candidly about his recovery, the importance of seeking help and finding the support he needed through therapy and organizations like the Headstrong Project. Today, Darrin is giving back to the veteran community by donating a portion of his business proceeds to mental health initiatives.

Click play for a great reminder that no problem is too big and that help is always within reach.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
3:25 – Darrin’s first traumatic experience as a medic
13:01 – Darrin’s struggles with self-medication and anxiety
16:07 – Finding a supportive doctor
21:33 – Donations to the Headstrong Project
24:18 – Barracks Baristas Community Outreach
25:49 – Darrin’s closing remarks

Darrin Henry

Learn more about Darrin HERE

EPISODE LINKS 

Barracks Baristas Coffee Company

https://www.barracksbaristas.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorFjzijjPJtQkvJb7RtqOGrZJo3EjyG6Mn7SfD8sCpSv_JXvU0o

https://www.instagram.com/barracks_baristas/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553424721538&mibextid=ZbWKwL 

The Headstrong Project

https://theheadstrongproject.org/

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.