This Is Not Just a Military Story. It’s a Human One.

In this episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, I sit down with military veteran Rick Clement to explore what happens after the uniform comes off, when service, injury, and identity after military life collide, and the real work of rebuilding, recovery, and purpose after service begins.

Rick reflects on joining the UK Armed Forces, the bonds formed through military camaraderie, and his Afghanistan deployment during Op Herrick, serving with the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment and the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Along the way, he shares a simple but powerful truth: “It’s not just about medals, it’s about the people and the journey behind them.”

The conversation moves into veterans’ mental health, rehabilitation and resilience, and the role of support systems and charities for injured veterans in helping people find their footing again after life-changing injury and trauma. Rick speaks openly about learning to rebuild his life after losing both legs, and how community, humour, movement, and small, achievable goals became foundations for independence, healing, and trauma recovery. As he puts it, “Talking is huge — connection changes everything.”

If you care about veteran stories, mental health in the armed forces, injury recovery journeys, resilience after deployment, transformation through training, healing through community, and finding identity and purpose after service, this military resilience podcast episode offers perspective, compassion, and something meaningful to carry into your own life.

💬 COMMENT: What has helped you stay resilient during a difficult season?
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