Sep 19, 2016
William Rodriquez, MSW is a decorated three-time Operation Enduring/Iraqi-Freedom Veteran. After leaving the Army he has received his Master’s Degree in military social work from the University of Southern California (USC). He currently works as a trauma and addiction therapist in Santa Barbara, CA. He also works tirelessly for veteran suicide prevention. He is featured in an upcoming documentary, Thank You for Your Service, being released nationally October, 2016. (See below for more information about the film.)
Everyone has a story. Everyone has a past. It’s the meaning you assign that story, and what you do with it that determines your destiny. Wouldn’t it be great, if in the snap of your fingers you could rewrite your entire life’s story? Rewrite it in such a way that when you play it back, there is positive meaning.  Further, that at each point along the story, you realize what you have learned, and how the situation made you stronger and better equipped to conquer obstacles in your future.
The problem with the theory above is: How? How do we take traumatizing events and use them for our betterment? In today’s podcast with my first ever returning guest William Rodriguez (from episode 6), we talk about three distinct suggestions to help someone get closer to finding happiness and purpose in their life, even if in the moment it seems impossible.
This episode is dedicated to every active service member and veteran who struggles with Post Traumatic Stress.
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Michelle Dutro
Please take a moment and watch the trailer from the documentary. If you are in a place to help, either with your time or through donation, I do not know of a more worthy or impactful cause than this one.
The U.S. military faces a mental health crisis of historic proportions.  Thank You for Your Service takes aim at the flawed mental health policies within the Armed Services and their tragic consequences.  Director Tom Donahue (Casting By) interweaves the stories of four Iraq War veterans with candid interviews of top military and civilian leaders. Observing the systemic neglect, the film argues for significant internal change and offers a roadmap of hope.
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