About this episode
This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Marine veteran Andrew Higgins, who shares the brutal reality of military transition. After enlisting as an 0311 Rifleman, Andrew deployed to Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening situations and the psychological conditioning of becoming a warfighter. Now a Readjustment Counselor and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Andrew exposes the military’s most significant failure—its lack of support for transitioning veterans. He discusses the emotional toll of combat, the struggles of reintegration, and whether the responsibility for helping veterans transition should fall on the military or outside organizations. If you’ve ever wondered about the mental challenges veterans face after service, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. What do you think? Should the military do more to support transitioning veterans? Comment below! 🚨 We Need Your Help Improving Veteran Support! 🚨 Andrew is conducting a research study on veteran reintegration experiences, and your input can help shape future support programs. If you are a U.S. military veteran, please take 8 minutes to complete this confidential survey: 👉 Take the Survey Here: https://alliant.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yAyHVylSQzoflQ Your participation is crucial in helping improve resources for veterans. Mental health support resources are provided regardless of completion. What do you think? Should the military do more to support transitioning veterans? Drop a comment below! 👍 Like this video to support and show appreciation. 🗣️ Comment your support or ask any questions. Sometimes, our interviewees respond, and we at Urban Valor will do our best to respond as well! ✅ SUBSCRIBE to support Urban Valor and the courageous Veterans who tell their stories AND so you NEVER miss a weekly episode of our veteran stories. New stories every Sunday! Your engagement greatly supports our mission to share authentic and impactful veteran stories. Video Chapters: 01:15 – Growing Up in a Conservative Household 03:45 – Why I Joined the Marines: A Fascination with Death 06:10 – The Harsh Realities of Boot Camp & Marine Culture 09:30 – Combat Deployment to Afghanistan: Facing Life & Death 14:20 – Returning Home: The Unexpected Struggles of Reintegration 19:45 – Why the Military Fails Veterans After Service 24:00 – PTSD, Depression & The Silent Battle Veterans Fight 28:30 – From Warfighter to Therapist: Helping Veterans Heal 32:15 – How to Fix Veteran Transition: Who’s Responsible? #military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #mentalhealth #veteranmentalhealth