In this powerful episode of What Do You Say, host Frank sits down with Roosevelt Hampton—a Kansas City firefighter, Army veteran, and former college football player—to share his remarkable story of service, sacrifice, and survival. From the football field to the frontlines in Kosovo and Afghanistan, Roosevelt recounts the intense realities of combat, the toll of post-traumatic stress, and the challenges of returning home to family life.
He opens up about the battles that continued long after deployment—hyper vigilance, PTSD, and the strain it put on his marriage and role as a father—and the breakthrough moments that helped him heal. This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and deeply human, shedding light on the hidden struggles many veterans face while offering hope through resilience, faith, and the power of sharing your story.
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00:00 - Introduction and Early Life
00:59 - Military Enlistment and Basic Training Experience
03:02 - Basic Training Challenges and Physical Demands
05:34 - Specialized Military Training and Early Deployments
08:22 - Deployment to Kosovo and Peacekeeping Mission
08:58 - Military Career Progression and Training Courses
10:22 - Deployment to Afghanistan and Combat Environment
14:04 - Combat Experiences and Convoy Security in Afghanistan
22:23 - Aftermath of Combat Incidents and Emotional Impact
24:40 - Daily Combat Stress and Mortar Attacks
30:56 - Post-Deployment Symptoms and Challenges
34:15 - Struggles with Alcohol and Emotional Outbursts
36:12 - Seeking Help and Acknowledging Mental Health Issues
38:55 - Treatment and Support Systems
42:06 - Personal Crisis and Military Career End
43:24 - Ongoing Effects and Emotional Challenges Post-Retirement
44:37 - Medical Diagnosis and Veterans Affairs Challenges
45:42 - Counseling Experiences and Marital Struggles
48:02 - Breakthrough and Empathy from the Host
50:29 - Faith and Spirituality in Healing
52:11 - Parenting and Humility in Family Life
54:29 - Acceptance of Imperfection and Family Challenges
56:03 - Mental Health Therapy and Its Challenges
58:50 - Finding Joy and Spiritual Growth
60:09 - Marriage Strengthened Through Faith and Prayer
61:20 - Spiritual Warfare and Family Unity
62:15 - Ongoing Mental Health Journey and Pride
63:41 - Removing Shame and Addressing Mental Illness
65:10 - Teaching Compassion and Helping Others
66:36 - Encouragement and Hope for the Future
68:32 - Faith as a Source of Strength and Healing
69:51 - Father's Heart and Emotional Vulnerability
71:21 - Emotional Release and Male Mental Health
73:01 - Breaking Unhealthy Habits and Renewing Mindset
74:39 - Spiritual Discipline and Staying Connected
75:44 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude
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