In this Washington DC episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Marine veterans sit down with Juan Valdez, a Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, law-school graduate, and veteran advocate with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), for one of the most raw, honest, and emotional conversations we've ever filmed. Juan survived multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including being shot in the chest by a sniper in 2006, and he opens up about trauma, identity loss, purpose, and the long road to rebuilding a life after warfare.
This conversation blends Marine humor with deep vulnerability as Juan shares the parts of his story most people never hear: the anger after coming home, the guilt, the sleepless nights, the moral injuries, and the struggle to understand who you are when “everything you were feels like yesterday.” He talks about using a service dog to manage PTSD, going through law school, and eventually finding renewed mission through his work with Wounded Warrior Project.
Juan breaks down exactly what WWP does for veterans in Washington DC and nationwide, including the Independence Program, Soldier Ride, TBI and neurological injury support, caregiver resources, peer groups, federal benefits navigation, and long-term warrior engagement. He explains how WWP focuses on post-traumatic growth, helping veterans not only survive their trauma but grow through it, rebuild identity, find community again, and rediscover the belief that “we can still do hard things.”
Based on the transcript from our live conversation, this episode highlights everything from combat stories and Marine-to-Marine banter, to the deeper emotional battles veterans face long after Afghanistan. If you've ever wondered what Wounded Warrior Project actually does, how veterans navigate identity loss, or how warriors find hope again after combat, this episode lays it out without filters.
Topics Covered:
Wounded Warrior Project programs in Washington DC and Nationally
Post-traumatic growth and veteran mental health
Purple Heart stories and Marine Corps combat experiences
Surviving sniper fire and battlefield trauma
Service dog support for PTSD
Law school and post-service identity
Veteran transition and purpose rebuilding
TBI, neurological injury, and caregiver support
Soldier Ride and Independence Program
Community, brotherhood, and hope after the military
Raw veteran humor and real-life storytelling
About Juan Valdez:
Juan Valdez is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. After being shot in the chest during a 2006 deployment to Iraq, he endured years of recovery, battled PTSD, and rebuilt his life through education, advocacy, and service. Today, he works with Wounded Warrior Project as an advocate helping veterans understand resources, find connection, and navigate the long-term recovery process. His mission is to teach the next generation, support his fellow warriors, and remind veterans everywhere that their story isn't over.
About the Show:
Vegas Veteran Voices is a raw, unfiltered veteran podcast centered on identity, purpose, community, and the fight after service. Hosted by Marine and Navy veterans, we highlight authentic stories, powerful organizations, and the real experiences of the American warrior community.