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Jan. 8, 2025

Episode 184: Tristan Wimmer "USMC Scout/Sniper"

-CHAPTERS-

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

03:50 Family Legacy and Military Background

06:00 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

10:31 Brotherly Competition and Changes

14:26 The Effects of Military Training

17:43 Experiencing Combat and Its Aftermath

23:10 Guilt and Responsibility

28:48 Altruism and Personal Growth

32:27 Reflections on Military Service

39:50 Decisions and Consequences in the Marine Corps

46:14 The Aftermath of Injury: Accountability and Guilt

55:57 Navigating Mental Health: A Brother's Decline

01:07:00 The Impact of Relationships on Personal Struggles

01:13:01 Confronting the Reality of Suicide

01:21:16 The Breaking Point: A Brother's Struggle

01:24:42 Guilt and Regret: The Weight of Decisions

01:28:39 The Final Straw: Understanding the Tragedy

01:33:06 The Aftermath: Coping with Loss and Anger

01:39:00 Forgiveness and Healing: A Journey Forward

01:42:10 22 Jumps: A Mission to Honor and Heal

-SUMMARY-

In this conversation, DJ and Tristan explore the profound impact of military service on mental health, particularly focusing on the experiences of veterans dealing with traumatic brain injuries and the consequences of military culture. The discussion delves into the familial legacy of military service, the evolution of brotherly relationships, and the struggles of transitioning to civilian life. The guest shares personal anecdotes about his brother's journey, the challenges faced after injury, and the importance of accountability within the military. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for support systems and the role of altruism in healing and finding purpose after loss. This conversation delves into the complexities of transitioning from military service to contracting, the impact of personal relationships on decision-making, and the challenges of dealing with family mental health issues. Tristan shares his journey of navigating the loss of a loved one, the guilt associated with their decisions, and the importance of advocating for traumatic brain injury research. The discussion culminates in the establishment of '22 Jumps', an organization aimed at honoring veterans and supporting mental health initiatives.

-TAKEAWAYS-

Military service is often a family tradition.

Traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects.

Brotherly competition can evolve into something darker.

The military culture can amplify aggressive behaviors.

Transitioning to civilian life is a significant challenge.

Accountability in the military is crucial for healing.

Adventure sports can provide a sense of purpose.

Guilt can linger after a loved one's injury.

Support systems are essential for veterans.

Finding purpose after loss is a vital part of recovery. The transition from military to contracting can be purely transactional.

Financial incentives often outweigh patriotic motivations in contracting.

Relationships can significantly influence personal and professional decisions.

Mental health struggles in families can create complex dynamics.

It's challenging to help someone who refuses assistance.

Guilt and regret are common feelings after losing a loved one.

Public embarrassment can be a significant trigger for mental health crises.

Forgiveness is a process that can lead to personal growth.

Advocacy for traumatic brain injury research is crucial for veterans.

Grassroots efforts can lead to substantial fundraising success.

 

 

 

 

 

INTRO and OUTRO music written,performed, and provided by the band Rattle Root. Check them out below.

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Transcript

Tristan Wimmer Profile Photo

Tristan Wimmer

Founder | CEO

Tristan Wimmer is the CEO and founder of 22 Jumps — a 501(c)(3) public charity with a national footprint that uses BASE jumping to support the development of testing and treatments for TBIs and uses adventure sports as a therapeutic modality for suicide prevention. Additionally, Tristan is currently co-leading and consulting on two multi-year DoD-funded TBI research initiatives: Leveraging Nationwide Research Infrastructure to Enrich Brain Health after TBI (ENRICH: DoD W81XWH-21-S-TBIPH2, PI. Dams-O’Connor) and Adaptive Trial for the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms associated with Concussion using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocols (ADEPT: TP220072, PI: Brody).

Tristan is a former United States Marine Corps infantryman and scout sniper team and worked as a security consultant supporting the United States Department of State in Afghanistan.