Filmmaker Sid Holmes joins Untold Valor to discuss The Wait, his powerful documentary chronicling the lives of Vietnam veterans beyond the battlefield. Rather than beginning with combat, Sid explores who these men were before they served, revealing how childhood, military service, and the journey home shaped the rest of their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving veterans' stories, the healing power of sharing difficult experiences, and why no veteran should ever suffer in silence.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

The Wait – Why Sid created his Vietnam documentary

Vietnam Experience – Following veterans from enlistment through homecoming

Healing Through Storytelling – Why sharing experiences can be therapeutic

From Film to Stage – Turning veteran stories into a live production

Hope & Resources – Encouragement for veterans to seek support

0:00 – Intro

1:19 – Why Sid wanted to tell Vietnam veterans' stories

3:20 –Why the film begins with childhood

9:16 – Veterans opening up through conversation

10:37 – Powerful veteran stories

14:06 – The many different paths that led men to Vietnam

16:30 – Adapting The Wait into a stage play

19:39 – Sid's message to veterans and their families

Sid Holmes

Learn more about Sid HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Check out Sid’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@afamreport/videos

The Weight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_zOZMAf8ec

The Stage Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo3VIMzNmg8&t=9s

Articles about The Weight:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1keX1Q6MLqv-3SUyOAWOzvSL1rkEOcDHi/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_dh3HkLuX2rtSi906LQKjOsZQ8zhY563/view?usp=sharing

MORE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps

Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application

Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this special "Best of Season 3 – Part 2" episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about leadership, resilience, and finding purpose after military service. Bart Womack shares lessons on embracing change and helping others reach their potential. Jeremy Stalnecker reflects on his Marine Corps experience, personal transition, and the mission behind Mighty Oaks. Dartanyun Wilkins-Harvey discusses the challenges veterans face after service and how helping fellow veterans find employment has become his calling.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The importance of embracing change and understanding the "why"
• Lessons in leadership and accountability
• Finding purpose after military service
• The value of veteran-to-veteran support
• Helping veterans overcome barriers to employment

0:00 - Intro

0:40 - Bart on leadership, change, and accountability

5:12 - Jeremy on military service and Mighty Oaks

10:43 - Dartanyun on transition, employment, and helping veterans succeed

EPISODE LINKS

From Service to Storytelling: CSM Bart Womack’s Story (Part 1)

The Mighty Oaks Foundation: Saving Lives, Restoring Families and Changing Legacies with Jeremy Stalnecker (Part 1)

DVOP: Helping Veterans Find Their Next Step with Dartanyun Wilkins-Harvey

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode of Untold Valor, Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos shares her powerful journey from Army medic to nationally recognized advocate for women veterans impacted by military sexual trauma. She discusses the challenges many veterans face after service, the evolution of support systems within the VA, and why peer-to-peer connection can be life-changing. Dr. Santos also opens up about spirituality, healing, and the importance of finding support instead of suffering in silence.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Personal Story: Dr. Santos’ journey
• Women Veterans: Advocacy and progress
• Military Trauma: Challenges after service
• Peer Support: Veterans helping veterans
• Mental Health: Healing and recovery
• Breaking Silence: Why conversations matter

0:00 – Intro

1:39 – Get to know Dr. Santos

5:04 – On the other side of the oath

6:53 – Creating a platform for women veterans

8:26 – The struggle to speak up

11:01 – The importance of peer-to-peer veteran support

12:52 – Dr. Santos’ encouragement to veterans

Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos

Learn more about Dr. Santos HERE

Get a copy of My Desert Storm: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Phillyvet/dp/B0DRMHW6R6

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q