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

Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Welcome to Untold Valor, a podcast with a unique focus on veterans with stories of courage, recovery, perseverance and strength. Listen as veterans share their perspectives on what it's like to battle mental health challenges, combat addictions, and overcome other adversities unique to those who have served. We'll also speak with experts who have valuable experience working with veterans through their recovery journeys. Our mission is to reach veterans with a message of recovery and hope. Untold Valor is made possible by Voice & Vision... Bringing help, hope and healing to individuals, families and communities affected by mental illness, addictions, and disabilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Voice & Vision's work with veterans began with one veteran meeting another who had mental health challenges and was very isolated. The impact of that relationship on both veterans was life-changing, and a mission to expand that work led to CompeerCORPS, a network of military veterans who provide peer mentoring friendships with other veterans. These veterans spend time together each week promoting mental health and substance use recovery through the healing power of camaraderie, support and friendship. Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans' Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Resources: Voice & Vision: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/ CompeerCORPS: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/compeercorps/ #Recovery #WholisticHealth #Community #podcasting #podcasts #podcastcommunity #podcasterthoughts #veterans #camaraderie #support #friendship #mentalhealth #mentoring #UntoldValor #help #hope #healing #individuals #families #communities #mental illness #addictions #disabilities #battle #courage #recovery #perseverance #strength #life #lifechanging #brokenness #willingness #understanding #therapy #communication #thriving #success #negativethoughts #win #openness #suicide #family

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Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

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

April 24, 2025 • Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS • Season 3 • Episode 20

We are honored to welcome retired Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack to the podcast today. With over 29 years of distinguished service in the United States Army, he’ll share his story from enlistment to leading thousands of soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division.

In the first of a two-part conversation, Bart reflects on his early days in the military and the leadership lessons that shaped him. He recounts a harrowing insider attack at Camp Pennsylvania in 2003- an event that left soldiers wounded, lives lost, and a community forever changed. You’ll also hear how Bart navigated the transition to civilian life, found healing through storytelling, and used his experience to shape his book, Embedded Enemy.

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

0:00 – Intro

2:29 – Bart’s time in service

6:47 – Helping soldiers find strength in themselves

10:54 – Bart’s transition to Hollywood

15:20 – The transition to civilian life

17:26 –The Embedded Enemy incident and its impact

27:42 – Bart’s advice for veterans

CSM Bart Womack

Learn more about Bart HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Read Embedded Enemy Book summary HERE

Get your copy of Embedded Enemy HERE

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

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.