The reality of war and being a Veteran Artwork

Beneath The Uniform

Beneath the Uniform focuses on the people, not the uniform. Addressing the topics, challenges and issues that military members face each day. We are taking a deep dive into who the people are beneath the uniform- where do they come from, what are they focused on and how has the military helped shape their ideals? We are also getting real with issues and concerns facing military members today- not only military issues, but the real life issues we all face every day.We are Chaplain (Maj) Xiomara Diaz and Capt. Pete Gioia, two officers at the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard. We come with the experience of being enlisted, officers, parents, athletes, and friends. We hope to share some of our knowledge, learn some new things, and find out more about who people are Beneath the Uniform.

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Beneath The Uniform

The reality of war and being a Veteran

November 28, 2022 • Xiomara Diaz and Pete Gioia • Episode 3

TSgt Martin Allen is an air transportation specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 18 to give himself a chance at a life different than the one he grew up in.

During his time as a Marine, TSgt Allen experienced growth, leadership, camaraderie and trauma. He recounts some graphic experiences from multiple deployments as a combat engineer.

Chap D and Capt. Gioia discuss some the feelings of being numb to your environment, compartmentalizing traumatic experiences and as a leader, having to rise in face of crisis.

They also discuss what happens when you leave high stress, life threatening environments- the differences and difficulties that veterans can have when they enter the civilian world after service and how finding help can save your life.

After joining the Air National guard, TSgt Allen admits he had some adjustments he had to make, making mistakes and learning from them and ultimately realizing that you are responsible for your own happiness.