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In this conversation, Aaron Bengtson shares his journey from growing up in Longmont, Colorado, to becoming a military officer and content creator. He discusses the challenges he faced in childhood, his experiences in high school, and his decision to pursue journalism. Aaron reflects on his struggles with creative writing and the impact of military training on his personal growth. He also shares insights from his deployment to Afghanistan and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Aaron shares his experiences in the military, discussing the challenges of navigating military doctrine, leadership conflicts, and the consequences of interpersonal issues. He reflects on a physical altercation that impacted his career and delves into his mental health journey, including struggles with anger management and the importance of seeking help. The discussion highlights the complexities of military life, the importance of accountability, and the ongoing journey of recovery and personal growth.

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Support for Veterans & Their Loved Ones

If You’re a Veteran Needing Help:

Healthcare & Benefits: Visit [www.va.gov](https://www.va.gov) or call 1-800-698-2411 (MyVA411).

Mental Health & Crisis Support:

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 (Press 1), text 838255, or chat online at [www.veteranscrisisline.net](https://www.veteranscrisisline.net).

Addiction Treatment (Alcohol/Drugs):

VA provides free, confidential care, including detox, rehab, and counseling.

Call 1-800-827-1000 or find a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program near you: [www.va.gov/find-locations](https://www.va.gov/find-locations).

Online resources: [www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use](https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use).

If You’re a Civilian (or Supporting a Loved One):

National Helpline (SAMHSA):

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7, confidential, English/Spanish).

- Treatment locator: [www.findtreatment.gov](https://findtreatment.gov).