In this powerful episode of Untold Valor, U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and author Vanessa Morbeck opens up about her journey through trauma, survival, and recovery. After enduring multiple assaults during her military service and navigating years of isolation and injustice, Vanessa shares how she’s worked to rebuild her life- finding strength in motherhood, faith, and fitness. This is a raw, emotional, and deeply human story about resilience, redemption, and the ongoing fight for healing.

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

• Vanessa’s military journey and the challenges she faced after assault
• How PTSD has impacted Vanessa’s story
• The role bodybuilding has played in her recovery
• Finding motivation through motherhood
• The power of faith, community, and consistency in the rebuilding process

0:00 – Intro

1:21 – Getting to know Vanessa

5:05 – Body building and self-healing

6:30 – Finding purpose in the pain

Vanessa Morbeck

Vanessa Morbeck is a U.S. Army veteran, author of Unseen Unheard Soldier, and a motivational speaker dedicated to empowering survivors of trauma. As a single mother and wellness athlete, she uses her story to inspire resilience, healing, and transformation. Through her platform, Vanessa advocates for mental health awareness, veteran support, and body positivity, encouraging others to reclaim their strength in both body and mind. She is preparing for her first bodybuilding competition in September 2025 as a way to give back gratitude and respect to the veteran community.

EPISODE LINKS

Check out Vanessa’s book:

https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Unheard-Soldier-Military-Autobiography-ebook/dp/B08FHD9H7R

OTHER 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

This episode, we’re taking a step back from our usual interviews to spotlight the mission of CompeerCORPS. Marc sits down with Reverend Ben, who shares how simple acts of companionship can transform lives, particularly for veterans facing isolation, mental health challenges, or the unique struggles of aging. From casual conversations to community outings, the goal is to ensure no veteran feels left behind.

Reverend Ben also highlights how volunteering- even just a few hours each week- can make a huge difference. Whether through a phone call, a shared activity, or simply listening, veterans helping veterans is at the heart of recovery and resilience. Tune in to discover how you can get involved, access resources, or simply learn more about building meaningful connections within the veteran community!

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

CompeerCORPS builds veteran-to-veteran support

Mission: companionship, friendship, and connection

Small amounts of time = big impact

Listening is life-giving and healing

Senior veterans especially need connection

0:00 – Intro

1:26 – The power of companionship

4:24 – Overcoming stigma around mental health

5:32 – Fighting isolation

6:37 – Why senior veterans need connection

9:51 – CompeerCORPS’ needs

Reverend Ben

Learn more about Reverend Ben here

Get in touch with CompeerCORPS:

800-734-5665

OTHER 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, we sit down with Shaun Hall, Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since 2008, VBC has created spaces (both in-person and online) where veterans from all eras and branches can share their stories, connect with one another, and preserve history for future generations.

Shaun shares how he discovered VBC through his theater work, why storytelling is so powerful in the veteran community, and how the organization pivoted during the pandemic to expand its reach nationwide. From intimate one-on-one interviews to large gatherings with hundreds of attendees, the VBC provides a safe, welcoming place where every veteran’s voice matters. Learn how you can join, listen, and support this mission of connection, healing, and inspiration.

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

Shaun’s journey from theater to the VBC

How VBC grew from local breakfasts in Pittsburgh to a national community

The power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire

Preserving stories through magazines, history projects, and one-on-one interviews

Why listening is the best way to thank a veteran

0:00 – Intro

1:01 – Getting to know Shaun and VBC

6:16 – The power of storytelling

7:22 – VBC events and getting involved

11:36 – Highlighting lesser-known conflicts and stories

16:09 – Shaun’s message to listeners

Shaun Hall

Shaun is host and producer of VBC’s podcast, The Scuttlebutt. He is not a veteran but has a passion for veterans’ stories. Shaun received his BFA in Acting from Point Park University in 2004 and has spent over a decade in the non-profit sector supporting missions that focus on storytelling.

Veterans Breakfast Club

https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/

OTHER 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