U.S. Army Cavalry Scout and Purple Heart recipient David Kendrick Jr. shares his powerful journey from being shot by a sniper in Baghdad at 20 years old to becoming a national mental health advocate, NAMI ambassador, author, and speaker. He opens up about survivor’s guilt, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a suicide attempt—and how therapy, community, and purpose helped him rebuild his life.
In this episode of “Success After Service” on The Warrior Alliance Network, David discusses:
- The Father’s Day mission in Iraq that changed everything
- Healing from life‑threatening injuries and invisible wounds
- How NAMI and the NAMI Homefront program support veterans’ families
- Turning pain into purpose through advocacy, his memoir “Cavalry,” and the Lion Speaking Agency
- Practical ways veterans and families can recognize warning signs and seek help
If you’re a veteran, family member, mental health professional, or supporter, this conversation offers real insight, hope, and tools for navigating life after service.

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