Teota Coppock shares the story of her son Army Sgt. Brandon Parr in this conversation with Jason Comstock and Amy Donaldson. Like many Americans Ain the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, Brandon Parr felt like he had to serve his country in the only way he knew how. While his mother was worried, she was proud of him for putting into action a mantra they'd developed in his childhood - if something needs done, be the one to do it. During Brandon's second deployment, he was killed, and Teota talks about what it was like before and after she lost her only child. She discusses how she tried to join the military herself, the bond she forged with her daughter-in-law and grandson, and why she'd support her grandson if he decides to follow in his father's footsteps. The pain for Gold Star parents like Teota never goes away, but it is eased by the pride she feels in the life he lived and the sacrifices he made.

<p>Teota Coppock shares the story of her son Army Sgt. Brandon Parr in this conversation with Jason Comstock and Amy Donaldson. Like many Americans Ain the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, Brandon Parr felt like he had to serve his country in the only way he knew how. While his mother was worried, she was proud of him for putting into action a mantra they'd developed in his childhood - if something needs done, be the one to do it. During Brandon's second deployment, he was killed, and Teota talks about what it was like before and after she lost her only child. She discusses how she tried to join the military herself, the bond she forged with her daughter-in-law and grandson, and why she'd support her grandson if he decides to follow in his father's footsteps. The pain for Gold Star parents like Teota never goes away, but it is eased by the pride she feels in the life he lived and the sacrifices he made.</p>

We Happy Few is a podcast created by a veteran, for veterans and it explores the complexities of what military service means through the stories of veterans, their families and their friends. 

The stories span all types of experience, from the monotony of training to the long-term impact of combat to the difficulty in adjusting to civilian life, as well as the challenges families face when one member volunteers to serve in the armed forces. The podcast is hosted by Air Force and Army National Guard veteran Jason Comstock. He offers veterans the chance to tell their stories in hopes of creating an understanding of just how complex and nuanced the issues facing veterans, especially in this modern era, are. With less than 3 percent of the population serving in the military today, it is critical that civilians understand what it means to "thank" a veteran for his or her service. 

The Loudmouth project is proud to offer veterans and their families this opportunity to tell their stories and help create a new, more effective system of support.

Advertisement