U.S. Army Sniper, SSG. Chris Wiacek
Sun Feb 01 2026
In this episode of Vets and Badges, host Robert Asencio engages in a profound conversation with Chris Wiacek, a U.S. Amry combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They delve into the often-overlooked aftermath of war, discussing the psychological toll on service members and the challenges they face upon returning to civilian life. Chris shares his personal experiences, including a harrowing incident during his deployment that continues to haunt him. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the struggles veterans endure and the need for better support systems to aid their transition back into society.
Chris recounts his journey from military service to becoming a police officer, revealing how untreated trauma led him down a path of self-destruction through alcohol abuse. However, a turning point in his life came when he sought help, leading him to rehabilitation and ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career in social work to assist other veterans and first responders. The episode emphasizes the significance of reaching out to those who have served, as a simple conversation can make a profound difference in their lives.
OUT OF THE FIRE INTO THE LIGHT DOCUMENTARY:
https://outofthefireintothelight.com/
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:57 - The Cost of War: A Veteran's Perspective
01:39 - Meet Chris Wysak: A Combat Veteran's Story
03:28 - The Box Incident: A Harrowing Experience
11:32 - Life After Combat: Untreated Trauma
16:29 - Turning Point: Seeking Help and Recovery
21:35 - A New Mission: Helping Fellow Veterans
About Vets And Badges Host:
Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.
Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.
For more visit:
https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/
Info@VetsAndBadges.com
www.VetsAndBadges.com
VAB - 2026
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In this episode of Vets and Badges, host Robert Asencio engages in a profound conversation with Chris Wiacek, a U.S. Amry combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They delve into the often-overlooked aftermath of war, discussing the psychological toll on service members and the challenges they face upon returning to civilian life. Chris shares his personal experiences, including a harrowing incident during his deployment that continues to haunt him. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the struggles veterans endure and the need for better support systems to aid their transition back into society. Chris recounts his journey from military service to becoming a police officer, revealing how untreated trauma led him down a path of self-destruction through alcohol abuse. However, a turning point in his life came when he sought help, leading him to rehabilitation and ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career in social work to assist other veterans and first responders. The episode emphasizes the significance of reaching out to those who have served, as a simple conversation can make a profound difference in their lives. OUT OF THE FIRE INTO THE LIGHT DOCUMENTARY: https://outofthefireintothelight.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - The Cost of War: A Veteran's Perspective 01:39 - Meet Chris Wysak: A Combat Veteran's Story 03:28 - The Box Incident: A Harrowing Experience 11:32 - Life After Combat: Untreated Trauma 16:29 - Turning Point: Seeking Help and Recovery 21:35 - A New Mission: Helping Fellow Veterans About Vets And Badges Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience. Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026