The Wounds That Do Not Heal
In "The Wounds That Do Not Heal," host Tressa Brady opens up about her personal experience with domestic violence in military families, shedding light on an often-hidden issue. Through her raw and vulnerable storytelling, she shares the struggles, pain, and resilience she has witnessed and endured while seeking to provide help and support to those who desperately need it.
Tressa also interviews experts in the field of domestic violence, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and survivors, who uncover the harsh realities and systemic challenges faced by military families. Together, they explore the unique dynamics and complexities surrounding domestic violence within this community, breaking down stigmas and fostering a crucial conversation that goes beyond the surface.
"The Wounds That Do Not Heal" aims to create a safe space for listeners to reflect, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact domestic violence has on military families. This podcast strives to make a positive change and inspire action by offering valuable resources, guidance, and empowerment.
Join Tressa on this emotional journey as she advocates for change and supports those in need.
The Wounds That Do Not Heal
Episode 10: Moral Injury, Mistreatment, and Murder: The Tragic Story of Private John Needham and Jacqwelyn Villagomez
John Needham was a decorated soldier, an artist, and a man battling demons after serving in the Iraq War.
Despite surviving the horrors of war, his battle with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and moral injury led to a tragic outcome—taking the life of the woman he loved, Jacqwelyn Villagomez. Their story reveals the devastating failures in the military’s mental health care system.
This episode talks about the long-lasting impact of untreated mental health issues and the moral injuries that soldiers like John endure.
How did someone so full of potential end up in such a dark place? Could better mental health care have saved both John and Jackqwelyn?
What You’ll Learn:
- Who are John Needham and Jacqwelyn Villagomez?
- John’s military career and deployment to Baghdad.
- The mental health decline that led to tragedy.
- The concept of moral injury and how it affects soldiers.
- The tragic incident involving Jacqwelyn.
- How military failures contributed to John's fate.
- The ripple effects of trauma, both in John's life and for those around him.
Ideas Worth Sharing:
- “The military makes these combat warfighters weapons. They make them weapons and they don't care when they are broken because, quite frankly, it doesn't always affect their ability to be good in combat.” - Tressa Brady
- “What happens when these men don't get the help they need and the men stop compartmentalizing, and they come home and they can't turn off the war? Women die.” - Tressa Brady
- “Many warfighters experience moral injury when they're in combat, when they're involved in events that just go against their moral code while they're deployed.” - Tressa Brady
Resources
Podcast source:
Articles referenced:
- John Needham & Jacque Villagomez: A tale of love and war (cbsnews.com)
- Troubled Iraq vet charged with murder dies (tucson.com)
- Iraq vet charged with killing girlfriend is found dead in Arizona - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
For Social Media Platforms/contact :
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthewounded13
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@healthewounded13
- Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@tressa.brady
- Email: Healingwounds13@gmail.com
