Not all veterans are the same, and Trevor Blaszczyk thinks the differences matter more than most people realize. In this Diary of a Faithful Chad episode, Trevor identifies three distinct types of veterans he has encountered since leaving the military—and challenges listeners to honestly assess which category they fall into and whether they are satisfied with the answer.
The Three Categories Trevor Identifies
Trevor breaks veterans down into three groups based on how they handle life after service. The first group thrives—they find purpose, build careers or businesses, and maintain the discipline the military instilled in them. The second group survives—they get by, hold jobs, but feel stuck in a holding pattern without real direction. The third group struggles—trapped in cycles of addiction, isolation, or despair, unable to find footing in civilian life.
The point is not to judge anyone in any category. Trevor has been in more than one of these groups himself at different points in his post-military journey. The value of naming them is that it creates a starting point for honest self-assessment—and honest self-assessment is the first step toward change.
Moving Between Categories
The most important insight Trevor offers is that these categories are not permanent. A veteran who is struggling today can be thriving six months from now with the right support, mindset shift, and community around them. Conversely, a veteran who appears to be thriving can slide into survival mode if they lose their anchor—whether that is a relationship, a job, or a sense of purpose.
Trevor’s own story illustrates this fluidity. He has been open about hitting rock bottom and climbing back through faith, community, and relentless effort. The Saving 22 podcast exists to help veterans make that climb—wherever they are starting from.
What Type of Veteran Do You Want to Be?
The episode ends with a challenge: stop defining yourself by where you are today and start defining yourself by where you are headed. The military taught you to accomplish missions under pressure. The mission now is your life, and the only person who can lead it is you.
Which category do you identify with right now, and what is one step you can take this week to move forward? Share below.
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