Regiment of the Cross | Catholic Faith-Based Veteran Podcast

What does it look like to grow up in a family where service is a way of life—and then discover that your own calling is not just a career, but a vocation? In this episode of Regiment of the Cross , I sit down with Efraen an 11-year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department, paramedic, engineer, technical rescue technician, and hazardous materials technician. But beyond the uniform, Efraen’s story is...

On May 22, 1968, 17 Marines were killed near Con Thien, South Vietnam. Among them was 1st Lt. Victor David Westphall, USMC. For most families, such a loss would remain a private burden. For Dr. Victor and Jeanne Westphall, grief became a mission. What began as a tribute to their son and the Marines who died beside him eventually became the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Peace & Brotherhood Chap...

In December 1944, a 19-year-old American soldier wrote home from France. He asked about family. Mentioned seeing Niagara Falls. Complained that France was “too wet and muddy.” And wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Days later, he was dead. PFC Eloy Aldaz Montes of Hondo, New Mexico was killed in action by artillery fire on January 5, 1945 while serving with the 70th Infantry Division, 275th Infant...

Beef prices are rising while ranchers struggle—and most Americans don’t understand what’s really happening. In this episode of Regiment of the Cross , I sit down with Michael Thomas, Director of the Catholic Land Movement, to discuss the consolidation of the beef industry, the challenges facing family farms, and why more families are looking for a different way forward. We explore how modern syste...

Father William Doyle, S.J., was a Jesuit priest and military chaplain who courageously served soldiers on the front lines of the First World War. Known for his deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, fearless ministry in the trenches, and tireless care for wounded soldiers, Father Doyle repeatedly risked his life to bring the sacraments to men facing death on the battlefield. During the brutal...

Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk miles through the desert to reach a small adobe church in northern New Mexico—El Santuario de Chimayó. Known as the “Lourdes of America,” this sacred place has drawn the faithful for generations seeking healing, repentance, and hope. Inside, a small room holds what many believe to be miraculous earth—taken in faith by those carrying burdens they cannot bear a...

We spend a lot of time talking about how we prepare our service members for war. We don’t spend enough time talking about how we help them heal afterward. Through Warriors to Lourdes , wounded veterans travel to Lourdes, France seeking something many struggle to find back home — peace. This pilgrimage is about more than the individual. When a veteran carries unseen wounds, their family carries the...

Every year, wounded American warriors travel to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France seeking something the battlefield could not give — healing. In this episode of Regiment of the Cross , we explore the powerful mission of Warriors to Lourdes , a pilgrimage that brings injured veterans and active-duty service members face-to-face with faith, brotherhood, and hope. For many who carry...

A powerful story of forgiveness and compassion in the face of death. Takeaways Forgiveness in the face of adversity The power of compassion and grace Chapters 00:00 The Act of Forgiveness and Compassion

Before preparing to serve his country, Roman Carbajal chose to walk one of the most ancient pilgrimages in the world — the Camino de Santiago . For centuries, pilgrims have traveled this historic route across Spain searching for faith, purpose, and transformation. At just 18 years old and preparing to enter ROTC , Roman set out on this journey to challenge himself physically, spiritually, and ment...

Roman Carbajal discusses his journey of seeking spiritual growth and personal development through physical challenges and the transformative experience of the Camino. Takeaways Seeking growth through challenges Isolation and reliance on spirituality Chapters 00:00 Seeking Spiritual Growth

his episode reflects on the profound impact of The Passion of the Christ and how it shaped my understanding of Holy Week and the sacrifice of Christ. For many Christians, the film brought the reality of the Crucifixion into sharp focus and deepened the spiritual meaning of Easter. I share personal reflections on how the film influenced my faith and how it continues to serve as a powerful meditatio...

What happens when military veterans return home and feel called to the land? In this episode of Regiment of the Cross , we explore Armed to Farm , a nationally recognized training program that helps military veterans transition into careers in agriculture. Created by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, this program provides hands-on instruction, mentorship, and resources to help vetera...

In this episode of Regiment of the Cross , we explore the extraordinary life of Fr. Emil Kapaun , the Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain whose courage, faith, and sacrifice inspired soldiers during the Korean War. Fr. Kapaun served on the battlefield alongside American troops, risking his life to rescue wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Even after being captured and held as a prisoner of war,...

What happens after the mission ends? In this episode of Regiment of the Cross , we sit down with Air Force veteran Evart Outlaw to discuss the powerful connection between military service, mentorship, and agriculture. After leaving the military, many veterans struggle to find a new sense of mission. Organizations across the country are working to change that by helping veterans transition into far...

You Don’t Call Yourself a Grunt… You Earn It. The conversation delves into the significance of the title 'the grand Padre' as a term of endearment and its association with the Marines. It explores the deeper meaning of the title and its representation of camaraderie and belonging within the military community. Takeaways The title 'the grand Padre' holds deep significance as a term of endearment an...

From Battlefield to Barnyard | Veterans Finding Purpose in Farming The conversation explores the transition of veterans from the military into ranching, highlighting the high risk populations in farming and the importance of organic farming. It also discusses the challenges and resources available to veterans in this transition. Takeaways Veterans transitioning into ranching High risk populations...

The conversation begins with a reflection on the iconic scene from Apocalypse Now and the pride and honor associated with serving in the CAV. Takeaways Iconic scene from Apocalypse Now Pride and honor in serving with the CAV Chapters 00:00 Pride and Honor in Serving with the CAV

The conversation begins with a tribute to Robert Duvall, highlighting his military service and iconic film roles. It then transitions to an analysis of a movie trailer, focusing on specific scenes and their significance. The discussion concludes with reflections on the diversity and unity within the military. Takeaways Honoring Robert Duvall's legacy Reflections on military service Chapters 00:00...

The conversation delves into the speaker's deep sense of honor and pride in serving with the First CAV, expressing a profound love for the experience and the memories associated with it. Takeaways Deep sense of honor and pride in serving with the First CAV Profound love for the experience and the memories associated with it Chapters 00:00 Honored Service with the First CAV

From Infantryman to Chicken Farmer | Veteran Transition, Agriculture, Faith, Military Podcast Jaime Barraza discusses the impact of the Army on his work discipline and attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him by the Army. Takeaways Army instilled work discipline Chapters 00:00 The Impact of the Army

The Grunt Padre: Fr. Vincent Capodanno, Medal of Honor Catholic Chaplain Who Died with His Marines The conversation delves into the heroic actions of Father Capodanno and the tragic loss that followed. It highlights the bravery and selflessness of Father Capodanno in the face of danger and the impact of his actions on those around him. He is also being considered for Sainthood in the Catholic Chur...

Father Vincent Capodanno's heroic actions in the face of danger and sacrifice for others. Died while a serving wounded Marines in Vietnam. We would later be award the Medal of Honor for his actions under fire Takeaways Selfless sacrifice Courage under fire Chapters 00:00 The Heroic Sacrifice

The conversation highlights the importance of creating an inclusive community for veterans and finding purpose and service within the American Legion. It emphasizes the diverse population, ages, and levels of service, providing a place for veterans to find their heartbeat and serve. Takeaways Inclusive community for veterans Finding purpose and service Chapters 00:00 Creating an Inclusive Communit...

The conversation explores the transition from military service to civilian life and the support provided to veterans during this process. Takeaways Transitioning from military service to civilian life Supporting veterans in their transition Chapters 00:00 Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian Life