The COMPASS Podcast

Glen is restless and has some stories to tell.  He is deeply bothered by the official emphasis on maximum "lethality" in war, the removal of ethical boundaries and behavior for troops in battle.  As an Army Ranger, he experienced combat up close.  He always thought of himself as a "protector", while at the same time being searingly honest about the realities of the war zone.  This exaggerated  emphasis on l...

Glen and Scott dive back into our penetrating discussion about dehumanization and humanization, in wars overseas and in the emerging war zone at home.   What does the humanity of veterans teach us about becoming a different society? Can we become a people not always just preparing for combat, but  honest about our principles, including integrity and honor? Glen shares his own story of coming home carrying the burdens...

In this episode, Glen and Scott discuss dehumanization, as an element of military training for war and a disturbingly defining characteristic in our everyday life in America.  Glen describes military training and preparation: "You're going to war so there is some civility that needs to be stripped out of you."  He gives examples of diminishing terms used to describe the enemy, of marching chants designed to numb human con...

Join us for a remarkable conversation with Roger Kessler, co-founder of The COMPASS Healing Circle, Touchstone Veterans Outreach, and The Witting Tree.  Roger is a United States Army Veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm.  A first generation American, Roger's military service was an expression of gratitude and dedication, and continues to be a defining experience  in his life.  In this episode , he talks ...

In recent months there have been government pronouncements about restoring the "Warrior Ethos" to the U.S. military, as though something has been lacking.  But in this episode, Glen clarifies the longstanding  ethics at the heart of the Warrior Ethos and contrasts them with what is being suggested now.  Savagery is not consistent with honor, duty, and courage.  Scott and Glen consider the honor and long-term wel...

Honestly engaging the difficult truths about war is essential to post-traumatic growth, and offers possibilities for a different future.  Our conversation continues. How can we break cycles of dehumanization and death-dealing unless we are honest about how those cycles work and how they take life?  Once you have been to what Glen calls “the razor’s edge” of war, what can be learned from what has happened...

In this episode, we welcome Ella Roush and Mary Miller, who have both been the life partners of Vietnam combat veterans.  Each has been a valued participant and leader in the nine years of the COMPASS Circle, bringing vital gifts and perspective.   In a sensitive and penetrating conversation, they describe what it has been like to share the journey with their mates.  Both identify how challenging it could be for thei...

How do we bridge the distances between veterans of war and the people in whose name they have served?  The COMPASS Circle also included civilians who made a particular kind of commitment: to listen deeply, to develop solidarity with the veterans, and when the stories got difficult, not to run away, but remain.  Ultimately the veterans and civilians together would process the stories the veterans shared.  The deep ram...

In this episode, Glen and Scott discuss lawful and unlawful orders, the blurring of the lines between them, and the ethical responsibilities of service members.  They consider the gift and burden of an intact conscience, the struggles to discern right action in the midst of war, and the weights carried by many in the aftermath.  The conversation acknowledges that our moral sense runs deeper than legalities and permission....

Scott and Glen welcome Jeff Vagle, whose range of military experience includes service as a United States Marine deployed in the “War on Drugs,” as a military contractor supporting Armed Forces missions in Afghanistan, and as an intelligence officer for an Army National Guard Unit.  Jeff offers considerable insight and reflection on the breadth of veteran experience.  He relates the discovery of his own moral ...

In Vietnam, “Don’t mean nuthin” was a common expression of deep despair, depression, and darkness.  In this podcast, Glen reflects on his war experiences and the years since, recovering and revealing  many things that have truly “meant something.” Taking time for grief, tending to the violence done to the soul as well as the body, honoring the experiences and humanity of others—these ha...

Listen to this rich, extended conversation with Chanel Santiago, U.S. Army and Combat Veteran who served in Iraq.  Her storytelling and reflection unpack a journey that begins on the day after her high school graduation, takes her to the war zone in Iraq , a harrowing initial event, missions covering a million miles of road, eventually coming home to serve other veterans in a regional Vet Center.  

Chanel provides us...

Scott and Glen welcome Steve Gunn, an army veteran who served as a medic in the Ripcord campaign, the last major confrontation between US and North Vietnamese forces in the war. Steve discusses his experiences as a medic in the war zone,  his personal struggle of veteran homecoming, and what it meant to eventually begin a journey of personal healing after “thirty years of stuffing” his war experiences.  He art...

Glen and Scott discuss the origins of COMPASS, the importance of authentic veteran testimony, the power of storytelling, and what is involved in creating a safe space for sharing that serves as both sanctuary and crucible. Disengagement between veterans of war and the people in whose name they have served has been longstanding. Parades are more common than receptivity and deep listening. What can communities do to honor veterans by...