The Battle After the War: Addressing Veteran Mental Health

Welcome to The Elliott Caldwell Podcast on Successful DNA—the ultimate podcast for individuals with the drive to achieve greatness. Whether you're a real estate investor, business professional, entrepreneur, or someone looking to get ahead in life, this podcast dives deep into the core traits—the "DNA"—that define success. Each episode brings you inspiring conversations with accomplished guests who share their journeys, lessons, and actionable advice to help you unlock your full potential.

In this episode, Elliott sits down with Melvin A. Azofeifa, Navy veteran and founder of Stairway for Heroes—a foundation dedicated to supporting veterans through the healing power of golf. Melvin shares his personal journey navigating life after service, his battle with PTSD, and how he found purpose in connecting veterans with community, conversation, and the game of golf. Together, they dive into the importance of mental health awareness, how to truly support those who have served, and what it means to be someone who connects others to purpose and healing.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about giving back, building bridges, and finding purpose beyond personal success. Whether you're a veteran, know someone who is, or simply want to make a positive impact, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Chapters:
0:00 The Hidden Crisis: 20–24 Veterans Die by Suicide Daily
0:30 Introducing Stairway for Heroes: Veteran Mental Health Through Golf
1:16 Meet Melvin Asafa: Navy Veteran & Founder
2:47 Afghanistan to Tampa: A Veteran’s Mental Health Journey
4:18 Why Isn’t Veteran Suicide a National Focus?
6:31 The VA, Mental Health Stigma, and the Real Struggles
8:42 Combat Stress & Civilian Life: What Veterans Bring Home
12:05 From Boot Camp to Breakdown: Why Transition Training Falls Short
14:02 How a Father’s Love and Medical Bills Led to Enlistment
15:38 Leadership in High-Stakes Environments: Lessons from Kabul
19:01 The 2021 Withdrawal: Leaving People Behind
29:39 Building a Veteran-Focused Nonprofit from the Ground Up



Subscribe or follow now and join a community dedicated to turning ambition into achievement—with heart.

Subscribe or follow now and join a community dedicated to turning ambition into achievement!

Follow Elliott on IG: @elliottcaldwell

Follow Home Team Luxury Rentals @hometeamluxuryrentals on IG

Contact Melvin on Linkedin “Melvin A. Azofeifa G”
Learn more about Stairway for Heroes or content them at stairwayforheroes.com