A Hero’s Journey – Richard Kaufman pt 3

Let me ask you a question…

Have you ever failed in life? Have you ever done things you are not proud of?  How did you deal with it?

For many, it can turn to violence. It can turn to drugs. It can turn to alcohol. It can turn into purely destructive habits. Eventually, it turns inward even more and becomes self destructive. Often to the point of no return. People just loose hope and give up.

My guest and I are here today to tell you, you don’t have to give in to those temptations and succumb to to destruction.

Richard Kaufman’s father left when he was just 3 years old. He grew up moving from school to school. He dropped out of school in 9th grade. He had already become addicted to alcohol by the time he was 12 years old. He joined the Army at age 17.

Because of these untreated alcohol issues coupled with the immaturity, Richard eventually was discharged from the military. This led him to becoming hooked on drugs and even found himself homeless.

He eventually was arrested and then given the option to either attend rehab or go to prison.

He made the correct choice and went to rehab. Eventually, he was able to obtain a special good conduct waiver and reenlisted in the Army. He spent a total of 24 years in military service.  But even that was not without mishap. I’ll let him tell the story on that…

On that infamous day of 9-11, Richard, after seeing the tragedy that had unfolded, made the decision that he was going to change his life forever. He dedicated himself to helping others. On the darkest day in American history, Richard Kaufman seen the light and changed his life.
Now honorably discharge, married with 3 children, he is sharing his story about his journey. He helps other retired veterans overcome their obstacles, whether that be health, fitness, addiction, or mental illness related issues.

He started a podcast called, “The Comeback Coach” and has a Facebook Group called “Recovery and The Comeback Coach.” He has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and been featured in magazine and he is the author of the ebook available on Amazon called, “A Hero’s Journey – from Darkness to Light.”

Tell us about 9-11 and what happened to you that changed you?

Tell me about the accident in the Humvee. How this changed the trajectory of your life?

Did they medically discharge you?

I can understand what it is like to lose the career you love. You and I talked a bit before the recording about my background. I’ve talked about it on this podcast before. It was the hardest time of my life. It took me 10 years just to be able to talk about it. So I can 100% relate to the feelings you were going through…

How did you learn the lesson, “You are the average of the five people you hang out with?” and how did that change your life? End of pt 2

Tell us about how you started what you are doing now… meeting Gary Vaynerchuck and the influence he had on your what you are doing?

“Legacy is more valuable than currency…” Gary Vaynerchuck

So, now you are dedicated to helping veterans overcome the issues that are plaguing them.

Tell us some of the things veterans are going through and what are some of the signs their friends or loved ones should be looking for that may indicate problems?

I have to say also, that it is not only military veterans who commit suicide. As you indicated, many first responders also commit suicide every day.

I had a good friend of mine, when I was on the police force, commit suicide about two years ago. I was his Sergeant. If you would have lined 10 people out and said to pick the one that would never do that, I would have picked him.

I lost touch with him after I retired. I’d see him at the store or something every now and then. But when I heard he had shot himself with his service pistol – I was totally shocked. I talked to some of my friends on the force and none of them knew it was coming.

So, yes, I can totally relate to everything you are sharing with us.

Richard, we are about out of time. If someone wanted to get in touch with you. Perhaps to ask a question, get in touch with you about your training or to have you come and speak to their group, how can they do that?

I want to thank you for taking the time to come on here today and share your heart and your story with us. I especially want to thank you for your service and what you are doing now to help our military, our veterans and our first responders through your hard work.

Folks, I want to you go to the link below and get a copy of Richard Kaufman’s book, “A Hero’s Journey – From Darkness to Light.” It’s only available in Kindle format. It’s not expensive and it will be the best investment you can make. It just may save somebody’s life. You may recognize something in this book that will immediately bring somebody to mind. Somebody who may be ready to give up hope. So take the time right now to click the link and order a copy today.

Richard, thank you again for coming on the program.

Folks, that is all the time we have for today. For Richard Kaufman and myself, this is Pastor Bob reminding you to BE BLESSED IN ALL THAT YOU DO!

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

FaceBook:  Richard Kaufman

#richardkaufman (type the hashtag into the URL search bar or into Google and it will take you to all of Richard’s social media links).

Book on Amazon:  A Hero’s Journey – From Darkness to Light

The Comeback Coach Podcast on Google Podcasts

 

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