Jon Cole found a job after leaving the Marine Corps. Finding purpose was harder. What happens when the uniform comes off—and the brotherhood you counted on suddenly feels out of reach?
On this episode of The MisFitNation’s ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica welcome retired USMC Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jon Cole for an honest conversation about military transition, veteran mental health, and rebuilding a meaningful life after service.
Jon served 16 years in the United States Marine Corps, including three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After his medical retirement, his technical skills translated into civilian work—but a steady paycheck couldn’t replace the mission, connection, and identity he had known.
He opens up about isolation, drinking, marriage struggles, and the steps that helped him move forward: counseling, faith, family, and finding his people again.
Now the host of The Bunkhouse Podcast, Jon creates space for veterans to support veterans through honest conversations about the hard parts of life after the military.
In this conversation:
• Why a good civilian job can still leave you feeling lost
• The grief and family sacrifices that follow you home
• Rebuilding camaraderie and learning to open up
• How counseling and journaling helped Jon move forward
• Finding a new mission through serving other veterans
• Why listening can matter more than having the answers
Jon also shares a simple challenge: reach out to one person you haven’t checked on lately. A few seconds of your time could remind someone they matter.
“Be the light in someone’s dark.” — Jon Cole
Connect with Jon and The Bunkhouse Podcast:
https://linktr.ee/thebunkhouse
Explore The MisFitNation:
https://www.TheMisFitNation.com
https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation
Subscribe for real conversations about service, leadership, resilience, and purpose. What helped YOU find your people after leaving the military? Tell us in the comments.
If you need immediate support, call 988. Veterans, press 1.
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