In this episode, John Donovan talks with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Sam Andrews about the challenges veterans face with PTSD and substance use disorder—and how Bravo Zulu House is redefining recovery. Sam shares his 27-year military journey, personal insights from deployment, and the urgent need for specialized veteran support.
Highlights
- Sam’s path from the Marine Corps to the National Guard.
- The impact of PTSD and substance use disorder on veterans.
- Why veteran suicide rates demand urgent solutions.
- The mission of Bravo Zulu House: holistic recovery, community, and dignity.
- How therapy, fitness, canine support, and vocational training create lasting change.
Get Involved
- Volunteer or donate to Bravo Zulu House.
- Sponsor a kennel suite.
- Refer a veteran in need—nationwide referrals accepted.
👉 Learn more: Bravo Zulu House
Closing Thought: Recovery is possible with the right support and community.
Veterans 4 Recovery
All Things Recovery! Join your host, Maj. (Retired) John Donovan, a noted author, lecturer and person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, as he and his guests will breakdown current trending topics and research along with all things related to increasing recovery resilience and capital within our Veteran and service-member communities.
Major John Donovan is the co-founder of the Recovery Community Network (RCN) in St. Cloud, Minnesota, an organization devoted to serving and advocating for the recovery community of Central Minnesota. John is a person in long-term recovery with over 45 years of recovery. He is a highly decorated 27-year veteran of the Armed Forces and has deployed three times in the service of our nation since 9-11. He holds an associate’s and bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree from Boston University. John serves on several recovery related boards and he is an active and energetic advocate for recovery. He is a popular speaker and workshop facilitator and he contributes monthly to a recovery blog. John’s book, “A Soldier’s Recovery Journey”, was published in April of 2021 and he was a contributing author to Hazelden's veterans' daily meditation book entitled "Leave No One Behind."