What happens when you return home from the battlefield only to find yourself in a whole new kind of combat zone?
In this special Veterans Day episode of Hidden Impact, host Jeremiah Griffin sits down with Army veteran Vinnie Morales to examine the unseen collateral damage of service. We break down the compounding weight of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and their ripple effects across the entire family.
With unapologetic vulnerability, Vinnie opens up about breaking cycles of self-sabotage, navigating intrusive emotions, and rebuilding fractured relationships. It’s an unique perspective on fighting the war within and turning what was once hidden into hope.
Meet Our Guest - Vinnie Morales
Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Vincent Morales
Born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, SFC Vincent Morales is a decorated U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of service as a 12B Combat Engineer. He led route clearance operations, trained over 2,000 Afghan soldiers, and deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. His awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (3), and Combat Action Badge.
Vincent's leadership is grounded in integrity, service, and accountability. He believes in leading by example, empowering teams through trust and purpose, and treating leadership as a privilege—not a right. He fosters an environment of respect, growth, and shared responsibility, where every team member is seen, valued, and challenged to give their best. His philosophy—“Be the standard. Lead with courage. Communicate worth and potential.”—has guided both his military and civilian leadership journey.
In 2015, Vincent co-founded Veterans Community Project (VCP)—a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness. As one of the driving forces behind VCP’s “Veterans Village” model, he helped design a system of transitional housing and support services that has gained national attention and replication.
He holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Park University and is actively involved in veteran communities through VFW Post 9997, American Legion Post 318, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Vincent lives in Parkville, Missouri, and is a proud father and grandfather.
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
The opinions and views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the DoW or its components. Any mention of products or services does not imply DoW endorsement. Additionally, the presence of external hyperlinks does not signify DoW approval of the linked websites or their content, products, or services.
