08/28/2026
This video humbled me.
He pulled over expecting a traffic stop. Instead he found a brother on the phone with the VA su***de hotline, just needing to know he wasn't alone. And Trooper Kyle - what a human.
No judgment. No rush. Just: "I got you man. I'm here with you. What's your branch? I'm Kyle. We'll help you out."
"Can I have a hug?"
That line broke me. Sometimes the strongest people just need to be held and told it's okay to not be okay.
I watched this not only as a veteran or a martial arts instructor, but more importantly as a man who has seen so many veterans walk through our doors carrying weight they never talk about.
That vet didn't need a lecture, he needed to be seen.
This is why I opened my doors in the first place. To my veteran family - I see you.
To all my veteran brothers and sisters: You are not alone. You are not a burden. You are needed here.
I know transition is hard. I know the nights get loud. I know sometimes you feel like you're fighting a battle no one else can see. You don't have to fight alone anymore.
If you are a vet and you are going through it right now, come to us. Come sit on the mat. Come have a coffee. Come train, come cry, or just come sit with us.
If you're going through a hard time, please reach out. To me. To someone. To anyone. you don't need to have it all together. You just need to walk in. This is a safe haven. We are family here, on and off the mats.
You will be heard, you will be respected, and you will have brothers and sisters around you.
If you need help right now: Call or Text 988 then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255.
You matter that much!
Please share this. You never know who needs to see it tonight.
Much love and respect,
Spartan 1 - out!
