In this episode of The Dr. Virga Podcast, I sat down with John, a U.S. Army veteran who has dedicated his post-service life to helping other veterans navigate their transitions. From serving in Afghanistan to advocating for student veterans at Harvard, and ultimately finding peace in the Dominican Republic, John's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and the importance of community.
A Military Path to Purpose
John grew up in the heartland of America—small-town Iowa, where John Wayne once roamed. Like many young people, he initially followed the traditional college route, only to find himself more invested in partying than academics. Recognizing that he needed structure, he walked into a recruiter’s office and ultimately joined the U.S. Army.
During his 10 years in the Army, John served with the 101st Airborne Division, completing two deployments to Afghanistan. His military career included time as a recruiter, which is how our paths first crossed in New York. But like many veterans, John faced challenges transitioning out of the military. Finding himself without a clear direction, he turned to education.
Helping Student Veterans Thrive
After leaving the Army, John returned to school, quickly realizing that student veterans face unique obstacles. Navigating college as a non-traditional student was a challenge, and he noticed that many fellow veterans were struggling. Rather than simply observing the issue, John took action. He created an onboarding program for student veterans, complete with a checklist, guidance on available resources, and a list of ten rules for success. Those rules evolved into a book, Combat to College, which became an essential guide for veterans entering higher education.
His advocacy work eventually led him to Harvard, where he engaged in policy discussions about student veterans, employment, and the overall transition experience. He even testified before Congress, amplifying the voices of veterans who often go unheard.
A New Mission: Encouraging Veterans to Retire Abroad
For the past few years, John has been on a mission to inform and encourage veterans to explore life beyond U.S. borders. After struggling with depression, substance abuse, and a loss of purpose post-military, he discovered that living abroad could offer a fresh start. Today, he resides in the Dominican Republic, where he enjoys a higher quality of life at half the cost.
He founded Veterans in Paradise, a community that hosts veteran beach days, excursions, and networking events to build camaraderie among veterans living in the DR. More importantly, the country offers accessible healthcare for service-connected veterans, with clinics specifically designed to treat their needs.
The Power of Affirmations for Veterans
John’s latest initiative is Veteran Affirmations, a daily practice designed to help veterans rewire their internal dialogue. Recognizing that military culture fosters dark humor and an “embrace the suck” mentality, he realized that many veterans struggle with destructive self-talk after leaving service. To combat this, he created 365 Days of Veteran Affirmations, a book that provides daily affirmations infused with military values and language.
To expand accessibility, John launched the Veteran Affirmations YouTube channel, where different veterans contribute affirmations, guided meditations, and motivational content tailored specifically for the military community. The channel’s next release? A veteran-specific sleep meditation, designed to help those struggling with insomnia—something almost every veteran can relate to.
Veterans Moving Abroad: A Practical Guide
For those considering a move abroad, John created the Veterans Guide to Moving Abroad, a comprehensive resource covering everything from healthcare enrollment to real estate, cost of living, and the logistics of international relocation. The guide also debunks common concerns, such as firearm restrictions and cultural adjustments.
If you’re a veteran considering a move, his biggest piece of advice is to take a “trial run.” He recommends spending at least a month in your country of interest to experience daily life outside of vacation-mode before making a permanent move.
Final Thoughts: Reinventing Life After Service
John’s journey—from struggling student to veteran advocate, from combat to college, and now from the U.S. to the Caribbean—is an inspiring example of how veterans can create new paths after service. Whether it’s finding purpose through education, building community abroad, or rewiring the mind with affirmations, his story serves as a guidepost for any veteran looking to redefine their future.
For those interested in his resources, check out https://www.johnhdaviswriter.com/
If you’re looking for ways to improve your own transition, I also encourage you to download my free guide, Wellness, Wisdom & Warfare: A Veteran’s Guide for Mastering Life, available at www.jessievirga.com/free
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