Why He Stayed For 34 Years: A Marine's Truth About Loyalty, Leadership, And Loss

Send us a text

Today, I sit down with Mr. David Nathanson, a Marine Corps veteran who served 34 years across both enlisted and officer ranks. Mr. Nathanson shares his journey from joining at age 17 to retiring as a colonel, offering powerful insight into what kept him in the service, the challenges of military leadership, and the emotional weight of leaving the brotherhood behind. We talk about what it truly means to serve, the value of routine, and the leadership philosophy that guided his decades-long career.

We dive deep into the realities of military suicide, PTSD, and the grief that follows losing people under your command. Mr. Nathanson opens up about his personal experience with suicidal ideation after being denied promotion to general and forced into retirement, despite a lifetime of decorated service. His vulnerability is matched by his strength as he explains how the Warrior PATHH program at Eagle Oak Retreat helped him reclaim purpose—and how he's now using that healing to help others.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathansondavid

https://www.eagleoakretreat.org/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Thrive Alcohol Recovery: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes

*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.