1. EachPod

What happens when military service ends — but the real battles begin at home?

Author
Deny Caballero
Published
Wed 16 Apr 2025
Episode Link
None

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In this episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Merrill Slepica — C-130 Gunner, veteran entrepreneur, and founder of Hammer 41 Leatherworks — to unpack the raw realities of life after the military.

From combat deployments to the quiet struggles of fatherhood, divorce, and mental health — Merrill shares his journey of resilience, recovery, and rediscovering purpose through creativity and community.

Together, Deny and Merrill dive deep into:

  • The mental health battles veterans face after service
  • The impact of military life on marriage, parenting, and family dynamics
  • Financial literacy, divorce, and navigating alimony
  • The healing power of entrepreneurship and creating with your hands
  • The importance of building community for veteran support
  • Lessons learned in leadership, fatherhood, and personal growth
  • The journey of Hammer 41 Leatherworks — and how purpose is often found in the struggle

This episode is for every service member, veteran, or family member navigating the challenges of transition, healing, and building a new life after the uniform comes off.

🎧 Listen now — and remember, healing happens in community.

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Join us — and help us keep veterans connected, growing, and thriving!

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Looking for hand crafted, custom work, military memorabilia or need something laser engraved? Connect with my good friend Eric Gilgenast.

Instagram: haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main

https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Connections

03:04 Entrepreneurial Journeys and Healing

05:49 The Reality of Military Life

09:08 The Impact of Combat Experiences

11:56 Navigating Family Dynamics During Deployment

15:08 Fatherhood and Legacy

18:01 The Importance of Adventure and Exploration

25:50 The Journey of Becoming a Man

28:32 Learning and Teaching: The Father-Son Dynamic

30:53 Navigating Finances and Life Lessons

33:02 Breaking the Cycle: Fatherhood and Presence

36:35 The Struggles of Service Members in Family Dynamics

42:56 Mental Health and Divorce: The Hidden Battles

46:54 The Reality of Alimony and Financial Strain

52:29 The Importance of Advocacy and Awareness

55:54 Finding Your Place in the Military

58:54 Reflections on Military Experiences

01:01:28 The Reality of Military Recognition

01:06:17 Building a Business: Hammer 41 Leatherworks

01:10:09 Community and Support in Entrepreneurship

 

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Check out Hammer 41 Today!

https://www.hammer41leatherworks.com/

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Produced by Security Halt Media

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