OUR VIDEOS

In this video, I share my journey of entering the workforce with a disability following my injury in Iraq. I reflect on returning to my hometown of Rochester, NY, and navigating employment challenges before I became aware of the protections offered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I also discuss my work as a Case Manager in Atlanta, where I helped individuals with disabilities secure meaningful employment opportunities—an experience that deepened my commitment to advocacy and inclusion in the workplace. About Me: Website: www.dkendrickjr.com My Book Cavalry on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS

This video is featured on my blog, The Veterans Corner, hosted on Psychology Today—a leading platform for expert insights on human behavior and mental health. I’m proud to contribute multiple articles to this site, sharing perspectives shaped by lived experience and advocacy. In this segment, I explore the complex issue of addiction within the veteran community. I begin by recounting a personal moment—having my first drink the day after graduating from basic training in Colorado Springs—and expand the conversation to include the progression from opioid use to more severe substance dependencies, such as heroin and cocaine. Through this discussion, I aim to shed light on the underlying factors that contribute to addiction among veterans and emphasize the importance of awareness, support, and recovery. More About Me: My website: www.dkendrickjr.com My Book Cavalry on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS My Blog "The Veterans Corner" on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/david-kendrick-jr

On New Year’s Day 2025, Special Forces veteran Matthew Livelsberger tragically lost his life to suicide. In this video, I explore the mental health challenges faced by combat veterans, drawing from both Matthew’s story and my own lived experience. I also examine the systemic and personal factors that contribute to the alarming rates of suicide within the veteran community, with the goal of fostering understanding, compassion, and change. More About Me: My Website: www.dkendrickjr.com My Book Cavalry: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS My Documentary "Cry For Help": https://youtu.be/di0MzA6ih48?si=wRQUS2OqYoKbGkPN My Mental Health Song "The Itch": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE6Scf9pnaw&list=PL96209A1E4D9BDE87&index=4

In this video, I share key strategies for using your voice as a catalyst for change—drawing from my experience as a professional speaker and founder of Lion Speaking Agency. I reflect on the meaning behind the “Lion” in our name, and how I channel that strength and purpose on stage to advocate for the mental health of veterans and civilians living with mental health conditions. Here are three foundational tips I offer for anyone looking to speak up and lead with impact: - Identify a Cause Worth Advocating For Start where you are—often, the most powerful change begins at the community level. Ground your message in something deeply meaningful to you. - Lead with Courage and Conviction Advocacy isn’t always met with applause. Even the most noble causes face resistance. Stay rooted in your belief and be prepared to stand firm. - Stay Relentless Consistency builds momentum. Like a locomotive, your voice gains power with every step forward. Keep going—your persistence will inspire others to follow. More about me: My website: www.dkendrickjr.com My book Cavalry on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently allocated nearly $13 million to combat veteran homelessness in Montana—a significant investment in restoring dignity and stability to those who’ve served. In this video, I discuss the importance of this funding, its potential impact on veterans, and why initiatives like this matter. I also share my personal journey through homelessness and my time in the Warrior Salute Program in Webster, NY—a transformative experience that shaped my advocacy and deepened my commitment to supporting fellow veterans. For any program seeking to serve homeless veterans effectively, I offer three essential recommendations: - Establish a Clear and Purpose-Driven Mission Programs must be rooted in a well-defined purpose that guides every aspect of their support and outreach. - Foster a Strong Veteran Community Peer connection is vital. Veterans thrive when surrounded by others who understand their experiences and can offer mutual support. - Ensure Financial Accessibility Services must be cost-effective and sustainable for veterans, removing financial barriers to recovery and reintegration. More information about me: Website: www.dkendrickjr.com My Book Cavalry on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS The program I lived in while battling homelessness: https://warriorsalute.com/

This video accompanies my blog post, “I Quit My Job to Save My Mental Health,” which is rooted in my personal journey and lived experience. The post has received significant attention, yet few comments—though many reach out privately to share their own struggles or ask about my decision to walk away. If you're considering leaving a job to protect your mental health, or if you've already made that choice, I invite you to share your story in the comments. Your voice matters, and your experience could help someone else feel less alone. About Us: The "I Quit My Job To Save My Mental Health" Blog: https://www.dkendrickjr.com/post/i-quit-my-job-to-save-my-mental-health My Book Cavalry on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month—a time to recognize the invaluable contributions individuals with disabilities make across every sector of the workforce. In this video, I share my personal journey as a disabled veteran and reflect on my experience navigating the workplace with a disability. I also speak to the meaning behind the “Lion” in Lion Speaking Agency: the courage to use your voice, to advocate not only for yourself but for those who may be uncertain or afraid to speak up. If you’re a person with a disability, have you ever had to advocate for yourself or others in a professional setting? I invite you to share your story in the comments. Your experience matters—and it could empower someone else to take that first step About Us: My Blog Post "Disability & Inclusion" from my website: https://www.dkendrickjr.com/post/disability-inclusion-veterans-in-the-workplace My Book Cavalry on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-Soldiers-David-Kendrick-Jr/dp/B08XY43PRS

This is a small conversation about supporting your veteran who may be diagnosed with a mental health condition. I share my experience as a veteran and what I wish my parents knew when I got out of the Army. I also share a resource from NAMI called NAMI Homefront. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Homefront is a free 6-week course for family members/caregivers of veterans living with a mental health diagnosis. For more information about me/book me for a speech: www.dkendrickjr.com For more information about NAMI Homefront: https://www.nami.org/support-education/mental-health-education/nami-homefront/

September is suicide prevention month. This is a small talk about suicide in both the veteran and civilian communities. I share my lived experience as a Purple Heart veteran dealing with suicide and tips on how to help someone who may be feeling suicidal. More About Me: www.dkendrickjr.com My blog about what to do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide: https://www.dkendrickjr.com/post/someone-just-told-me-they-want-to-end-their-life-what-do-i-do Mental Health Resources: Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial/Text 988 www.nami.org