Justen Mellor grew up in small town USA. He had an idyllic childhood; knew it was time to ride his bike home when the street lights turned on.
Both of Justen's grandfathers served in WW2. One grandfather was a German POW; and the other served in the Pacific. One of Justen's prize possessions is his grandpa's POW journal.
Justen longed to join the military, but as a diabetic this was impossible. He remembered a lonely summer in his patriotic town when many of his friends found their way...
Justen Mellor grew up in small town USA. He had an idyllic childhood; knew it was time to ride his bike home when the street lights turned on.
Both of Justen's grandfathers served in WW2. One grandfather was a German POW; and the other served in the Pacific. One of Justen's prize possessions is his grandpa's POW journal.
Justen longed to join the military, but as a diabetic this was impossible. He remembered a lonely summer in his patriotic town when many of his friends found their way to boot camp or basic training. He was left alone.
Justen's father passed away due to diabetes complications. This coupled with the grief of losing his mother caused Justen to turn to alcohol and medication to deal with his broken heart.
Justen's first marriage collapsed. His second marriage was following the same direction. Justen's existence was depressing. He woke up with a hang over, went to work, came home and drank, followed by a hang over the next morning. It was a vicious cycle.
Justen went to the family cabin with the intention to end his life. He triple stacked drugs and alcohol, and woke up the next morning with a clear head. With divine help, Justen was alive.
He entered a rehab center, dedicated to his recovery. After leaving the center, life began to take its toll. Work was drudgery and the temptation to drink again was always close. A co-worker, a veteran, asked Justen to run a ruck race with him in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The experience was life changing.
In 2018, Justen created United We March. His organization helps veterans and first responders. Every September UEM hosts Gut Check. It is a weekend of races, fundraising dinner, and more. All proceeds go to help the few people (veterans, first responders) who have served and sacrificed so much for our country. This year, 2021, the event will be held September 10-11; 20 years after the terrorist attack on the United States.
Justen was unable to serve in the military, but he considers it a huge blessing to serve without a uniform. Those who participate in Justen's organization leave a lasting impression on him with their determination, courage, and positive attitude.
In Justen's episode, we talk about two previous guests from the podcast. You can listen to Kyle's American Story and Matthew's American Story by visiting the podcast website, We The People Our American Story If you haven't heard their episodes, you want to hear the incredible stories they share.
