From Gunships to Growth: Navigating Fatherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Healing After Military Life

The Security Halt! Podcast returns with a raw and powerful episode that explores the full arc of post-military life—from combat deployments and psychological survival strategies to parenting, divorce, and building a business from scratch. Host Deny Caballero sits down with Merrill Slepica, a retired AC-130 Gunner with 13 deployments, to dive deep into what it means to rebuild a meaningful life after years of service.

This conversation is more than just another veteran story—it’s a masterclass in resilience, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and the emotional complexity of transition.

The Hidden Battle: Mental Health and the Tools for Recovery

The conversation opens with a candid reflection on the Special Operations community in northwest Florida and the unique network of support that exists among its members. Deny and Merrill break the stigma around mental health, discussing how seeking treatment is not a weakness but a warrior’s path to clarity and strength. Merrill’s approach to healing is grounded in practicality—building a personalized “toolbox” of strategies and habits that help him stay grounded long after his last deployment.

His account of compartmentalization during combat offers a window into the emotional survival mechanisms developed by those in the line of fire. "I would try to nonchalantly forget my family," Merrill recalls—not out of indifference, but as a psychological necessity to complete the mission. These are the kinds of truths many service members carry silently, long after the uniform comes off.

Fatherhood After the Fight

One of the most poignant moments in this Security Halt! Podcast episode is Merrill’s reflection on raising his sons. From teaching them how to work on cars to instilling values like self-respect and humility, Merrill’s story shows how the same dedication used to prepare for combat can be redirected into parenting and mentorship. Inspired by his own father’s example, Merrill is raising the next generation with integrity and intentionality.

Divorce, Custody, and the Financial Fallout of Military Life

The discussion then shifts to a topic that too many veterans understand all too well—divorce and custody battles. Deny and Merrill both share how the legal system often penalizes service members due to their deployment schedules, leading to fractured relationships with their children and significant financial strain. Merrill’s frustration with alimony, pension division, and restricted visitation highlights a systemic issue affecting countless veterans striving to rebuild after service.

Hammer 41 Leatherworks: A Story of Purpose and Precision

What began as a casual bet has now evolved into Hammer 41 Leatherworks, Merrill’s successful and veteran-respected leatherworking brand. It’s more than a business—it’s a mission. Merrill talks about how his craftsmanship gave him a new sense of purpose, connecting him back to the community through handmade leather goods that reflect the values of the special operations world: precision, pride, and attention to detail.

Final Thoughts: Healing, Brotherhood, and the Next Mission

This episode of the Security Halt! Podcast is a tribute to the strength it takes to reinvent yourself. Deny and Merrill don’t sugarcoat the struggles of post-service life, but they also don’t leave you without hope. Whether it’s leaning on brotherhood, building new skills, or fighting for your children, this conversation offers a roadmap for veterans seeking purpose after the military.

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