Unlock Veteran Resilience: Chris Roness on Mental Health, Mindfulness, and the 'You Matter' System

In this impactful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn and Eric welcome retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Chris Roness, founder of Chris Roness Enterprises and creator of the transformative human performance and mindfulness system, "You Matter." Known by his call sign "Switch," Chris shares his extraordinary journey from enlisting in the Air Force to becoming a Special Operations helicopter pilot and officer. His path wasn’t easy—facing early challenges like vision setbacks—but his resilience and determination led him to serve for 27 years in elite roles.
Following the tragic loss of six of his brothers-in-arms to suicide within four months, Chris dedicated himself to addressing veteran mental health through proactive, life-affirming strategies. His mission is clear: to shift the focus from simply preventing suicide to teaching veterans how to truly live their lives with purpose and passion.
🛠️ Key Topics Explored:
- Chris’s Military Journey: Overcoming personal and professional challenges, rising through the ranks to lead in Special Operations.
- The "You Matter" System: A holistic framework designed to help veterans assess and improve their well-being across seven core areas:
- Purpose – Finding meaning beyond service
- Environment – Creating supportive spaces
- People – Building trustworthy relationships
- Provision – Managing finances and resources
- Physical Health – Maintaining physical wellness
- Psychological Health – Prioritizing mental health
- Pastimes/Possessions – Engaging in fulfilling activities
- Innovative Tools: The "Gas Gage" and "Get Awesome Scale" help veterans measure and manage their well-being in real-time.
- Lifeguards & Confidants: The critical role of trusted individuals ("lifeguards") in providing support during personal crises.
- Storytelling for Healing: How sharing personal stories fosters resilience, self-discovery, and emotional connection.
- Rethinking Military Culture: Advocating for a cultural shift in the Department of Defense to prioritize the human aspect of its force.
Chris also hints at his exciting "We Bus" program, a community-driven initiative focused on outreach and storytelling, which will be explored in greater depth in a future episode.
💡 This episode is a must-watch for veterans, military families, and anyone passionate about mental health, resilience, and purposeful living.
Connect with Chris Roness: https://youmatr.org/
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💬 Comment below: Share your thoughts or ask Chris a question for future episodes!
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