Special Episode: Supporting Shawn Coady's Battle Against Cancer

01/20/24 • 39 min

In this episode, we revisit an interview with a remarkable individual, Shawn Coady, a retired Vancouver Police Department Sergeant, Canadian Armed Forces veteran, and the founder and president of the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society. Shawn's life has been one of service, dedicated to his community, law enforcement colleagues, and his country.

After an illustrious career, Shawn and his wife settled into a well-deserved retirement in the tranquil community of Armstrong, British Columbia. Unfortunately, life had a different plan, as cancer has entered the scene, challenging Shawn and his family in their fight for his health.
A Hero's Journey: From Service to Survival

Shawn's story is one of resilience, strength, and dedication. As a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and decorated member of the Vancouver Police Department, Shawn shares his experiences as a domestic violence investigations specialist, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the impact on his life. He bravely discusses his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective on the struggles that often accompany a life of service.

Creating Symbolism: The Birth of a Memorial Ribbon

During the interview, Shawn talks about what inspired him to establish the Police and Peace Officer Memorial Ribbon Society. He reveals the driving force behind creating the official national symbol of mourning for law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. His dedication to honoring those who serve, even in the face of adversity, is truly inspirational.

Joining Forces: A Call to Action

As a testament to the strength of our podcast community, we are re-releasing Shawn's interview to rally support for him during this challenging time. Shawn was one of the first to join our show when we launched, and now, it's our turn to stand with him.

How You Can Help

In the spirit of teamwork, we invite you to support Shawn and his family by contributing to the Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page mentioned in the show notes. Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to helping Shawn face cancer head-on and allowing him to enjoy the peace and good health he deserves in retirement.

Closing Thoughts: Giving Cancer the Salute It Deserves

As we listen to Shawn's powerful story, let's unite as a team and give cancer the salute it deserves. Together, we can make a difference in Shawn's journey towards recovery. Join us in this special episode dedicated to the resilience of a true hero, and let's show Shawn that he is not alone in this fight.

🔗 Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page

Together, as a team, let's support Shawn and his family on their journey to overcoming cancer.

Shawn Pinto - Mortgage Broker
Mortgage consulting services for those who serve.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Creating Symbolism: The Birth of a Memorial Ribbon

Joining Forces: A Call to Action

How You Can Help

Closing Thoughts: Giving Cancer the Salute It Deserves

🔗 Help Shawn Coady Beat Cancer Go Fund Me Page

Together, as a team, let's support Shawn and his family on their journey to overcoming cancer.

Thank you for listening!
For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

Previous Episode

John Vintar: The Fragility of Peace

Summary
In this episode, Christian sits down with John Vintar, an author and Army officer who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. The conversation revolves around Vintar's book, 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium,' which details his experiences in South Sudan. They discuss the history of Sudan and South Sudan, the challenges of peacekeeping missions, the impact on returning soldiers, and the perception of peacekeeping in Canada. Vintar shares his most fearful moment in South Sudan and the importance of history for military leaders. The episode concludes with book recommendations and contact information for Vintar.

Takeaways

The book 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium' provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a peacekeeper in South Sudan.
Peacekeeping missions are often invisible to the majority of Canadians, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the work of peacekeepers.
Returning from a peacekeeping mission can be challenging, and veterans may struggle to convey the full extent of their experiences.
History plays a crucial role in shaping military leaders and providing valuable lessons for the present and future.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background

01:29
The Book: A Swamp the Size of Belgium

04:52
The History of Sudan and South Sudan

08:27
The Invisibility of Peacekeeping Missions

10:00
The Challenges of Returning Home

11:27
The Most Fearful Moment in South Sudan

14:48
Establishing Safety and Gaining Trust

15:49
The Genesis and Objective of the UN Peacekeeping Mission

18:18
Tribal Cleansing and Violence in South Sudan

20:17
Lessons Learned from Peacekeeping Missions

24:13
Public Perception of Peacekeeping

29:36
Canada's Number One Threat

31:13
The Fragility of the World Order

37:20
The Importance of History for Military Leaders

39:54
The Role of Research in Mission Success

42:27
Top Three Must-Read Book Recommendations

45:53
Book Promotion and Contact Information

46:31
Closing Remarks and Thank You

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Next Episode

Brendan Hynes: Breech, Breech, Breech

Summary

Brendan Hynes, a military veteran and advocate for mental health and brain injury research, shares his journey of resilience and service.

He discusses the challenges he faced during his military career, including failures and injuries. Brendan emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the support of loved ones in overcoming mental health issues. He also highlights the need for better understanding and support for brain injuries in the military and first responder communities. Brendan's advocacy work aims to raise awareness and drive change in these areas.

This conversation explores the work of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and Project Enlist in addressing sports concussions and brain donation. It also delves into the importance of embracing technology and brain research, as well as the overlap between sports and military/first responder brain injuries.

The conversation highlights the institutional challenges and lack of action in addressing these issues and emphasizes the need for more resources and support. It concludes with advice for those going through similar experiences and the importance of buddy checking and opening up discussions.

Takeaways

Seeking help and support is crucial in overcoming mental health challenges.

Brain injuries, including concussive and sub concussive injuries, are often overlooked and require more research and support.

Advocacy and raising awareness are essential for driving change in the military and first responder communities.

Resilience and the support of loved ones can help individuals overcome challenges and continue to make a positive impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

11:37 Defining Moment in Military Service

20:15 Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Help

25:46 Job as an Explosives Technician

29:02 Concussive and Sub concussive Traumatic Brain Injuries

34:33 Rock Bottom Moment and Seeking Help