On this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Dr. Amanda Zeine, a former Army pediatrician whose journey through military service, unexpected injury, and personal reinvention will inspire veterans and civilians alike. Amanda shares her accidental enlistment story—starting with a scholarship her mother encouraged her to pursue and leading to a 15-year career in the Army, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. From medical school and residency in Hawaii to serving as a flight surgeon with medevac missions, Amanda opens up about the unique challenges facing military doctors, the realities of deployment, and why soldiers (and pilots!) are a lot like kids. After a traumatic brain injury ended her medical career, Amanda candidly discusses losing her sense of purpose and identity—and how she fought her way back through writing. Her children’s book series, “Cul-de-sac Kids,” seeks to support military children navigating the emotional hurdles of deployments and frequent moves. Amanda also talks about her first self-help book, “Hot Mess to Wellness,” and offers advice to other vets seeking new meaning after service. This conversation is not just about military life—it’s about unexpected turns, resilience, and finding hope on the other side of hardship. Highlights:

• Amanda’s path to military medicine and deployments as a flight surgeon
• The life-changing TBI that ended her career and forced her to reinvent herself
• The identity crisis veterans face after service—and how writing became her new mission
• Addressing the emotional needs of military kids through literature
• Tips for self-publishing and creating purpose after a military career

Learn more about Amanda’s books at alzeinebooks.com. If you’re a veteran, military family member, or anyone navigating life’s unexpected challenges, this episode is for you. **Contact Ed Parcaut:**
– 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
– 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)   #HelpingTheBrave #AmandaZeine #EdParcaut #MilitaryStories #VeteranVoices #WomenInTheMilitary #Pediatrician #MilitaryBrats #CulDeSacKids #ArmyLife #PostMilitaryLife #TBIRecovery #VeteranWellness #PurposeAfterService #MilitaryFamily #MilitaryKids #Resilience #WritingJourney #SelfPublishing #Medevac #MilitaryExperience #BookRecommendations #VeteranAuthors #WellnessJourney #ChildrensBooks #MilitaryTransitions

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/helping-the-brave-podcast–6413915/support.