After the Uniform: Finding Sobriety, Faith, and a Second Chance | Ryan Reichert

After years of military service, Ryan Reichert faced a battle he could no longer manage on his own: addiction, lost purpose, and relationships strained by painful choices.

In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes retired Army leader and author Ryan Reichert for an honest conversation about recovery, personal responsibility, and discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Growing up in North Dakota, Ryan dreamed of military service. Despite a serious football injury that initially blocked his plans, he eventually joined the Army and built a career. But injuries, chronic pain, and struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs followed him into retirement.

A corporate paycheck could not replace the sense of purpose he had lost. In November 2023, Ryan took his last drink and attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting the following day.

He shares how recovery meetings, church involvement, the Alpha course, and a men’s Bible study helped him develop meaningful connections and begin rebuilding his life. That journey also required facing divorce, damaged family relationships, and the consequences of his actions.

Today, Ryan mentors young people and shares the lessons he continues to learn about honesty, kindness, prayer, and asking for help.

His golden nugget: However far you feel from hope, you can ask for help and take a step toward change.

If retirement, addiction, or a difficult transition has left you wondering what comes next, this conversation offers encouragement that a second chance can begin with surrender—and grow through faith, support, and daily action.