Healing, Purpose, and a New Mission: Michael Ogden’s Story
After 17 years of military service, Michael Ogden faced an unexpected transition to civilian life following a shoulder injury sustained in Iraq. Overwhelmed by PTSD and unresolved trauma, he sought a path to healing from the invisible wounds of service. In 2019, Michael and his wife attended an Operation Healing Forces (OHF) couples retreat, a turning point that introduced them to a supportive community. Determined to continue his progress, Michael discovered HatchPath, a virtual wellness coaching platform for Veterans offered by OHF for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community.
HatchPath’s virtual wellness coaching became a lifeline.
Michael was connected with Bec, a skilled hypnotherapist who helped him unlock deep-seated fears and emotions. “So much came to the surface—emotions I wasn’t expecting,” Michael shared. Their sessions gave him clarity and courage to overcome obstacles, addressing his hesitation to pursue his business dreams.
One specific breakthrough session proved transformative. “She closed off a lot of my fears in that session. The next morning, I made my first video and started the United Veterans Worldwide YouTube channel,” Michael explained. The channel, which fosters global mental health conversations among veterans, grew rapidly.
HatchPath’s flexible, virtual approach to wellness coaching played a critical role in Michael’s journey. Its accessibility—from anywhere in the world and at any time—made it an invaluable resource for him and countless others in the SOF community. As Michael noted, “We’re not only talking to professionals in the US; we’re talking to coaches in the UK, Germany, Canada, and so on.” This global reach ensures that programs like HatchPath can truly support military families while addressing the unique needs of veterans.
Mental health remains a sensitive topic for many in the military community, but HatchPath is helping to break down barriers. Veterans assistance programs like this are vital in providing the resources needed to heal from the challenges of service.
“Mental health – a topic that is taboo for most military. But once we get out it has to be discussed. That’s the only way that we can open the doors to healing,” said Michael.
Michael’s story highlights the transformative power of virtual wellness coaching through HatchPath. By addressing emotional wounds and fostering a supportive network, OHF continues to make a lasting difference for our nation’s heroes. If you’re a Special Operations Veteran looking to strengthen the bonds with your partner, we encourage you to explore the couples retreats offered by OHF. These retreats are designed to help couples navigate the unique challenges posed by military life, especially after deployments and extended periods of separation.
Organizations like OHF and HatchPath are vital resources for Veterans seeking to prioritize their mental and physical wellbeing and healing. For those inspired by Michael’s journey and wishing to support the vital work OHF does for our nation’s elite Special Operations Heroes, please consider donating to our Veteran support organization. Your contribution will directly help provide resources and programs like HatchPath and the couples retreats, ensuring that our Veterans receive the comprehensive support they deserve.
