From Fighter Pilot to Healer: Matthew "Whiz" Buckley on Personal Growth and Trauma
- Security Halt Podcast
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
The journey of a fighter pilot is more than the adrenaline of flying—it’s a story of navigating life’s highest peaks and deepest valleys. In this compelling episode of the Security Halt! Podcast host Deny Caballero welcomes Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, a veteran aviator who transitioned from military service to Wall Street and became an advocate for mental health, trauma recovery, and veteran support. From the skies to the boardroom and beyond, Whiz’s story highlights the power of resilience, personal growth, and community healing.
Listen and Support the Show
🎧 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
🎧 Spotify: Listen Here
📺 YouTube: Watch Here
☕ Support the Podcast: Buy Us a Coffee
The Making of a Fighter Pilot
Whiz’s journey began in South Jersey, where childhood dreams of aviation were fueled by his father’s love of war films and a neighbor who was a fighter pilot. His ambition to serve his country led him to the Navy, where he excelled in flight school and earned his wings flying the F-18 Hornet. Yet, the life of a fighter pilot is not without sacrifice. Whiz shares how the rigors of military service, loss of comrades, and the demands of aviation shaped his worldview and planted the seeds for his eventual focus on trauma recovery and mental health.
Transitioning to Civilian Life: Wall Street and Beyond
The transition from military service to civilian life is a challenging journey for many veterans. Whiz describes how he channeled the discipline and focus he honed as a pilot into a new career in finance. On Wall Street, he found success by applying the same principles that kept him alive in the cockpit. However, the emotional toll of his military service followed him, leading him to reflect on his purpose and seek avenues for healing.
Addressing Veteran Suicide and Mental Health
One of the most urgent topics in this episode is the crisis of veteran suicide. Whiz shares staggering statistics about the number of veterans lost to suicide each year, shedding light on the failures of traditional mental health systems to adequately support those who have served. This discussion underscores the need for innovative approaches to trauma recovery and mental health care for veterans and first responders.
The Transformative Power of Psychedelic Therapy
A turning point in Whiz’s story came when he discovered psychedelic-assisted therapy with Ibogaine. He describes how this alternative therapy helped him confront and process his trauma, offering a path to self-awareness and healing that traditional methods had not provided. Whiz highlights the growing body of research supporting psychedelics as effective tools for trauma recovery, particularly for veterans and first responders.
Building a Legacy: The No Fallen Heroes Foundation
Whiz’s experiences inspired him to establish the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. By providing access to mental health resources, psychedelic therapies, and community support, the foundation aims to create a network of healing and hope for those who have sacrificed so much.
A Call to Action: Community Support and Healing
This episode leaves listeners with a powerful message: healing is not a solitary journey. Whiz emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community support, and holistic approaches to mental health. His story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for recovery and growth.
🎧 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
🎧 Spotify: Listen Here
📺 YouTube: Watch Here
☕ Support the Podcast: Buy Us a Coffee
Take the Next Step
Join us in advocating for the health and well-being of our veterans and first responders. Subscribe to the Security Halt! Podcast, share this episode, and help spread awareness about the transformative potential of alternative therapies and community support. Together, we can honor their sacrifices and contribute to their healing journeys.