Our mission is to normalize sobriety and inspire those who are self-medicating in a harmful way," said Joe Yurick, who recently started a podcast titled "This Sober Vet," which features firsthand stories told by veterans who have overcome issues with addiction. His goal is for listeners to think, "If these veterans got through it and are sober, maybe I could do that."

Yurick, who is celebrating two and a half years of being sober, recently completed the first recording of the podcast, themed "Joe's Sobriety Story," during which he provides listeners with biographic information. His co-host for the podcast is Theresa Thomas, a mental health therapist who served with Yurick in the United States Army. She will also co-host upcoming podcasts.

Yurick is a 2000 graduate of Octorara Junior-Senior High School, where he describes himself as having been the "class clown." "Every classroom was an audience, and I had my own desk in the in-school suspension room," he joked.

With no definitive plans for after graduation, he enlisted in the Army and completed basic training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. He then went to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for Advanced Individual Training, graduating with honors as a Patriot Missile System operator/maintainer.

He was deployed overseas as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in Qatar, Baghdad and later Kuwait. "Our main mission was to protect central command," he explained. "A Patriot Missile launch (shoots down) enemy aircraft out of the sky."

He was honorably discharged in 2004 and did not choose to re-enlist despite a promise of being stationed in Germany. "I came back with my limbs and my sanity, so me and Uncle Sam were square," he commented.

He said his drinking began in high school and it continued through his service and when he returned. With the help of his wife, Katelyn, he decided to give up the drinking for the sake of his family.

To celebrate his sobriety, he would go on Saturday morning hikes wearing his rucksack. "I would rucksack 4 or 5 miles in the woods, hoping for inspiration. I challenged God, (saying), 'Here I am sober. Please use me in whatever way You can,'" Yurick recalled. "I turned this corner that I had hundreds of times and heard in my mind as clear as day, 'This Sober Vet.' I started brainstorming and (thinking) a podcast is a cool idea."

He then solicited the help of Thomas, his veteran colleague, and rented out recording space in Lancaster. "We have four podcasts in the works. Three are Army vets, and we will have one female Air Force vet, which will touch a whole different audience," he stated. "I am excited to have all branches on so (listeners can) hear their journey and how they got through it and how they got on this side of sobriety."

He recently encouraged his upcoming guest to relax and be honest about his experience during the upcoming recording session. "(I told him) we are just having a conversation. It's low-pressure and low-key in hopes that someone can relate to your story," Yurick said. "Be authentic. Everyone's story is different."

In addition to the podcast, Yurick is the owner of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Lancaster. "Any items that we can repurpose we have in a warehouse in Willow Street, and we drop them off free of charge to veterans (and other people in need)," he stated, adding that the podcast is just another way to help veterans. "All we are doing is planting seeds of inspiration and hope. It's a labor of love. I want to inspire people."

There is no charge to listen to the podcast. For more information on how to access the podcast, visit http://www.thissobervet.com or search for "This Sober Vet Podcast" on Facebook. Those with questions may email thissobervet@gmail.com.