481: Deeds. Not Words. With Airborne Ranger, Will Bardenwerper
Mar 12, 2025
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Will Bardenwerper, a former Airborne Ranger and author, shares gripping stories from his military service in Iraq and the challenges of transitioning to a writing career. He reflects on the emotional nuances of leadership in combat and the bonds formed through shared adversity. The conversation touches on the complexities of military life, navigating personal growth, and the deep connections fostered in communities around sports and storytelling. Bardenwerper also discusses the importance of resilience and taking action over mere words, providing a compelling perspective on life beyond the battlefield.
The podcast emphasizes the disconnect veterans feel when returning to a society largely unaware of their sacrifices and struggles.
It discusses the immense strain on military families due to prolonged deployments, underscoring the need for community support during these challenges.
The speaker critiques misconceptions about re-enlistment rates, clarifying that they often reflect pressures and policies rather than soldier satisfaction.
The exploration of family legacies in military service highlights how personal narratives influence motivations and perceptions of duty among new recruits.
The conversation addresses the moral dilemmas soldiers face in complex relationships with adversaries, challenging perceptions of them solely as warriors.
The role of media in shaping public understanding of military experiences is crucial, stressing the importance of authentic storytelling in bridging civilian-military gaps.
Deep dives
The Impact of War on Society
The discussion highlights the stark contrast between the lives of soldiers deployed to combat zones and civilians at home, emphasizing the disconnect experienced by veterans returning to a society seemingly indifferent to their sacrifices. The speaker reflects on how, despite the seriousness of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, a portion of American society is oblivious, focusing instead on frivolous pursuits. The conversation acknowledges that while many soldiers volunteer for service, the notion that they willingly embrace prolonged deployments without acknowledging the psychological toll is misleading. This disparity raises concerns about the erosion of empathy and understanding towards those still engaged in conflict.
Challenges Faced by Military Families
The podcast delves into the immense strain placed on military families due to extended deployments, highlighting how soldiers often return home only to train again for future missions, elongating their absences from loved ones. Unlike previous wars where families united in shared sacrifice, today’s military families often navigate their hardships in isolation. This separation leads to significant stress and relationship challenges that many families endure without the support of a wider community. The discussion underscores the need for society to recognize and support the unique struggles faced by military families in the face of ongoing conflict.
Misconceptions of Soldier Re-enlistment Rates
The speaker critiques the narrative surrounding the re-enlistment rates of soldiers, arguing that they do not reflect enthusiasm for repeated deployments but rather the repercussions of policies like stop-loss, which effectively extend service beyond contracted time. Those who may have planned to leave the military are forced to stay, often motivated by financial incentives tied to re-enlistment bonuses. This creates a misleading image of soldier satisfaction with extended combat tours, countering the argument that volunteer service equates to a lack of concern for the implied consequences. The discussion illustrates the complexities of soldier commitment amidst systemic pressures that shape their choices.
The Tradition of Military Service
Exploring the historical context of military service, the conversation reflects on the personal motivations of individuals whose family legacies influence their decisions to serve. Many have relatives who fought in previous wars, instilling a sense of duty that propels them into military life. The emotional connection established through storytelling and familial experiences highlights how these narratives shape perspectives on sacrifice and honor. This tradition serves as both inspiration and added pressure for new service members following in their ancestors' footsteps.
Emotional Connections in Combat
There is an emphasis on the complexities of forming emotional ties while serving in uniform, particularly when interacting with adversaries like Saddam Hussein. Soldiers often navigated a tumultuous relationship with the former dictator, characterizing him as both a threat and a human being deserving of praise under their care. This notion raises questions about the nature of humanity and the ability to empathize with those perceived as enemies. Such experiences challenge the perception of soldiers solely as warriors, presenting them instead as young individuals confronting the moral dilemmas of conflict.
The Role of Media in Understanding War
The conversation highlights the pivotal role of media in shaping public perception of military engagements, particularly with narratives that can either uplift or dismantle the image of service members. The potential for irresponsible storytelling is contrasted with efforts to present authentic experiences that humanize soldiers and foster understanding. This underscores the importance of journalistic integrity in capturing the multifaceted experiences of those involved in war. By focusing on individual stories and community impacts, media can bridge the gap between the battlefield and civilian life, prompting necessary conversations about the realities of service.
Cultural Significance of Minor League Baseball
Focusing on the stories surrounding minor league baseball, the discussion reflects on how sports serve as an essential cultural touchstone, uniting communities and fostering local pride. Specifically exploring the unique bonds that develop between players and fans, it illustrates how these connections provide a sense of belonging and identity. The prominence of community engagement, particularly in towns stripped of their teams, accentuates the significance of local sports in combatting issues like poverty and addiction. Through personal narratives, the need for accessible, relatable forms of entertainment becomes evident as they anchor social cohesion in challenging times.
Environmental Influence on Community Identity
The podcast illustrates how the geographical and environmental context of places like Batavia plays a significant role in shaping community identity and connections with local sports. The description of outdoor activities and their impact on personal memories conveys how nature can serve as a backdrop for cherished experiences, particularly through sports like baseball. As communities grapple with their socio-economic challenges, engaging with the land and local teams provides an avenue for resilience. The importance of preserving and celebrating these connections becomes a central theme as towns evolve in response to their changing environments.
Addressing the Hero's Journey
The exploration of the hero's journey, particularly as experienced by individuals from the military and minor league sports, is a focal point in the podcast. The discussion emphasizes how both paths often involve struggle and transformation, reflecting broader societal narratives. By recounting personal challenges, the individuals illustrate how overcoming obstacles in extreme environments shapes their identities and resilience. Such stories echo themes found in literature and folklore, reminding listeners of the enduring human spirit and the capacity for growth amidst adversity.
The Healing Power of Community
Focusing on the collective nature of sports, the podcast highlights its ability to foster healing and togetherness in communities affected by trauma. By bringing people together across diverse backgrounds, local teams serve as a source of comfort and camaraderie, particularly in towns facing economic strife. The emotional weight of shared experiences at the ballpark reflects deeper connections that transcend casual spectatorship, reinforcing the importance of community bonds. As participants engage in collective nostalgia, they reinforce a sense of shared history and identity that nurtures healing.
Reflections on Personal Growth through Writing
The speaker discusses the transformative journey of becoming an author, illustrating how the process of storytelling has influenced their perspectives on life and society. Through writing, they have sought to understand and convey the complexities of human experiences, particularly those intersecting with military service and sports culture. This introspection serves as both a method of personal discovery and a contribution to broader dialogues about identity, resilience, and community. It emphasizes the dynamic role of authors in shaping public narratives and demonstrating the power of words in fostering understanding.
Will Bardenwerper was an Airborne Ranger qualified infantry officer in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and his service included a 13-month deployment to Nineveh and Anbar Provinces, Iraq in 2006-7. While in Iraq, he helped lead his infantry battalion's reconstruction, civil affairs and tribal engagement efforts in the city of Hit. His unit helped contribute to the beginning of what would later become known as the “Anbar Awakening.” Will was awarded a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
