From A Betrayal in War to a Life of Healing: This U.S. Army Veteran’s Story

 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fl - On the night of March 23, 2003, the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait were bracing for the Iraq invasion. The air was thick with anticipation, but no one could have foreseen the tragedy about to unfold, a tragedy that would forever mark Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Bart Womack. “Just like that, it was pitch dark, and the tent was filled with smoke,” Womack recalls, describing the moment a fellow U.S. soldier threw a grenade and opened fire inside the camp. “I knew we were in the land of not quite right and that was a not quite right grenade.”

The attack left two officers dead and 14 others injured, a betrayal that shook the military community to its core. “We’re under attack,” Womack shouted, trying to rouse his commanding officer. “It wasn’t just the explosion, it was the shock that it was one of our own.” The emotional scars ran as deep as the physical ones, lingering long after that fateful night.

Transforming Trauma Into Purpose

After nearly three decades of service, Womack has turned his pain into a mission to heal. “Talking about it continues to be therapy for me,” he shares. “I live it every day, but telling the story reminds me that we made it through and that maybe someone else out there will find strength through our experience.”

Now residing in Pittsburgh, Womack channels his energy into helping others. As Program Manager for Onward to Opportunity, a Syracuse University-backed program, he equips transitioning service members and veterans with career skills. His deepest passion, however, lies in co-founding the Armed Forces Equestrian Center (AFEC), a nonprofit offering equine therapy to veterans, military families, and individuals with disabilities. “Horses have an incredible ability to help people reconnect, rebuild trust, and find peace,” he explains. “I’ve seen firsthand how trauma can follow our warriors long after the war ends.”

Trading Combat for Creativity

Womack’s military career was illustrious, earning him two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit. Yet his post-service journey is equally remarkable. He has stepped into the world of film and television as an actor and military technical advisor, bringing authenticity to portrayals of military life. His work has also taken him abroad, training the Afghan National Army and supporting operations in Nigeria. “My evaluations in the Army said I was the standard by which others are measured,” he says with a quiet smile. “I try to live up to that every day.”

Amplifying Veteran Voices

Womack’s memoir, Embedded Enemy, offers a candid look at the Camp Pennsylvania attack and his path to resilience. Available on Amazon and other platforms, it’s a story of leadership and recovery, not just war. He shares his experiences on podcasts like the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available on their website plus Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

As a tireless advocate, Womack serves on the board of the Veterans Media Corporation and as Executive Producer at The Veterans Channel, amplifying the stories of those who served. In 2020, his dedication earned him a knighthood in the Order of St. George, a prestigious honor recognizing his commitment to military and veteran communities.

A Life Built on Hope

Womack’s story is compelling not just for the trauma he endured but for how he responded. Through therapy programs, public speaking, mentorship, and storytelling, he has crafted a life dedicated to healing. “We survived that night,” he reflects. “And now, I help others survive the nights that follow.”

His journey is a beacon of hope, showing that light can emerge from even the darkest moments. Whether through equine therapy, career training, or creative expression, Womack proves healing is within reach.

To learn more about CSM (Ret.) Bart Womack, his book Embedded Enemy, or the Armed Forces Equestrian Center, visit his official website. His interview is available on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and major podcast platforms.

For some veterans, the true battle begins after war, but so does the path to peace.

 

Attributions

Flatterspeakers

Amazon.com

BartWomack.com

Fox News

Amazon.com

BME.com

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