No Result
View All Result
Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Result
 Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Military Families
No Result
View All Result

Marine finds new voice after injury

Jessica Manfre
by Jessica Manfre
January 22, 2020
Marine finds new voice after injury
ShareTweetEmailWhatsApp

An unexpected path gave one Marine a new message to deliver: You are stronger than you think. 

Retired Marine Lt. Col. Justin Constantine is one of the most well-known combat veterans to emerge from Operation Iraqi Freedom because rather than quietly face recovery after being wounded in combat, his voice grew louder.  

In 2006, the former JAG officer was shot in the head by a sniper while serving as a civil affairs team leader attached to an infantry unit. Constantine was initially pronounced killed in action because he stopped breathing after the bullet traveled through his ear and exploded out of the front of his face. He received an emergency tracheotomy in the field and was rushed to the aid station, crediting his survival to the Marines and Navy Corpsman he was with. 

Upon returning to the states, Constantine faced a painful process that included dozens of surgeries over the last 13 years. And he isn’t done yet. He still needs upper teeth and will have to undergo a yearlong process to have dentures built and his bottom teeth redone. He knows it will be worth it but admits he is tired of surgeries.  

“Signing that form before you go under — that you may not come back from — it really takes a lot out of you,” Constantine said. 

Though the process to rebuild himself physically has been long, he also discovered strengths within those hard times. Today, he travels the world as an entrepreneur and inspirational speaker with a message of encouragement. His writings on the military and leadership have also been published nationally for The Washington Post, Forbes and other notable outlets, according to his website. 

Constantine says there is so much that he wants to do and when he’s down, he reminds himself it is only a temporary feeling.  

“I can’t control a lot of things but I can control how I think and react. I have to remind myself of that,” he said.  

Constantine pictured with his wife Dahlia.

He points out that his wife, Dahlia, has served as his biggest supporter through it all. Constantine is quick to add that he knows everyone is not as fortunate to have someone like her unconditionally by his side.  

Throughout his recovery, he also leaned on professional support like once a week counseling for 18 months to address his post-traumatic stress disorder. While he admits it was initially hard to ask for help — and very emotional — it got easier.  

“Getting counseling is something that I recommend for anyone with PTSD. You will be stronger for it,” Constantine explained. 

In 2013, Constantine medically retired from the Marine Corps and went on to work with the Department of Justice as a counsel for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. A few years later, he left DOJ to pursue a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigations where he served on the national security law branch as assistant general counsel. While working there, he launched his own business.  

“I didn’t think anyone would care what I had to say, but I just started doing it. I liked being an entrepreneur and I really liked to make my own schedule,” he said.  

Constantine with Presidents Clinton and Bush.

Many wounded warriors seek control in their lives since so much of what they experience is out of their control, Constantine says, and working for himself made him feel back I control. 

Though he has been a motivational speaker for the last five years, it was recently when he started zeroing in on veteran and military spouse employment. He often gets messages from veterans on LinkedIn when he is traveling city to city doing employment workshops, asking to meet for coffee — an invitation he often accepts.  

His advice to newly transitioned veterans in those meetings?  

“You need to show up. Ask for help and help yourself. You have to check your ego at the door and be okay with being vulnerable.” 

Constant reminders of his injuries remain with him daily. For example, he revealed he has to sleep with towels on his clothes because every night his mouth bleeds. Seeing that every morning, that constant reminder of his injury, wears on him at times.  

“I am an optimist for the most part and feel very fortunate to be where I am. There’s always a challenge or a reminder of things I can’t do but at the same time I know that a lot of people have it worse than I do. So, I look around and I count my blessings,” he added. 

To connect with Justin Constantine’s free resources or to request his presence for a speaking engagement, go to https://www.justinconstantine.com.  

Read comments
Tags: JAG OfficerJustin ConstantineMarine Corpswounded warriors
Share48Tweet30SendSend
Jessica Manfre

Jessica Manfre

Jessica Manfre, LMSW is an author and freelance writer for multiple publications. She is a licensed social worker, earning her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Central Florida in 2020. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University. Jessica is the co-founder and CFO of Inspire Up, a 501c3 nonprofit promoting global generosity and kindness through education, empowerment, and community building. She is the spouse of an active-duty Coast Guardsman and mother of two. When she isn’t working, you can find her reading a good book and drinking too much coffee.

Related Posts

What to expect from a job search after leaving the Army
Military Veterans

What to expect from a job search after leaving the Army

6 days ago
Military Families Magazine
Military Education

From musician to soldier and back again

7 days ago
Soldiers talk about benefits of completing college on active duty
Military Career

Soldiers talk about benefits of completing college on active duty

1 week ago
Student veterans find community at Villanova University
Military Education

Student veterans find community at Villanova University

2 weeks ago
Veterans to help plant 10 million trees 
Military Veterans

Veterans to help plant 10 million trees 

2 weeks ago
One military spouse’s heart health journey
Military Health

One military spouse’s heart health journey

2 weeks ago

Discussion about this post

Ads

Military News, delivered to your inbox

Get a free copy of MILITARY FAMILIES delivered to your inbox each month

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • MEET OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL

GET RESOURCES

  • EDUCATION GUIDE

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • CFC PARTNERS
  • PRICING
  • PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

SUBMISSIONS

  • PITCH US
  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
  • BOOK CLUB
Never miss out on the latest stories.
© 2021 Military Families by AmeriForce. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Military Life
    • Deployment
    • Relocation
    • Military Spouses
    • Military Kids
  • Education
  • Career
    • Transition
    • Entrepreneur
    • Veterans
  • Health
  • Money
  • Travel
  • Get Resources
    • Education Guide
  • Giveaways

© 2020 Military Families by AmeriForce. Site by SCBW.