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180. When Concealed Carry Turns Real | Air Force Veteran CCW and EDC Trainer's True Story

Updated: Jan 31

John Galletta

 

On this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, Air Force veteran John Galletta takes us through his remarkable life journey, from growing up in a military family to serving his country and transitioning into civilian life. John reflects on his time in the Air Force, sharing stories of global travel, camaraderie, and the challenges of military service. He also opens up about the emotional complexities of transitioning to life after service, including his path to becoming a firearms and concealed carry instructor. John discusses the powerful lessons he’s learned, including how a life-threatening robbery tested his training and left lasting effects on his mental health. Through his story, John offers invaluable transition advice for military veterans, first responders, and anyone navigating their own post-service path. This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, trauma, and finding purpose, sure to inspire veterans, first responders, and their communities.


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John Galletta’s was born in the Philippines to an American father and Filipino mother, John’s childhood was colored by stories of discipline, adaptability, and service. His father, a Navy physician, provided a unique lens into both military and civilian life. John recalls accompanying his father on medical house calls in Twentynine Palms, California, where he witnessed the intensity of life-and-death moments at an early age. These experiences instilled in him a respect for duty and a fascination with the structure and camaraderie inherent in service.


Growing up as the eldest of six siblings in a desert community, John’s childhood was defined by both responsibility and curiosity. When he wasn’t shadowing his father, he was catching lizards, riding horses, or tinkering with photography—a skill that would later play a surprising role in his military career. John reflects on the simplicity of his youth and the creativity it sparked, even in the absence of modern distractions. Despite his active upbringing, he struggled to see himself following his father’s footsteps into medicine and found his interests gravitating elsewhere.


By high school, John was navigating the complexities of adolescence with a mix of humor and determination. He participated in cross-country, wrestling, and skiing, even competing on the Air Force’s all-forces ski team later in life. His academic journey, however, wasn’t without its hurdles. John candidly discusses his challenges with undiagnosed ADHD, which made traditional schooling difficult at times. These struggles didn’t stop him from excelling where it mattered most, as he discovered his knack for problem-solving and interpersonal connections.


The decision to join the military came serendipitously. While driving through Hemet, California, his mother posed the age-old question: “What are you going to do with your life?” John spotted an Air Force recruiter’s office and impulsively turned in, much to his mother’s dismay. This pivotal moment set the course for his future. After scoring high on the ASVAB, John was encouraged to enlist under an open administrative designation—a decision met with skepticism from friends who feared he’d end up doing menial work. However, John’s trust in his recruiter paid off, setting the stage for a career filled with unexpected opportunities.


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John’s entry into the Air Force was the beginning of an exciting and unpredictable journey. Fresh out of high school and armed with high ASVAB scores, he enlisted under the open administrative designation, despite warnings from friends that it could lead to undesirable assignments. However, his recruiter’s promise of flexibility in choosing a career path proved accurate, and John quickly began carving out a unique role for himself.

 

He was initially assigned to Castle Air Force Base in California, which he humorously describes as “the armpit of the state.” Despite his desire to see the world, John’s first post was a stark reminder that the military often had its own plans. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic and eager to make the most of his opportunity. His knack for building relationships and his background in photography soon opened doors that went far beyond the standard duties of an admin airman. His commanding officers took note of his talents and started assigning him to specialized tasks, including aerial photography and public affairs projects. John became adept at capturing striking images of fighter jets in action, which were later used for recruitment materials and Air Force promotions.

 

John’s career took a significant turn when he was reassigned to RAF Upper Heyford in England. There, his resourcefulness and initiative helped him stand out. Assigned to a tactical fighter squadron, he developed close relationships with both enlisted personnel and officers, earning their trust and respect. His superiors often entrusted him with unique roles that didn’t fit traditional Air Force specialty codes, such as mission documentation and intelligence-related tasks. John also found himself deeply immersed in the squadron’s culture, becoming the custodian of the squadron’s historical songbook—a position usually reserved for officers. These ancillary roles gave him a deep appreciation for the camaraderie and history of the military, further solidifying his connection to service.

 

After transitioning from the Air Force, John Galletta found himself navigating the complexities of civilian life, a challenge many veterans face. Armed with a wealth of skills and discipline from his military career, he initially explored various professional opportunities, including pursuing work in aviation and photography. However, it was his passion for firearms training and safety—rooted in his military background—that would become a cornerstone of his post-military career. John dedicated himself to becoming a firearms and concealed carry instructor, a role that allowed him to educate others on personal safety while maintaining a strong connection to the values of discipline and preparedness instilled during his service.

 

Despite finding a fulfilling career path, John’s transition wasn’t without its difficulties. A life-changing event occurred when he was the victim of a robbery, a violent encounter in which he was forced to defend his life. This harrowing experience tested his training and resolve, but it also left deep emotional scars. John openly discusses the anger, trauma, and post-traumatic stress that followed the incident, describing how it reignited unresolved feelings from his time in the military. For a period, he struggled with hyper-vigilance, nightmares, and a profound sense of isolation—common challenges for veterans dealing with PTS.

 

Acknowledging the need for help, John sought out resources to address his trauma and regain control over his life. Through therapy, peer support, and a commitment to self-improvement, he began to work through the anger and fear that had taken hold. Today, John uses his experience to advocate for others facing similar challenges, especially veterans and first responders. His work as an instructor is about more than just teaching firearm proficiency; it’s about empowering individuals to feel confident and secure in their abilities, while also fostering open conversations about mental health.

 

John reflects on his journey with a sense of gratitude for how far he’s come. While he acknowledges that the scars of trauma don’t completely fade, he’s found a sense of purpose in helping others overcome their own struggles. Looking ahead, John plans to expand his firearms training programs and continue his advocacy for mental health awareness among military veterans and first responders. His story is a testament to resilience, the importance of addressing trauma, and the power of finding purpose after life’s most challenging moments. For John, the future is about growth, service, and ensuring that others have the tools and support to thrive, no matter where their journey takes them.

 

The Transition Drill Podcast is the best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more compelling stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation from veterans and first responders. Share Ty’s journey with someone who could benefit from his wisdom—whether they’re preparing for life after service, seeking guidance during a career shift, or simply looking for motivation to tackle their next challenge. Together, we can empower others to navigate transitions with confidence and embrace their new beginnings.


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