Conversations That Continue the Mission
For many veterans, the hardest battles are not always fought overseas. They are fought quietly — in transition, in memory, in isolation.
Even Though I Walk exists to bring those stories into the light.
This podcast creates space for veterans to speak honestly about service, combat stress, resilience, faith, leadership, and life after the uniform. It is a place for real conversations — not headlines, not politics — but lived experience.
Because stories build understanding. And understanding builds connection.
The Heart Behind the Name - Even Though I Walk…
Inspired by Psalm 23, the name reflects a simple truth: even in the valley, we do not walk alone. That conviction shapes every episode.
Meet CAPTAIN Steve Mills, United States Navy, Retired
Steve retired on September 1, 2023, after more than 32 years of active duty service.
He first enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1984, serving as a firefighter. After his honorable discharge in 1995, he pursued a Master of Divinity at Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated in 1998 and began pastoring in Waverly, Missouri before being commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in June 2001.
As a Navy Chaplain, Steve deployed to South Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and the Arabian Gulf, walking alongside service members through combat deployments, transitions, and the unseen weight of military life.
On paper, his career reflects service, leadership, and endurance. In reality, it reflects presence — standing beside others when it mattered most.
Resilience Beyond the Uniform
Long before military service, resilience marked Steve’s life.
At five years old, he was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes disease in both hips and spent five years in a wheelchair while his joints slowly healed. Rather than define his future, that season shaped his determination.
He went on to complete six marathons, twenty-five half marathons, numerous adventure races, and a 199-mile relay from Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon. While assigned to a Marine Corps unit, he completed Mountain Survival Training in the Sierra Nevada.
Like many veterans, Steve also carries the invisible impact of service. He has experienced anxiety and panic attacks connected to his time downrange. That lived experience deepened both his empathy and his calling.
What Listeners Can Expect
These are not surface-level interviews. Each conversation explores the realities of service, transition, identity, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone seeking to better understand the cost of service, these conversations are for you.
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Honest conversations about the transition from military service to civilian life — the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.
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Real insight into pressure, recovery, and the work of rebuilding strength after service.
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Stories shaped by responsibility, sacrifice, and the bonds that last long after active duty.
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A reminder that connection matters — and that no one has to navigate the valley alone.
Have a Story or Question?
This podcast exists because of real stories and honest conversations.
If you would like to share your experience, suggest a topic, or ask a question, I welcome the opportunity to connect.
