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Join Derrick and Friends for "You Should Have Seen It In Color!" with Warriors for Life (WFL) TONIGHT

Join our Volunteer, Army Veteran & Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor Derrick Iozzio TONIGHT for "Forever Forward!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).


We are asking everyone to share who we are and the support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing through Warriors for Life (WFL). If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.



"You Should Have Seen It In Color!"


Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "You Should Have Seen It In Color!" A discussion about listening to other people's stories when it comes to Invisible Wounds and your Mental Health.


In peer support groups for veterans, first responders, active-duty personnel, and their families, being a "good listener" is not passive—it is an active intervention designed to combat the isolation of invisible wounds like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and moral injury. These individuals are often trained to "tough it out," making it difficult to vocalize, or even recognize, their own trauma. 


The concept of "You Should Have Seen It In Color!"—inspired by the Jamey Johnson song—is crucial because it highlights the profound gap between the "black and white" story a person shares and the vibrant, painful reality they are living. 


Why Good Listening is Crucial for Invisible Wounds



  • Bridging the Gap to Care: Peer supporters are often the first point of contact for someone in crisis, offering a "safe space" that reduces stigma and fear of judgment.

  • Validation Without Explanation: Peers with shared experiences can provide immediate empathy without needing extensive background, validating the survivor’s experiences.

  • Unlocking Silent Pain: Active listening, as described in studies of successful peer support, allows people to reveal traumas they have hidden for years, aiding in the transition from "locked away" to "supported".

  • Neutralizing Triggers: Good listening allows peers to identify when an individual is triggered or dysregulated, helping them return to a safe, present state. 


Importance of "You Should Have Seen It In Color!" The phrase comes from the song "In Color," where an old man shows black-and-white photos to his grandson, stating, "You should've seen it in color... you can't see what those shades of gray keep covered". 


For mental health support, this means:



  • Looking Beyond the Surface: A "black and white" photo shows a smiling person in uniform, but not the fear or pain beneath. Listening for color means looking past the "I'm fine" or the "functional" exterior.

  • Understanding the Hidden Context: A veteran might recount a traumatic event in a detached, black-and-white manner. The "color" is the terror, guilt, or grief they are holding back.

  • Validating the Whole Experience: It teaches that what is shared is just a snapshot, and the real trauma is often far more complex, intense, and deeply felt than the words alone convey. 


Improving Listening Skills through "In Color" Thinking



To improve listening skills using this approach, peer supporters should actively try to color in the "shades of gray" in a peer's story:


  1. Listen for the Emotions Behind the Story: Instead of just listening to the facts (e.g., "We went on a call"), listen for the implied, unseen emotional content (e.g., "I felt helpless").

  2. Ask "Color-Enhancing" Questions: Ask questions that encourage deeper detail, such as, "What was the hardest moment for you?" or "What were you feeling in that moment?" rather than just "What happened?".

  3. Recognize the "Black and White" Defenses: Be aware that "I'm okay" or "It was just another day" often masks profound trauma.

  4. Listen to What is NOT Said: Often, the most intense pain is found in the pauses, the averted gaze, or the details intentionally left out of the story.

  5. Focus on the Body Language (The Color): A calm voice telling a chaotic story means the emotions are repressed. Pay attention to shaking hands, sweating, or rapid breathing, which often reveal the "color" (true intensity) of the trauma. 



By listening for the "color," peer supporters can validate the true weight of the hidden trauma, allowing survivors to feel fully seen and heard, rather than just heard in black-and-white.


Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), April 9, 2026, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET



Thank you,


Derrick Iozzio, Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor, Catch 22 Peer Support Founder, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)


"Honor & Respect Always — Warriors for Life!"

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