Army Brat and Veteran, Scott Teakell, Talks About How He Earned His Soldier’s Medal Award and Overcame PTSD Through Forging Knives.

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of the Punk Brats!! 

Larry "Scott" Teakell, a distinguished Army Brat, embarked on his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 1995. With a commitment to service, he dedicated himself to the vital role of a medic, providing critical care and support to his fellow soldiers. Throughout his career, he completed three tours in Iraq, as well as deployments in Bosnia and Macedonia, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication in various challenging environments. 

In July 2007, during his service in Iraq, Sergeant Teakell displayed extraordinary bravery when he heroically extinguished a fuel fire that threatened the life of Army Specialist Marisol Heredia. This selfless act of valor earned him the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest award for heroism in non-combat situations. His experiences as a combat medic have profoundly shaped his perspective on leadership, courage, and the importance of teamwork in high-pressure situations.

After a commendable military career, Teakell retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2015. Following his retirement, he continued to suffer from PTSD. But he pursued a passion for craftsmanship, specifically in the art of knife forging and overcame his fear of fire. This newfound endeavor led him to establish Junkyard Tactical, a company dedicated to creating high-quality tactical knives. Through Junkyard Tactical, Teakell continues to exemplify the values of dedication and excellence that he upheld during his time in the Army, contributing to the community of knife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

This episode also features surprise guest, Army brat, and Hollywood Storyboard Artist, Craig Holloway. Follow Craig on Instagram and Facebook.

Punk Brats is a community project brought to you by Hats Off For Veterans, dedicated to empowering Texas veterans through higher education scholarships, professional development grant opportunities, and access to mental health counseling resources. Our mission is to honor their service by equipping them with the tools and support needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives.