In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan and Kristen Wilson sit down with Michael DeGraeve, known to many as Gravy316_Actual. Michael shares a story that is raw, honest, and incredibly grounded in real-world experience. From returning home after military service to navigating the dark corners of addiction, he rebuilt his life through fitness, community support, and a commitment to daily progress. His perspective blends discipline, humility, and the desire to pay forward the help he received — a mindset that shapes everything he does today.

The Challenge of Finding Purpose After Service

Leaving the military often means losing structure, routine, and a shared mission. Michael describes that transition as one of the hardest periods of his life. Without the built-in support system and clear expectations he was used to, he struggled to find purpose. Alcohol became the quiet, destructive coping mechanism he relied on — a struggle he emphasizes is more common than many people realize.

He doesn’t frame this part of his life dramatically or with shame. Instead, he treats it as a turning point: a moment when he had to decide whether he was going to fade out or rebuild.

Fitness, Sobriety, and the Strength of Small Wins

Michael began his recovery with a simple rule: win the day. Not the week. Not the month. Just today.

His approach wasn’t about chasing a dramatic transformation. It was about stacking small victories — a workout he didn’t skip, healthier choices he stuck with, time spent training instead of drinking. Those wins turned into momentum, and that momentum turned into real change.

Daily discipline became his foundation. He rebuilt trust in himself one small commitment at a time, which led him back to training, fitness, and building a more grounded mindset.

Using Training as a Tool for Stability

Michael explains how firearms training and fitness each played different roles in his growth. Fitness gave him structure and a sense of accomplishment. Firearms training reconnected him with a skillset he valued and allowed him to approach improvement with purpose.

Dry Fire and Live Fire: Different Purposes, Shared Benefits

He breaks down how dry fire practice became a reliable way to stay consistent at home — safe, repeatable, and ideal for reinforcing fundamentals. Live fire sessions, on the other hand, were where he confirmed what he had practiced and saw the results of his discipline.

Both forms of training taught him to slow down, breathe, and stay patient with himself — lessons that spilled into every other part of his life.

Breathing, Awareness, and Stress Management

A recurring theme in Michael’s journey is learning to manage stress through breath control. He talks about how intentional breathing helped him stay present during high-pressure moments, both on and off the range. When tunnel vision would kick in, breathwork became the anchor that kept him grounded.

Tools for High-Stress Situations

Michael also discusses practical techniques he uses to maintain awareness when intensity spikes. Visualization, in particular, helped him prepare mentally and rehearse success before he stepped into a stressful environment. These habits didn’t just improve his shooting — they played a major role in controlling anxiety and staying focused during daily challenges.

Creativity and Mental Health

Though he’s known for his fitness and training journey, Michael has a creative side that has supported his growth as well. He talks about using poetry and writing as a mental outlet — a way to process experiences and clear his mind. For him, creativity and training aren’t opposites. They work together to support mental clarity and emotional balance.

Community as a Lifeline: Team RWB and Beyond

One of the defining parts of Michael’s story is reconnecting with community. He highlights how organizations like Team Red, White & Blue helped him build new friendships and return to the sense of belonging he missed after leaving the military.

Getting involved wasn’t just about receiving help. It became a way to offer support to others who were walking similar paths. Helping people became a measure of success — one he values more than any physical milestone.

Moving Forward With Purpose

Michael’s message throughout the episode is simple but powerful: never give up. Progress may happen slowly, but it happens through showing up consistently, taking ownership of the day, and leaning on the people who care about you. His journey is proof that moving forward is not about perfection — it’s about direction.

If you’d like to dive deeper into Michael’s mindset, training habits, and life lessons, the full conversation is available below.

Watch the Full Conversation

Michael’s story is full of real-world strategies for staying grounded, staying disciplined, and continuing forward even when the day feels heavy. Be sure to watch the full episode below for the complete discussion.

Follow the Guest

Find Michael on Instagram at @Gravy316_Actual for fitness updates, training insights, and daily encouragement.

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