Journey Of The Rhode Runner

In this powerful episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Louie Alessio — a retired Marine who served 25 years, a husband, father, teacher in his parish, and author of the upcoming book So There I Was… Out of Ammo. Louie shares his story of growing up Catholic in Youngstown, Ohio, drifting away from faith, serving in the Marines, and eventually confronting the emotional and spiritual weight of transition, regret, and moral injury after retirement. What followed was not just a return to Church, but a profound rediscovery of faith, healing, purpose, and mercy. Together, Paul and Louie discuss military life, identity after service, the challenges of civilian transition, the pull of social media and modern distraction, the importance of prayer, and how faith can reshape the way we show up for our families and the world around us. Louie also opens up about a dark season after retirement, the divine timing that helped save his life, and how that turning point led him back to the Church and into a new mission of help