Episode 10: Gary Denham

In this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee interviews Gary Denham, a former Navy SEAL and Seal Team Six member. Gary’s story is one of resilience, faith, and personal transformation. From his time in the SEALs to his battle with cancer, Gary opens up about life’s challenges and the faith that has carried him through.

Growing Up and Finding Faith

Gary grew up in Southern California, living a rebellious lifestyle throughout high school, deeply involved in the stoner culture of the 70s and 80s. His life changed just before his 18th birthday when, through the influence of his girlfriend’s mother, he accepted Jesus as his Savior. This decision marked the beginning of a spiritual journey that would later help him through life’s most difficult moments.

Joining the Navy and Becoming a SEAL

At 18, Gary enlisted in the Navy with one goal: to become a Navy SEAL. Starting in 1985, he faced the grueling challenges of SEAL training, particularly the notorious Hell Week. He recalls surviving by focusing on one meal at a time and emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and problem-solving in addition to physical strength.

Walking Away from Faith

After accepting Christ, Gary’s life took a different turn. As he delved deeper into his Navy SEAL career, he began drifting away from his faith. For nearly 30 years, he struggled to balance his core Christian beliefs with the demands of his role in the SEALs. While he never fully abandoned his belief in God, he confesses that his lifestyle didn’t reflect his faith, a common struggle for many in high-pressure careers.

The SEAL Life: Challenges and Sacrifices

Gary’s time with the SEAL teams, including over 10 years with Seal Team Six, pushed him to the limits both physically and mentally. He describes the extreme pressures of constantly being tested, the intensity of missions, and the emotional toll of long deployments. These challenges came at a personal cost, including a difficult marriage and eventual divorce, as his career often overshadowed his personal life.

Rediscovering Faith

After many years away from God, Gary found his way back through his wife’s conversion to Christianity. Watching her baptism in the Pacific Ocean was a turning point for him, marking the beginning of his own spiritual renewal. Although it was difficult to forgive himself for straying, Gary found peace knowing that God had never left him. His story highlights the idea that no matter how far we drift, God is always ready to welcome us back.

Battling Cancer with Faith

In 2020, Gary was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma, with tumors in his lungs and thyroid. Doctors gave him only a few months to live. Faced with this diagnosis, Gary leaned heavily on his faith. He recalls a powerful moment during a church service when he heard God tell him, “I’m going to heal you, but you’re going to go through the process.”

Gary endured immunotherapy treatments, which took a significant toll on his body, but he remained steadfast in his belief that God was healing him. His story of survival is nothing short of miraculous, and he continues to fight cancer with unwavering faith.

Gary Denham’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and redemption. From his rebellious youth to his career as a Navy SEAL and his battle with cancer, Gary has faced immense challenges. Yet through it all, his faith has guided him back to God, offering hope and healing in the darkest moments. His story serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in faith, forgiveness, and perseverance.

To hear more stories like Gary’s, be sure to tune in to the Fully Armed Podcast, where life, faith, and overcoming adversity are central themes.