HOMEFRONT SITREP

Building the Brand: Community, Marketing, and Mission with Social 502 Media

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:46:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we go beyond the algorithm and into the heart of community-driven business with Social 502 Media and its founder Jennifer Reasor Gilpin—a leader who’s built her career at the intersection of service, strategy, and connection. Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and marketing industry, starting with a pastry degree from Sullivan University and evolving into managing and marketing multiple restaurant brands. But her story doesn’t stop at business—it expands into mission. Her journey led her into community-focused work through Mission, where she spent years alongside local heroes, foundations, and nonprofits—learning how to plan impactful events, build strong partnerships, and bring people together for something bigger than themselves. Now, as the driving force behind Social 502 Media, Jennifer helps businesses grow their digital presence while continuing her passion for outreach. She actively supports initiatives like Toys for Tots and works with local hero groups to organize events, manage logistics, and create meaningful experiences—from food service planning to full event execution and engagement. This episode breaks down what it really means to build a brand with purpose—where marketing meets mission, and business becomes a vehicle for impact. Because Jennifer believes something we talk about often here on HomeFront Sitrep: real change happens when businesses and communities come together. Real stories. Real impact. Real people. Because on the HomeFront… the mission never stops.

A Wingman for Miss Universe: When Duty Meets Destiny in Vietnam

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:37:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we step into a powerful and unexpected chapter of military history through the lens of A Wingman for Miss Universe by L. Wright Wallace—a story where war, duty, and fate collide in the summer of 1967. At the center of this narrative is Dennis Peek, a Marine Corps aviator navigating the realities of the Vietnam War, whose mission takes an unexpected turn when he’s assigned to escort Sylvia Hitchcock. What unfolds is more than a simple assignment—it’s a moment frozen in time where the worlds of combat aviation and global spotlight intersect, revealing a deeply human story behind the uniform. Drawing from research connected to the Van of Valor initiative—an effort dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of American service members—this short but impactful 59-page historical novel captures a side of war rarely told: the homefront emotions, the fleeting connections, and the lasting imprint of service on the soul. In true HomeFront SitRep fashion, this episode goes beyond the surface. We explore the significance of telling stories like this—stories that remind us that behind every mission is a man or woman with a life, a heart, and sometimes, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that changes everything. With themes of service, sacrifice, and destiny, A Wingman for Miss Universe offers a compelling look at how even in the middle of war, moments of humanity and connection can define a lifetime. Release Note: The book officially releases April 21, 2026, and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. Tagline: Real stories. Real people. And one unforgettable moment where a Marine met Miss Universe—and history took note.

Camo & Carnage: Brotherhood, Business, and the Mission After Service

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:34:00 -0000

In this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we spotlight Camo & Carnage LLC—a veteran-founded apparel and lifestyle brand built on the principles of resilience, brotherhood, and purpose. This isn’t just another clothing line. Camo & Carnage was created to represent the grit, identity, and mindset of veterans, patriots, and hardworking Americans who refuse to quit—no matter the odds. Founded by a military veteran, the brand is rooted in a deeper mission: bridging the gap between service and civilian life by creating opportunity, community, and a renewed sense of purpose after the uniform comes off. Operating in a space alongside heavy hitters like Grunt Style and Nine Line Apparel, Camo & Carnage is carving its own lane—focused less on hype and more on impact. From custom leather patch hats to purpose-driven apparel, every product reflects the values of service, sacrifice, and strength. But what sets them apart is their commitment to giving back. Through a direct partnership with the Veterans Aid Network, a portion of every sale goes toward supporting veterans facing real-world challenges—from financial hardship to the struggles of reintegration. This isn’t performative support—it’s boots-on-the-ground impact. In this episode, we dig into: The reality of launching a veteran-owned brand from the ground up How entrepreneurship becomes the next mission after military service Creating income pathways and opportunities for veterans and their families The responsibility of brands that claim to serve the veteran community Why movements—not just merchandise—are what truly make a difference Camo & Carnage stands as more than a business—it’s a movement. A movement committed to ensuring that those who served are never left behind, and that the bond of brotherhood continues long after the battlefield. This is what we do on HomeFront SitRep—real stories, real people, and real impact. Because once you’ve worn the uniform, you’re family for life.

Rapid Fire Resilience: From Machine Gunner to Morale Maker

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:16:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with Michael D’Angelo—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has redefined what it means to continue serving after the uniform comes off. Raised in the chaos of Las Vegas and forged in the discipline of the Marine Corps as a machine gunner, Michael learned early that humor isn’t just entertainment—it’s survival. In the most high-pressure environments, laughter became a tool to cut through stress, build trust, and keep Marines moving forward. But like many veterans, transition brought a new fight—loss of identity, loss of mission, and the challenge of finding purpose beyond the military. Instead of following a conventional path, Michael leaned into what had always been there: the ability to make people laugh when they needed it most. That instinct turned into action with the creation of the Rapid Fire Comedy Tour—a nonprofit delivering free, high-impact comedy shows directly to active-duty service members and first responders across the country. Built from the ground up with grit, persistence, and a mission-first mindset, Rapid Fire isn’t your typical entertainment—it’s boots-on-the-ground morale support. Performing everywhere from training areas to remote bases, Michael and his team bring authentic, unfiltered comedy rooted in real military experience. No scripts, no fluff—just laughter that hits home. And in a culture where stress is constant and vulnerability isn’t always spoken, that laughter becomes something bigger: a reset, a release, and a reminder that no one is carrying the weight alone. This episode goes beyond the stage, diving into the psychology of humor in the military, the power of shared experience, and why laughter might be one of the most underutilized tools in veteran mental health and force readiness. Michael’s story is proof that purpose doesn’t disappear after service—it evolves. And sometimes, the next mission looks a lot like a microphone and a room full of warriors who need to laugh.

The Next Mission: Col. Dave Howe

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:13:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with U.S. Army Colonel Dave Howe, a leader who has spent over three decades serving both in uniform and in the civilian sector—proving that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. From his early days in the 82nd Airborne Division to his time with the 12th Special Forces Group, and later supporting critical missions in Army Reserve medical units, Dave’s military career is rooted in service, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. But his impact didn’t stop there. Transitioning into the civilian world, Dave built a powerhouse career spanning 30+ years in professional services, including leadership roles with major firms like Deloitte Consulting. He’s helped generate billions in revenue, guided organizations through strategic and operational planning, and developed systems that have created real wealth and opportunity for others. But what truly sets this episode apart is Dave’s mission today. Through his work with the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation and his partnership with Ken Rusk Literary, he’s bringing a powerful concept to veterans, families, and businesses alike: Life Planning. 🔥 What We Cover Why “failing to plan is planning to fail” isn’t just a saying—it’s a reality How to build a clear vision for your life after service The step-by-step framework for goal setting, execution, and accountability Integrating personal life plans into corporate culture and leadership How Life Planning can support mental health and suicide prevention The importance of giving back, especially to Gold Star families Lessons from Blue Collar Cash and why skilled trades are making a comeback 🎯 The Mission Continues The Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation is doing critical work—providing free life-planning services to the families of our fallen heroes, helping them rediscover purpose, direction, and hope. This episode isn’t just about success—it’s about legacy, impact, and making sure no one gets left behind. ⚡ Bottom Line Col. Dave Howe brings a message every veteran—and every American—needs to hear: Live a “No Regrets” life. Build your plan. Execute your mission. 📣 Call to Action If you’re ready to take control of your future: Explore the Life Planning program at kenrusk.com Check out the book Blue Collar Cash Or connect directly for a customized plan And if you want to support something bigger than yourself, consider partnering with the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation—because taking care of our Gold Star families is a mission we all share.

Defending The Eagle: The War Behind the Lines with Frank Demith

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:11:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with retired U.S. Army officer and author Frank Demith to go beyond the headlines and into the real complexity of modern warfare—where trust is fragile, loyalties shift, and the battlefield isn’t always what it seems. Following the success of his debut novel Of Vital Interest, Demith returns with Defending The Eagle, a powerful continuation that dives even deeper into the gray zones of war—where identity, allegiance, and survival collide. Drawing from nearly three decades in uniform, Demith brings an insider’s perspective to a story that explores: The unseen role of interpreters and linguists in combat zones The tension between mission success and moral responsibility The reality that sometimes the enemy… looks just like an ally At the center of Defending The Eagle is a layered narrative that doesn’t just follow American forces—but also gives voice to those on the other side of the fight. It’s a raw look at what happens when war becomes personal, and when the lines between friend and foe begin to blur. This isn’t Hollywood. This is the human side of war—told by someone who lived it. In true HomeFront SitRep fashion, this conversation goes beyond the book and into the mission: Why telling these stories matters for today’s veteran community The mental and emotional weight carried long after deployment How storytelling becomes a form of service after service You’ll hear how Demith transitioned from soldier to storyteller—and why his work is helping bridge the gap between those who’ve served and those who want to understand.

Honor Flight: Stories That Finally Come Home

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:13:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront SitRep takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through memory, sacrifice, and long-overdue recognition—centered around Honor Flight, the powerful work by Jeff Gottesfeld. But this episode isn’t just about a book—it’s about a moment that thousands of veterans carry in their hearts for decades. About the Author: Jeff Gottesfeld Jeff Gottesfeld has built a career on telling stories that matter—stories rooted in history, humanity, and the voices that are too often overlooked. As a novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, he has worked across multiple platforms, but his most impactful work comes from his ability to take real-world experiences and translate them into narratives that connect across generations. What sets Gottesfeld apart is his approach to military storytelling. He doesn’t sensationalize service—he studies it, respects it, and presents it with authenticity. His work reflects a deep understanding that these stories don’t belong to him—they are entrusted to him. That distinction matters, especially when telling the stories of those who served, sacrificed, and in many cases, returned home without recognition. With Honor Flight, Gottesfeld continues that mission—capturing not just a journey, but a reckoning. The Heart of the Episode: The Honor Flight Experience At its core, Honor Flight tells the story of veterans—many in the later chapters of their lives—who are given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. But what unfolds is far more than a trip. It’s: A return to brothers and sisters they never forgot A confrontation with memories long buried A moment of reflection at monuments that carry names, faces, and stories And, for many, the first time they truly feel welcomed home For Vietnam veterans especially, this journey carries a different weight. Many came home to silence—or worse. Honor Flight becomes a corrective moment in history… a chance for a nation to say, “We see you now.” What This Conversation Uncovers This episode dives into the layers behind both the book and the real-life program, including: 🇺🇸 The Meaning of Recognition Why acknowledgment—no matter how delayed—still holds immense power. Why being seen matters just as much as serving. 🪖 Brotherhood Beyond Time How veterans who have never met can connect instantly through shared experience. The unspoken bond that doesn’t fade with years. 🕊️ The Weight of Memory What happens when a veteran stands before a name etched in stone… and remembers everything. 📖 Storytelling as Service How Jeff Gottesfeld views his role—not as an authority on military life, but as a steward of its stories. This perspective creates a bridge between civilian audiences and the realities of service. Why This Episode Matters This is what HomeFront SitRep is built for. Not headlines. Not politics. Not surface-level conversations. This is about: Real people who carried the burden long after the uniform came off Real impact through programs like the Honor Flight Network Real stories that remind us service doesn’t end when the war does This episode challenges listeners—civilian and veteran alike—to think about what it truly means to honor service. Not just with words, but with action, remembrance, and presence.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Rountable 03/25/26

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:10:00 -0000

You get Tip of the Spear: A Veterans Roundtable—a growing force inside the veteran community that’s doing more than just talking… it’s leading. In this episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Samuel Deeds pull back the curtain on a powerful collaboration that’s reshaping how veterans connect in the digital space. This isn’t just another podcast—it’s a convergence point. A place where multiple veteran-led shows, leaders, and creators come together to share insight, challenge perspectives, and stay engaged in the fight—just on a different battlefield. Rooted in the military concept of being “the tip of the spear,” this roundtable flips that identity into the civilian world. The mission didn’t end—it evolved. And now, the fight is for purpose, connection, mental health, leadership, and impact within our own communities. This episode takes you inside the ecosystem behind the roundtable, featuring collaboration and influence from platforms like HomeFront SitRep, The MisFitNation, Triple Threat Vets Podcast, and I Am Pitts, along with key voices from Heroes Media Group led by Adam Bird. These aren’t just podcasts—they’re platforms with missions, and when they align, the reach and impact multiply. 🔥 What We’re Breaking Down in This Episode: 🔱 The Origin of the Roundtable How a need for real conversations—beyond surface-level content—sparked the creation of a multi-platform veteran alliance. What started as a conversation has turned into a movement. 🧠 The Power of Collective Perspective Different branches. Different backgrounds. Different experiences. One mission. This roundtable proves that when veterans come together, the conversation gets deeper, sharper, and more impactful. 🎙️ Podcasting as a Force Multiplier How veteran creators are using microphones as tools for leadership, storytelling, and advocacy. This isn’t entertainment—it’s influence. 🪖 Life After the Uniform Real talk about transition, identity loss, rebuilding purpose, and finding your place again. The kind of conversation that doesn’t happen enough—but needs to. 🤝 Building a Tribe, Not Just an Audience Why community matters more than downloads. How Tip of the Spear is creating a space where veterans aren’t just listeners—they’re part of the mission. ⚙️ Why This Matters Right Now Veterans are navigating a world that often doesn’t understand them. Isolation, lack of purpose, and disconnection are real threats—but so is the power of community. Tip of the Spear answers that call. It breaks down silos between veteran voices. It connects platforms that would normally operate independently. And most importantly—it reminds veterans that they’re not alone, and they still have a role to play. 🇺🇸 The Bottom Line This isn’t just a roundtable. It’s not just a podcast. It’s a continuation of service—driven by those who refuse to sit on the sidelines. Because once you’ve been the tip of the spear… you don’t stop leading. You just find a new direction to push forward.

From Service to Strategy: Owning the Next Mission with The Strategic Veteran, Adam Peters

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:08:00 -0000

When the uniform comes off, the structure fades, the mission shifts—and for many veterans, the path forward isn’t always clear. In this hard-hitting episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds sit down with Adam Peters, widely known as The Strategic Veteran, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the veteran community today: what comes after service—and how to win at it. Adam Peters brings a direct, no-excuses approach rooted in the same principles that define military success—clarity of mission, disciplined execution, and unwavering accountability. But this time, the battlefield is different. It’s the civilian world, where structure isn’t handed to you, identity isn’t defined for you, and success depends on how well you can adapt, plan, and execute on your own terms. This episode goes beyond surface-level motivation. It’s about building a strategic framework for life after the military. 🔥 Inside This Episode David, Gunny, and Adam dive into real conversations that many veterans are having behind closed doors—but not enough are saying out loud: 🧠 The Identity Shift Who are you when the rank, the title, and the uniform are gone? Adam breaks down the psychological transition veterans face and why so many struggle to redefine their purpose—and how to rebuild it with intention. 🎯 From Reaction to Strategy Too many veterans leave the service and fall into reactive living—taking jobs, making decisions, and moving through life without a clear plan. Adam challenges that mindset and introduces the concept of operating with a personal strategic plan, just like a mission in the military. 🛠️ Translating Military Skills into Civilian Success Leadership, discipline, accountability—veterans have them all. So why do so many feel stuck? This conversation tackles how to properly translate those skills into value that the civilian world understands—and pays for. ⚠️ Common Pitfalls After Service From lack of structure to loss of community, Adam calls out the traps that derail veterans: Drifting without direction Undervaluing their experience Chasing short-term comfort over long-term purpose Isolating instead of building a new tribe And more importantly—how to avoid them. 🧭 Building Your Next Mission This is where the rubber meets the road. Adam lays out what it actually looks like to: Create a clear mission for your life post-service Develop a repeatable system for execution Stay accountable without the military framework Build something meaningful—whether that’s a career, business, or legacy 🇺🇸 Why This Episode Matters At HomeFront SitRep, we don’t just tell stories—we highlight solutions. And Adam Peters is bringing exactly that to the table. His message resonates because it’s real, it’s direct, and it’s rooted in lived experience. This episode is for: The veteran who just got out and feels lost The veteran who’s been out for years but knows they’re capable of more The leader looking to sharpen their edge in the civilian world Anyone ready to stop drifting and start executing 🎯 Mission-Ready Takeaways You don’t lose your identity when you leave the military—you rebuild it. Success after service requires strategy, not just motivation. Your skills are valuable—but only if you know how to apply them. You are still on mission—you just need to define it. 🎧 Final Word This isn’t just another transition story. This is a blueprint for taking everything the military gave you—and using it to dominate your next chapter. Because at the end of the day… The mission didn’t end. You just got promoted to writing it.

From Dojo to Hollywood: The Relentless Drive of Theresa Zaino

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:11:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we go beyond the surface with Theresa Zaino—a woman who has spent a lifetime mastering discipline, adapting to new battlefields, and building platforms that elevate others. An 8th-degree black belt in GoJu-Ryu Karate, Theresa didn’t just compete—she endured. Years of training, sacrifice, and relentless repetition forged a mindset rooted in precision, control, and mental toughness. But like many who dedicate their lives to a craft, the question eventually came: what’s next? Instead of stepping away, she pivoted. Theresa transitioned from the intensity of the dojo into the high-stakes world of Hollywood, becoming a theatrical talent agent and media producer. In an industry known for unpredictability, she applied the same warrior ethos—discipline over emotion, consistency over hype, and long-term vision over short-term wins. But this isn’t just a story about success—it’s about purpose after the fight. Through her work with MASBTV Network and her production efforts, Theresa has created a lane where fighters, veterans, and overlooked voices can be seen and heard. Her storytelling goes deeper than entertainment—it shines a light on the realities many in the veteran community face, including identity loss, PTSD, and the struggle to redefine meaning after service. At the heart of it all is a deeply personal mission—telling the story of her husband, a combat veteran and martial artist, through her book “Born to Compete: A Man Without A War.” It’s a raw look at what happens when a warrior comes home… but the war doesn’t leave him. This episode isn’t just about martial arts or Hollywood—it’s about transition, resilience, and finding your next mission when the one you knew is gone. 🔥 What We Cover: What it really takes to earn—and live up to—an 8th-degree black belt The psychological crossover between combat training and business leadership Breaking into Hollywood and surviving as a talent agent in a volatile industry Building MASBTV Network to spotlight martial artists and veteran stories The hidden battles veterans face after service—PTSD, identity loss, and purpose How storytelling can be used as a tool for healing and impact Why discipline, not motivation, is the foundation of sustained success 🎯 Why This Episode Matters: For many veterans, athletes, and high-performers, the hardest fight isn’t during the mission—it’s after it ends. Theresa’s journey highlights a critical truth: You don’t lose your identity when one chapter ends—you refine it for the next. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, stepping away from a career, or searching for direction, this episode delivers a clear message: 👉 Your skills still matter. Your mission just needs to evolve. 🎧 Call to Action: If you're navigating life after service, chasing a new purpose, or building something bigger than yourself—this episode is for you. Subscribe to HomeFront Sitrep, share this episode with someone in your circle, and stay connected to stories that matter. Stay in the fight.

Leadership After Loss: The Story of Retired Army First Sergeant Aaron W. Hudgins

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:09:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we sit down with Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Aaron W. Hudgins, a combat veteran, leader, and advocate whose life journey reflects both the strength forged through military service and the resilience required after unimaginable loss. Aaron Hudgins dedicated more than two decades to the United States Army and the Oklahoma Army National Guard, serving in the infantry and rising through the ranks to become a First Sergeant. His career included deployments and missions ranging from disaster response following the devastating Moore, Oklahoma tornado to overseas operations in Bosnia and combat service in Iraq. Throughout his time in uniform, Hudgins built a reputation as a steady leader committed to mission success and the soldiers under his charge. But Aaron’s story is about far more than his time in uniform. In 2018, his wife, Staff Sergeant Jari “JJ” Hudgins, an Oklahoma National Guard soldier and one of the state’s first female infantry soldiers, tragically died by suicide after struggling with injuries and the invisible wounds many service members carry. The loss changed Aaron’s life forever. Instead of allowing tragedy to define him, Hudgins chose to transform grief into purpose. Today, he dedicates his time to supporting veterans, military families, and survivors. Through his work with organizations like the Travis Manion Foundation and national survivor advocacy groups, he continues to serve—this time by mentoring youth, strengthening communities, and helping others navigate the difficult road after loss. In this powerful conversation, Aaron shares: Lessons in leadership from his time as an Army First Sergeant The reality of life after military service The impact of suicide within the military community How grief can become a catalyst for purpose and service Why community and connection are critical for veterans and families This episode of HomeFront Sitrep is a candid and heartfelt discussion about service, resilience, and the enduring commitment to never leave anyone behind—even after the uniform comes off. 🎙️ Listen as Aaron W. Hudgins reminds us that leadership doesn’t end when the mission changes—it evolves.

From Boots to Beaches: Rest, Recovery, and the Power of a Veteran Vacation

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:24:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we dive into a mission that’s giving America’s heroes something many of them rarely allow themselves—time to rest. We explore the inspiring story behind Boots to Beaches, a nonprofit dedicated to providing restorative vacations for veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and Gold Star families, and how the veteran-owned travel agency Valor Vacations plays a key role in making those life-changing experiences possible. Founded by Kevin and Sandy Lombardo, Boots to Beaches was created from a simple but powerful realization: many who serve spend years putting everyone else first—missions, communities, families, and country—often at the expense of their own mental and emotional wellbeing. Boots to Beaches aims to change that by offering opportunities for these heroes and their families to step away from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect through travel. Through donor-supported programs and partnerships within the travel industry, the organization provides healing vacations, cruises, and destination getaways designed to help veterans and first responders decompress, strengthen family bonds, and rediscover a sense of peace outside the demands of service. These experiences go beyond traditional vacations—they are moments of recovery, reflection, and reconnection. Supporting this mission is Valor Vacations, a veteran-owned travel agency that specializes in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and destination travel planning. Using their expertise and industry relationships, the Lombardos help coordinate unforgettable trips while also creating pathways for supporters and travelers to contribute to the Boots to Beaches mission. In this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we discuss: The founding story behind Boots to Beaches and the inspiration that sparked the mission How restorative travel can help address stress, burnout, and the invisible wounds of service The role Valor Vacations plays in creating meaningful travel experiences The impact these trips have on military families, veterans, and first responders Stories of transformation from those who have experienced these programs How listeners, donors, and supporters can help send more heroes from boots to beaches This conversation highlights a powerful truth: sometimes the most meaningful way to serve those who have served is by simply giving them space to breathe, reconnect with their loved ones, and remember what life beyond the uniform feels like. Join us for a powerful discussion about service, sacrifice, community, and the healing power of a well-earned getaway—right here on HomeFront Sitrep, where we continue to tell the stories that matter most to the military and veteran community.

Van of Valor: A Rolling Memorial for America’s Warriors

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:23:00 -0000

In this powerful episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we sit down with Dr. Kevin P. Wallace and Lauren Wright Wallace, the driving force behind the nationwide storytelling initiative Van of Valor. After decades of service and sacrifice, Kevin and Lauren made a life-altering decision: sell much of what they owned, convert a van into a mobile base of operations, and travel across the United States to preserve the stories of America’s wounded warriors and fallen heroes’ families. Their mission is simple but profound—document the lived experiences of Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families before those stories are lost to time. Kevin brings a deeply personal perspective to the project. A retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, combat photographer, and Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor recipient, he understands firsthand the cost of war and the weight many veterans carry long after the battlefield fades from view. Lauren, a trained historian and anthropologist, helps guide the interviews and ensures these conversations become part of a meaningful historical archive. Together, they created Van of Valor, a project they often describe as a “rolling memorial.” Rather than waiting for stories to come to them, they bring the mission directly to veterans and families—meeting them where they live, listening to their experiences, and capturing their voices in a way that honors their sacrifice. Throughout this episode, we dive into: The personal journey that inspired Kevin and Lauren to launch Van of Valor Kevin’s experiences in combat and how they shaped his perspective on service and sacrifice The emotional weight of interviewing Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families The importance of documenting these stories as part of America’s living military history The impact these conversations have on veterans who have rarely shared their stories before How storytelling can help bridge the gap between the military and civilian worlds As they travel thousands of miles across the country, Kevin and Lauren are not just collecting interviews—they are building a living archive of courage, resilience, loss, and honor. Each story becomes another thread in the larger narrative of America’s military history and the families who carry that legacy forward. This conversation also highlights the deeper purpose behind the mission. Many veterans struggle with moral injury, survivor’s guilt, and the invisible wounds of war. By providing a platform for them to share their experiences, Van of Valor offers something many veterans never receive—the chance to be heard, understood, and remembered. For HomeFront Sitrep, this episode represents the heart of what the show is about: amplifying the voices of those who have served and those who continue to support the military community long after the uniform comes off. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or someone who simply wants to better understand the human cost of war, this episode offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the stories that shape our nation. Join us for a conversation about sacrifice, remembrance, and the mission to ensure that the stories of America’s warriors are never forgotten.

Reel Hero Charters: Brotherhood, Healing, and the Power of the Water

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 22:31:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we spotlight the mission behind Reel Hero Charters, a veteran-focused nonprofit dedicated to bringing veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders together through the power of fishing, camaraderie, and community. Founded in 2021 by Ryan Schaefer and Joseph Watson, Reel Hero Charters was created with a simple but powerful idea: use time on the water to help veterans reconnect with the brotherhood many miss after leaving military service. What began as a grassroots effort between two founders who understood the challenges veterans face has grown into a mission-driven organization committed to giving back to those who served. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Reel Hero Charters provides fully sponsored fishing charters at no cost to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. These trips are about far more than catching fish—they are about creating a space where warriors can decompress, share stories, and rebuild the sense of community that defined their time in uniform. Through partnerships, volunteers, and sponsors, Schaefer and Watson have built a program that brings together veterans from different branches and generations, reminding them that the bonds of service don’t disappear when the uniform comes off. In this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we discuss: The founding story of Reel Hero Charters and how Ryan Schaefer and Joseph Watson launched the organization Why fishing and the outdoors can be powerful tools for veteran connection and mental wellness How the organization coordinates free charter fishing experiences for veterans and first responders The impact these trips have on rebuilding camaraderie and community How supporters and sponsors help keep the mission afloat How veterans can be nominated to participate in upcoming charters At HomeFront Sitrep, we continue highlighting the leaders, nonprofits, and grassroots movements supporting America’s veterans after service. Reel Hero Charters is proving that sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen far from a microphone—out on the water, with a fishing rod in hand and fellow veterans by your side. Because the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

From the Marine Corps to the Fast Lane: The Josh White Story

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:20:00 -0000

What does it take to go from wearing the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor to strapping into a stock car at 180 mph? This week on HomeFront Sitrep, we sit down with Josh White, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran turned professional race car driver competing in the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East, with experience in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Josh’s journey is anything but conventional. Raised in West Virginia and driven by grit, he balanced military service in the Marine Corps Reserve while chasing his dream in one of the most competitive motorsports arenas in America. In this episode, we break down: The discipline and mindset crossover between the Marine Corps and professional racing What it’s like competing in ARCA and NASCAR-sanctioned events The business side of racing — sponsorships, branding, and survival in the sport His passion for the outdoors and life beyond the track Why representation of veterans in professional sports matters This conversation isn’t just about horsepower and lap times — it’s about resilience, transition, identity, and building a second mission after service. For veterans navigating life after the uniform, entrepreneurs chasing big dreams, or motorsports fans who appreciate grit behind the wheel, this episode delivers. 🎧 Strap in. This is the Josh White story — full throttle, no excuses.

Healing in the Wild: The Mission of Warriors Mountain River Adventures

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:19:00 -0000

In this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we spotlight the life-changing work of Warriors Mountain River Adventures — a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and first responders rediscover purpose, connection, and healing through the outdoors. Founded by Robert Nuttall and Amy Nuttall, WMRA takes those who have carried the weight of service into the mountains, onto the rivers, and into immersive outdoor adventures designed to rebuild camaraderie and restore the spirit. From fly fishing in the Colorado backcountry to hiking rugged mountain trails, these retreats are more than recreation — they are therapeutic experiences built around small-group trust, peer support, and shared purpose. We discuss: Why nature-based healing works for trauma recovery The power of brotherhood and sisterhood after service How outdoor challenges rebuild confidence and resilience What makes WMRA’s model different from traditional therapy programs How veterans and first responders can get involved This is a conversation about stepping away from the noise, reconnecting with what matters, and finding strength in the wild. If you care about veteran mental health, outdoor adventure, and mission-driven nonprofits, this episode is for you. https://www.mywmra.org/https://homefrontsitrep.com/

Tip of the Spear, A veterans Roundtable

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:37:00 -0000

Tip of the Spear: A Veterans Roundtable is a collaborative, veteran-led media initiative designed to provide an unfiltered forum for serious discussion on the issues that matter most to those who have served and to the nation they continue to defend. Built on a coalition model rather than a single host or brand, the roundtable brings together respected veteran-run podcasts and platforms to engage in thoughtful, experience-driven dialogue grounded in service, leadership, and accountability. At its foundation, Tip of the Spear unites established shows such as HomeFront SitRep, The Triple Threat Vet Podcast, The MisFitNation, and I Am Pitts. These core contributors set the standard for the roundtable’s tone and mission—direct conversation informed by operational experience, moral clarity, and a commitment to addressing uncomfortable truths. Discussions are shaped not by partisan agendas or institutional narratives, but by lived experience and a shared belief that veterans must remain active participants in shaping policy, culture, and public understanding. As the roundtable evolved, it expanded to include additional veteran-led platforms such as The Decision Hour, The Oath We Took, Conversations with a Vet, Oscar Mike Radio, Every Day’s a Saturday, and Return to Roots Mil2Vets. Each participating platform maintains its independent voice and audience while contributing to a unified mission. This structure allows for a wide range of perspectives—spanning different eras of service, branches, and post-military paths—while preserving a cohesive standard of integrity and professionalism. What distinguishes Tip of the Spear is its emphasis on substance over spectacle. The roundtable addresses veteran transition, mental health, leadership development, community accountability, and the effectiveness of veteran-serving institutions, while also tackling broader national security, geopolitical, and cultural issues that influence the future of military service. Conversations are often challenging, occasionally contentious, but always rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to constructive outcomes. Ultimately, Tip of the Spear: A Veterans Roundtable functions as a force multiplier for the veteran media space. By aligning independent voices under a common purpose, it amplifies credible insight, fosters cross-platform collaboration, and strengthens the bridge between military experience and civilian understanding. The roundtable is not merely a discussion forum—it is an ongoing mission to ensure that veteran voices remain informed, engaged, and influential long after the uniform comes off.

From Green Beret to Guitar Strings:The Tactician Musician's Battle After the Battlefield

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:35:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we sit down with Michael Allen — better known as The Tactician Musician — a former Army Special Forces Green Beret who traded combat deployments for chords and lyrics. After years serving at the tip of the spear, Michael faced a new mission: navigating life after service. Instead of suppressing the memories, the identity shifts, and the emotional weight that so many veterans carry, he turned them into music. His sound blends grunge, alternative rock, and raw acoustic storytelling — but the real power lies in the message. We talk about: The transition from Special Forces to civilian life How music became therapy, purpose, and outreach The psychological battlefield veterans face at home Channeling trauma into creativity instead of destruction Why storytelling still matters in a world that often moves on This is not just a conversation about music. It’s about identity, resilience, and redefining strength when the uniform comes off. If you’ve ever struggled with the shift from operator to ordinary, from mission-driven to self-directed — this episode hits home. 🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and share with a veteran who needs to hear this. HomeFront Sitrep — Real conversations. Real veterans. Real life after service.

From British Army Sergeant to Founder of Redeployable with Ben Read

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:17:00 -0000

This week on HomeFront Sitrep, we go international and sit down with British Army veteran Ben Read, founder and CEO of Redeployable—a groundbreaking organization dedicated to helping service members successfully transition from military life into high-performing civilian careers. After serving as a Sergeant in the British Army, Ben experienced firsthand the identity shift, career uncertainty, and structural barriers many veterans face when leaving the ranks. Instead of accepting the broken system, he built a solution. Redeployable was created to translate military skills into civilian language, connect veterans to opportunity-rich networks, and build a thriving community focused on growth—not just job placement. In this episode, we cover: The psychological shift from uniform to civilian clothes Why most traditional transition programs miss the mark How veterans can leverage leadership, adaptability, and operational thinking in tech and business The difference between “getting a job” and building a career Lessons from the UK veteran transition model compared to the U.S. system This conversation is tactical, practical, and mission-focused—built for veterans, military spouses, hiring managers, and leaders who want to better understand the strategic advantage veterans bring to the civilian workforce. At HomeFront Sitrep, we don’t just tell stories—we extract lessons, build bridges, and strengthen the home front. 🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and share with a veteran who’s preparing for their next mission. #HomeFrontSitrep #VeteranTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #Redeployable #LeadershipAfterService

Mission Continues: How SOF Missions Is Rebuilding Brotherhood After the Battlefield

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:15:00 -0000

On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we step inside the world of SOF Missions — a nonprofit created specifically to serve the Special Operations community long after the operational tempo slows down. Special Operations service is different. The deployments are longer. The teams are smaller. The standards are higher. The bonds are tighter. And when that chapter closes, the transition can feel abrupt and isolating. SOF Missions was built to close that gap. Through small, highly intentional peer gatherings, outdoor-based retreats, and family-inclusive programming, the organization restores connection in a way that feels familiar to operators — quiet, trust-based, and mission-focused. These aren’t large public events. They’re controlled environments designed to rebuild brotherhood, decompress, and reestablish purpose. In this conversation, we explore: Why SOF transition challenges are uniquely complex The impact of losing team, tempo, and mission clarity How hunting and outdoor retreats create space for decompression and honest conversation The critical role family reintegration plays in long-term stability Why peer-driven community is often more effective than traditional clinical approaches SOF Missions understands that the fight doesn’t always end when the deployment does. Sometimes the next mission is rebuilding identity, restoring connection at home, and ensuring no operator navigates civilian life alone. Because the mission always continues. It just shifts to the HomeFront.

After the Funeral Ends-Who Takes Care of the Kids

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:12:00 -0000

When the mission ends overseas, the responsibility doesn’t end at home. In this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we take a hard, honest look at what happens to the families left behind—specifically the children of fallen service members—and the role we all play in standing the watch for them. We’re spotlighting A Soldier’s Child Foundation, a nonprofit that has made it their mission to provide long-term, consistent support to Gold Star children across the United States. This isn’t about one-time gestures or symbolic remembrance. It’s about showing up—year after year—for kids who are growing up carrying the weight of sacrifice most Americans never see. A Soldier’s Child Foundation supports these children through annual birthday recognitions, mentorship and leadership development, healing camps and retreats, and educational assistance. These programs are designed to provide stability, connection, and growth during critical stages of a child’s life—long after the casualty notification teams have left and the flags have been folded. In this conversation, we discuss the reality facing Gold Star families once public attention fades, the gaps that exist in long-term care, and why organizations like A Soldier’s Child Foundation are essential to the health of the military and veteran community. We talk about legacy, accountability, and what it truly means to honor the fallen—not just with words, but with sustained action. At HomeFront SitRep, we believe service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. This episode reinforces that belief by asking a simple but uncomfortable question: if we claim to support the troops, are we willing to support their children for the long haul? This is a must-listen for veterans, military families, and anyone who understands that taking care of our own is part of the mission.

What War Took, and What Music Gave Back with Shannon Book

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Book, a retired United States Navy Hospital Corpsman whose life story bridges combat service, brotherhood with the Marine Corps, and healing through music. Shannon enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1994, serving for more than 17 years as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman—one of the most demanding and respected roles in military medicine. Embedded with Marine units, he deployed to Iraq, where he provided lifesaving care under fire and experienced the realities of modern warfare firsthand. His service earned him the respect of those he served alongside, but it also left lasting scars. After sustaining combat-related PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI), Shannon was medically retired in 2010. Like many veterans, the transition out of uniform was anything but easy. In the aftermath of war, he found an unexpected lifeline: music. What began as a personal outlet became a powerful form of storytelling—one that allowed him to process trauma, honor fallen brothers, and speak openly about the mental health struggles many veterans face in silence. Today, Shannon Book is a musician and songwriter whose work is deeply rooted in his military experience. His songs don’t glorify war—they tell the truth about it. They speak to loss, resilience, survival, and the long road home that doesn’t end when the deployment does. In this conversation, we talk about: What it truly means to serve as a Navy Corpsman with the Marines The realities of combat medicine and moral injury Life after medical retirement and the invisible wounds of war How music became a tool for healing and advocacy Why telling veteran stories—honestly—still matters This is an episode about service, sacrifice, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off. Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or someone who wants to better understand the human cost of war, Shannon Book’s story is one you don’t want to miss.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 01/28/2026

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:58:00 -0000

No Rank, No Filter, Real Talk on Veteran Life

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:29:00 -0000

The Field Op is a veteran-driven podcast built to inform, connect, and empower the military community through honest conversation and shared experience. Designed as both a resource and a gathering place, the show speaks directly to active-duty service members, veterans, and military families navigating the realities of service, transition, and life beyond the uniform. Each episode explores the full spectrum of veteran life — from the camaraderie and humor forged in uniform to the very real challenges that follow service. Topics include military culture, personal service stories, transitioning to civilian life, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, navigating VA benefits and claims, identity after service, and finding renewed purpose beyond the mission. Conversations are candid, relatable, and grounded in lived experience, offering listeners both practical insight and reassurance that they are not alone in their journey. The show is hosted by Francisco "Pacho" Correa Hernandez, a retired United States Marine Corps veteran with 21 years of service. Drawing on decades of leadership, operational experience, and mentorship, Pacho brings a steady, authentic voice to the podcast. His approach is direct, relatable, and mission-focused — creating a space where difficult conversations are welcomed and meaningful dialogue thrives. Beyond the microphone, Pacho is also a licensed financial coach and motivational speaker, dedicated to helping veterans and service members succeed in their transition from military to civilian life. His work centers on resilience, accountability, and empowerment, blending practical guidance with motivation and real-world perspective. At its core, The Field Op exists to strengthen the veteran community — one conversation at a time — by providing information, perspective, and connection for those who have served and those still standing the watch.

Music, Laughter, and Service: A Converstaion with Kountry Mike

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:19:00 -0000

In this episode, we sit down with Kountry Mike—country music artist, comedian, and veteran advocate known for blending traditional country sound with humor and heart. Born Mike Bova, Kountry Mike grew up surrounded by music, picked up the guitar at a young age, and eventually forged a unique path that combines stand-up comedy, original country songs, and high-energy live performances. Since launching his touring career in 2012, Kountry Mike has performed across the country, building a loyal following through comedy shows, benefit concerts, and music releases that don’t take themselves too seriously—while still delivering meaningful messages. Signed to JCB Records, his music balances light-hearted storytelling with sincere tributes, including songs that honor U.S. service members and veterans. This conversation explores his journey into music, the creation of the Kountry Mike persona, life on the road, and his deep commitment to supporting veteran causes through fundraising performances and charitable partnerships. It’s an inside look at an artist who uses laughter, music, and patriotism to bring people together.

A HomeFront SitRep Coversation with a former VBA CFO!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:28:00 -0000

Charles Tapp II is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former senior federal executive, and nationally respected leader in Veterans policy, benefits administration, and government modernization. His career spans more than two decades of service at the intersection of military operations, federal leadership, and Veteran-focused transformation. Charles began his career as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, serving ten years as a financial management officer. During his time in uniform, he supported operational units at the Wing, Major Command, and Field Operating Agency levels and deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy—mission first, people always—and grounded his understanding of how decisions made at senior levels directly impact service members and their families. Following his military service, Charles transitioned into federal civil service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he steadily rose through senior leadership roles. He ultimately served as Chief Financial Officer of the Veterans Benefits Administration, overseeing one of the largest and most complex benefits systems in the federal government. In that role, he managed multi-billion-dollar budgets, led financial and systems modernization efforts, and worked to improve transparency, accountability, and delivery of earned benefits to millions of Veterans nationwide. Today, Charles serves as Practice Lead for Veterans Affairs Programs at SteerBridge, where he helps federal agencies modernize operations, strengthen governance, and remain aligned to mission outcomes—especially those affecting Veterans and military families. Across every phase of his career, he has remained focused on translating policy into performance and ensuring that those who served are not forgotten once they return home. On HomeFront SitRep, Charles brings a rare perspective—one informed by uniformed service, executive-level decision-making, and firsthand responsibility for how Veterans are supported long after the fight ends.

In the Quiet of the Woods: Veterans, Service, and the Power of the Hunt!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:26:00 -0000

Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans is a veteran-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring U.S. military service by providing fully guided, cost-free hunting experiences for veterans. Founded and operated with a strong grassroots ethos, the organization leverages the outdoors—specifically hunting—as a means of restoration, camaraderie, and appreciation for those who have served. Mission and Philosophy At its core, Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans exists to give back in a tangible, experiential way. Rather than focusing on formal clinical programs, the organization emphasizes the proven benefits of time outdoors: quiet, focus, teamwork, and shared purpose. Hunting is used as a vehicle for reconnecting veterans with a sense of mission, personal confidence, and community—elements that many veterans identify as missing after military service. The organization is built around the belief that service should be honored with opportunity, not obligation. Veterans are not required to have prior hunting experience, specialized equipment, or financial means. Everything necessary for participation—guides, access to land, and logistical support—is provided. Programs and Experiences Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans organizes a variety of seasonal hunting opportunities, most commonly including: Whitetail deer hunts (archery, gun, and muzzleloader seasons) Turkey hunts Waterfowl hunts, depending on availability and land access Each veteran is paired with an experienced volunteer guide who ensures safety, compliance with regulations, and a positive experience. The hunts are deliberately structured to be low-pressure and veteran-centric, emphasizing enjoyment and participation rather than harvest alone. Community and Camaraderie Beyond the hunt itself, the organization places heavy emphasis on shared experiences. Veterans often gather for meals, campfire conversations, and informal debriefs that encourage storytelling and peer connection. These moments are frequently cited as just as meaningful as the hunt, fostering bonds between veterans from different eras and branches of service. For many participants, this environment provides: A renewed sense of belonging Informal peer support without stigma A space where military culture and experiences are understood without explanation Volunteer-Driven Model Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans operates almost entirely through volunteer support. Landowners, guides, local businesses, and donors contribute time, property access, equipment, and funding. This model keeps costs low and ensures that 100% of the veteran experience remains free, while also strengthening ties between the civilian community and the veteran population. Impact and Value While not positioned as a medical or therapeutic provider, the organization delivers measurable personal impact. Veterans frequently report reduced stress, improved mood, and a renewed sense of purpose following participation. For some, it is their first positive outdoor experience since leaving the military; for others, it rekindles a lifelong passion that had been set aside. In Summary Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans is best understood as a mission-driven appreciation initiative—one that uses hunting and the outdoors to restore connection, dignity, and camaraderie among veterans. It reflects a practical, results-oriented approach to veteran support: honor service, remove barriers, and create meaningful experiences that last well beyond the season.

Back on Watch! A New Season with HomeFront Sitrep!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:22:00 -0000

Back on Watch: A New Season with HomeFront SitRep signals more than a return—it represents a renewed commitment to stand the watch for the veteran and military-connected community long after active service ends. In this season, HomeFront SitRep once again brings forward the voices that are too often overlooked or simplified. The podcast is led by veterans and shaped by lived experience, creating a trusted space for honest, unscripted conversations with combat veterans, military families, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, medical professionals, and advocates who are actively working on the front lines of the home front. Listeners can expect deeper, more direct discussions around the realities of post-service life: the challenges of transition, the ongoing fight for mental health care, leadership after the uniform, gaps in veteran services, and the consequences of policy decisions that affect real lives. This season also shines a spotlight on grassroots, mission-first organizations—the small, often underfunded groups that are doing the hard work quietly and effectively, without recognition or fanfare. HomeFront SitRep does not chase headlines or soundbites. It focuses on accountability, integrity, and solutions—asking tough questions, confronting uncomfortable truths, and elevating practical efforts that are making measurable impact within the veteran community. The uniform may come off, but the responsibility does not. The watch continues at home, in our communities, and in the lives of those who served. This is Back on Watch: A New Season with HomeFront SitRep—where service doesn’t end, and the mission remains.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:20:00 -0000

Secret Squirrel Uncovered: Colonel Trey Morriss and the Mission That Opened Desert Storm

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:06:00 -0000

Colonel Trey Morriss is a distinguished retired United States Air Force officer whose career is closely tied to one of the most secretive and consequential missions in modern airpower history. As an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) with the 596th Bomb Squadron, Morriss was part of an elite cadre of airmen operating B-52 Stratofortress bombers at a time when electronic warfare, long-range strike capability, and strategic deterrence were central to U.S. national security. His expertise placed him at the heart of operations requiring precision, discretion, and exceptional technical skill. One of the defining moments of his career came during Operation Senior Surprise, often referred to by its unofficial nickname, Secret Squirrel. This mission marked the first offensive strike of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and involved a highly classified, unprecedented 35-hour, 14,000-mile sortie that launched from Barksdale Air Force Base. Morriss and his fellow crew members delivered the opening salvo of the war, employing some of the earliest operational uses of conventional air-launched cruise missiles to neutralize enemy command-and-control infrastructure. The mission demonstrated the reach, precision, and adaptability of American airpower, and it helped shape the combat environment for the coalition forces that followed. Throughout his career, Morriss held increasing levels of leadership responsibility, including serving as vice commander of the 307th Bomb Wing. In this role he helped oversee operations, readiness, and strategic mission execution for one of the Air Force’s key bomber wings. His leadership was marked by deep operational knowledge, a commitment to aircrew professionalism, and a focus on developing the next generation of Air Force personnel. In retirement, Colonel Morriss has remained active in the veteran and military community. He has participated in public ceremonies, educational engagements, and commemorative events honoring both the Secret Squirrel crews and the broader bomber community. He has administered the Oath of Enlistment to new Air Force recruits during Veterans Day observances, symbolically linking the heritage of past missions with the next generation entering military service. Today, Morriss is widely recognized not only for his role in one of the most significant missions of the Gulf War, but also for his ongoing commitment to mentoring, honoring Air Force heritage, and inspiring the airmen who continue the mission he once carried out.

From Service to Support! Building the Overwatch Initiative

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:03:00 -0000

The Overwatch Initiative, founded and led by Shane Santelli, is a developing nonprofit organization built on a singular, urgent mission: to ensure that veterans and first responders—individuals who have spent their lives protecting others—are not left to struggle alone when the weight of trauma, addiction, and transition becomes overwhelming. Santelli’s vision is shaped by firsthand understanding of the mental, emotional, and physical toll that service can take. As a result, the initiative focuses on creating a community-centered support structure that goes far beyond traditional outreach. It is designed as a proactive, boots-on-the-ground effort that identifies those who are struggling, surrounds them with peers who understand their experiences, and connects them to meaningful pathways toward recovery and renewal. At the heart of the Overwatch Initiative is the belief that healing happens in community. The organization prioritizes peer-to-peer interaction—veterans and first responders helping one another, sharing lived experiences, and offering guidance from a place of sincerity and credibility. These interactions serve as the foundation for broader support services, which include assisting participants in accessing mental-health care, navigating treatment placement, and finding long-term recovery resources tailored to their specific needs. By focusing on connection first, the initiative reduces the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help and replaces it with a sense of belonging and trust. Beyond emotional and clinical support, the Overwatch Initiative is committed to restoring purpose. Many individuals emerging from high-intensity service roles experience disconnection, identity loss, or a lack of direction. Through mentorship, group activities, curated resource networks, and structured recovery guidance, the organization aims to reestablish a sense of meaning—and to remind each participant that they are still part of a mission that matters. The initiative is fueled entirely by grassroots support, including fundraising efforts that help secure meeting spaces, build networks, and expand outreach to those who need it most. As it grows, the Overwatch Initiative seeks to build a sustainable, nationwide movement that echoes Santelli’s core conviction: no one who has served their community or their country should ever face their darkest moments alone.

From the Battlefield to Rock Bottom! Joe Yurick's Fight for Sobriety

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:02:00 -0000

Joe Yurick is a United States Army veteran, storyteller, and sobriety advocate whose life journey has become a source of strength and inspiration for countless members of the veteran community. He entered the Army in 2000 through the delayed-entry program, beginning his military career at Fort Sill in Oklahoma before moving on to advanced training at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he specialized in operating the PATRIOT missile system. His service took on new weight after the attacks of September 11, 2001, when he deployed overseas in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Joe’s assignments placed him in regions such as Qatar and Kuwait, where he served honorably until completing his military service in 2004. But the transition to civilian life proved far more challenging than he expected. Like many veterans, Joe carried invisible burdens that he struggled to process, eventually turning to alcohol as a way to numb stress, memories, and emotional pain. What began as an unhealthy coping mechanism escalated into a destructive pattern of drinking and substance abuse that impacted nearly every part of his life. His turning point came in 2022, when his wife issued a heartfelt ultimatum that forced him to confront the reality of his addiction. That moment sparked a deep personal reckoning — one that led Joe to embrace sobriety with commitment, humility, and a desire for transformation. Over time, he rebuilt his health, repaired relationships, and began rediscovering the parts of himself that had been buried under years of struggle. Driven by the belief that no veteran should have to fight their battles alone, Joe launched This Sober Vet, a podcast and platform created to normalize conversations around addiction, recovery, and mental health in the veteran community. Through raw storytelling and honest dialogue, he uses his own journey as a roadmap for others, offering encouragement, practical insights, and a powerful message: sobriety is possible, healing is real, and asking for help is a sign of strength — not weakness. Joe’s mission is grounded in authenticity, shaped by his lived experience, and fueled by a desire to help veterans break free from harmful self-medication and find healthier, more sustainable ways to cope with trauma and transition. Today, Joe continues his advocacy work while also pursuing professional and creative endeavors, including video production under the Yurick Video Services brand. Whether behind a microphone, a camera, or in conversation with a fellow veteran, Joe Yurick stands as a reminder that recovery is a journey worth fighting for — and that one person’s story can light the way for many others.

Throttle Therapy! Inside the Mission of the All-American Heroes Foundation

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:59:00 -0000

The All-American Heroes Foundation (AAHF) is a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to uplifting veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and the caregivers who support them every day. Rooted in the belief that healing doesn’t always happen in a clinical setting, AAHF focuses on restoring mental wellness through outdoor adventure, community connection, and shared purpose. Their signature approach—known as “outdoor wellness” and “throttle therapy”—invites participants into the backcountry for activities like snowmobiling, ATV riding, and wilderness education, giving them the chance to escape daily stress, breathe fresh air, and rediscover the camaraderie they often miss after service. These experiences are designed not only to reduce anxiety and isolation, but also to rebuild confidence and resilience by placing individuals in environments where teamwork, trust, and enjoyment naturally occur. Since its founding in 2020, the foundation has grown steadily, hosting group rides, community events, and an annual snowmobile giveaway for a deserving veteran or first responder—a gesture that reflects their commitment to recognition as much as support. Beyond adventure-based wellness, AAHF also offers scholarships and cultivates a tight-knit support network, creating a space where service members and first responders can share stories, form friendships, and feel genuinely understood. The heart of the organization lies in restoring connection—connection to nature, to others, and to oneself—helping heroes find renewed strength, purpose, and hope long after their uniforms come off.

Blind, Broken, and Unstoppable: The Matthew Bradford Story

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:55:00 -0000

Corporal Matthew Bradford’s story is one that doesn’t just inspire—it stops you in your tracks and forces you to rethink what the human spirit is capable of. Born with a deep desire to serve, Bradford enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq, where he quickly earned a reputation as a dedicated Marine and a loyal teammate. But on January 18, 2007, during a patrol in Haditha, everything changed in an instant. Bradford stepped on an improvised explosive device—an explosion so violent it ripped through the earth beneath him and left his fellow Marines fighting to save his life. The blast claimed both of his legs, took his eyesight, shattered bones, and inflicted devastating internal injuries. For many, such trauma would have marked the end of the story—but for Matthew Bradford, it was only the beginning of a new chapter. He woke in a hospital far from the battlefield, surrounded by medical equipment and uncertainty. The realization that he would never again see the faces of those he loved, and that he would live the rest of his life without legs, could have broken him. But Bradford chose a different path—one built on grit, determination, and a refusal to surrender. Rehabilitation was grueling. Every day brought new pain, new challenges, and new reasons to quit. Instead, Bradford leaned forward, fueled by his Marine mindset: adapt, improvise, overcome. Slowly, he learned to walk again using prosthetics. He learned to navigate a world of darkness. And he learned to reshape his life—not around what he had lost, but around what he still had to give. His motto, “No Legs, No Vision, No Problem,” wasn’t a slogan—it was a declaration of intent. Bradford pushed himself into challenges that defied expectations: marathons, races, mountain climbs reaching 7,000 feet, skydiving, blind surfing, hunting, fishing, and tackling life with a fierceness that demanded respect. But his defining moment came in April 2010, when he stood—on prosthetic legs, guided but not deterred by blindness—and raised his right hand to re-enlist in the United States Marine Corps. In that moment, Matthew Bradford became the first blind double amputee in Marine Corps history to re-enlist, proving to the world that courage isn’t measured by physical ability—but by the fire inside someone’s soul. Beyond the uniform, Bradford found a new calling: inspiring others. As a motivational speaker, he travels the country sharing his story with service members, students, businesses, and community groups. His message is simple but powerful: adversity is inevitable, but defeat is optional. His resilience earned him numerous honors, including Kentucky’s prestigious “Spirit of the Corps” Award, and he was invited as a special guest to the State of the Union Address—standing as a symbol of sacrifice, perseverance, and American strength. Today, Bradford continues to live a life of purpose. He is a husband, a father, a Marine, an athlete, and an example of what it looks like to confront unimaginable hardship—and rise above it with courage intact. His story underscores a truth that resonates deeply in the veteran community and far beyond it: you can take a person’s sight, take their legs, take almost everything they have—but you cannot take their spirit unless they hand it over. And Corporal Matthew Bradford never did.

From Combat to Policy: How Garrett Exner and VOD Are Changing the Game

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:53:00 -0000

This episode takes listeners on a deep, immersive journey into the evolving world of veteran leadership, where firsthand combat experience meets high-level national policy. Garrett Exner’s story serves as the backbone of this conversation—a Marine with nearly fourteen years in special operations who carried the lessons of Iraq, North Africa, East Africa, and the South Pacific into the strategic heart of Washington, D.C. His transition from operational missions to shaping U.S. defense policy shows how battlefield realism, tactical understanding, and an intimate knowledge of modern conflict can strengthen legislation, national security decisions, and America’s posture in an era defined by gray-zone threats. We explore how Exner’s time as a counterterrorism advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and later as the military legislative assistant to Senator Ted Cruz placed him at the crossroads of real-world military needs and the political machinery responsible for funding, equipping, and preparing the nation’s armed forces. His insights reveal what’s often missing in policy debates: the grounded perspective of someone who has shouldered responsibility in the field. Now, through his work at the Hudson Institute and as Executive Director of the Public Interest Fellowship, Exner is helping mentor the next generation of public leaders, ensuring that America’s future policymakers understand both the burden of command and the realities of global competition. Alongside Exner’s personal impact, this episode highlights the rise of Veterans On Duty (VOD)—a national advocacy organization dedicated to keeping veteran voices front and center in the country’s defense and readiness conversations. As a 501(c)(4), VOD brings together veterans who believe that service to the nation extends beyond the battlefield. They mobilize grassroots efforts, engage in defense-focused advocacy, and push for policies that strengthen America’s military, protect national interests, and keep the country prepared for emerging threats. Their message is clear: the insights of veterans are indispensable to shaping a strong, capable, and modern defense strategy. Together, Garrett Exner and Veterans On Duty represent a growing movement—one where those who’ve served are stepping into leadership roles beyond the uniform, influencing institutions, mentoring rising leaders, and ensuring national defense remains grounded in experience rather than abstraction. This episode uncovers how combat-tested insight, principled leadership, and veteran-driven advocacy are actively changing the game for America’s security, its policies, and the future of those who serve.

HomeFront SitRep: Beyond the Battlefield

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:51:00 -0000

HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters, and family. This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung, often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand. HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without red tape or fine print. But the mission doesn’t stop there. The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice. Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book, HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection, community, and conversation. This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 11-19-2025

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:49:00 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

These initial shows laid the groundwork for what would become a vital forum for discussing veteran-related issues. From the outset, the focus was on creating a space where veterans could freely express their thoughts, concerns, and solutions to the challenges facing their community. As the roundtable discussions gained momentum, more shows joined the fray, adding to the richness and depth of the conversations.

Prepared, Not Afraid: A Modern Take on Independence

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:46:00 -0000

The LifeLiberty Show is a podcast centered on self-sufficiency, personal freedom, and practical independence. The show focuses on helping people become more capable and resilient in a world where, as the hosts argue, government institutions can’t always be relied on. Episodes explore topics such as growing your own food, developing practical skills, community preparedness, and understanding the principles of individual liberty. The tone blends patriotism, real-world advice, and a freedom-first philosophy. The podcast is hosted by a creator known as LifeLiberty, described as a family man passionate about self-sustainability. Additional hosts and contributors include Marine veteran Matt Williams and Army veteran Alvin Tims, giving the show a strong military-influenced perspective. Their discussions often mix practical homesteading skills with commentary on current events, the First Amendment, personal responsibility, and the importance of building strong local communities. Listeners who are interested in self-reliance, homesteading, preparedness, or freedom-oriented viewpoints tend to connect with the show. It offers both hands-on advice and broader conversations about American culture, government, and the values that shape a more independent life. The show is available through its website, on Spotify, and on platforms like Rumble.

250 Marine Corps Birthday Special

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:37:00 -0000

In this special commemorative episode, HomeFront SitRep honors the historic 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps — a milestone marking two and a half centuries of courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable brotherhood and sisterhood.

From the Corps’ humble beginnings in 1775 to its legendary presence on battlefields across the globe, we dive into the legacy, values, and fighting spirit that have defined Marines for generations. This episode reflects on the campaigns that shaped history, the traditions that bind Marines together, and the families and communities who continue to carry the weight of service.

Whether you wore the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, love someone who did, or simply want to understand the heart of the Marine Corps, this episode is a powerful tribute to those who have stood the watch — past, present, and future.

Semper Fidelis, Marines. And Happy 250th Birthday.

Becoming a Police Officer with Frank McGaha - His Military Transition to Law Enforcement

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:31:00 -0000

Frank McGaha is a U.S. Navy veteran, former federal law enforcement officer, and nationally recognized instructor whose career has been defined by service, discipline, and leadership. Building on decades of operational and instructional experience, McGaha founded Armogan Consulting & Training (ACT) — an innovative organization dedicated to transforming the way America recruits and prepares its future police officers. Rather than waiting until candidates reach the academy, ACT intervenes earlier in the process, offering structured readiness programs, mentorship, and real-world training designed to help aspiring officers navigate the challenges of recruitment, testing, and professional development. From mastering oral boards and psychological evaluations to understanding ethics, resilience, and the expectations of modern policing, ACT equips candidates with the mindset and skills needed to excel. At the heart of ACT’s mission is a commitment to building better-prepared, ethically grounded, and community-minded officers who understand that effective policing begins with integrity, empathy, and accountability. McGaha’s approach emphasizes mentorship and early-stage preparation as key solutions to one of law enforcement’s greatest challenges: the readiness gap. By focusing on character and competence before candidates ever step into the academy, ACT helps agencies cultivate officers who are not only capable but truly ready to serve with purpose and professionalism. McGaha’s credentials reflect a lifetime of excellence in high-stakes environments. He is one of fewer than 300 individuals worldwide to achieve Honor Graduate status at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), earning distinction as a FLETC Distinguished Weapons Expert. His background includes roles as a Federal Firearms Instructor, Tactical Medicine Instructor, and Officer-in-Charge of a Federal Special Weapons Unit, where he led and trained elite teams in mission-critical operations. McGaha also served as Lead Protection Officer for two presidentially appointed and congressionally confirmed federal agency heads — one under President Barack Obama and another under President Donald J. Trump — providing executive protection at the highest levels of government. Today, as Director of Training at Armogan Consulting & Training, McGaha leverages his military discipline, federal experience, and passion for teaching to develop the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Whether guiding veterans through their transition to civilian service or coaching first-time applicants, his work ensures that tomorrow’s officers enter the field not just trained, but truly prepared — ready to protect, lead, and serve their communities with honor.

From Paratrooper to Advocate: The Journey of Attorney Donald Clack

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:41:00 -0000

Donald C. Clack is a dedicated personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose life and career are defined by courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to service. Hailing from Columbus, Georgia, Clack spent six formative years in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman stationed at Fort Bragg, where he learned the values of resilience, responsibility, and leadership under pressure—lessons that continue to shape the way he practices law. After a stint in private security overseas, he pursued higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2022. Since joining James Scott Farrin, Clack has immersed himself in personal injury law, representing clients in complex vehicle accident and wrongful death cases, including a remarkable $5.1 million verdict for a family in a wrongful death suit. Known for his authenticity, tireless work ethic, and refusal to take shortcuts, Clack approaches each case with the precision and dedication of a soldier on a mission. Outside the courtroom, he is a devoted husband to Stephanie and a dog owner to Hudson, drawing inspiration from the challenges faced by his twin brother, who has been bedridden since a coma at age twelve. For Clack, law is more than a profession—it is a calling to fight for justice, to stand up for those who cannot stand alone, and to leave the world better than he found it.

Faith, Recovery and Poetry, A Veteran's Guide to Healing Out Loud pt 2

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:34:00 -0000

Marie Slider Henriksen stands at a crossroads of hardship and hope: a former U.S. Army medic who marched through trauma, addiction and identity upheaval, and emerged on the other side committed to expression, healing and purpose. In her military service, she saw the grit of life at its edge—aid given in helpless moments, what‑it‑cost moments of watching others suffer, and what it costs a medic to carry all that weight inward. In podcasts and interviews she recounts this service not as a badge only, but as a prism through which she later refracted her own woundedness. BabyBoomer.org+2BabyBoomer.org+2

Her early years framed this trajectory: foster‑care, instability, addiction (alcohol, drugs and food), physical and emotional pain. It's from that place she first turned to poetry—not as a hobby, but as a lifeline. “There is always hope in the fight,” she says. Amazon Music Her writing isn’t smooth or decorative—it’s raw, intimate, sometimes stark. She gives voice to the fissures: the cord of memory that tugs, the body that remembers what the mind would rather forget, the quiet flames of survival in places where light seemed only a rumor.

The brand “SliderBabe” becomes her studio and her sanctuary: where poetry meets photograph, where remembrance meets reclamation. A typical poem might open in a landscape—wind‑blown dunes, mountains at dusk, hollowed interiors—and step into the event of memory, the tremor of loss or the swell of choosing to live. Her photographs echo the same aesthetic: not just images of places but images of passage—old roads, freezing rivers, sunset cliffs, the retreat of daylight and the forging of shadows. The visual and the verbal converse.

One example: in the podcast “#99 – More Me Than I Used To Be,” Marie lays bare how she has dug beneath the façade of recovery to find a “me” she didn’t know, amid the wreckage of what she was told she should be. Amazon Music She speaks of setting boundaries—the first time in her life she claimed: This is mine. My body, my voice. And then she claimed the page, the camera lens, the microphone.

Advocacy threads through it all: her creative voice is tethered to mission. Veteran suicide awareness. Peer support. Faith, too—not always easy faith, but faith that bends toward healing, toward community, toward art as an offering not just for self but for others. She appears on veteran‑oriented podcasts (“Interview 125 – An Army Veteran’s Journey of Trauma, Recovery & Finding Her Voice”) and opens the door for listeners to sit in uncomfortable truth and emerge changed. BabyBoomer.org

In sum: Marie’s portrait is one of transformation. She does not pretend the past didn’t happen; she invites it in, asks it to speak, and then she writes it into beauty and into purpose. Her poems are not tidy—they’re reclamations of life, memory, body, faith. Her photographs are not just décor—they are visual hymns to survival and presence. SliderBabe is the meeting place of all those elements, and Marie is the shepherd of that space: the one who once carried the load, now carries the message that healing takes voice and voice can take many forms.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 10-29-2025

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:25:00 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

HomeFront Sitrep Live 10-27-2025

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:21:00 -0000

HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast

dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who

continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real

stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the

veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters,

and family.

This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung,

often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are

boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t

corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate

individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by

veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand.

HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost

sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without

red tape or fine print.

But the mission doesn’t stop there.

The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran

community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the

creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside

veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys,

challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a

chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice.

Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran

launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book,

HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots

alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection,

community, and conversation.

This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.

Songs of Service: Warrior Rounds Comes to Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:15:00 -0000

Warrior Rounds is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering military veterans through the healing power of music. The program pairs veterans with professional songwriters who help them turn their personal stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience into original songs. Each song captures the heart of a veteran’s journey—offering not only a creative outlet but also a powerful way to process experiences and share them with others. The songs are then showcased at live events where audiences can connect directly with the emotions, triumphs, and challenges behind each story. These performances often bridge the gap between veterans and civilians, fostering understanding, appreciation, and community healing.

One of the most anticipated versions of this event is “Warrior Rounds: Kentucky Style,” set to take place November 20–23, 2025, at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The four-day event, themed “America’s Freedom Tribute,” will celebrate the courage and service of veterans through music, storytelling, and camaraderie. It will also feature the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Wall, providing attendees with a solemn and moving tribute to those who gave their lives in recent conflicts. Beyond entertainment, Warrior Rounds: Kentucky Style serves as an opportunity for Kentuckians to gather in solidarity with service members, celebrate freedom, and contribute to veteran well-being through sponsorships, participation, and community engagement.

The host city, Shepherdsville, Kentucky, is a vibrant and growing community that blends small-town warmth with modern opportunity. Located just south of Louisville along Interstate 65, it serves as the seat of Bullitt County and has long been a vital part of Kentucky’s history. Founded in 1793 by Adam Shepherd, the city’s early economy was built on the nearby Bullitt’s Lick salt works—one of the first major industries in the state. Over the years, Shepherdsville evolved from its early industrial roots into a dynamic hub for logistics, manufacturing, and business, thanks to its proximity to major transportation routes and the Louisville metropolitan area. Today, it’s home to over 14,000 residents who enjoy the balance of rural charm, economic growth, and access to urban amenities.

Leading this growth is Mayor Jose Cubero, who made history as Shepherdsville’s first Latino mayor. With a strong background in business and community engagement, Mayor Cubero has prioritized improving infrastructure, attracting new economic opportunities, and enhancing quality of life for residents. His leadership reflects a vision of balanced progress—one that values both Shepherdsville’s deep historical roots and its future potential as a thriving, inclusive city.

Together, Warrior Rounds: Kentucky Style and the city of Shepherdsville embody the spirit of service, resilience, and community. The event not only brings powerful stories of America’s veterans to life but also highlights a Kentucky town that continues to grow, honor its heritage, and open its arms to those who have served the nation.

From SEAL Team to Healing Team: The Transformation of Dr. Tony Dice

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:08:00 -0000

Dr. Tony Dice is a former Navy SEAL, firefighter, paramedic, and now a licensed counselor and educator whose life reflects both extraordinary service and personal transformation. He grew up in Horse Creek, California, a small rural town on the Oregon–California border, as the oldest of eight siblings. After losing his father at age sixteen, Dice left home, earned his GED, and began working in emergency services. His early years as an EMT and firefighter exposed him to trauma and crisis response, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to serving others. He later joined the U.S. Navy and became a member of SEAL Team 2, where he served with distinction and gained firsthand experience with the mental and emotional toll of high-risk operations. Following his time in the military, he worked in private security, including assignments in Afghanistan, where he continued to operate in dangerous environments.

Despite these professional accomplishments, Dice struggled personally with substance use and the challenges of post-deployment adjustment—a battle many veterans and first responders face. In 2010, he entered rehabilitation, marking a turning point that led him toward recovery and a renewed sense of purpose. Motivated by his experiences, Dice pursued higher education, earning a doctorate in counseling from Old Dominion University’s Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. His academic work focused on trauma, addiction, and resilience among service professionals, and he now serves as adjunct faculty in ODU’s Department of Counseling and Human Services, where he mentors future counselors and emphasizes trauma-informed and culturally competent care.

Dr. Dice is also the CEO and co-founder of Bishop & Dice Defense LLC, a company dedicated to improving the psychological health and resilience of military members, law enforcement, and first responders. Through this organization, he and his team provide counseling, training, leadership development, and consulting services designed to strengthen both mental and operational readiness. His professional philosophy—that mental toughness must be supported by mental health—guides his work in therapy, education, and leadership development alike.

Beyond his practice, Dice is a respected speaker and trainer at regional, national, and international conferences. His presentations address topics such as post-traumatic stress, moral injury, suicide prevention, addiction recovery, and resilience. What sets him apart is the authenticity he brings to his message—combining scholarly insight with the credibility of someone who has lived through the experiences he now helps others navigate.

Dr. Tony Dice’s life is a testament to resilience and redemption. From firefighter and Navy SEAL to counselor and educator, his journey shows that strength is not only measured by physical endurance but also by the courage to confront trauma, heal, and guide others toward recovery. Today, he continues to impact the lives of veterans, first responders, and students alike, bridging the worlds of combat and compassion and proving that the greatest victories are those of the human spirit.

Mission First, People Always: Inside MOAA’s TotalForce+ with Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:58:00 -0000

Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), is a highly respected leader who dedicated more than three decades of service to the United States Air Force. Commissioned through the University of Notre Dame’s ROTC program, he earned a degree in aerospace engineering and went on to hold numerous key leadership and command positions around the world. Throughout his distinguished career, General Kelly focused on building and leading strong teams, improving personnel systems, and ensuring the readiness and well-being of Airmen and their families. As the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services (A1) at Air Force Headquarters, he was responsible for shaping policies affecting the total force—military, civilian, and contractor—covering everything from recruitment and training to quality of life and career development. His leadership helped modernize the Air Force’s human capital strategies during a period of major transformation and global demand. After retiring from active duty in 2022, General Kelly continued his commitment to service by becoming the President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) in January 2023. In this role, he leads one of the nation’s most influential military advocacy organizations, championing the interests of service members, veterans, and their families through legislative action, education, and support programs. Known for his integrity, compassion, and forward-thinking leadership, Lt. Gen. Kelly remains a powerful voice for those who serve and have served. TotalForce+ is MOAA’s new people-focused conference, launching in October 2025 at National Harbor, Maryland. Designed to unite military, veteran, government, and industry leaders, it focuses on strengthening the “people side” of national defense — from talent management and leadership to quality of life and the veteran experience. Centered on the theme “Mission First, People Always,” TotalForce+ aims to drive collaboration, innovation, and real solutions that support those who serve and their families.

Healing Beyond the Battlefield: The Jason’s Box Mission

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:55:00 -0000

Jason’s Box, Inc. is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Paris, Kentucky, dedicated to serving catastrophically injured combat veterans and their families. Founded in memory of U.S. Army Corporal Jason G. Pautsch, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2009, the organization was inspired by the symbolic “box” that held Jason’s military belongings—a powerful reminder of sacrifice, honor, and legacy. Jason’s Box exists to provide healing through purpose and connection, offering veterans opportunities to participate in meaningful outdoor and therapeutic experiences. These include fishing, equine therapy, hunting, off-roading, beekeeping, agritherapy, and other nature-based activities that encourage physical engagement, mental wellness, and camaraderie. Many participants are multi-limb amputees or veterans recovering from severe trauma, and Jason’s Box works to adapt each experience to their unique abilities—often through customized mobility equipment and one-on-one support. Entirely volunteer-run, Jason’s Box operates with no paid staff and minimal overhead, ensuring that every dollar donated directly benefits the veterans they serve. The organization partners with medical facilities such as Brooke Army Medical Center to fly in wounded service members for these restorative programs. Their mission is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that the path to recovery begins with rediscovering joy, community, and purpose beyond injury. In recognition of its impact, Jason’s Box was named a finalist in the 2025 Defender Service Awards for Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach. Through dedication, transparency, and heart, the organization continues to honor Jason’s memory by enriching the lives of those who have given so much for their country

Code, Courage, and Country: The Jake Dyal Story

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:51:00 -0000

Jake Dyal is the CEO and Co-Founder of Certus Core, where he and his team pioneer advanced data engineering and AI solutions for the defense sector. With over 25 years of defense and intelligence experience, Jake combines distinguished military service with a decade as a program manager in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He has established new standards for AI implementation in sensitive environments and created scalable solutions deployed across multiple defense and intelligence agencies. A Tampa native, Jake is also dedicated to building the city's startup ecosystem and enjoys mentoring emerging founders in the defense tech space.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:46:00 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

Resilience in Action: The Tammy Flake Story

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:13:00 -0000

Tammy Flake proudly served in the United States Army from 2004 to 2008 as a Unit Supply Specialist and Arms Room Specialist. Stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, she was assigned to the 3-101 Aviation Regiment, where she played a vital role in supporting the Apache Helicopter mission. Her responsibilities demanded precision, accountability, and trust, as she managed sensitive equipment and weapons systems critical to both training and combat readiness. During her time at Fort Campbell, Tammy earned her Air Assault qualification, demonstrating both physical grit and mental resilience as she mastered skills such as sling-load operations and helicopter insertions. Her training and qualifications reflected the Army’s high standards and prepared her to support complex aviation operations. Her service included a deployment to Iraq from 2005 to 2006, where she was stationed at LSA Anaconda, one of the largest logistics hubs in the region. There, Tammy supported critical operations that directly impacted the success and safety of U.S. and coalition forces. Operating in a high-tempo environment under the pressures of war, she ensured that soldiers had the equipment and weapons necessary to carry out their missions effectively. Tammy’s military career stands as a testament to her dedication, discipline, and service to her fellow soldiers. Her time in uniform not only shaped her professional skills but also deepened her resilience and sense of purpose, qualities that continue to guide her beyond her years in the Army. Family is truly at the center of Tammy Flake’s life. She is a proud wife and the mother of five children, and no matter how many professional or community responsibilities she takes on, her family remains her foundation. Together with her husband, Tammy helps run a thriving government contracting business, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with her commitment to creating stability and opportunity for her family. Beyond business, Tammy has dedicated herself to service within her community and especially to her fellow veterans. In Utah, she is an active leader with Americans for Prosperity, lending her time and voice to initiatives that strengthen families, communities, and opportunities for growth. Her leadership extends into the veteran community as well—Tammy currently serves as the Post Commander for her local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a position that highlights the respect and trust she has earned among her peers. In addition, she holds the role of State Surgeon for the Utah VFW, where she contributes to the health and well-being of veterans across the state. Tammy’s passion for supporting veterans is deeply personal and unwavering. She is especially focused on combating the epidemic of veteran suicide, working closely with organizations such as Heroes Haven, which provides healing opportunities, mentorship, and connection for struggling veterans. Her advocacy is not limited to organizational leadership; it’s lived out in the compassion and time she gives to ensuring no veteran feels forgotten or alone. Through her roles as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, community organizer, and veteran leader, Tammy embodies resilience, service, and purpose. Her journey reflects a life rooted in family but dedicated to something even greater: ensuring that her community—and especially her brothers and sisters in arms—continue to thrive.

Faith, Recovery, and Poetry! A Veteran's Guide to Healing Out Loud

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:11:00 -0000

Marie Slider Henriksen is a combat medic Army veteran who has experienced multiple traumas, addictions and disabilities. She recently published a poetry book called “More Me Than I Used to Be, A Journey to Freedom.” She writes about healing with faith, overcoming pain and resentments. Marie heals out loud through recovery advocacy, speaking and podcasting. She is a co-host on the podcast “Every Day's a Saturday; USMC Veteran, Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie” encouraging veterans to heal out loud, from PTSD to advocacy. She is currently developing a site open to all for “creatively healing out loud through community

Beyond Service: A Marine Veteran’s Path to CEO Success

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:06:00 -0000

Tony Crescenzo is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Intelligent Waves, where he leads the company’s strategic growth initiatives with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and expansion into new markets. As CEO, Tony is responsible for driving the company’s vision, guiding executive leadership, and ensuring Intelligent Waves remains at the forefront of delivering mission-critical technology solutions.

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Tony brings over three decades of proven leadership across the federal technology sector. His career reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurial drive and corporate strategy, with senior leadership roles at organizations such as Software AG Federal Systems, CACI, and Initiate Systems. He has also served as President and CEO of Inline Software and Illumitek, an SPSS spin-off. In addition, Tony founded and led Analysis Frameworks, and served as a Partner at Achievence, a management consulting firm where he spearheaded strategy for federal market clients.

Before joining Intelligent Waves, Tony successfully served as CEO of IntelliDyne, LLC beginning in 2013, where he played a pivotal role in accelerating growth and delivering measurable results in the federal contracting space.

Beyond the boardroom, Tony is deeply committed to serving the veteran community and the broader technology ecosystem. He is a Board Member of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and serves as Co-Chair of NVTC’s Veteran’s Employment Initiative Foundation, which helps veterans transition successfully into civilian careers. His dedication to veterans continues through his role as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Semper Fi Fund, one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit organizations supporting injured service members and their families. He also contributes his expertise as a Board Member of Ascentium LLC.

Driven by the values of service, strategy, and innovation, Tony Crescenzo exemplifies what it means to lead with both vision and purpose—bridging the worlds of national defense, cutting-edge technology, and veteran advocacy.

Strong Communities, Strong Heroes: The Helping Heroes USA Story

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Tony DeMaio is a dynamic community leader, veteran advocate, and entrepreneur whose career has been defined by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to service. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans and first responders, Tony has dedicated his life to creating meaningful solutions that not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term resilience and empowerment.

As the founder and driving force behind Helping Heroes USA, Tony has built more than just a nonprofit—he’s built a movement. Established in 2017, Helping Heroes USA is committed to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through connection, education, and suicide prevention. The organization’s mission is clear: to pull heroes out of isolation, build strong peer-to-peer networks, and provide life-saving resources that make a tangible difference.

Under Tony’s leadership, Helping Heroes USA has developed a reputation for its grassroots, community-based approach. From local events that bring heroes together, to educational programs that equip families with vital tools, to suicide prevention initiatives that save lives, the organization thrives on real connections and authentic support.

Tony believes that no hero should ever feel alone after service. By blending entrepreneurial innovation with a heart for service, he continues to lead Helping Heroes USA into new chapters of impact—one community, one event, and one life at a time.

From Army Boots to Business Suits: Jim Boad’s Journey

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 02:11:00 -0000

Jim Boad is more than just an entrepreneur—he’s a soldier turned builder of hope. An Army Veteran with a no-nonsense approach, Jim has made it his mission to transform lives through the power of housing. As the founder of Shelton Housing First, he has personally launched more than 14 recovery homes in just two years, with another eight already in motion. Each home represents more than bricks and mortar—it’s a second chance, a safe place, and a fresh start for people rebuilding their lives.

Driven by his belief that impact comes through both strategy and heart, Jim brings together his background in business and his boots-on-the-ground experience to shape housing models that work—both for-profit and nonprofit. His book, Group Home Accelerator, distills those lessons into a practical, step-by-step guide that equips aspiring group home operators with the tools, mindset, and structure needed to succeed. Whether someone is serving individuals in recovery, people reentering society, or those in transition, Jim provides a roadmap to create housing that changes lives.

But Jim doesn’t stop at writing the playbook—he’s also in the trenches as a coach and mentor. Through his high-touch coaching program, he’s helped hundreds of purpose-driven entrepreneurs move past fear, navigate red tape, and overcome financial roadblocks to open, fund, and fill their own sober living or transitional homes. His approach is as straightforward as it is inspiring: cut the excuses, focus on the mission, and take action.

At the heart of everything Jim does is faith and family. He often reminds people, “This isn’t just real estate—it’s a calling.” When he’s not building businesses or helping others do the same, you’ll find him at home with his wife, their kids, and the family’s loyal pup, O’Malley. To Jim, success isn’t measured by the number of houses he’s launched, but by the lives that are transformed within their walls.

Through Shelton Housing First, Group Home Accelerator, and his coaching work, Jim Boad is proving that housing can be more than shelter—it can be a bridge to recovery, redemption, and resilience.

Only Gone if Forgotten, Voices of the 82nd

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Steven R. Zaley is the author of They Are Only Gone If They Are Forgotten: A Story about One of the Original Companies of the 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Combat Team, Third Battalion, Headquarters Company. His work stands as both a historical record and a heartfelt tribute to the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division, with a particular focus on the service and sacrifice of his father, for whom he was named.

Zaley’s book meticulously documents his father’s journey—from his early years, through the grueling training with the newly-formed 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and into the crucible of combat as part of one of the 82nd Airborne Division’s original combat teams. This unit would go on to make history with four daring combat jumps: Sicily, Italy, Normandy, and Holland. These operations were not just pivotal battles of World War II, but defining moments that cemented the reputation of American airborne forces.

The inspiration for Zaley’s research began in the wake of personal loss. After his father’s passing in 1997, Steven had a pivotal conversation with a military chaplain of the 82nd Airborne, who invited him to speak to a group of modern-day paratroopers about his father’s experiences. What started as a moment of remembrance grew into a profound mission: to preserve the legacy of his father and the men of the 82nd so that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

Driven by this purpose, Zaley spent years immersed in original source materials—orders, after-action reports, military newspaper accounts, and oral histories from surviving 82nd Airborne veterans. The result is a deeply researched and emotionally powerful narrative that brings to life not only the strategies and battles of World War II, but also the human stories of courage, brotherhood, and resilience.

Through his writing, Steven R. Zaley ensures that the legacy of these paratroopers endures. His work serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom, the strength of ordinary men in extraordinary times, and the importance of remembering those who came before us.

Rise Again, From the Struggle

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:56:00 -0000

Kevin Brewer is a proud Navy veteran with over 20 years of combined experience across the U.S. military, the Intelligence Community, and law enforcement intelligence operations. Over the course of his career, he’s worn many hats—leader, mentor, analyst, and trainer—and each role has sharpened his ability to thrive in high-pressure environments while bringing out the best in others.

As an all-source analyst, Kevin cultivated a reputation for precision and insight. His expertise in mapping communications and financial networks, coupled with advanced open-source research techniques, allowed him to uncover critical leads and provide actionable intelligence to his teams. His analytical skillset goes beyond data—it’s about connecting dots, seeing the bigger picture, and finding solutions where others only see complexity.

In his leadership and management roles, Kevin consistently transformed challenges into opportunities. By implementing effective conflict resolution strategies, he ensured issues were addressed at the lowest level possible, preserving team cohesion and maximizing efficiency. His approach balanced productivity with accuracy, ensuring that his teams delivered results without sacrificing quality.

Now, Kevin is channeling decades of hard-earned experience into his role as a coach and mentor. His mission is simple yet powerful: to help others unlock their potential, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s sharpening leadership skills, strengthening analytical capabilities, streamlining workflows, or creating balance between work and home life, Kevin equips his clients with the tools and mindset needed to achieve lasting success.

Kevin’s coaching style is rooted in personalized development and results-driven strategies. He challenges his clients to go beyond their comfort zones while providing the support and accountability they need to succeed. His goal isn’t just to help people meet their objectives—it’s to empower them to surpass them.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself, elevate your performance, and achieve meaningful growth, Kevin is ready to guide you.
Contact him today to schedule a free consultation—and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:52:00 -0000

The "Tip of The Spear" was born out of a need for a dedicated space where veterans could come together to discuss the pressing issues within their community, as well as hard-hitting global matters that have the potential to impact the world at large. What started as a modest roundtable 18 months ago has since evolved into a robust platform that brings together a diverse array of voices and perspectives, unified by a shared commitment to the veteran community. The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows: HomeFront Sitrep The Triple Threat Vet Podcast The MisFitNation I Am Pitts These initial shows laid the groundwork for what would become a vital forum for discussing veteran-related issues. From the outset, the focus was on creating a space where veterans could freely express their thoughts, concerns, and solutions to the challenges facing their community. As the roundtable discussions gained momentum, more shows joined the fray, adding to the richness and depth of the conversations.

Not Service Connected with Tony Riggs

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:49:00 -0000

I welcome you to #NotServiceConnected—a movement born out of both frustration and resilience.

Our story began with a deeply personal experience: after years of service and with medical documentation in hand, I was told by the VA that I was “not service connected.” The words stung, not just because of the denial, but because they dismissed the reality of my struggles. The frustration only grew when I was told I needed continuity of care, yet even after following the process, it still wasn’t enough.

This isn’t just my story—it’s the story of countless Veterans who’ve been overlooked, denied, or left to navigate a broken system on their own. That painful truth became the spark that ignited #NotServiceConnected, a platform to raise awareness, stand in solidarity, and demand better for those who’ve worn the uniform.

We channel that mission into what we create. Our premium T-shirts—crafted in your choice of 100% Cotton, 50/50 Blend, or Tri-Blend—feature bold, impactful designs that don’t just look good, they say something. Each shirt carries a message that shines a light on the struggles many Veterans face, turning personal frustration into a statement of strength and unity.

But #NotServiceConnected is about more than apparel—it’s about impact. That’s why 20% of every profit goes directly to verified nonprofits supporting Veterans. Every shirt purchased helps fund real programs that provide healing, resources, and hope to the men and women who’ve given so much.

When you wear a #NotServiceConnected T-shirt, you’re not just putting on clothing. You’re joining a movement. You’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Veterans across the nation. You’re amplifying their voices. You’re saying that denial doesn’t define us—and together, we will be seen, heard, and recognized.

This is more than a brand. This is a call for change.
This is #NotServiceConnected.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 07-30-25

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:56:00 -0000

Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em with Jon Flatt

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:51:00 -0000

Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em is a raw, unflinching memoir by Jon Flatt, a young soldier who fought in the harsh, unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan—and returned with invisible wounds that refused to heal. But this isn’t the story of battlefield glory or cinematic heroism. It’s what comes after the guns go quiet.

What follows is not a victory parade, but a slow-motion collapse: chain-smoking through panic attacks, staring through loved ones as the weight of memory presses harder, and trying to outrun the war that still lives inside his skin. As Flatt attempts to re-enter a life that no longer fits—becoming a husband, a father, a man who smiles when he doesn’t feel like dying—he confronts the bitter truth that survival doesn't mean the fight is over.

Told with brutal honesty, dark humor, and moments of aching clarity, Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em is a meditation on trauma, addiction, brotherhood, and the haunting cost of staying alive. Flatt’s voice is both literary and lived-in—gritty, poetic, and disarmingly vulnerable—as he lays bare the long road from soldier to civilian, and what it really means to come home.

This is not just a war story. It’s a human one.

HomeFront Sitrep Live 08-11-25

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:47:00 -0000

From Strike‑Eagle Pilot to Franchise Flight Coach: A Veteran’s Route through Franzy

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:40:00 -0000

1. Military Background & Core Skill Set

Vivek’s decade-long career as an F‑15E Strike Eagle aviator grounded him in mission planning, systems thinking, and leadership under high stakes. The F‑15E is a dual-capability, two-seat multirole fighter used for both air-to-air and precision ground missions—ideal for service members who know how to process complexity and adapt rapidly. Even after transitioning to the Air Force Reserves in 2022, he remains tight to Air Force culture and purpose-driven teamwork.

After leaving active duty, Vivek earned his MBA from Duke University (Fuqua). There he refined his financial acumen and consulting mindset, working on everything from start-ups to alternative‑protein ventures. It was also where he began using his background to explore sustainable, scalable businesses.

With this foundation, Vivek launched multiple franchise businesses, choosing brand models—from fitness and fast service to home improvement—that play to operational discipline and customer consistency. He closely mentors veteran franchisees, helping them navigate due diligence, leverage VetFran discounts, and manage KPIs—using an MBA lens to optimize operations and ROI.

In early 2025, Franzy—a startup often called the “Zillow for franchises”—soft-launched after raising $1 million in pre‑seed capital. Within a few months, it had grown rapidly, matching tens of thousands of users with over 3,000 franchise brands, using an AI-powered “Fit Score,” and guiding prospects through a fully integrated sourcing and closable pipeline.Duke's Fuqua School of Business Duke's Fuqua School of Business+1

By July 2025, Franzy had closed a $2.2 million seed round, led by York IE and Avalanche VC, enabling them to build the first franchise resale marketplace, pairing vetted buyers with exiting owners of existing units. The platform aims to accelerate franchise negotiations and standardize thousands of secondary-market transactions.Franzy Venture Capital Access Online

As a veteran and franchise operator turned advisor, Vivek helps Franzy tailor its messaging, outreach, and product à la veteran founders. This ensures Franzy not only matches users to brands, but also helps them navigate the frequently opaque resale market—making franchise ownership more accessible to those leaving military service.

Representation: Veterans comprise only about 6–8% of the U.S. population, yet hold 14–15% of franchise owner slots. That’s nearly three times their demographic share.VA News FranServe
Performance: In 2024–2025 Franchise Business Review surveys, over 85% of veteran franchisees report high satisfaction with their franchisor, community support, and opportunity structure—significantly above non‑veteran averages.fox4kc.com franchisebusinessreview.com
Traits: Franchisors repeatedly cite veterans’ abilities to systematize workflow, train teams, execute methodically, and deliver brand consistency—key to plug‑and‑play models.signaramafranchise.com blog.franchise.neighborly.com

Here’s how Vivek positions his experience for audiences in business, leadership, and veteran‑transition circles:

2. From Active Duty to Franchising: Reimagining Service3. Scaling Up: Clinching Leadership at Franzy4. Why Veterans Make Ideal Franchisees5. Vivek’s Value Proposition: Strategy, Service, & ScalabilityElementWhy It ResonatesDirect military-to-business narrativeHigh‑pressure training → scalable leadership → entrepreneurshipAcademic/business rigorMBA from Duke + franchise POV gives operational credibilityPlatform‑level perspectiveFranzy enables digital transformation of a legacy industry—especially empowering vetsMentorship missionActively helping veterans buy, manage, and scale businessesData-informed coachingUses IFA / VetFran performance benchmarks and Franzy’s AI insights to optimize decisions

Where the Mission Continues: Stories from the HomeFront

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:46:00 -0000

HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters, and family.

This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung, often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand. HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without red tape or fine print.

But the mission doesn’t stop there.

The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice.

Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book, HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection, community, and conversation.

This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.

Throttle, Art, and Advocacy: The Joe Stazione Story

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:38:00 -0000

Joe Stazione is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran whose mission didn’t end when he took off the uniform—it simply changed form. Serving from 1999 to 2003, Joe may not have experienced combat firsthand, but he has faced a different kind of battle—the silent war that many veterans endure when they return home: a war against isolation, a loss of identity, and the struggle to find renewed purpose in civilian life.

After leaving the military, Joe quickly realized that too many of his brothers and sisters-in-arms were falling through the cracks. Determined to be part of the solution, he poured his energy into creating spaces of support, healing, and purpose for the veteran community. That passion gave rise to multiple veteran-focused nonprofit organizations, the most notable being Throttle Therapy—a movement that fuses mental wellness with the freedom and adrenaline of motorcycle riding.

Throttle Therapy isn’t just a catchy name; it’s a philosophy. Joe believes that the rumble of an engine, the wind on your face, and the camaraderie found on the open road can do more for the soul than a thousand sterile counseling sessions. This belief led him to organize Arizona’s largest veteran motorcycle ride, a powerful show of unity that brings together hundreds of vets and supporters each year for a day of remembrance, release, and raw freedom.

But Joe’s commitment goes beyond the ride. He’s partnered with nationally recognized veteran organizations like 22Kill, which focuses on veteran suicide prevention, and Defenders of Freedom, known for its impactful work in providing transitional support. Through these collaborations, Joe has been able to extend his reach, bringing crucial resources and awareness to those who need it most.

Joe is also an artist, and he’s found that creativity—like riding—can be a form of therapy. By combining motorcycles, art, and advocacy, he’s crafted a holistic approach to healing that breaks the mold of traditional support systems. Whether it’s custom bike builds, paintwork, or simply offering an outlet for self-expression, Joe helps veterans tap into the creative spirit they may have long forgotten.

In every effort, Joe Stazione embodies resilience and service—both on and off the battlefield. His journey from Marine to nonprofit leader is a testament to the enduring warrior spirit, and his work continues to change lives, one ride, one brushstroke, and one brother or sister at a time.

From Combat to Calling: The Birth of SOF Missions with Dr. Damon Friedman

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:46:00 -0000

Founded in 2011 by Dr. Damon and Dayna Friedman, SOF Missions is a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to combating the veteran suicide crisis through a comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness. Dr. Damon Friedman, a retired Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Special Operations community and four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, understands the deep emotional and psychological toll that military service and combat can take. Motivated by his personal journey and unwavering sense of purpose, Dr. Friedman and his team are dedicated to serving the warrior community not just as advocates, but as fellow Freedom Fighters—those willing to fight for the lives and well-being of our nation’s heroes.

SOF Missions offers a multi-tiered Be Resilient program that addresses the whole warrior—mind, body, and spirit—through clinics, retreats, and training designed to foster lasting healing and transformation.

Be Resilient Clinics are intensive, one-week programs designed for veterans and active-duty service members grappling with the invisible wounds of war, trauma, and military service. These clinics provide individualized care across four domains of wellness—psychological, social, spiritual, and physical—delivered by a team of expert providers. Clinics are held in tranquil resort locations in Florida, intentionally chosen to cultivate an environment of peace, relaxation, and holistic recovery. Participants are guided through tailored interventions, therapeutic exercises, and healing practices that foster restoration and resilience.

Be Resilient Retreats offer a more focused, two-day experience that emphasizes a single domain of wellness. These events serve as both stand-alone support and a gateway into the full clinic program. With a strong focus on assessment and practical tools for day-to-day resilience, retreats help participants better understand their needs while providing immediate, actionable strategies to improve mental health, emotional balance, and personal growth.

Be Resilient Training is an educational initiative built around the eight tenets of brain health, empowering veterans and service members to proactively maintain a healthy brain, a sharp mind, and a strong body. This comprehensive curriculum equips participants with the knowledge and tools to optimize performance, build mental toughness, and sustain long-term well-being. With its "Recognize, Respond, Recover, Repeat" model, the training reinforces sustainable habits that promote resilience in both personal and professional spheres.

Through this tiered model of care—Clinics, Retreats, and Training—SOF Missions is not only saving lives but also restoring purpose, identity, and hope. Their work stands as a powerful reminder that warriors don’t have to suffer in silence. There is a path to healing—and they don’t have to walk it alone.

The Call of Duty Endowment: A Mission-Driven Force for Veteran Employment

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:28:00 -0000

The Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to one clear mission: helping veterans find high-quality, high-paying careers after military service. Founded in 2009 by former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, the Endowment was born out of a simple but powerful insight—that while symbolic gestures honoring veterans, such as monuments and park dedications, are meaningful, they don't address veterans' most urgent need: meaningful employment.

In the early days, Kotick recognized a major gap in veteran support. Although employment remains the top requested service by veterans, it receives less than one-tenth of one percent of the federal government’s $330 billion veteran-focused budget. This imbalance inspired Kotick and Activision Blizzard to take action and launch the Endowment as a direct way to invest in veterans' futures—not just in word, but in deed.

Since its founding, Activision Blizzard has donated over $52 million to the Endowment, which in turn has awarded over $84 million in grants to carefully vetted nonprofit organizations that help veterans transition to the civilian workforce. Thanks to this support and a laser focus on results, the Endowment has placed more than 150,000 veterans into quality jobs as of November 2024.

Unlike traditional philanthropic approaches, the Call of Duty Endowment is performance-driven. Grantee organizations are held to rigorous quarterly metrics, including:

Cost per job placement
Average starting salary
6-month and 12-month retention rates
Full-time vs. part-time employment outcomes

This strategy pays off. In 2024, the Endowment’s grantees placed veterans in jobs at an average cost of just $628 per person—roughly 1/15th of the cost of similar U.S. government programs. This exceptional efficiency reflects not only smart funding but also strong partnerships with high-performing, impact-driven nonprofits.

The Endowment doesn't just fund these organizations—it actively supports and elevates them. In 2013, the team launched the Seal of Distinction, a grant and recognition program that awards $30,000 and national visibility to top-performing nonprofits that excel at veteran job placement. This program reflects the Endowment’s core belief: that success should be measured, celebrated, and scaled.

Led by President Dan Goldenberg, a retired U.S. Navy captain and accomplished executive, and co-chaired by General James L. Jones, former National Security Advisor and Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Endowment benefits from deep expertise in both military and civilian leadership. Their vision has guided the Endowment’s expansion and international reach.

In 2017, the Endowment extended its support to the United Kingdom, bringing its model of data-driven impact across the Atlantic. And in 2022, it met its ambitious goal of placing 100,000 veterans—two years ahead of schedule. With the bar raised once again, the Endowment is now committed to placing the next 100,000 veterans into careers that match their talents, discipline, and service.

More than a nonprofit, the Call of Duty Endowment is a movement—one rooted in respect, responsibility, and results. It is a powerful example of how focused philanthropy, smart strategy, and a deep commitment to those who served can deliver real, lasting impact.

Objective Zero: How Tech and Community Are Saving Veteran Lives

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:38:00 -0000

The Objective Zero App: Real Support. Real People. Right Now.

At Objective Zero, we believe no service member, veteran, or caregiver should ever feel alone in their struggles. That’s why we created the Objective Zero App—a completely free, confidential platform designed to provide instant access to mental health resources, wellness tools, and a compassionate community of peers who truly understand.

Whether you're seeking help or offering it, the app is your gateway to connection and care. You can chat with a trained peer supporter—called a Pathfinder—through text, voice, or video, all at your own pace and comfort level. These are volunteers who’ve walked the same path, faced similar battles, and are ready to stand watch with you—no judgment, just support.

With the release of version 2.0, we’ve taken the mission even further:

Smarter filters to help you connect faster with the right person or resource.

A mood and symptom tracker to help you monitor your mental well-being over time.

A private journaling tool for reflection and resilience-building.

Customizable light and dark modes to match your preferences and needs.

Whether you're active duty, a veteran, a family member, or a caregiver—you’re not alone. The Objective Zero App puts a powerful network of support right in your pocket.

Download the Objective Zero App today to find support, offer support, or simply to remind yourself:

You matter. You’re not alone. We’ve got your six.

Zero Six Reveille: Franco Sapia on Discipline, Duty, and the Relentless Pursuit of Purpose

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:35:00 -0000

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Franco Sapia—a distinguished former U.S. Marine veteran and retired federal agent from the Department of Homeland Security—whose life journey embodies discipline, integrity, and unwavering service to country and community. Raised in an environment where structure and accountability were cornerstones, Sapia learned early on that success is earned through dedication, hard work, and resilience. His formative years in the Marine Corps and his later role in federal law enforcement not only sharpened his leadership skills but also deepened his lifelong commitment to defending American values and freedoms.

Franco shares how the same principles that guided him through combat zones and federal operations also laid the foundation for his latest mission: Zero Six Reveille, a purpose-driven apparel brand. Rooted in the belief that success is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit, Zero Six Reveille serves as a call to action—challenging others to rise early, work hard, and remain relentless in the face of adversity. It's more than clothing; it’s a lifestyle and a movement dedicated to those who forge their own path, regardless of the obstacles or doubters along the way.

Listeners will hear Franco’s insights on grit, leadership, and the power of starting your day—and your life—with intention. His story is one of transformation and tenacity, meant to inspire others to tap into their inner warrior, embrace their purpose, and live with the kind of passion that refuses to quit.

Whether you're a veteran, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for motivation to push through life’s challenges, this episode is a powerful reminder that your journey matters—and it’s never too early, or too late, to answer your own reveille.

Cutting Out the Middleman: The Case for Direct-from-Farm

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:28:00 -0000

From The Farm is more than just a food marketplace—it’s a movement rooted in food sovereignty and the belief that every meal can be a step toward greater independence and resilience. By choosing From The Farm, you’re directly supporting family-owned farms, ranches, and homesteads across the country. Each purchase helps create a secure, parallel food economy—one that values transparency, sustainability, and community over mass production and corporate control.

At the heart of From The Farm is a simple but powerful question: Where does your food come from? Here, you don’t have to wonder. Every product comes from a verified local source, giving you a direct line to the farmers and ranchers who grow and raise your food. This connection builds trust, ensures quality, and supports people—not faceless corporations.

When it comes to health, From The Farm delivers. The platform offers meats and produce that are nutrient-dense, responsibly raised, and free from harmful chemicals, additives, and shortcuts. You’re not just putting food on the table—you’re feeding your family ingredients as pure and wholesome as nature intended.

And it doesn’t have to cost more. By removing middlemen and streamlining the supply chain, From The Farm offers premium-quality food at fair, competitive prices. Your dollar goes further, benefiting both your family and the small-scale producers who work hard to feed their communities.

Convenience is also key. The platform makes shopping easy—simply browse online, place your order, and enjoy farm-fresh food delivered right to your doorstep. It’s a seamless experience that brings the farmers' market to your home.

Supporting From The Farm means more than enjoying better food—it means making a lasting impact. Every order contributes to the survival and success of America’s small farms, helping to preserve rural livelihoods, protect the environment, and strengthen local economies.

In short, From The Farm empowers you to eat better, live healthier, and make choices that matter. It’s about more than meals—it’s about cultivating a legacy of freedom, sustainability, and connection in every bite.

We are S.F.H with Ty Southern and Lance Price

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:57:00 -0000

SFH isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. It’s a battle cry. It’s a middle finger to the darkness and a bold declaration that we don’t just survive—we rise.

Still Fucking Here is for every person who’s stared down the abyss and refused to give in. It’s for the ones who wake up every day carrying invisible scars but still show up. Still push forward. Still fight like hell.

We’re not here to be polished or perfect—we’re here to be real. We’ve been broken. We’ve been knocked down. We’ve had moments we didn’t think we’d make it through. But guess what? We did. We are. And that makes us dangerous. That makes us powerful.

We are Survivors. Warriors. Fighters.

Relentless in purpose. Tenacious in spirit. Vigilant in our mission.

We don’t just wear this brand—we embody it.

This isn’t just gear—it’s armor. Every stitch, every word, every thread of SFH tells the world:

"You can’t break me. I’m still fucking here."

And we’re not alone. We walk shoulder to shoulder with our tribe—lifting each other up, refusing to leave anyone behind. Because this isn’t just about survival. It’s about solidarity. About giving back. About taking the pain we've lived through and turning it into purpose.

50% of our net proceeds go directly to those still in the trenches.

Every purchase helps provide support to survivors, mental health initiatives, crisis resources, and real people who are still fighting their way forward.

So join us. Stand with us. Be one of us.

Wear it like your story depends on it—because for someone else, it might.

We’re not just here. We’re HERE—with purpose, with fire, and with each other.

We are all... Still Fucking Here.

CPL USMC (Ret.) / Co-founder

Corporal Tyler Southern served with the United States Marine Corps, Weapons Company, 81s Platoon, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. On May 5, 2010, during his second deployment to Musa Qala in the Naw Zad District of Afghanistan, Tyler survived a catastrophic IED blast that cost him both legs above the knees, his right arm above the elbow, and severely damaged his left arm and hand. Despite these life-altering injuries, Tyler became the first American triple amputee to survive combat injuries in Afghanistan. After being airlifted from the battlefield, he endured a long recovery at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, spending nearly two weeks in a coma before beginning a challenging, but remarkable, journey of rehabilitation.

USN Ret. (Doc) / Co-founder

Lance Price served honorably in the United States Navy from 2000 to 2018, achieving the rank of Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1 FMF). Throughout his career, he completed multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), operating in Al Anbar Province, Central Baghdad, and North Diyala in Iraq, and the Nawa Districts of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His distinguished service earned him numerous awards, including four Navy Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, and campaign medals for the Global War on Terrorism. He held critical roles as a Senior Line Corpsman and Medical Advisor for special warfare units, and supported front-line Marines in some of the most challenging environments.

Transcend 214: A Movement, Not a Motto

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:34:00 -0000

Transcend 214, a transformative program developed by the Rod Lemon Foundation, envisions a world where no veteran walks alone. It is built upon a profound belief: that every man and woman who has worn the uniform in service to this nation deserves more than just gratitude—they deserve unwavering support, holistic care, and a genuine sense of belonging.

At the heart of Transcend 214 is the commitment to redefine what veteran care looks like. This is a program that goes beyond symbolic gestures and ceremonial thank-yous. We strive to foster a community where each veteran’s physical well-being, emotional resilience, and social reintegration are prioritized and nurtured with compassion, dignity, and deep respect.

We dream of a society that doesn’t just remember its heroes on certain days, but rather lives out that respect through everyday action—by ensuring accessible healthcare, creating pathways to employment and education, building meaningful peer support networks, and addressing the invisible wounds of war with understanding and purpose.

In this future, our veterans are not marginalized or forgotten. Instead, they are empowered, valued, and uplifted—recognized not only for what they’ve endured but for who they are and all they have yet to offer.

Through Transcend 214, the Rod Lemon Foundation is working to bridge the gap between service and civilian life, creating safe spaces and supportive systems that allow veterans to heal, thrive, and lead. It is our pledge that no veteran be left behind, that every one of them finds solace in their community, stability in their journey, and hope in the days to come.

This is not just our mission—it’s our movement. And with the strength of our partners, advocates, and supporters, we will continue to build a brighter tomorrow, one veteran at a time.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 06.22.25

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:56:00 -0000

The Birth of a Movement: The Origin and Evolution of Tip of The Spear

“Tip of The Spear” was born out of necessity—a response to the urgent call for a dedicated platform where veterans could gather, speak candidly, and confront the issues that affect them directly. More than just a podcast, it has become a rallying point for those who have worn the uniform and now seek to serve in a different way—through dialogue, advocacy, and unity. What began just 18 months ago as a humble roundtable conversation has transformed into a powerful and dynamic forum. One that elevates veteran voices, confronts community concerns head-on, and isn’t afraid to tackle global issues that ripple through both military and civilian life.

The Genesis of Tip of The Spear The roots of Tip of The Spear trace back to a collaboration between four pioneering podcasts—each with its own unique voice and mission, yet united by a common goal: to uplift and empower the veteran community.

HomeFront Sitrep – A show dedicated to highlighting veteran service organizations and the stories behind them, providing critical information and support to veterans across the country.
The Triple Threat Vet Podcast – A raw, unfiltered space where veterans speak their truth, share their experiences, and tackle tough conversations with honesty and grit.
The MisFitNation – A podcast that breaks barriers and brings together a wide range of perspectives from veterans, first responders, and civilians alike, pushing for understanding and mutual respect.
I Am Pitts – A deeply personal and powerful show that shines a spotlight on one man’s journey from service to storytelling, offering reflections on resilience, service, and identity.

Together, these founding voices laid the foundation for what would become Tip of The Spear. Their early discussions were more than just talk—they were blueprints for action. Veterans spoke openly about mental health, transition struggles, systemic issues, and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life. As word spread and impact grew, more podcasts and veteran voices joined the roundtable, expanding the conversation and deepening the bench of experience.

A Platform with Purpose Tip of The Spear is now more than a roundtable—it's a movement. It’s a growing community of storytellers, change-makers, advocates, and allies who believe that veteran voices matter and that those who have served should lead the way in conversations about leadership, accountability, and global citizenship.

Each episode serves as a sounding board and a beacon—shining a light on what matters most to the military community and offering insight and inspiration to those still navigating life after service.

Whether it’s tackling the latest policy debates, elevating untold stories, or forging new paths for post-service purpose, Tip of The Spear remains firmly planted at the frontline of advocacy, awareness, and authentic veteran storytelling.

Mission Brief: The Veteran S.O.S. Podcast Story

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:47:00 -0000

Welcome to a show with a mission—to serve those who’ve served.

Our podcast is dedicated to providing a vital lifeline to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Each episode is a powerful blend of storytelling and support, designed to empower our military-connected community with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive.

We spotlight veteran support organizations doing meaningful work across the country and bring you direct conversations with the key personnel and changemakers behind them. These are the leaders, advocates, and everyday heroes who are making a real impact—offering resources, guidance, and hope to those navigating the complex journey of life after service.

Whether you're just beginning your transition or have been part of the veteran community for years, this podcast delivers timely information, trusted resources, and authentic stories that uplift, inform, and unite.

Because together, we move forward. Stronger. Smarter. And never alone.

The Road Home: A Clear Path for Veterans

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:33:00 -0000

Clear Path for Veterans has stood as a pillar of unwavering support for those who’ve served since 2011. This mission-driven organization was built on the vision and dedication of U.S. Air Force veteran Dr. Steve Kinne, alongside the compassion and leadership of sisters Melissa Spicer and Melinda Sorrentino. Together, they saw a gap in veteran care—and they stepped in to close it.

At Clear Path, we understand that no two veteran stories are the same. Some carry visible scars, others bear silent battles. Whether it’s the transition to civilian life, coping with trauma, navigating relationships, or rediscovering purpose, we know the road can be complicated. That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.

We’re not here to prescribe—we’re here to partner. We walk alongside veterans, meeting them where they are, with services and support as unique as their journey. From wellness programs and peer support to canine companionship, career guidance, and community connections, every initiative is designed to empower veterans to thrive—not just survive.

Our mission is clear: to enhance lives, face challenges head-on, and create spaces where healing, growth, and belonging are not only possible but expected. At Clear Path, you’re not just another number—you’re part of a community that sees you, hears you, and stands with you.

Because at Clear Path, your next chapter matters—and we’re honored to help you write it.

Father’s Day and Bourbon

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0000

In this special Father’s Day episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts Willis and Gunny come together to celebrate fatherhood, service, and heritage with heartfelt reflections and a toast to legacy. They share personal stories about what being a father—and having strong father figures—means in and out of uniform. The conversation blends military grit with emotional depth, honoring the men who’ve led their families and their units with unwavering strength.

The episode also features an exciting announcement: the release of the Warrior’s Honor Cruise Bourbon bottle, a special edition crafted by J. Mattingly 1845. Willis and Gunny dive into the inspiration behind the bottle, the story it represents, and how it honors veterans and the warrior spirit. Whether you’re raising a glass for your dad, a fallen brother, or your own journey—this episode hits deep.

Tune in for laughs, legacy, and a smooth pour of patriotism.

Warrior Honor Cruise and J. Mattingly 1845 collaboration

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:53:00 -0000

In this onsite live episode Willis and Gunny are on location at J. Mattingly 1845 distillery for the bourbon release of Warrior Honor Cruise's bourbon blend and bottle. We talk with the board members and wife about Warrior Honor Cruise about what they do for Purple Heart Veterans and the families. We also talk with Todd from J Mattingly distillery about working with veteran non profits and what it means for them.

The Warriors Honor Cruise is dedicated to honoring and supporting our nation’s Purple Heart recipients. We strive to provide these brave individuals with a well-deserved break from their daily challenges through a rejuvenating cruise experience. We aim to create a supportive and relaxing environment where veterans can connect, heal, and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. By offering this unique opportunity, we express our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice, ensuring they know they are not forgotten.

For almost two centuries, the name Mattingly has been synonymous with world-class bourbon and innovation. John Graves Mattingly (1823-1910) was responsible for perfecting the now famous column still used by the greatest bourbon producers in the world to provide a more continuous process to satisfy the growing demand of his customers. Now, Jeff Mattingly, a sixth generation descendent of John Graves Mattingly, has created and perfected the first of its kind custom bourbon blending process at his new distillery in Frankfort, KY that allows guests to not only blend their personal bottle from multiple "Double Staved" proprietary barrels selected by the Mattingly team of master blenders, but also choose their bottle, label, closure (including various wax colors or a wood cork) and their own personal name for their creation.

If you can't visit us in Frankfort, the J. Mattingly family is offering you the opportunity to customize your own personal bottle of world class, double staved Bourbon or Rye whiskey for yourself or to give as a gift.

Enlisted to Unicorn with JJ Hardy

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:41:00 -0000

Jeremiah Hardy — a retired Army veteran, leadership coach, and founder of Victory Leadership Coaching — where we help leaders lead like people, not position titles.

I don’t teach theory — I teach what I’ve lived.

Combat-tested, boardroom-approved leadership that’s blunt, real, and built for today’s mental health crisis and broken workplace cultures.

I help new managers, seasoned pros, and burned-out leaders build confidence, clarity, and a culture worth showing up for.

🛠 Creator of the VOICES Leadership Framework

🎯 Coach | Speaker | Leadership Culture Consultant

📢 Let’s talk if you’re ready to stop the burnout and start leading like it matters.

Navy Veteran to Tax Attorney with Guardian Tax Law

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:23:00 -0000

Tax attorney Hubert Johnson is a Navy Veteran and founder of Guardian Tax Law. On this episode of American Warrior Radio, Hubert shares tax tips for Veteran entrepreneurs.Tax

While serving in the Navy, he injured his spine, resulting in a medical discharge. He was feeling sorry for himself until he reported to the VA pain clinic at the age of 19. Witnessing the situation that the older Veterans were in, he says at that moment “I was going to be all right.”

Hubert despised his federal tax class in law school. But “life happened” and he fell into tax law because “I just needed a job and I have been doing it ever since.”

Hubert shares important tax tips for Veteran entrepreneurs, the foremost being to always get good, expert advice. The advantages/disadvantages of the various business structure options should be explored before starting operations.

Adding employees is an especially important threshold. The IRS treats payroll tax issues as if one is “stealing from their employees.” Entrepreneurs can be held personally liable for both payroll and sales tax issues.

Hubert recommends people be extremely cautious when entering into partnerships. “Trust but verify.”

We discuss an issue unique to entrepreneurs who are still serving in the military; having a plan in place for the business to keep operating and taxes filed during a deployment. There are special provisions for military members serving overseas.

Hubert clarifies residency issues relative to military members. The rule of thumb is residency is established as state where their enlistment took place. However, residency can be established somewhere else. He cites California & New York tax laws as particularly onerous when it comes to military members. In contrast, Oklahoma doesn’t tax military Veterans. “Before you leave a state, file a non-resident tax return so they will leave you alone.”

Redefining Resilience,Rebuilding Powerfully with Dr. Arielle Jordan

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:47:00 -0000

Meet Dr. Arielle Jordan

Redefining Resilience. Rebuilding Powerfully.

Dr. Arielle Jordan is a veteran, speaker, and leadership coach on a mission to redefine what it means to be resilient.

After an unexpected departure from the military, she confronted the painful realities of racism within its ranks. At the same time, she endured unimaginable personal loss—the passing of both her father and her daughter. These experiences could have broken her. Instead, they became the foundation for transformation.

Through years of intentional healing and growth, Dr. Arielle redefined resilience—not as a trendy concept, but as a lived, daily commitment to clarity, strength, and purpose.

Today, she teaches leaders how to do the same. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, she equips individuals and organizations with practical, actionable tools to:

Build emotional balance

Navigate complex challenges

Lead their next chapter with confidence and clarity

Her approach isn’t just inspiring—it’s grounded, strategic, and deeply human. Leaders walk away empowered to create meaningful change and show up as their most powerful, authentic selves.

Tip of The Spear, A Veterans Roundtable. 05-28-25

Thu, 29 May 2025 23:30:00 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

From the Army to National Security Advisor with Ricoh Danielson

Thu, 29 May 2025 23:28:00 -0000

Ricoh Danielson is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. As a digital forensic expert in cell phone forensics for high-profile criminal and civil cases. Ricoh has a strong passion for Cyber Security Digital forensic and Incident Response that led him to start his firm (Fortitude Tech LLC) in the middle of law school to become Phoenix’s and a nationwide heavy hitting digital forensics powerhouse. Ricoh now owns 1st Responder focusing on helping small to large businesses with incident response.

He is also a graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Colorado Tech University and UCLA Anderson School of Management.

In this episode, our hosts sit down with Ricoh Danielson, a national security expert, digital forensics professional, and US Army combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, to explore the intersections of cyber warfare, digital forensics, and the evolving global threat landscape.

From Marine to Country music with Chris Turner

Mon, 26 May 2025 01:03:00 -0000

Chris Turner is a Marine Corps Veteran turned Nashville Recording Artist. Chris has always used his platform to help raise awareness and be a voice for his fellow veteran community.

Highlights

Charted #16 on iTunes with "American Made" EP Release

Forbes Magazine Feature with UFC Legend/Actor Randy Couture

Over 70K views of official "If You Drink" music video across all social media platforms

Affiliations

Randy Couture, Trace Adkins, Cody Johnson, Darryl Worley, Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley, Tracy Lawrence, Trent Tomlinson, Craig Campbell, Love & Theft, and Chuck Wicks

Non-Profit Affiliations

Warriors On Mission

Romans Warrior Foundation

#Stop22Tour

No More 9 to 5 with Jason McNamara

Wed, 21 May 2025 22:01:00 -0000

Imagine a place where barriers vanish and your personal and entrepreneurial ambitions soar. Welcome to our online sanctuary, a place where dreams are not just dreamt but achieved, goals are met with enthusiasm, and lives are profoundly transformed. Here, success and motivation are more than mere concepts; they're the essence of our thriving community. What drives us? It's our unwavering commitment to enrich your journey with an abundance of resources, expert guidance, and unwavering support. We're more than just a platform; we're your cheerleaders, mentors, and fellow travelers on the path to personal and professional greatness. With a variety of programs and interactive experiences tailored to ignite your passion, we aim to be the spark that propels you to new heights. Join us, and let's embark on this exciting journey together. Here, you're invited to break free from the ordinary, level up, and step into the extraordinary version of yourself. Welcome to where your best self awaits.

Anonymously Grateful with Jose Cerda

Wed, 21 May 2025 21:59:00 -0000

Anonymously Grateful is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the families of fallen soldiers. We honor Gold Star Families with help from our sponsors and communities. We aim to raise awareness about suicide, which is prevalent in the veteran community.

Our mission raises awareness to all aspects of our military community. The Anonymously Grateful mission honors Gold Star families and Gold Star Parents in addition to offering Veterans with resources for those who served and brought war home.

We are 100% volunteer organization made up of veterans and civilians who are honored to raise awareness for our nation's fallen service members and veterans. All the money that is raised will go to the honorees to benefit all aspects of this military mission.

Retrieving Freedom with Brandon Butler

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:47:00 -0000

Retrieving Freedom, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans and children with autism by training and placing Service Dogs at no cost to our clients.

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, our Service Dogs receive tailored training to ensure they can best support their clients. Over more than two years, our dogs are trained to the highest standards at our locations in Waverly, Iowa, and Sedalia, Missouri.

As an accredited Assistance Dogs International member, we take pride in the remarkable companionship and support our Service Dogs provide. Each dog not only assists with everyday tasks but also offers the priceless comfort of unconditional love, truly transforming lives through the powerful human-animal bond.

Champions for Veterans with Ranger Johnson

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:58:00 -0000

Champions For Veterans is an organization devoted to coaching and training veterans as they pursue the VA disability rating they deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our mission is to help 100,000 veterans get the rating they deserve by 2025.

Terry "Ranger" Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 10, 1980 and retired from the military in June 2000 with 20 years of service. Terry developed his unique leadership style while serving in some of the most elite units in the Army. He spent the last 11 years of his career serving in the Special Forces. As a Special Forces soldier (Green Beret), he conducted nation building operations in South and Central America.

As a retired, service-disabled veteran Terry’s “mission mind-set”remains intact:

To Help Every Veteran Receive The Benefits They Have Earned And Deserve From Having Served Our Great Nation!

Gino Johnson started Champions For Veterans with the dream to change the lives of veterans and their families by helping them to get the benefits they deserve from the VA. He knows from experience that the lack of this valuable information can lead to families not receiving the benefits they've earned as a result of the military service their family members gave to our country.

Prior to starting Champions For Veterans, Gino spent 9 years in corporate America working for large and small organizations performing accounting and auditing functions. He received his bachelor and master degrees in accounting from the University of Mississippi.

Navy Seal to veteran advocate with Brent Loyd

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:54:00 -0000

Brent Loyd is a retired Navy SEAL Chief. Enlisting as a Corpsman, he was selected for SEAL training and went on to serve on over 7 deployments with Special Operations units around the world. With is qualifications and proven performance he highly sought after during the Global War on Terror. Post retirement he continues to serve in the roll of Doc. This time with an elevated vision to change the tide of the "status quo" of mental health care in the United States and the world. Recognizing the mental health crisis especially among veterans, he has found his new mission in advocating for legislative reform and policy change to improve access to quality medical care for the many who struggle with the unseen wounds of trauma. He is an educator, speaker, medical and security industry consultant, author and podcaster ready to greet the world with a smile and passion to leave it a better place for future generations.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 04/30/25

Sat, 03 May 2025 00:33:00 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

Sparks of Fire with Sha Sparks

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 01:01:00 -0000

Shā Sparks

As a CFLC, Shā Sparks is a fearless communicator who helps leaders break through self-doubt, fear, and that negative inner voice and turns it into unstoppable confidence and purpose. She transforms fear into Fearless action that sparks leaders to lead with Intention, Resilience, and Empowerment.

As the CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Sparks of Fire International, she hosts multiple podcasts like her signature podcast called The Shā Sparks Show along with being a co-host of the UnderWired podcast. She is also a Certified Fearless Living Coach and Trainer, the author of How to Get Your Voice Back, and the Co-Founder of The Makers Machine and the FIRESTARTERS Media Project. Shā’s audiences and clients experience more confidence, amplified emotional intelligence, and the spark that ignites their fearless action.

“Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, she is also an expert sunrise phone photographer and a rookie kayaker. Most importantly, Shā empowers others to confidently use their voice so they can step into their FIRE power!

As a lifelong student of human connection, leadership, and communication with Scot Storey

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:31:00 -0000

As a lifelong student of human connection, leadership, and communication, I am passionate about shaping the growth and capabilities of leaders and teams worldwide. With a strong foundation in organizational leadership, I bring a unique perspective to leadership development.

My 30 plus year journey in leadership development has been shaped by a career of service in the US Army’s Special Operations Forces leading numerous teams from just a few operators to organizations several thousand people strong, with the Army’s Rangers, Green Berets and Civil Affairs units in some the world’s most remote and arduous conditions. In addition to my military background, I have been a volunteer for over twenty years working with high school students and young adults through church ministry and even administered numerous summer camps for both high school and middle school students. I have even pastored a small church. In short, I love to help people grow to their potential.

I believe in the power of a good story to shape personal connections and help people reach their full potential. I am committed to staying at the forefront of innovative leadership. My background in Strategic Studies, Emergency Management, and Speech Communications fuels my dedication to continuous growth. I'm excited to connect, collaborate, and drive personal and professional excellence in the arena leadership development.

Inspiring Military Children with Operation Teammate

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:10:00 -0000

Our mission Statement

Operation Teammate provides memorable sporting experiences to military children through Impactful Athlete Interaction

ACTIVE DUTY | GUARD | RESERVIST

Veterans of all eras - all statuses

OUR VISION

Our aim is to determine the most appropriate avenue to meet an array of family goals and bring a memorable sporting experience to these children. By doing this, we are able to build a better community while establishing that bridge between families and organizations.

Van of Valor Capturing the Untold Stories of service members and families

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:32:00 -0000

The Story of War-Hero Newlyweds

A retired war hero’s family trade in the keys to their condo and old life in picturesque Manteo, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, to the keys to an old FedEx fleet van with just over 300,000 miles on the odometer.

After taking action to ensure Roanoke Island, N.C., was named America's first Purple Heart Island in September 2024, Lauren Wright Wallace and her newly wed husband Air Force Senior Master Sgt. (ret) Dr. Kevin Wallace decided to commit the next chapter of their life to fully helping tell the story of sacrifice through social media, media, literature, art, and music.

The newlyweds committed themselves, along with their 10-year-old dachshund Sunny, to moving onto the road full-time until either they can tell the story of at least 100 Purple Heart recipients or Gold Star families, or until the van dies, and they run out of money. They have already begun selling their personal belongings to help fund and begin this mission in the Spring of 2025. They can really use any support you can provide!

Veteran Bikers 4 22 a Day!

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:33:00 -0000

VB422(Veteran Bikers for 22 a Day)

was founded by 4 members of the US Military Vets MC this organization is a 501c-19 who aims to provide resources for veterans and active duty service members who battle mental health issues daily and to also provide resources and financial assistance to families that have been affected by veteran suicide. Our hope is to one day see an end to this epidemic.

We the Veterans and Military Families

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:41:00 -0000

We the Veterans and Military Families is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization created by veterans and military family members.

Our Mission

Empower the veteran and military family community to strengthen America

Our Vision

A more perfect Union

Campaign

Military 250

Honoring Service, Through Service

In advance of America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026, this coming year, 2025 will mark the 250th Anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The veteran and military family community’s celebration of this milestone will include a look back at the storied history of our Armed Services and their contributions to the strength of our nation. But we believe this quarter millennium presents an opportunity to recommit ourselves to patriotic participation in our country’s future.

Old Glory Studios with Lewis Manalo

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 01:40:00 -0000

Founded by combat veterans and seasoned game developers Lewis Manalo and Matt Patak, Old Glory Studios brings over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry. Our founders have worked on some of the most popular tactical shooters in the world, bringing their real-life experiences into game development.

Old Glory's goal is to make combat games that are easy to pick up, but hard to master. Backed by a talented network of developers, writers, and artists, our mission is to deliver games that are accessible to everyone while staying true to the authentic combat experiences of our founders.

420 Chief – a veteran, advocate, and educator on the healing power of cannabis.

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:22:00 -0000

420 Chief – a veteran, advocate, and educator on the healing power of cannabis.

After serving 20 years in the Navy, 420 Chief has made it his mission to break stigmas and give veterans a voice in the conversation about plant medicine. Through in-depth, real-life veteran interviews, he shares powerful stories of healing—stories that reveal the truth about how cannabis helps with PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and the mental health struggles that many veterans face. His goal is to raise awareness, challenge outdated perceptions, and bridge the gap between veterans and civilians.

As the author of Strains for Pains, 420 Chief provides expert insight into cannabis strains designed for specific ailments, making education accessible for those seeking natural alternatives. Through his nonprofit Break Stigmas, he continues to connect, support, and advocate for veterans ready to reclaim their lives. You can also find him hosting Vibin’ with Chief, a live music therapy session, and leading discussions on his YouTube channel, where he interviews veterans, cannabis experts, and mental health professionals.

Green Star widow Samantha Bassett

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:16:00 -0000

In this episode the HomeFront team talks with Samantha Bassett about her late husband Mitchell Bassett who recently lost his battle with his demons and became one of the 22.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 03/26/2025

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:15:00 -0000

In this episode we speak about the disparity of treatment for female veterans compared to male veterans.

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

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From Darkness to Dawn with Eric Donoho

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:03:00 -0000

Eric is a retired sergeant from the United States Army Infantry. He is a survivor of veteran suicide and is actively working to overcome chronic health challenges from burn pits and toxic exposures. He is a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and veteran advocate. Eric hopes that by sharing not just his story, but the stories of the 100’s of veterans that he has met along his journey will give our lawmakers perspective on how IAVA’s Big 6 all work together to help combat the epidemics that are facing the veteran community. You can learn more about Eric and his story at: ericdonoho.com.

Hope for 22 a Day with Kasha and Jared

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 01:03:00 -0000

Hopefor22aDay was created in an effort to help the 22 a day before the thought becomes a possibility. Our perseverance and empathy for others is what will be the strength and passion that will be needed within this organization.

Through our own personal experiences, we realized that the knowledge and preparation provided by the military for their own veteran's homecoming was inadequate. Hopefor22aday's primary focus will be providing veterans and their families a support system they need right at home.

A program will be offered with the tools to be able to better understand what to expect and how to support their veteran when it comes to traumas, mental health and the reintegration back into family life, post military.

Hopefor22aDay will strive to bring a variety of support options, emphasizing on our veterans and their families that they are never battling alone.

From Army SF to Homeless Veteran to Veteran Advocate

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 02:01:00 -0000

I’m Brandon smith, I spent 5 years 2008-2013 in the Army,82nd airborne and the 1-6th infantry division. My MOS,was an 11C mortar man i got out as an E-5 as a squad leader of HHT Spartan 1 gun and as a expert gunner for the 82nd airborne HHC special operations unit on grey falcon 1gun.

During my adventures and training and travels I eventually medically retired. from the military and I enjoy creating stories and ideas and also play a couple of video games as well.

I my self struggled like many to get out and transition out of the military properly, so I have great knowledge of living homeless and it was a humbling experience and I had to learn even more things.

BUT I have since been in rehabilitation due to “CPBT” back in 2016 I’ve been able to get back into what I like to do is to raise awareness of the things that are an issue WE SEE need more communication on, and getting just one more shot at making my mark or our mark and a real difference in our veteran community ,that’s what I’m all in for.

Heroes of America and Beyond pt 2

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 01:58:00 -0000

We are non-profit organization dedicated to honoring our past and present heroes. These are men and women of the active duty military and veterans who have volunteered to serve their country.

We also want to honor the families of those veterans and active duty military, who are true un-sung heroes. A veterans service is only possible by the sacrifices made by the loved ones who are at home taking care of the home front.

In 2025 we have some big goals.

Raise money to provide care items for homeless veterans, visit veterans in local VA centers, in hospice care, help support other veteran non-profits, and raise money for organizations that support the families of veterans.

The Mental Health Warrior with Clifford Bauman and Pacific Tita

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:57:28 -0000

My story began on 9-11-01 and like many Americans, 9-11 forever changed our lives. But for me, being there, my path took a very dark turn that over time led me to attempting suicide over the guilt of not finding anyone alive after the attack. As a member of the military, getting help or going to counseling was not an option, as it would certainly mean the end of your career, or so I thought.

After my attempt, I realized I needed support. I was diagnosed with PTSD, received treatment, and I now believe that counseling has made me a stronger man and a stronger Soldier. Since then, I share my story as a suicide survivor in an attempt to inform service members and family members that everyone goes through dark times in their lives, whether you are on the battlefield or just driving to work and witness a car accident. There are things sometimes you cannot handle, and it is okay to ask for help.

Influential Women in military history!

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 01:48:59 -0000

In this episode Willis talks with Andrew Prater and Clara Colburn. We discuss some of the most influential women in military history. We start with the only female to receive the highest military award The Medal Of Honor. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker is the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor in the United States. She was awarded the medal for her service during the Civil War.

Why is there so much disparity between Female Vets to Male Vets!

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:57:00 -0000

In this episode we explore the disparity between male and female veterans.

Open Forum with Veterans

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:53:37 -0000

This is an open forum where Willis gets to talk with Sam from Blackdog Community, Stalz from Veteran Bikers 4 22, James from Heroes of America and Beyond, and JJ from Victory Leadership Lounge. We just talk about this and that.

Middle School Veteran Advocate Case Baccio

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:48:51 -0000

Case Baccio is the Founder of Clear Water for Heroes, a non-profit organization that supports Veterans initiatives. He is currently an 8th grader at Manheim Township Middle School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Case's extra-curricular activities include being a leader in the organization Where Everyone Belongs-WEB; football, wrestling, track and field; a Second Class Boy Scout, and a member of Team Fastrax-America's Skydiving Team. Since establishing Clear Water for Heroes in 2019, Case has raised over $50,000. These funds have been distributed to organizations such as Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation, the Veterans Court of Lancaster County, and the Delmarva Chapter of the Purple Heart. Clear Water for Heroes is currently looking to expand to provide support to For the Love of a Veteran and Building Bridges.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable February 26, 2025

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:46:24 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

Willis and Gunny just bantering back and fourth

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:27:53 -0000

Willis and Gunny just shooting the breeze and talking about life, family and veterans of course!

Heroes of America and Beyond with James Coombs

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:26:03 -0000

We are non-profit organization dedicated to honoring our past and present heroes. These are men and women of the active duty military and veterans who have volunteered to serve their country.

In 2025 we have some big goals.

The Broken Mirror with 1821 Productions

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 22:21:29 -0000

I created this platform to support both of my books THE MIRROR 2nd edition and The Broken Mirror. This is a mental health platform on Facebook as well as Instagram and YouTube. I have a streaming platform for a podcast called 1821 productions, a mental health, journey and awareness.

I am known as the voice of the voiceless there are a lot of veterans that won’t speak up. There are a lot of people out there who go through traumatic problems that won’t disclose because they’re afraid that they could get terminated or even not promoted in a job. I believe everyone has some type of trauma, and I Share my story and my poetry with individuals who are going through it if I can inspire someone to live another day or change their direction I’m not committing suicide or at least getting my message out at least to one person with my books. I have accomplished my mission.

Sip to Remember with Four Branches Bourbon

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:17:07 -0000

BRANCHES OF BROTHERHOOD, HONORING VETERANS

We are four veterans who share a deep appreciation for bourbon and an unbreakable bond forged in service abroad. We believe in the power of gathering together, sharing stories, and raising a glass to honor the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in arms and those who have supported them.

Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and brotherhood runs through everything we do, from sourcing and crafting small-batch bourbons to supporting veteran causes and organizations that make a real difference in our communities.

Echoes of Asgard with Valhalla Viking and Magnas Stormbreaker

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:18:41 -0000

"Echoes of Asgard" is an epic fantasy series that follows Odin, Thor, and Loki as they embark on a perilous journey to prevent Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the gods. Odin seeks the powerful mead of poetry in the treacherous realm of Jotunheim, facing mystical trials that test his wisdom and resolve. Meanwhile, Thor battles enemies and Loki's treachery, as Loki's schemes sow discord among the gods. As tensions rise, Thor encourages a servant to seek vengeance against Loki, setting the stage for further conflict. The series explores themes of heroism, betrayal, and the struggle between fate and free will in a richly imagined world of Norse mythology. Promising the sagas of more God's and Goddesses in future series.

From the Army to Nashville and back with country music artist Dustin Collins

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 01:34:18 -0000

"Cold Dead Hands," Dustin Collins' 2017 breakthrough hit, was a defiant pro-Second Amendment anthem, suggesting the Kentucky-based country singer was a bit of a rebel. In fact, Collins grew up in a musical household, one where his father played with his uncle in an actively recording group, and his straight-ahead country music certainly shows a debt to tradition while also incorporating sly modern elements, such as a fondness for the smooth, murmuring electronic rhythms of Jason Aldean and the rousing bro-country of Luke Bryan.

Born in northern Georgia but raised in Bardstown, Kentucky, Dustin Collins remembers spending time in the recording studio as a child, but he wasn't drawn to music until he was a teenager. First, he played covers of classic rock and post-grunge, but soon he was drawn to country through the music of Hank Williams, Jr.

Collins first cracked the national country charts when "Cold Dead Hands" reached number one on Billboard's Hot Single Sales Chart in March 2017. He signed with Colt Ford's Average Joe's Entertainment and didn't release another single that year, but 2018 brought "The Barn." Both songs were featured on his mini-album It's Been Awhile, which came out in August of 2018.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 01/29/25

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:08:57 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

A look inside of Operation Horses Heal!

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:55:30 -0000

Our Mission: Operation Horses Heal brings inclusive support to Veterans, active service members, and their immediate families through equine-related activities.

Our vision as Operation Horses Heal is to create a space where Veterans, active service members, and their immediate families can relax, rejuvenate, and be themselves. Our hope is to improve and enrich their lives and wellbeing with the goal of reducing veteran suicide one person at a time.

Our services are always FREE to Veterans, active military, and their immediate families (brothers, sisters, parents, children, spouses/partners).

Services offered at Operation Horses Heal are not therapy however, they have the potential to support the improvement one’s overall well-being.

Operation Horses Heal (EIN: 87-2671258) is a 501(c)3 which is funded through donations, sponsorship, fundraising activities, and grants. This helps our services remain FREE.

Operation Horses Heal is located within UP THERE, LLC in scenic Westboro, WI.

The BlackDog Community with Sam

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 01:32:55 -0000

I was adopted oldest of 2 in my adopted family and oldest of my side of the family my brother and sister, spent 8 years in the Army National Guard, 12 state active duty missions, 1 deployment

I almost became part of Mission 22, attempted twice after my second time my buddy who is part of Mission 22 sent me a video and in the video it was from Grunt Style called “The Spartan Pledge” and it says “I will not take my own life by my own hand until I talk to my battle buddy first, my Mission is to find a Mission to help my warfighter family” that and them talking about their PTSD and deployments and trama helped me realized I need to find my Mission and Purpose and after helping 2 vets in a row be here I called out to God and said “I hear yea” and last year in December a friend of mine in Australia wanted to give me a platform to talk about my teams in a safe place and she made Blackdog on Discord and unfortunately she went down the path of researching PTSD and trama from those of us who have seen War and she got a small case of PTSD and she couldn’t handle it so in January she handed over everything that had to do with BlackDog and unfortunately I wasn’t able to do much with it because I was in the middle of a horrible emotional domestic abuse relationship but on Veterans Day 2024 I put that aside and did a 24 mile ruck march to help raise awareness of Veteran and First Responder suicide, did it in 7 hours and now out of that relationship and I’ve been pushing hard on 2025 event on Veterans Day and im in a better mindset and relationship

Soldiers To Sidelines with Harrison BernStein

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0000

As a veteran, service member, military spouse or gold star family member, you have valuable skills and experiences that can benefit your community. Soldiers To Sidelines provides the training, resources, and support you need to become a character-based sports coach and inspire the next generation of leaders.

We are dedicated to educating, certifying, developing, and supporting members of the military community to become expert coaches and exemplary role models for today’s impressionable youth. We not only help veterans, service members, military spouses, and gold-star families fulfill their passion for service and desire for purposeful work, but ultimately create a stronger world community that can benefit future generations.

We believe that our veterans and service members can have a meaningful and lasting impact on others through athletics. We armor Soldier Coaches with high human skills and coaching knowledge, along with connections to the athletic community. This is all made possible by a comprehensive training and support network of top sports, military, business professionals, and donors.

Lamb Farming in South Dakota with Peterson 601 Homestead!

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:21:42 -0000

We started the Peterson 601 Homestead in DEC 2017 after we both got out of the Military and started a family. We purchased the small Homestead adjacent to LacyJaymes Parents small sheep ranch where we bought out Lacy's parents Sheep Herd and leased the ground . 601 Homestead began . We started off in a small conventional AG model taking lambs to the sale barn to be fed by some big feedlot and enter into the mainstream US Lamb market , we also began to sell Commercial Hampshire Breeding Rams & Suffolk Cross Breeding Rams . We have always been a meat breed Sheep operation . We began investing in good quality livestock to grow our numbers and hone in on what we were truly passionate about. A superb high quality easy going US Lamb Carcass. We built our own walk in cooler and began butchering all our own Lamb meat and pork for our families needs and really saw the truth of our "carcass " which helped us develop our sheep program.

In about 2020 we began realizing when we were getting more involved with our Sheep business how hard it is for first time farmers & AG producers to actually get set up into a sheep program . This is when we began offering Veteran /Military Discounts on high quality Commercial South African Meat Merino + Hampshire Breeding livestock . In hopes to support Veterans & those currently serving to get a leg up in one of the most crucial and important ways of life in the US.

Also through my long time mentorship with the US Retail Lamb & Meat Breed Sheep producers The Kitzan Family Farms Mrs Gwen Kitzan began to encourage me and help make a way for us to begin to branch out into direct farm to table Lamb meat sales and break into the retail Lamb world. Here we are today , offering beautiful healthy cuts of USDA Inspected retail Lamb meat . We haul our Lambs twice a year to Bear Mountain Beef in Hawk Springs WY a Veteran Friendly and supportive employer I love knowing that a guy I served with in Wyoming's family is directly benefiting from us choosing to have our lambs butchered there . We always offer a 15% Veterans discount on all Lamb Meat & Breeding livestock . It's so important for us to give back to Veterans by offering healthful , hearty proteins , livestock ,,baked goods , produce & cut flowers . We have a true passion for Agriculture & the American way of life. We were selected to take part of the USDA 's LFPA (local food purchase assistance program ) that purchases our Lamb at wholesale ish costs and distributes it in the local community that we live in that is a heavy Veteran community . We hope in the future through our Peterson 601 Homestead to develop a strong Veteran Community to support and encourage one another , to serve through The American Legion ( we belong to Post 33 in Sturgis SD ) and by hosting Chislic Lamb Feeds & Fellowship and inviting other South Dakota Veterans to come ruck the hills with us throw ok a pack and have a fun time with friends.

From homeless vet to helping the homeless with Chaz

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:29:29 -0000

The FSB Initiative is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has one simple mission, help homeless Veterans off the street and onto their feet! Our President was a homeless veteran in 2016. He was in a program that really helped him get back on his feet and then transferred to a program in Delaware that was not doing what it needed to for our Veterans. He vowed to start a program that would really make a difference in a homeless Veterans’ life. Our ultimate goal is to have our own shelter.

We go out into the homeless community and help homeless veterans with clothing, hygiene, food, and any other comforts we can give. However, the help does not stop there. We work with them if they have addictions and offer to get them into treatment if they desire. FSB can help get them shelter, employment, and other services. A homeless veteran qualifies for care through the VA even if it is not service connected. As long as they are under the care of a program, they will get the medical help they need!

Without the help of donors, we cannot complete our mission. We are working on items that can be purchased and 100% of it goes to help us help our Veterans who we owe a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. There are no paid employees so 100% of all donations go to help men, women and their children if needed get off the street and on their feet.

We currently work with homeless veterans from Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and have active outreach teams in Ohio, Tennessee and Florida as well. With your HELP we can and will help put a major dent in the homeless epidemic.

Veteran flags made by Vets with Kris Morgan

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:27:11 -0000

My father and one grandfather served in the United States Army, and my brother and other grandfather were in the Navy.

I joined the United States Air Force in 1994, serving first at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas, and then at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City working on AWACS. I went on my first deployment to the Middle East, as a part of Operation Southern Watch in 1995. While in Saudi Arabia, I received a non-combat head injury, which eventually lead to an Honorable Medical Discharge in 2001.

My medical condition continued to deteriorate, and I suffer from seizures and migraines related to my injury. I also have had 4 heart attacks and was recently diagnosed with Restrictive Lung Disease (from volunteer work at the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building).

Due to my physical disabilities, I was unable to hold down full time employment, and I eventually fell into a deep depression. A Veteran friend got me interested in some local non-profit programs and I became involved with them. I found this time to bond with fellow Veterans over fishing, hunting and golf…..a true God send.

It was during this time that I discovered my love for woodworking, especially crafting wooden American flags. I have made 1190 flags to date, with over 800 flags donated to Vets. My goal is to create 100 - 150 every year from here on out.

Breathwork in Bed with Australian SF Tim Thomas

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:17:17 -0000

As a former Special Forces operator, I’ve channeled my expertise into creating some of Australia’s most impactful veteran mental health recovery programs, transforming countless lives along the way. My mission is to deliver actionable strategies and transformative insights that leave a lasting impression on your audience. With a unique blend of motivational storytelling and practical tools, I specialize in topics that your audience will deeply resonate with: Mastering optimal rest and the science of high-quality sleep. Breaking through fear and rebuilding unshakable resilience. The power of generosity and its ripple effects on success and happiness. Harnessing breathwork to eliminate stress and supercharge well-being. Together with my team, we’ve raised over $1 million for charities that create real, measurable change. Two organizations I’m particularly proud to support are the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, which pioneers breakthroughs in health research for veterans, and the Queensland Brain Institute, known globally for its work in neuroscience and mental health. I pride myself on providing not just inspiration but real, tangible value that your listeners can implement immediately to improve their wellness and unlock their potential. Whether it’s during our conversation or long after the episode airs, my goal is to empower your audience with tools to enhance their lives. At the heart of it all, I’ve discovered that connection—both to ourselves and others—is the foundation of a truly meaningful life. My approach is rooted in the belief that we’re all in this together, and when one of us wins, we all rise.

Healing with Hemp with U.S. Veterans Alliance

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:15:36 -0000

Our mission is to create a hemp based farming and construction platform that uses the growth of both CBD hemp and hemp fiber to support the CBD and construction industries. as well as U.S. Veterans and First Responders around the world.

U.S. Veterans Alliance has many product offerings in many forms. We create CBD tinctures, pills and other products as well as growing hemp to incorporate into the construction industry in large scale to help stabilize the industry and move it forward.

US Veterans Alliance believes in the importance of partnerships. Working with other Veteran companies, non-profit organizations and individuals, we believe that we can assist the greatest number of Veterans in need.

From the Army National Guard to the Marines with Killian Shelton

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

In this episode Willis and Gunny talk with Army/Marine veteran Killian Shelton who has recently transitioned out of the Marines back to the civilian sector. He discusses the differences between Army and Marine Corps basic/bootcamp. he talks about his journey with the Va since he transitioned out. We also talk about his tattoo that is epic.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 12/18/24

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 16:02:37 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

From the Marines to R.D.C. Shoe Company with Darren Davis

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

R.D.C. Shoe Company is a family owned, service-connected disabled Veteran owned company that was formed after the tragic attacks of September 11th, 2001. I was stringing tennis racquets at the US Open in 2001 and then the world changed. My wife Rogina took a sharpie marker and fabric paint and designed the shoes that you see today. We were approached by many shoe companies for our design, but would not sell it. Instead, we tabled the idea until we found the right organizations to help. In 2018, I met Woody Williams and that would change our lives forever. We decided that we wanted to help out his foundation and we had the means to do it. In 2021, I was fortunate enough to go to the Medal of Honor Convention in Boston and would meet many other Medal of Honor Recipients. One night I was at the table of a daughter of a recipient that had passed and was being memorialized the next day. She stated that her Dad's story will be forgotten after tomorrow and I said that I would think of something to remember him. That is when I came up with the idea of doing the MOH cards and putting a card in each box to tell their stories forever. Since 2021, R.D.C. has signed Co-Venture agreements with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Woody Williams Foundation. What this means is that we give back $10 to each organization for every purchase of the Glory shoe. Every purchase comes with a pair of Glory designed shoes, a commemorative shoe box and a Medal of Honor recipients card.

Honor and Remember with George Lutz

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

Mission: To perpetually recognize the sacrifice of America’s military fallen service members and their families. The organization pays tribute to all military lives lost, not only while serving on active duty but also as a result of serving. Military deaths in all wars or conflicts and all branches of service from our nation’s inception are recognized.

The primary vehicle for perpetual recognition is a specific and dedicated symbol of remembrance created by this organization: the Honor and Remember Flag, which is intended to fly continuously as a tangible and visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.

Rationale: In our over 200 year history there has never been an official national symbol that solely and specifically recognizes in gratitude and respect the ultimate sacrifice made by members of the United States military in service to our nation. The Honor and Remember Flag was created for that purpose.

Goals: In keeping with our mission and primary goals, we continue to significantly impact this nation with the message of perpetually recognizing our military fallen heroes and their families. Our objectives can be summarized in four words, establish, educate, present and comfort.

US Freedom Farms with Mike Hasstedt

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0000

At U.S. Freedom Farms, we take pride in putting our veteran community first in everything that we do. We are a company that focuses on building a better future for our environment and economy, without sacrificing quality. Our commitment to serving our community is at the heart of our mission and will continue on this path..

We honor those who have served our country and are committed to supporting them in their transition back to civilian life. As a sustainable construction company, we understand the importance of hiring qualified veterans first. We will give veterans priority when considering new hires at our farms and construction companies. Help us in giving back to those who have given so much.

Veteran Give Back Programs

We are proud to have programs in place that support veterans, providing training, education, medical products, industry discounts, low cost loans, and much more. Our company is committed to giving back to the brave men and women who have served our country, so we offer incentives and resources to help them succeed in their post-military careers. This is part of our ongoing mission to build a better world, one community at a time. Contact us today to learn more about our veteran giveback programs and how you can get involved.

Warrior's Honor Cruise with Richard Fuller

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:09:41 -0000

Mission Statement

Our mission as a non-profit organization is to help United States Purple Heart recipients. Their mental health is the most important aspect of the organization. Each Purple Heart veteran is at a different stage of recovery. They face the challenges of PTSD, TBI, depression, horrific images of war, as well as physical and often debilitating injuries. Since 2001, 114,000 veterans have taken their own lives. More warriors have been loss to suicide then both the wars on terrorism. By providing this select group of veterans and their caregivers (those who assist with emotional, physical, and spiritual care) with resources and a time of respite, we pledge to tirelessly work to reduce suicides. The organization’s number one priority will be to continue the fight to help save the lives of Purple Heart recipients and other veterans.

From Marine to leading Gruntstyle Foundation with Tim Jensen

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:07:27 -0000

Established in April of 2021, Grunt Style Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to providing life changing resources and experiences for service members, Veterans, and their families.

With a steadfast commitment to its core values—Mental Health and Wellness, Transition and Sustainment, Food Insecurities, and Homelessness–Grunt Style Foundation offers those who served and continue to serve our country their due recognition, honor, and support.

From Marine to CEO of OO-Lah Cocktails with Trevor Spiers

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 01:44:18 -0000

This veteran-led company, based in Hollywood, Florida, is revolutionizing the RTD cocktail space with a mission that embraces the "kickback lifestyle."

Trevor’s path to founding oo-Lah began during his service in Kane’ohe Bay, Hawaii, where he developed a profound appreciation for relaxation and adventure. After returning to the mainland and pursuing a successful career in real estate, he recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, convenient cocktails that evoke the carefree spirit of a beach day.

oo-Lah Cocktails embodies Trevor’s vision, offering a lineup of premium, lightly carbonated cocktails that taste like a vacation in a can. Each flavor—Spicy Margarita, Big-O, Island Girl, and Prickly Pear Margarita—is crafted with precision using clean spirits and a proprietary blend of natural ingredients, ensuring a consistent and delightful experience every time.

These cocktails aren’t just beverages; they invite consumers to embrace a lifestyle of relaxation and enjoyment, making them perfect for unwinding after a long day or celebrating life’s moments with friends and family.

Warrior Scholar Project with Ryan Pavel

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:20:03 -0000

To propel enlisted veterans and service members towards success in higher education and beyond through transformative programming that advances skills, builds confidence, and forges lasting connections.

Ryan Pavel serves as Warrior-Scholar Project’s chief executive officer, channeling a deeply-held conviction that enlisted veterans have unlimited potential to leverage military service into enormous impact in higher education and beyond.

At the age of 17, Ryan enlisted in the Marine Corps, culminating in two non-combat deployments to Iraq. Ryan then earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. His teaching experience includes working as a Teach For America corps member at an inner-city Detroit high school and as an adjunct instructor at Virginia Military Institute. Ryan has also worked for a variety of legal institutions, including legal aid organizations and a large national law firm.

Ryan serves as a board member of the Union League Club of Chicago, focusing on the club’s commitment to country and community. In 2023, he was selected for the inaugural cohort of Obama Foundation Leaders USA, a nonpartisan leadership development program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders across the country.

Office Joe with Nick Palmisciano

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:16:51 -0000

Nick Palmisciano graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point as a member of the Class of ‘98 and then served six years as an Infantry Captain. Upon trading in his fatigues for civilian clothes, he attended Duke University’s MBA program and then worked in areas of increasing responsibility at a Fortune 100 company. He then plunged himself into the world of entrepreneurship, where over the course of 15 years he has built multiple successful and unique businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. His passion for sharing his trials and tribulations as an entrepreneur have led him to become a mentor to many aspiring business owners and transitioning veterans over the years.

Nick Palmisciano is the CEO of Diesel Jack Media, a full-service marketing agency that specializes in helping brands to not suck at marketing.

Nick is also the Vice President and one of four founding board members of Save Our Allies, an effort that rescued 12,000 refugees in the final 10 days of the Afghanistan Mission. He was one of the twelve men that physically went to Kabul to assist with the evacuation.

He has a passion for entrepreneurship, creative works spanning film, writing, and art, Italian food, and combat sports. He laments the fact that he isn’t good enough at the latter two to make a living, because that would be pretty sweet.

He spent the best and hardest six years of his life serving as an infantry officer in the United States Army. While he was awarded various ribbons, badges, and tabs including the coveted Ranger Tab, he is most proud of being the only officer in history to train his platoon to deliver the entire opening cheer to the movie “Bring it On” for his chain of command in response to being asked to “put together a platoon mantra that really represents your unit.” To this day, he maintains that they were, in fact, “sexy, cute, and popular to boot,” despite a differing opinion from his chain of command at the performance’s end.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable November 27, 2024

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:42:07 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma with Michael Sugrue

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 01:55:48 -0000

Michael Sugrue began his law enforcement career in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Officer in 1998. As a Security Forces Officer, Michael specialized in Law Enforcement, Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments and Air Base Ground Defense. Michael served in a variety of assignments including: Flight Leader, Flight Commander, Senior Watch Officer, Chief of Command Post and Chief of Security Forces. Michael served all over the United States, Europe, the Middle East and South America. He was also a Security Forces Phoenix Raven with the unique identifier of #1173. Michael honorably separated from the Air Force as a Captain in 2004. Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to speak at law enforcement agencies all over the United States. In his International #1 BEST-SELLING book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, along with Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, they tackle the complexity of trauma within the law enforcement community, uncovering the unspoken barriers, and outline a path to healing.

Soldier, Analyst, Consultant, Therapist with Philippa Bagley

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:40:11 -0000

Soldier, Analyst, Consultant, Therapist

Philippa is a dedicated psychotherapist with over 40 years of life experience and a deep understanding of mental health challenges. Inspired by her military career, where she witnessed the mental health struggles of veterans, and further motivated by the widespread challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Philippa decided to dedicate her career to making a meaningful impact on others. She specializes in helping individuals overcome obstacles and reach their highest potential, however they define it.

With extensive qualifications and a broad range of experience working across different cultures and environments, Philippa has successfully addressed complex issues such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse, PTSD, anxiety, extreme phobias, and suicide in both the veteran community and wider. As a guest speaker, Philippa brings a wealth of knowledge, practical insights, and a unique perspective on mental health, personal growth, and resilience, connecting with diverse audiences to offer actionable and impactful advice.

Intentionally Pursuing Christ in the Military Life with Beth Runkle

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:45:57 -0000

Beth is a proud military spouse of 25 years. She began a relationship with Jesus Christ a few

years after she wed her military husband because of her involvement in Bible Study. Beth and

her husband saw their lives and marriage dramatically transformed by Christ and the Biblical

blueprint for marriage and began sharing that information with other military couples. After 25

years, her husband was ready to retire but they weren’t ready to leave gospel-centered ministry to

the military behind. So, they joined Cru Military's staff, a Campus Crusade for Christ division,

and moved to Colorado. They work as missionaries to the military and are engaged in ministry

to cadets at the Air Force Academy and other ministries to couples and women at the 4 military

bases in Colorado Springs. Beth earned a master’s degree from Gateway Seminary to better

equip her for leading Bible study with military spouses and women. Beth is also publishing a

book for military wives called Another Move, God? 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as

a Military Wife with B & H Publishing in October of 2024. Beth and her husband have two kids

in college.

HomeFront Sitrep Veteran's Day special 2024

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 23:19:06 -0000

The Homefront team talks with guest on Veterans day 2024

Smalltown Pa to Vietnam to Col with Lou Seelig

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:12:38 -0000

Lou Seelig is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in a small town of Honesdale, PA to first generation immigrant parents. He learned humility and determination while raised as the oldest boy of nine children from a modest family. He also learned courage as an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam being awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He overcame a below average start at school to become the Comptroller for President Reagan's missile defense program "Star Wars". While a senior fellow at the National Defense University he a wrote a controversial book "Resource Management In Peace and War" predicting Desert Strom four years before it occurred. Success has always been a driving factor for Lou, but he found out late in his career that he needed to redefine success.

Lou and his wife Jean's families came from humble backgrounds in Europe and immigrated to the US for various social and economic reasons. Their ancestors brought with them little else but their values, customs, and cultures that were passed down generation after generation. Intrigued as a child by the many undocumented stories told around the dinner table and other festive occasions, Lou undertook an investigation of his family past after retiring, to help better understand himself. He also wanted to document his findings for his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews so they would benefit from his research and appreciate the rich but humble family history. The documentation resulted in his writing the book "Need to Succeed" initially published in 2003 and republished in 2021 including family pictures. Lou wants to share his genealogical approach with people interested in searching their own family history. His hopes are that the presentation will provide information on the how-to of genealogy presentation for those conducting their own family search.

The Veteran Life insurance Team with Ryan Hammer

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:10:27 -0000

Ryan Hammer is a highly educated, top-performing and results-focused service disabled Veteran turned entrepreneur. His vast experience as an upper level manager includes leading large teams in both operational and logistical environments. Driven by success, and holding said teams to the highest professional standards, Ryan Hammer has delivered nothing but the best performance while building high morale from the members within the offices charged under him. His tried and tested in-depth knowledge of leadership principles, coupled with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, while balancing multiple projects have led to his numerous award winning programs, and personal recognition.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable 10/30/24

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:05:37 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

HomeFront Sitrep Live 10/27/24

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:45:50 -0000

The Homefront Sitrep Team talk about important issues

Ultimate Veteran Adventures with Joe

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:42:31 -0000

At Ultimate Veteran Adventures (UVA), our mission is to honor the service and sacrifices of honorably discharged veterans, currently serving personnel, Gold Star families, and first responders by providing them with life-changing, all-expenses-paid hunting and fishing trips across the country. Through the healing power of the great outdoors, we aim to create inspiration, foster camaraderie, and empower our participants to find solace, purpose, and personal growth in the beauty of nature. UVA is dedicated to helping those who have served and continue to serve our communities and our nation, ensuring they find hope, healing, and a brighter future through innovative and transformative outdoor experiences.

We offer hunting and fishing trips throughout the country. In addition to that, we also offer knife forging classes, pen making classes, family whitewater rafting trips, as well as Delta Waterfowl banquets, Ducks Unlimited Banquets, and Whitetail Unlimited Banquets.

The challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life with Kim Carter!

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:57:42 -0000

As a veteran herself, Kimberly Carter can draw from her personal experiences in the military to provide firsthand insights into the challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. In her role at pepelwerk, Kimberly likely has a deep understanding of workforce development and the specific needs of veterans in today's job market. This expertise can offer valuable perspectives on how pepelwerk's platform can support veterans in finding meaningful employment opportunities. By discussing her service and the work of pepelwerk on a podcast, Kimberly can help raise awareness about the challenges veterans face and the support available to them through initiatives like pepelwerk.

Exemplary record providing the leadership for operations, sales, service support, project management, and employee development. Successful at building corporate infrastructures and establishing operating controls that facilitate smooth operations during periods of significant change and growth. Extremely effective at integrating operational systems and processes to solve complex business problems.

Specialties: •Sales/Sales Operations •Strategic Business Planning •Service/Delivery Management

•Process Planning, Development, and Introduction •Key Performance Indicators •Change Management •Policy & Procedure Analysis & Development •Cross-functional Team Development •Supplier/Vendor Relations •Customer Relations Management (CRM) •Project Management/Process Delivery

Our Brother's Keeper with Romans Warrior Foundation

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:46:15 -0000

We, the Romans Warrior Foundation, are simple Patriots that want nothing more than to Honor those less than 1% that take the oath to protect our values as the United States of America. We are Fathers. We are Sons. We are Mothers. We are Daughters. We are Veterans. We are Combat Veterans. We are First Responders. We understand the sacrifice that families make in order to allow that less than 1% to serve our Nation. Its a support system. Its what we live by - "Family First!" We understand that "Helping is Healing" through our many initiatives designed to create an atmosphere to allow the introduction to healing by helping our Veteran, First Responder, or Gold Star Family member through their trauma. How do we do this? The family dynamic creates a team. The Team creates the possibilities of ideas. Those ideas are cultivated into plans. Those plans transition into Goals. Those Goals are what makes the difference. It can be from the reintroduction to a name on the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance to an opportunity for a grieving mother/father to see a child's name in black, surrounded by their comrades. It is the Eagles scream across that open body of water, while the line pulls tight, alone in your vessel while surrounded by our team, knowing you are not alone. It is the song lyric that hits so close as a memory and the story that defines a moment in time when the world stood still, followed by a voice of reason pulling us back from the unforgiving flames.

We, the Romans Warrior Foundation, care and show through action, not mere words. We are literal boots on the ground, hands on, one to one at times, to break through the unseen, adapt and walk through that fire as one. Our methods are not traditional however, they are effective. Our team continues to transition, learn, and evolve to our environment in which our Veterans, First Responders and their families reside. We build our team with like-minded organizations to increase not only our reach but also our abilities to help those who often are the last to reach out and ask. We do not offer a hand out, just a hand up -> a hand to get back to that sense of purpose, back to a sense of unity, and become one, once again within a team.

You can be a part of our success. You can make that difference in a life, to bring that camaraderie back into that elusive soul. No more wonder, no more fear, for we are one, one team in one fight.

From Training show dogs to creating Battle Buddies with Northwest Battle Buddies

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:00:33 -0000

WHY WE EXIST

22 Veterans a day, over 8000 a year, commit suicide on American Soil.

Many American Heroes return home to find their greatest battle still awaits. For a Veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the battle is never over. They come home and find everything has changed… because they have been changed.

OUR MISSION

NORTHWEST BATTLE BUDDIES GIFTS PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED SERVICE DOGS TO VETERANS BATTLING PTSD, HELPING THEM REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE.

There is no cure for PTSD, but service dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms with life-changing — results. With a canine Battle Buddy by their side, Veterans with PTSD can regain their freedom and independence.

All our service dogs spend 5+ months in intensive training, then are carefully matched with a Veteran handler for five more weeks of training and bonding, creating the ultimate partnership.

WIN Home inspections Veteran Owned Franchisees

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:36:57 -0000

WIN was founded to address the growing need for quality and professional home inspections, and for the last 30 years, has set out to do just that. Since 1993, WIN has been building a nationally-recognized brand, with more than 270+ across 45 states and has served more than 2 million satisfied clients. Service remains at the forefront of everything that we do, and that value is emphasized through our client-centric approach, support for veterans, and community focus. We treat every home as if it were our own and go out of our way to ensure our clients are well-informed, safe, and healthy.

Knowing that a secure home plays a pivotal role in their transition back to civilian life, we’re proud to support veterans through discounted services and exceptional career opportunities. Moreover, we firmly believe in the importance of strong, supportive neighborhoods, and so WIN actively contributes to local and national initiatives. With every home inspection we conduct, we are not just providing an essential service, but serving as a compassionate partner, vested in the well-being of our clients.

Ruck It Up 4 Warriors with Scott Fredenburg

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:27:56 -0000

I am a retired Veteran of 24 years, who served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. I recently started my own Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation called Ruck-it Up 4Warriors. My organization goal is to help eliminate Veteran suicide by bringing awareness to the high numbers of Veterans who commit suicide each and every day. Ruck-it Up 4Warriors holds fundraisers to give back to existing Veterans PTSD organizations.

Defending The Eagle with Frank Demith

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:25:57 -0000

Frank Demith is a retired Army veteran who served on active duty for twenty-eight years. He graduated from the United States Military Academy and later worked on the Department of the Army team that developed the Army interpreter/translator program. He is a graduate of the Deliberate Discomfort Challenge and is a member of the Endless 6. In his free time, he enjoys reading history and fiction novels, visiting battlefields, and playing the saxophone. He currently lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia with his wife and their four dogs.

Navy Commander to Addiction Recovery to helping veterans with Jay Wylie

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:55:02 -0000

A battle tested former naval officer with over 20 years of operational experience, including command at sea, who is looking to provide solutions to senior leaders and business partners in all industries regarding process improvement, organization optimization, superior operations management, safety oversight, environmental compliance, quality assurance, and training.

Manages all Administrative programs and supports clinical efforts for a substance abuse recovery program; also coordinates all veteran outreach efforts. Confidential Recovery is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that specializes in helping working adults, first responders and veterans to overcome their problems with addiction and substance abuse. Our program meets at night so that our clients can stay employed and provide for their families while working on their recovery.

Building Forward Now with Dr. David Blake

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:52:12 -0000

I'm Dr Dave Blake, owner and founder of Building Forward Now, Inc. I started my company with the vision to inspire change and purpose in everyone so they can make a difference in the lives of others. With over 40 years of leadership experience, I’ve created a company dedicated to people and their individual growth and development.

Throughout those 40 years, I’ve worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors, as well as teaching leadership practices at all levels of higher education. Utilizing my past experiences, I will help people and organizations move forward to operationalize their dreams.

My topics focuses on helping teams and individuals learn their unique voice and how to use it effectively. My basic principle, is you have to know yourself to lead yourself.

I’ve been married to my wife Terri for 41 years, have 4 awesome kids, and 5 beautiful grandchildren. We live in the San Diego area with our 3 dogs Maggie, Poppie and Blue. I am a proud retired member of the United States Air Force.

Tip of the Spear, a Veteran Roundtable 9-25-24

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 01:22:18 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

HomeFront Sitrep

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

Mended Sparrows

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:30:49 -0000

Mended Sparrow, Inc. (MSI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides equine assisted services, at no cost, to our heroes and their families. Led by husband-and-wife duo, Wayne and Shahnaz Deyette, both retired from military service. We are located on a small farm in Mechanicsville, VA, where we welcome service members, veterans, first responders, and similarly situated individuals, who have dedicated their lives to serving, caring, and protecting our country and communities.

We know that trauma is a hidden wound that can affect people in different ways. It can shake one’s faith, leave one with unanswered questions, or cause chronic health issues, both mental and physical. That’s why we are here to support you on your journey of healing and personal growth.

At MSI, we respect that each person’s path is unique and there is no fixed timeline for healing. We provide a supportive and safe environment where you can explore your potential and connect with the horses. Our goal is to foster a sense of community, staying connected with each other as we embark on this transformative journey, harnessing the therapeutic nature of horses to heal, grow, and thrive.

Redeemed with Lauren Burns

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:20:01 -0000

My name is Lauren Burns, and I was kidnapped at the age of seven by my Jordanian father and taken to Jordan. My mother, Cathy Hopkins, hired ex-military experts who traveled to Jordan with my mother to bring me home safely. Through a daring rescue mission, my mother and I escaped across a secured military border into Israel.

Desperate Rescue

My story was headline news in the Washington Post, New York Times, Reader’s Digest, People Magazine, and numerous others. In 1993, Desperate Rescue: The Cathy Mahone Story debuted as a NBC made-for-television drama starring Mariel Hemingway based on my childhood.

Homefront Sitrep Live 9-15-24

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:18:15 -0000

The Homefront team just chatting

The Lima Charlie show with Rob Banas

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:15:12 -0000

Our mission is simple: We share Veteran Stories, Loud & Clear (Lima Charlie).With less than 1% of the U.S. population currently serving in our military, it's important to communicate those experiences with the public and lead our community in a conversation that strengthens all of us. Each voice heard on "Lima Charlie", our guests, our hosts, and musicians have served in the Military themselves or are representing one that has passed away as a result. These are their stories of service and it is our shared story of America.

Marine to Tedx speaker with Garret Biss

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:40:55 -0000

Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps Pilot. Post-retirement in 2015, Garret confronted challenges common among veterans: anxiety, depression, and a sense of displacement. Turning to alcohol as a crutch, it wasn't until suicidal ideation took hold that he sought change. Rather than traditional addiction treatments, Garret's path was shaped by mentoring that emphasized self-worth, rediscovering identity, and tapping into inherent strengths. This approach not only alleviated his addictive behaviors but also reignited his passion for life.

This started Garret's journey into studying applied positive psychology and the science of human flourishing. Garret's transformative experience sparked his commitment to assisting others with personal growth and recovery tools grounded in positivity and personal strengths.

Garret's purpose now extends beyond helping Veterans emerge from the darkness; his aim is to propel Veterans to their highest potential for happiness, wellbeing, success, and contribution.

Votrite with Angelica Kapsis

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:37:41 -0000

Angelica Kapsis is a co-founder and leader of Votrite, a company aiming to reshape how voting is conducted in the United States. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Angelica has made fighting for people a lifelong goal. She has worked closely with disabled voters, and throughout her career has fought to have their voices heard. Currently serving as the President/Owner of Votrite, she is instrumental in developing strategies to enhance voting software accessibility, particularly focusing on ADA compliance and preferences for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, her work as Founder at Scorpion Fitness Centers reflects her passion for promoting health and wellness, as she designs tailored fitness plans and leads classes, including those catered to individuals with disabilities, to facilitate positive outcomes for clients. Beyond her professional endeavors, Angelica's dedication to community service is evident through her involvement in various volunteer activities, including firefighting, mentoring, and advocating for at-risk populations. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and holds CPR & First Aid Certification. Angelica's multifaceted skill set, coupled with her unwavering dedication to social causes, positions her as a versatile and compassionate professional dedicated to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Tip of the Spear, a Veteran Roundtable 08-28-2024

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:15:25 -0000

The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear

The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:

The Triple Threat Vet Podcast

HomeFront Sitrep

The MisFitNation

I Am Pitts

Fight with Betsy Ross

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:11:55 -0000

Born and raised in Texas, Betsy Ross is a U.S. Army veteran, motivated to spread veterans awareness and help connect veterans again. The "Fight" series is her first published book series, with more multi-genre books to come! Other than writing, she is also a medical lab tech, mother of 3, and helps run a Texas Longhorn ranch and ball python farm with her husband.

Of Vital Interest with Frank Demith

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:08:10 -0000

Frank Demith is a retired Army veteran who served on active duty for twenty-eight years. He graduated from the United States Military Academy and later worked on the Department of the Army team that developed the Army interpreter/translator program. He is a graduate of the Deliberate Discomfort Challenge and is a member of the Endless 6. In his free time, he enjoys reading history and fiction novels, visiting battlefields, and playing the saxophone. He currently lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia with his wife and their four dogs.

Frank Demith’s Award-Winning Debut Novel explores the duality of a soldier’s inner battle between faith, nationalism and love for fellow soldiers. Told through the lens of two Iraqi men now US Army soldiers, this interesting perspective provokes questions about allegiance and where it should lay: with God? Country? Or neighbor?

Valor Coins and Pins with Brent Casey

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:04:24 -0000

Two brothers, both grandsons of Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, have established this veteran-owned and operated business to benefit and further the mission of their grandfather Woody and the foundation they Co-Founded with him, as it recognizes and honors Gold Star Families across the country.

A portion of the proceeds of every sale go to support the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, a 501c.3, organization.

The Woody Williams Foundation is a charitable 501c(3) organization that pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams. The Foundation encourages, with the assistance of the American public and community leaders, establishing permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the United States, conducting Gold Star Families Outreach across the country, and providing Living Legacy scholarships to eligible Gold Star Family members.

I'm America with Scotty Hastings

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0000

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky native's EP title track “I’m America” was released February 9, 2024. After hearing "I'm America," written by Wade Kirby and Phil O'Donnell, who co-produced the track with Doug Johnson, Hasting knew he had to record it. "Every single line of this song is why I decided to enlist in the Army," says Hasting. "The moment I heard it, I fell in love with it and knew I wanted to record it. 'I'm America' celebrates ALL of the things and people that make this country beautiful and indivisible."

Hasting’s debut single on Black River, "How Do You Choose" and its accompanying music video strike a chord with anyone who has been left to pick up the pieces from a life-changing moment that's left them asking God that age-old question. The "promising, impactful debut" (Billboard) details Hasting's first visit to best friend Adam Hamilton's tombstone following his death, about one month after an ambush that left Hasting fighting for his life flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times in April 2011. Narrowly escaping death, Hasting was left with severe nerve damage to his right hand and a loss of purpose as he was unable to continue his journey in the army. The Purple Heart recipient filled the void with a newfound love for adaptive sports as competitive archery became his primary outlet to cope with PTSD —until 2020, when COVID-19 hit and shut down most of the world.

Not one to lay down and accept defeat, the former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Calvary picked up the unused guitar that sat in the corner of his room, opened YouTube, and set out to teach himself how to master the instrument in hopes of fighting the isolation and silence. Hasting was immediately overtaken by this new passion after learning his first song, "Should've Been a Cowboy," by Toby Keith. He began to write his own original music and attended his first open mic night in Cookeville, TN —a night that changed his life forever as he found that he was able to escape his PTSD while on stage performing.

Now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or their mental health find solace through his music, Hasting strives to connect with his listeners by producing music that doesn't need an explanation. “I want to show people that it may be bad now, but I promise you it's going to get better." Having found his escape from PTSD through archery and music, Scotty devotes his time and talents to several organizations, including Creativets, Guitars 4 Vets, and more to offer other veterans the same tranquility.

Challenge America

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:44:33 -0000

At Challenge America - a 501(c)3 nonprofit - we have made it our mission to connect service members, veterans and their families to resources and solutions that build community and give purpose to their lives. From the beginning, we set out to challenge the status quo by designing and scaling innovative, evidence-based solutions to the needs of the military community - no matter where they live. By leveraging technology, creative arts and community solidarity, we are challenging America to think differently about how we serve our military.

HOW ARE WE THINKING DIFFERENTLY?

We integrate community building into every aspect of our programs and services. Our Military Sisterhood Initiative, for example, forged a national peer support network designed exclusively for women of the military. This initiative provides a safe space where more than 2 million military sisters can connect and support one another. The Challenge America: Veteran Arts Community (CAVARTS) takes a similar approach by leveraging the power of the arts to forge a new national community of Veterans who share an interest in or passion for the arts.

We also leverage technology and innovation to generate solutions to the unmet needs Veterans encounter in their daily lives. Challenge America Makers for Veterans (CAMVETS) connects teams of designers, developers, and engineers with injured Veterans, then challenges each team to design and build working prototype solutions that meet the needs of their Veteran teammates. We then leverage strategic partnerships to develop and scale these solutions in order to make them accessible to thousands of Veterans and others facing similar challenges.

We also believe in healing through the arts. Launched in 2016, our Music Therapy Programs offer Veterans the tools they need to more effectively cope with the trauma of their military experience. Challenge America has partnered with the VA to expand the reach of our program by offering virtual workshops. It is our goal to scale this program over time, making it possible to reach the many rural Veterans who are underserved by programs like ours.

Ultimately, we believe that community, not charity, is the answer. Working together, we can ensure that all veterans, service members, and their families have access to the community support and integrated resources they need to live the lives they earned and deserve.

Now is the time. The challenges are great, but the possibilities are greater.

The Veterans Ranch with JR Smith

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:18:17 -0000

Too many Veterans are suffering from PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and are choosing to end their own lives.

We often hear the phrase “22 a day,” referring to the number of Veterans that commit suicide daily. Unfortunately, the number is climbing. We believe that any number is too high so in 2017, we formed The Veterans Ranch.

Our Mission

Our mission is to assist Veterans and their families through Equine Therapy, a range of treatments that involve activities with horses to promote human physical and mental health. We assist these great Americans and their families in laying down heavy coats of burden and walk away as newer and improved versions of themselves.

Our Vision

We want Veterans Ranches in every state across the nation.

Drive On with Scott DeLuzio

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:16:47 -0000

Scott DeLuzio is an Army veteran, having served six years with the Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. Scott’s brother, Steven, was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Unfortunately, Steven was killed in action on August 22, 2010. After returning home, Scott struggled with coping with the stresses of combat, the loss of his younger brother, and adjusting back to civilian life. In the years following Scott’s deployment, he noticed other veterans dealing with their struggles in unhealthy ways. Scott started his podcast, Drive On Podcast, to connect with current and prior service members. He interviews veterans and civilians to discuss personal triumphs, life experiences, and emotional hardships to give hope and strength to the military community.

Tip of the Spear, a Veteran Roundtable 07/31/2024

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:14:32 -0000

The People's Patriot Project

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:36:01 -0000

Our Mission

WE, THE PEOPLE’S PATRIOT PROJECT, have adopted the Mission of Honoring and Empowering those who have served by being the shock and awe when combating the silent and deadly enemy of our veterans and first responders, the enemy that leaves mortal and invisible wounds.

Our Vision

Our Vision is to provide a community and network of support, with the necessary tools, insights, and resources to aid in the rehabilitation of veteran and current service members and civil servants to go through a recovery process and transition into real-world opportunities and situations.

WE want to help provide more fulfilling life memories and experiences by providing resources and facilities that will show an appreciation for the sacrifices and service these members have already provided to our country and community. Adding to their memories and experiences for the main purpose as they have sacrificed their livelihood to promote the life securities and freedoms we all share as Americans.

Our Core Values

THE PEOPLE’S PATRIOT PROJECT stands for those who stood up for our country.

Our vision and purpose is clear…

Aiding those who sacrificed for us

Supporting the families of civil servants

Healing the traumas of service

Sharing the burdens of our community

Creating opportunities for Patriots

The culture and the core of THE PEOPLE’S PATRIOT PROJECT mimic and reflects OUR commitment to service.

From Marine to Signed rapper Th30ry with B!z3rk in studio

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:34:15 -0000

We welcome USMC Veteran Ryan Doerrfeld, aka Th30ry. Born and raised in Chicago, Ryan now lives in Louisville. He served 5 years active duty in the USMC from 2010-2015 and recently signed to Big Homiez Recordz in November 2023. Married in July 2022, Ryan is a proud father of two daughters, aged 8 and 15. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey from military service to music career, and his dedication to family and art.

For most artists, there exists a field to define them whether it’s underground/mainstream/pop/dance/hip-hop/rap etc. Although B!Z3RK is currently viewed as an underground rap artist, his ability to go from ‘radio-hit single’ to ‘dark explicitness’ seamlessly from track to track provides what has been coined as “The B!Z3RK Experience”. Born and raised in Louisville KY; the hometown for other music natives such as Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller, EST Gee just to name a few. Geographically located in the center region of the U.S., Louisville finds itself to be a ‘melting pot’ of influence whether its from the North, South, East or West and it certainly reveals itself through B!Z3RK’s music nodding towards its diverse sound and content matter. His latest release Monster dropped on November 11th 2022 which includes hit after hit for a ‘no-skip’ style listening that has been long lost for quite some time.

Blue Skies for The Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:26:20 -0000

About Blue Skies For The Good Guys And Gals Warrior Foundation

At the core of BS3G is Team Fastrax™ Professional Skydiving Team, composed of many veterans, the team focuses on adventurous activities as the back drop to facilitate the enriching, healing environment for the warriors. The deep bonding that forms between the warriors and volunteers is priceless. The experiences are non-denominational faith centered. Small activities take place year round via hundreds of skydiving experiences with Team Fastrax (TFX). These ongoing activities take place primarily at the TFX home drop zone, Web: www.StartSkydiving.com. However, in July of every year TFX organizes a five day Warrior Weekend to Remember (WWTR) that includes many and varied activities. We support more than 20 events around the country and take wounded veterans skydiving during these events. Please consider a donation to the Blue Skies For The Good Guys And Gals Warrior Foundation. We are a 501(c)(3) foundation. We host one event each year and 100% of your donation goes to support this amazing week. The amount of your donation is not important, as every dollar helps. Please visit our sponsor page to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities.

Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable July 31, 2024

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:23:08 -0000

Lone Star Heroes Outdoors with Jamie Hurley

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:59:17 -0000

At Lone Star Heroes Outdoors, our mission is to serve our nations heroes. We are registered 501c3 organization that serves our Nations Hero's by taking them on free or low-cost Fishing, Hunting, and Outdoor Trips.

Our Founder, Jamison Hurley is an Army Veteran who found a passion for showing our nations heroes that we support them. Finding ways to express our appreciation for the service they took an oath to uphold, Jamison started supporting other organizations that supported our Nation’s Heroes. Watching the positive effect taking Veterans and First Responders on trips, Jamison saw an opportunity to give back to all of our Heroes. Working with Co-founder Reyes Lopez and Executive Director Jennifer Hurley, they formed a team that is now the leadership that makes Lone Star Heroes Outdoors the amazing organization it is. Together with huge support from many donors all across the state of Texas and beyond, Lone Star Heroes continues to grow and offer more support for our Nation’s Heroes. Taking Active Military, Active First Responders, Veterans, and Retired First Responders on Outdoor trips is our mission and our passion.

Grid Square Recon with Chris Lancia

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:56:54 -0000

Dedicated professional offering exceptional skills in leadership, event and project management, and communications. Proven ability to develop and maintain favorable relationships with internal and external audiences. Excellent team-building abilities; able to motivate and work effectively with all types of people from diverse backgrounds while promoting team values. Adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously; known for accuracy and attention to detail as well as excellent organizational and interpersonal skill sets. Consistent, focused performer who works efficiently to achieve high quality results under strict deadlines.

When a military family receives orders to move to a new location, accurate information can be hard to find. Most of what's available is often outdated, irrelevant, or validates poor perceptions about the local community around the military installation.

Our aim is to provide information on areas surrounding military installations to build a more positive outlook and experience for military members and their families. Our goal is to replace the dread and anxiety often associated with military moves with the anticipatory savoring associated with a new adventure.

We provide information on the community using written products, still and video imagery, and interviews to share stories of local citizens and military members.

But what's up with that name? The military community uses the Military Grid Reference System to navigate. We use squares as a reference, and a 'grid' is how we find our location. When we get orders to move, the first thing we do is recon the area. Hence, Grid Square Recon.

Vets with Nets

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:04:36 -0000

Vets with Nets is a 501(c)(3) in Monroe, Michigan that host one major event a year where they take a large number of veterans on a weekend retreat to do some walleye fishing and build comradery with the other veterans and the boat captain’s. The annual event is the largest event of its type in North America. This past event was June 7th and 8th and they had over 300 boats.

What a tremendous event it was! Veterans and Captains from 24 different states, and 3 different countries attended this event! How awesome is that?

Such a gratifying experience volunteering to captain a few Vets on the Great Lake Erie for a day of walleye fishing! We are forever indebted to these brave men and women who sacrifice and risk it all, to protect the freedoms we enjoy here in the greatest country on earth! Giving back be it even in the smallest ways, like a day on the water, can really make you feel proud of yourself and all the great people who stepped up to make this event possible. Looking forward to next year!

American Made with Scotti Frazer

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:03:12 -0000

Scotti Fraser is a US Marine Corps. combat Veteran, from Texas, that produces a unique blend of American rock. His Americana style combines groove-oriented riffs, lyrics inspired by his time in the military, and a message of standing tall in the face of his personal hardships. With one foot in LA, and the other in Nashville, he tells the story of his tattoos, battle scars, and the wounds of life’s hard fought victories…all through song. Known for his exciting live shows and electrifying stage presence, Scotti has built a loyal fanbase across Texas, and growing across the US. His mission is to inspire others to “Never Surrender” and to offer hope through the healing powers of music, through his recordings and the comradery at his concerts…so that no one feels alone. Between live concerts, special events, and podcast interviews, Scotti is an active performer doing over 30 events a year. With the the release of his 2023 album “Do or Die”, he now embarks on a soul-searching road to redemption through rock n’ roll. His newest singles “Never Surrender”, and “Against the World”, can be heard now on all music streaming services worldwide. His official music videos can be seen on YouTube.

Modern Woodmen of America with Mark Wilson

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:00:30 -0000

Finding roots in ancient Rome

Helping families after a breadwinner’s death was a key reason fraternal benefit societies were first formed in the mid-1800s – and why Joseph Cullen Root founded Modern Woodmen of America in 1883. But the concept of life insurance goes all the way back to 100 B.C.

The vision behind our name

We have no woodworking in our history. No cabinet making. No lumberjacks.Our name was inspired by pioneer woodmen. They cleared forests to build homes and communities and provide security for their families. Modern Woodmen’s founder, Joseph Cullen Root, felt this was the perfect symbol to illustrate his goal of clearing away financial burdens for families. On Jan. 5, 1883, Modern Woodmen of America was born in Lyons, Iowa. We moved across the Mississippi River to Fulton, Illinois, in 1884. Our headquarters relocated downriver to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1897. Rock Island remains our home office hometown to this day.

Always Forward with Ryan Luurtsema

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 17:32:37 -0000

Visionary, Mentor, Student and Listener for all of things that make life happen. I served 8 years in the Army as an Ordnance Specialist, and Human Resources Manager. Deployed to multiple countries around the world and lived in Germany for three years before retiring from my military obligations. Currently the 177th Fighter Wing - Family Readiness Program Manager; serving hundreds of Air National Guardsman and their families. My objectives are to mentor, guide, and educate a successful resilient-ready program, assisting the wellness and morale of both Airman and Family. Secondary opportunities I am involved with, New Jersey Veteran of Foreign War Advocate, Galloway Township Veteran Advisory Board, Board Member to the New Jersey Military Support Alliance, National Society of Leadership and Success - Mentor, Department of Veteran Affairs ETS-Sponsorship - Mentor, Veteran Benefit and Compensation - Advocate, and overall military advocacy.

Making History with Eric Dominijanni

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 17:11:04 -0000

After a 20-year military career with three tours in Iraq and two in Okinawa, Eric Dominijanni began mixing good scotches from his collection that would soon become his “Infinity Bottle.” now called Fior Scotch. He is the founder behind Fior Scotch, the only U.S. veteran-owned Scotch and Black-owned Scotch available in the market. It started when Dominijanni communicated with James Landis, known for successfully launching and growing brands like Hpnotiq. They could help recreate the taste, aroma, and smoothness of the original “infinity bottle” blend, which is now Fior, considered a clean and balanced flavor profile—the exceptional quality and the journey that led to its creation. Fior is a super-premium, hand-crafted, small-batch blend of Highland and Speyside scotches launched in 2023.

Tough Rugged Bastards with John A Dailey

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 17:08:29 -0000

I’m John A. Dailey. I grew up along the Virginia/West Virginia border, and while I had a great childhood, I couldn’t get away fast enough. I joined the Marines at seventeen and never looked back. Early in my career, I was fortunate to be trained as a sniper, from there I moved on to Force Reconnaissance Units where I spent the bulk of my time. I served in every position from point man to platoon sergeant and loved every minute of it. I got to throw myself out of airplanes from 30,000 feet, dive murky waters, shoot until my trigger finger was sore, blow stuff up, run thousands of miles, and carry countless tons of weight on my back. I watched the 9/11 attacks with my platoon from a pub in Darwin, Australia. By November we were in Afghanistan to help kick off the War on Terror. Shortly after, the Marine Corps was directed to hand-pick a group of ‘tough rugged bastards’ to serve as the first USMC unit assigned to the US Special Operations Command. We were called Detachment One. We were sent to Iraq in 2004 to hunt insurgents, bomb makers, terrorist financiers, and other HVTs or ‘High-Value Targets’. The success of our deployment led to the creation of the modern Marine Raiders. I retired from the Marines in 2008 and took a job that still has me training Raiders. As a kid I hated school, but I loved reading and learning. Since retiring I used the GI Bill to get a couple of master’s degrees, one of them was an MFA in creative writing from UNCW where the idea for this book came from.

Changing Cadence with Nick Busse

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:43:16 -0000

As a seasoned professional in Talent Acquisition Program Management and a recognized leader in Employee Engagement and Corporate Diversity Program Development, I specialize in designing and leading nationally acclaimed Military Veteran Talent Programs alongside cultivating robust internal cultures. Notably honored as the 2023 Veteran Champion of the Year in Corporate America by G.I. Jobs, my expertise extends beyond accolades, consistently driving enhancements in corporate functions and delivering tangible value to organizations. With a comprehensive educational background encompassing Business and Political Science, coupled with years of engagement in local government and philanthropy, I possess a multifaceted skill set to address diverse organizational challenges. As a Combat Veteran, I leverage firsthand experiences to champion inclusivity, making profound and sustainable impacts in talent acquisition strategies, fostering environments where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

The Fallen Outdoors

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 18:15:00 -0000

What began on a remote mountain top out post in Afghanistan in 2008 with three Soldiers: Staff Sergeant John Bates, Specialist Eric Finniginamm and Specialist Eric Bakken. The Fallen Outdoors was officially established in 2009. Year after year, The Fallen Outdoors grew and expanded, in October of 2015 TFO was awarded our 501 (c)3 Status. Today TFO serves tens of thousands of veterans a year across the United States. What started off as a simple idea to help veterans get outdoors has transformed into a mission and lifestyle that our TFO Nation lives every day.

Operation Vets with Nets

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 01:42:59 -0000

Operation Vets with Nets, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military and retired service personnel and disabled veterans through Cat and Striper fishing.

Our goal is to open the outdoors to active duty and retired service members, as well as veterans with various disabilities, including those bound to a wheelchair, to the world of fishing. We provide a means of healing through an all-expense-paid freshwater fishing adventure. Our fishing trips will focus on catching Catfish as well as Striper. These trips will be conducted by the founder and/or a Board-approved local fishing guide volunteer.

Our Vision

Being there for those in need. Giving Back to those that gave, all through the power of fishing

Hometown Hero Outdoors

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 01:39:56 -0000

Hometown Hero Outdoors is a non-profit organization facilitating outdoor adventures for serving military, military veterans, and first responders actively. These adventures include hunting, fishing, backpacking, foraging, camping, snowmobiling, and much more. Our primary goal is to assist these individuals as they begin healing and building healthy relationships within the community by:

Encouraging them to get up and get moving.

Connecting them with likeminded individuals.

Reminding them that they are appreciated and cared for.

Allowing them to explore and be adventurous in a safe setting.

Montana Warriors on the Water

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 01:38:24 -0000

Montana Warriors on the Water (MWOTW) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, comprised of local sportsmen and women, and veterans of the United States Military, partnered with local businesses, communities, and organizations, providing outdoor recreational therapy and opportunities to veterans of the United States Military at no cost to them. In addition to honoring our veterans by giving back, it is our goal to provide an environment for our veterans to relax and be able to meet other veterans from across the country who may be combat wounded or suffering from issues associated with the psychological effects of war. By connecting with each other and with individuals, private companies, non-profit organizations and Government agencies, a community has been put in place to honor and support the vast growing number of veterans. Our goal is to ensure our veterans continue to have physical access to the country they served, in a mentally and emotionally stable environment, and are honored for their commitment and service to this nation. We at MWOTW are mission oriented in our objective to honor and support our nation’s veterans.

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers…..

MWOTW replaces difficult memories with positive and encouraging experiences!

Every Day's a Saturday - USMC Veteran Bryan Roof

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:40:48 -0000

Bryan Roof was born in Lancaster, California on April 6, 1981. After graduating High School in 1999, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps in Feb of 2000. He deployed to Kuwait/Iraq in 2003. Bryan was honorably discharged in 2004. He worked in the Aerospace Industry at Northrop Grumman for almost 15 years before being deemed 100% unemployable by the V.A.

Every Day’s a Saturday-USMC Veteran started January, 2023. Bryan Was sitting around and decided he wanted to start a podcast, so he did just that. He grabbed his gaming headset that had a mic attached to it and his cell phone. His goal was to make his show better as time went on. Season 1 there was 25 Episodes and 50 Interviews. Now 2024 he has started a Season 2 still doing interviews but adding True Crime Military Edition episodes. Bryan truly has a passion for podcasting and now co-host and host of 3 total podcast shows.

Montana Warriors on the Water!

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:37:50 -0000

In addition to honoring our veterans by giving back, it is our goal to provide an environment for our veterans to relax and be able to meet other veterans from across the country who may be combat wounded or suffering from issues associated with the psychological effects of war. By connecting with each other and with individuals, private companies, non-profit organizations and Government agencies, a community has been put in place to honor and support the vast growing number of veterans.

Our goal is to ensure our veterans continue to have physical access to the country they served, in a mentally and emotionally stable environment, and are honored for their commitment and service to this nation.

We at MWOTW are mission oriented in our objective to honor and support our nation’s veterans. In war, there are no unwounded soldiers…..

MWOTW replaces difficult memories with positive and encouraging experiences!

Fior Scotch with Eric Dominijanni

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 19:42:26 -0000

Fior Scotch was founded by retired Marine Corps Major Eric Dominijanni. After founding Fior Scotch he realized it was the first veteran and black owned scotch company in the USA.

Tip of the Spear, a Veteran Roundtable 062624

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 19:35:04 -0000

A collective of veteran podcasters talking about current events from around the globe. We also talk about current events within the military and veteran communities.

A Date with Suicide, with D Paul Fleming

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:52:18 -0000

Retired 100% Disabled Navy Veteran. Retired from business within the federal and private sector - civil and general construction. 10 years as one of eight nationally elected board members of The Vet-Force, the nations largest and most successful Veterans entrepreneurial organization representing over 300 Veteran service groups. Public law 109-461 coined the Vet First Act, is a cornerstone of Vet-Force success. Published author. Consultant to Veterans groups and advocates. Growing Pod Caster with mission to help others overcome Trauma, PTSD, Child abuse and strong supporter of Mental health wellness. Married for almost 4 decades - raised 6 children and enjoying 9 grand children.

MilitaryFares.com with Scott Lara

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:27:13 -0000

Militaryfares is the leading online travel agency for active and retired US Armed Forces members.

We find the best flight tickets possible by comparing itineraries and routings from more than 650 airlines.

With Militaryfares.com, you can quickly and securely search, book, and pay for flights and trips worldwide.

We also have 300,000 hotel and holiday rentals for you to choose from and car rentals across all model types and price ranges. All come with a special Military only discount.

With a significant focus on affordable travel, we continuously negotiate for you, adding new partners and simplifying the travel booking experience for you.

Militaryfares.com is the place with the lowest fares and vacation offers. Pay safely online with your preferred payment method, and you're off!

Militaryfares.com is operated and managed by Military Travel Service, founded in 2002 by former Military Service Members and spouses. Our staff is IATA /ARC certified and possesses excellent levels of expertise in the travel industry.

We also work closely with Skytours GmbH in Germany, one of the largest flight-centric online travel agents in the USA and Europe. We have 50 years of experience in the industry and have been a travel agency since 1973.

Skytours started selling flights online in 1998 as one of North America and Europe's first e-commerce travel companies.

You can shop securely with us, as we use the highest available encryption standard for safe data and payment handling, so there is no unauthorized access to your details.

MTS Military Travel Services LLC manages all marketing on this site.

Book your next trip with Militaryfares.com!

Four lessons from my Three Sons with Jeff Nelligan

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Jeff Nelligan is the father of three boys and a well-known commentator in the world of American parenting. His most recent work, Your Kid’s Rebound from Pandemic Lockdowns, is a sequel to his prior book, Four Lessons From My Three Sons: How You Can Raise Resilient Kids, which details how he helped guide his sons through childhood and adolescence to the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams College, and West Point. Four Lessons spent four months on the top-20 Amazon’s Parenting Best Sellers list and was the subject of feature stories on National Public Radio and in dozens of parenting publications, including Parents Magazine, Fatherly, Young Teen Magazine, The Good Men Project, Fatherhood and Let Grow. Currently a senior public affairs executive in Washington D.C., Nelligan formerly worked for three Members of the U.S. Congress and served twice as a Presidential appointee. An Army Reserve veteran, he is a of Polynesian ancestry (Māori Indian, New Zealand) and a graduate of Williams College, Georgetown University Law School, and the French Army Brevet Commando School. He can be reached at Jeff@ResilientSons.com

Back the Heroes Rumble with Carl Whalen

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Our mission is to honor law enforcement officers, fire fighters and the military community and the families they have left behind. Our objective and vision is to not just be another organization that donates a check and then disappears. We intend on creating a network with the families of the fallen to meet and support one another during these toughest of times along with our partnered Non-profits of these communities. It is our desire to connect these families with these corporations for resources as well. We will be hosting various events to raise funds that will be donated to the selected families by our board to be honored at said events including our annual car show. We also help underfunded police/fire departments when the need is there for equipment/resources via our Operation Open Arms community Initiative.

We will continue to HONOR those whom served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We will continue to SERVE those whom bear the burden of losing a loved one. We will SACRIFICE our time and effort to do what we must to show support and show solidarity to our heroes and their loved ones. This is because if not for their service, and sacrifice, our communities wouldn’t be as great and free as it is today. We will always BACK OUR HEROES! "

Oscar Mike Radio with Travis Partington

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0000

I served in the Marine Corps in the late 1990s, got out, and moved on with life. I began getting involved with some local veteran organizations and realized that there are many different stories and efforts happening that need to be told. For active military service members, veterans, and non veterans, I had an idea to create a place to meet and share ideas on how to be there for each other. I looked at different ways to do this and decided the best way to get the message out, was to use a podcast/internet radio format. To all those who have supported this so far, thank you and Semper Fidelis.

It was about that time that read about an event at Massasoit Community College. The school was hosting the first annual Dale Dorman Media Day in April 2016. One of the breakout sessions covered podcasting. Keith Hayes of Sinista 1 Productions was going over what it took to do a podcast. I told him of my idea to start a show and he asked me to write it up. It was there that Oscar Mike Radio was born. “Oscar Mike” is military-speak for “On the Move”. I wanted this to focus on military and Veterans’ stories that would move people. I found that doing a show and talking with people who were working to change their lives started to change me.

https://oscarmikeradio.com

Willis and Brandon chatting with special guest Th30ry

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:59:23 -0000

Willis and Brandon just chatting about Brandon being the newest member of the HomeFront Sitrep team, we are joined by Th30ry who is a Marine Corps veteran and Rapper from Chicago, IL.

My name is Ryan Doerrfeld. I go by Th30ry for my music stage name. I am currently under management by Liquid Sound Records, and am an independent hip hop artist. I own my own LLC called From The Bottom. I'm 33 years old, and have a beautiful, supportive family alongside me to help me achieve my goal of making it in the music industry. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL but currently living in and working out of Louisville, KY. After 8 years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps from 2010 - 2018, I've developed a passion for creating music and using my life experiences to tell a story for people who battle with a lot of the same struggles I've had to endure so far. I've learned to record myself, engineer, mix and master all of my own music, and as of recently I've started to produce my own beats. I've released 3 albums, an EP, and over 10 singles so far in the three years of creating music. I also have a collaborative artist I work with and am close friends with, Ryanxwattz, and together we are "The Wattz Th30ry". So far, we have a full length hip hop album out, as well as a full length punk rock album, and numerous singles also. Music is my passion, and a lifestyle I aim to make into a full time career.

Mighty Oaks Foundation with Jeremy Stalnecker

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:52:15 -0000

Jeremy Stalnecker is the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation. The Mighty Oaks Foundation is dedicated to helping America’s military warriors and their families who are suffering from the unseen wounds of combat such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

While growing up in San Jacinto, CA, Jeremy’s only goal in life was to leave home and join the Marine Corps. This dream was finally realized with an active duty commission in 1999. Following Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, VA, Jeremy was assigned to First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division as an infantry platoon commander. Serving first as a rifle platoon commander in a helicopter company and then as the platoon commander of the counter-mechanized platoon, Jeremy learned valuable leadership and communication skills that he continues to use today. In January 2003, Fifth Marines, as a part of the First Marine Division, deployed to Kuwait in support of what would become Operation Iraqi Freedom. As the war began, First Battalion, Fifth Marines was the infantry battalion used to breech the berm separating Kuwait and Iraq and secured the first major objective of the war. This led to a road march that ended with the battalion occupying Baghdad and seizing the presidential palace in northern Baghdad on the Tigris River. Throughout this movement, Jeremy and the counter-mechanized platoon provided navigation and lead security for the battalion.

While in the Marine Corps, God was working in Jeremy’s life to turn his heart toward full-time ministry. Just one month after returning from Iraq, Jeremy became a staff member of his home church at Coastline Baptist in Oceanside, CA. Here he gained ministry experience that would equip him for the further leading of God. In his role as an Assistant Pastor, he counseled and mentored many couples and individuals while also maintaining other church responsibilities. It was a great privilege for him to be able to serve in this capacity so close to Camp Pendleton since most of the people he worked with were either Marines or the family members of Marines.

In 2008, Jeremy and his family took on a new responsibility when he became the Senior Pastor, just east of San Francisco Bay at Bay Area Baptist Church in Fremont, CA. In this capacity, he continued to minister to families and individuals in a wide range of areas. After serving in the role of senior pastor for nearly seven years, the door leading to a full-time position with the Mighty Oaks Foundation opened. This move brought together both his ministry experience and military background in a way that allows him to serve and minister to many hurting veterans, service members and their families. Along with his wife Susanne and their four children, Jeremy works to reach the hurting and provide the healing found in Christ.

Beyond Boundaries Richmond

Fri, 31 May 2024 02:27:02 -0000

ADVENTURE IS FOR EVERYONE

Beyond Boundaries is a non-profit based in Richmond, Virginia specializing in guiding participants with disabilities, veterans, underserved youth, and recovery programs on outdoor adventures.

Support Our Mission

The mission of Beyond Boundaries is to offer individuals of all ability levels, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience outdoor activities with the surrounding community.

About Beyond Boundaries

We work with individuals of all abilities, and from varying backgrounds, in one of the most challenging and thrilling fields…outdoor adventure! Over the years we have seen first-hand the incredible benefits of the inclusive atmosphere that we provide, and it’s our belief that the more we adventure together, the stronger our community becomes.

Travis - Program Coordinator Roanoke

Travis is the program coordinator for Roanoke. Travis’ outdoor lifestyle began in ‘81 with his parents sharing climbing & paddling with others. He believes that watching everyone gain respect for themselves through these activities is amazing to be a part of. While becoming an Eagle Scout & then a Marine, he never stopped sharing the love because it truly can change our lives for the better.

www.beyondboundariesrva.org

Tip of the Spear, a Veteran Roundtable

Fri, 31 May 2024 02:23:48 -0000

A collaborative of veteran podcasters get together on the last Wednesday of the month and talk about current events globally, we also talk about currents events within the military and veteran communities

HomeFront Sitrep with Freedom Alliance

Tue, 28 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000

When America’s military was sent to liberate Kuwait in 1990, Freedom Alliance determined that our troops would receive the respect and support their Vietnam-era predecessors were denied a generation before. The organization, which had just been founded, assembled and shipped 125,000 care packages to our troops in the field. Each box was filled with items to help servicemembers fight the desert heat, stay healthy, and convey the public’s overwhelming support. It was one of several projects we initiated to care for our war fighters.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, America’s military was sent to fight again. In the long war on terrorism, Freedom Alliance has lead the home front efforts to honor the fallen, support fighters in the field, help wounded troops rehabilitate, and assist families struggling with the wounds of war. We support our troops with direct assistance, and advocate for policies that protect our troops and allow them to be successful in their mission.

We also recognize that the defense of our nation and the attainment of “a more perfect Union,” is the responsibility of every American, not just those who serve in uniform. As such, Freedom Alliance supports a free and sovereign nation in which “We the People” determine our own destiny. We defend America’s history and her heroes. We encourage service to our country and her communities. And we believe that the United States is the greatest force for good the world has ever known.

HomeFront Sitrep with Veteran Hundo Club

Tue, 21 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000

We Have Set Our Entire Structure Around Building The Next Generation Of Veterans Enhanced For Taking Control Of Their Lives. This Will Reverse 2,500 Years Of Human History. We Aim To Be The Number One Social And Educational Source Globally For Veterans. We Aim To Ensure No One Is Ever “Air-Dropped” Back Into Society Again Without Being Prepared Before They Leave Military Service. We Begin By Assisting Veterans Before They Even Leave Active Military Service. Preparation For Success Is Our Mission Because We Are A Proactive Organization.

Two Wolf Foundation

Tue, 21 May 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Mission

Two Wolf Foundation exists to serve members of the warrior tribe on their healing journey. At the root of our mission is a passion to offer continued support for combat veterans and former first responders seeking purpose and belonging. We want to ensure that the torch continues to be carried forward in recovery and post-traumatic growth.

Vision

Two Wolf Foundation offers the warrior a new mission.

We mobilize our nation's combat veterans and first responders to serve with new purpose towards the protection, conservation, and sustainment of our US public land systems. Two Wolf Foundation brings our country's incredible warriors together to connect, serve, and grow stronger in unique and inspiring landscapes through overland adventure and land stewardship.

INVETS with Jerry Young

Sun, 19 May 2024 16:15:35 -0000

INvets is made up of a dedicated group of veterans, military spouses, career development experts, and content specialists who understand how important veterans and their spouses are to our Indiana workforce.

Jerry retired from the military after a dual-branch career in both the active-duty Air Force and the Indiana National Guard. Jerry has also had a diverse civilian work history that he draws upon to connect veterans and their spouses with employers and resources across the state.

jerry@invets.org

Guitars 4 Vets with Gruven Tom Lamog

Sun, 19 May 2024 16:12:57 -0000

800,000 U.S. VETERANS STRUGGLE WITH PHYSICAL INJURIES, PTSD AND OTHER EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. WE BELIEVE GUITARS CAN HELP THE HEALING PROCESS.

Music helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. A research study of Guitars 4 Vets students showed a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in related depression symptoms. The study attributed learning and playing guitar as the primary catalysts for these improvements—and we want to ensure as many vets as possible have that opportunity.

More simply, playing a guitar can help veterans safely connect with their surroundings and other people.

Monica Sanford, Doctor of Nursing to Veteran Advocate

Sun, 19 May 2024 16:07:05 -0000

Monica is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, with specialty practice in Cardiology and Hospitalist services.

Graduated from Johns Hopkins University with her Bachelors, Georgetown University with her Master’s and Vanderbilt University with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She is active in local, state and Federal legislative affairs and advocating for NP Practice, Cardiology issues, Veteran Affairs and increasing access to care for minority and underserved populations.

She received the 2020 American Association of Nurse Practitioners State Award for Excellence, and the National Heart Hero Award from Mended Heart Organization in 2023 for her advocacy efforts to cardiac patients and their families.

She served 3 years on the FL State Board of American College of Cardiology and continues to serve on the Education and Legislative Affairs Committee. She was Gubernatorial appointed to Pediatric Cardiology Technical Advisory Panel and is an Assistant Editor for ACC CardioSmart. Multiple publications and local, state and national presentations.

She is Faculty at University of West FL as an instructor in Leadership and Health Policy in the nursing programs.

Active in the West Florida Defense Coalition that advocates for NWFL bases Legislative priorities.

She sees Veterans for VA disability claims and is the current President of the Northwest FL Nurse Practitioner Network in Pensacola, FL.

She as been married to a Marine for 35yr, he was prior enlisted and retired as the G2 of 2nd Mar Div Camp Lejeune.

HEROSTOCK with Jason Steiner

Sun, 19 May 2024 16:04:36 -0000

HEROSTOCK began in 2022, under the name VetStock, with two local Nebraska bands playing for a group of 100 Veterans and First Responders in a shop on an acreage in SE Lincoln. 12 local non-profits were there to make the Veterans in need aware of their services, including housing, mental health, hunting, and motorcycle therapy. The response was so great, that the founders decided to make it bigger, better, and renamed it HEROSTOCK, to include Veterans, First Responders, Law Enforcement, and Gold Star families, so they could take stock in our Nation's heroes.

In 2023, we had 6 singers/bands on stage, over 1000 heroes attending, 16 different states represented, and 44 organizations attended. Helping each other heal, provide support, and allow those to regain some camaraderie that they may have lost.

One of the biggest goals of HEROSTOCK, is to reduce the 33.9 Veteran suicides a day along with the 201 First Responder who died of suicide in 2022, many of whom are suffering from PTSD. While the goal is to stop Veteran suicide all together, we realize it needs to be one person at a time, and if we can save just one person, it will all be worth it.

Home for Heroes with Realtor Jeremy Koonce

Sun, 19 May 2024 16:01:55 -0000

Jeremy Koonce is a dedicated realtor at Custom Select Realty, specializing in assisting clients in finding their ideal homes. He is particularly focused on supporting veterans, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers through the Homes for Heroes program. Jeremy brings a unique perspective to his work, having served as a veteran in the Louisiana Army National Guard and worked as a paramedic for 27 years before retiring in 2021. Prior to his retirement from EMS, Jeremy also served as Assistant Director of Operations for a large urban ambulance service. His dedication to service extends beyond his military and EMS background, as he continues to serve his community by expertly guiding individuals and families through the home-buying process.

American Legion Post 291 (Newport Harbor California)

Sun, 19 May 2024 15:58:02 -0000

Post 291 was founded in 1924 by a group of thirty World War I veterans who were residents of the Newport Harbor area. They held an organizational meeting in the quarters of the Balboa Chamber of Commerce. The group elected as their first Commander, Raymond Hitchcock Brunswick.

The new hut was built almost entirely by volunteer labor provided by Post 291 Legionnaires and took about two months to complete. The first meeting was held in the new hut on December 2, 1925.

Warriors 2 Racers with Ed McLean

Sun, 19 May 2024 04:18:52 -0000

Warriors2Racers is a dedicated driver and crew development program organized, directed, and operated by all volunteer veterans for our fellow military veteran brothers and sisters as part of the Resilience Racing portfolio, a 501(c)3 Not for Profit.

Many veterans experience a feeling of no longer belonging to the military "family" when they leave the service. W2R(sm) was established to help veterans find that sense of belonging again and to be part of a team once more.

Endurance racing was chosen due to the increased reliance on other members of the team to ensure success and safety and the reduced cost per hour of driving time.

The program is based just outside of Manassas, Virginia but is partnering with multiple other veteran racing organizations across the country to increase opportunities to participate and diversify the development programs.

Michelle Black, Author/Goldstar Widow

Sun, 19 May 2024 04:07:29 -0000

Michelle is the mother of two boys and a Gold Star Wife. As the first woman in her family to graduate high school, she attended California Polytechnic State University where she graduated with a degree in environmental sciences and horticulture. Michelle has a passion for writing. She has been published in the New York Times, The Daily Beast, and Task & Purpose. She lives in Washington state.

Operation Healing Heroes and Take a Vet Fishing

Sun, 19 May 2024 03:56:18 -0000

Over the years, I have met so many of this country’s greatest war heroes, that I couldn’t let these stories go untold. In 2015, I started “Operation Fishing Freedom Foundation” (NOW –Operation Healing Heroes Foundation) to preserve the stories of our US Military Veterans. In just 5 years, We’ve filmed and documented over 50+ Veterans stories. We are not only “preserving” a small piece of history, we are providing families with a “memory book” that can be handed down to future generations. Through 5 seasons on Discovery Channel, we’ve touched MILLIONS of viewers lives with these HEROIC stories. In addition, the show has become a RESOURCE for veterans to learn about alternative PTS treatments that the VA does not offer. To date, we’ve treated (and paid for) over 100+ Veterans to get relief from their PTS symptoms.

Instead of Sheep with Mathius Carter

Sun, 19 May 2024 03:46:49 -0000

My name is Mathius Carter. I am an Outreach Coordinator at the Road Home Program and I recently authored a children’s book called “Instead of Sheep: A Soldier’s Way of Explaining PTSD to his Son”.

I am an Army veteran with a family history of military service. One month before 911, I found myself in boot camp at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Two years later, I was in Iraq deployed as part of the 32nd Signal Battalion, attached to 3rd ID. I was injured in a mortar attack on my truck. Miraculously I survived. Not everyone did. After service and college, I joined a non-profit called Veterans Path to Hope as a Case Manager. It was there that I began to realize the long-term cost of war. When three veterans in my caseload and a good friend and brother from Iraq all committed suicide, I realized that I, too, was not OK mentally.

Conversations with a Vet host Carolee

Sun, 19 May 2024 03:36:57 -0000

"Step into the World of Veterans: Join Conversations with a Vet! Here, we shine a spotlight on those who've given everything for our country—our veterans, young and old. They've sacrificed more than any other group, and it's time we give them the recognition they deserve. In this space, veterans can connect with peers facing similar challenges, finding solace and friendship in shared experiences. Let's build a supportive network where no veteran feels alone in navigating life after service. Through this channel, I aim to uncover resources veterans may not know about, offering firsthand accounts to inspire and empower them to seek help when needed. Veterans are all around us, yet too often, their sacrifices go unnoticed. It's time to change that. Join me in honoring their service and saying 'thank you.'

Operation Finally Home with David Belman

Sun, 19 May 2024 03:28:09 -0000

At Operation FINALLY HOME, we provide custom-built, mortgage free homes to America’s military Heroes and the widows of the fallen, those who have worn America’s uniform and sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values. We bring together corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these heroes and their families transition to the home front by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a home to call their own.

Kentucky Wounded Heroes

Sat, 18 May 2024 19:18:05 -0000

Kentucky Wounded Heroes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that exists to serve Kentucky’s current or former members of the United States Armed Forces, sworn law enforcement, sworn firefighters, and sworn or affirmed EMS, that have been injured during combat operations or line-of-duty service. Our mission is to honor and empower the emotional wellness of these heroes through outdoor activities, programs, and services that enable them to reconnect to nature’s healing properties.

By connecting with others who have shared experiences, lives are being renewed and hope is being restored.

Through activities like fishing trips to Alaska, deer hunts, canoeing, meeting the Duck Dynasty folks, or attending sporting events, our Wounded Heroes are building lasting friendships and finding healthy ways to heal. These events are life-changing and invaluable to those who have served and sacrificed.

I am Pitts, Memoirs of an America Patriot

Sat, 18 May 2024 19:07:39 -0000

Dexter Pitts is a proud Purple Heart recipient and medically retired U.S. Army veteran. He proudly served in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division and is a graduate of American Military University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. After serving his country in a time of war, Dexter exchanged his military fatigues for a police officer uniform. He has continually served his community as a law enforcement officer for over a decade and a one-year tour of duty as an agent with the United States Border Patrol on the southern Arizona border.

Raised as a Christian in a military family, Dexter starts to question his faith in the wake of his mother’s unexpected suicide while he is on duty. Having struggled all of his life trying to find his own identity, Dexter became submerged in the battle between his conservative values, black skin, and PTSD (Post Traumatic-stress Disorder).

Despite the obstacles that have befallen him, Dexter stands unshakable in his faith and identity as a proud American patriot who believes in the promises of America. Dexter’s faith and values are tested once more as civil unrest consumed America in 2020. In defense of his profession, his community and the U.S. Constitution, he stands shoulder to shoulder with his brothers and sisters of the thin blue line on Louisville’s embattled streets.

Project Zero with Kyle Shutic

Sat, 18 May 2024 18:54:35 -0000

Project Zero was founded by veterans and first responders to actively engage in wellness. We believe services should serve a means to an end and that is a life well lived during and after service. Our members understand the importance of family, community, and health and drive to bring those opportunities to their peers.

Tim Sears, Marine Corps Veteran, Content Creator

Sat, 18 May 2024 18:41:00 -0000

Tim Sears, a former Marine and Iraq war veteran, has established a significant presence on TikTok. With over 3,000 videos, he has become a prolific content creator, amassing millions of views. His work, which blends military-themed comedy, acting, and skilled film editing, resonates deeply with a broad audience. His experiences as a veteran imbue authenticity and depth to his content, making him a noteworthy personality on the platform. For a glimpse into his creative world and to appreciate the content that underscores his journey, visit his TikTok profile [here](https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.sears).

American Freedom Fund with Liv Stecker and Don Bramer

Sat, 18 May 2024 18:33:30 -0000

American Freedom Fund (AFF), 501(c)(19), was founded in 2016 by three combat veterans, LT Don Bramer, MAJ Rob Miller, and Petty Officer Gabe Stecker. After their individual tours of duty, they sought a way to continue serving their brothers and sisters in arms by providing the Veteran community the opportunity; the means to maintain the fellowship; and the support of the military as they transition towards their next career.

AFF empowers Active Duty, Reserve and Separated Service Members through a mission of athletics, education, and advocacy. The goal of AFF is simple: provide a place for active duty and Veteran service members to come together in a spirit of camaraderie to participate in recreational AND competitive sports; to afford the means and opportunity for student Veterans who seek a career in defense or public policy to achieve the next step in their goals; and to raise awareness and financial support for Veteran focused organizations that are providing crucial resources for Veterans in the community.

Each year, AFF honors three outstanding Veteran focused organizations for their dedication and support to the Veteran community with an award at the annual Manhattans, Martinis & Mistletoe Veterans Awards Gala in Washington, DC. This event also provides AFF the opportunity to recognize and celebrate military influencers, legislators and others who continue to set the standard in the mission of empowering the Veteran community.

Lady Veterans Connect with Phyllis Abbott

Sat, 18 May 2024 18:12:27 -0000

Lady Veterans Connect is an organization created to provide high quality, comprehensive services to assist female veterans in transitional support and prevent homelessness. Founded in 2012 under the name Sheppard's Hands by Phyllis Abbott, LVC was officially renamed in 2016 and opened the first transitional healing home, the Thurman-Abbott House, for female veterans in Kentucky. Since then, LVC has connected over 500 lady veterans in Kentucky with needed resources, and not a single night has passed without occupancy in the Thurman-Abbott House. As of 2019, Lady Veterans Connect board members and volunteers logged over 28,000 hours serving veterans. LVC has purchased and has currently completed renovations on a previous an elementary school in Winchester, KY to house 32 female veterans.

Dina Parrott, Women Veterans Program Administrator (KDVA)

Fri, 17 May 2024 04:01:35 -0000

Our Mission

To insure Kentucky’s women veterans have equitable access to federal and state veterans’ services and benefits.

Our Goals

1. Perform outreach to improve women veterans' awareness of eligibility for federal and state veterans' services and benefits.

2. Assess the needs of women veterans with respect to improve the Women Veterans Program.

3. Make recommendations to the Commissioner to improve benefits and services.

4. Review programs, research projects, and other initiatives designed to address or meet the needs of Kentucky's women veterans;

5. Incorporate women veterans' issues in the Department's strategic planning; and

Participate in National forums and committees for women veterans.

The Military Women's Memorial

The Military Women’s Memorial (MWM) is the only major national memorial honoring all servicewomen – past, present and future. The MWM honors more than 3 million women who served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces since the American Revolution.

Women’s military service should be no less recognized than men’s but historically the focus of history and preservation has been on men.

Why it’s Important to Register?

EVERY STORY is important, EVERY STORY deserves to be told. Yet we have lost most of our WWI women veterans and our WWII women are fast coming to their final chapter. What history we have not recorded with be lost with them. We absolutely CANNOT let another generation go by without ensuring that our collective contributions are captured and remembered.

Warriors Next Adventure!

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:56:27 -0000

Hello and welcome to the warriors next adventure. My name is Nick Rahn and I am an Air Force Security Forces veteran. I spent 6 years active duty, with 4 tours overseas. I have experienced a lot during my time as a .50 cal gunner on area security operations, quick reaction force, route clearance, and presence patrols. After years of mortars, IED's, loss of brothers, and other close calls, I started to get burnt out. Afghanistan 2012, not long before I was set to come back to the U.S., there was an IED blast. That blast killed multiple members of an explosive ordinance disposal team. They all had families, who no longer had a father, brother, uncle, or son. That night when I got on Skype to see my daughter, I knew my time in the military had to come to an end. I went to a therapist when I returned home to try to cope with my survivors guilt and PTSD caused by all the stressful situations and near death experiences. After 6 months of sessions I left North Carolina to come back home to Minnesota. After a few months of taking antidepressants I realized they were not for me. I had issues adjusting, I felt alone, even though I had a lot of loved ones who cared about me. I wanted my brothers and sisters back. The depression got worse and I needed to find a way to get out of he hole. 2015 I was in a hole and couldn't get out. I decided my life was not worth living anymore and I attempted to end my own life. I pulled the trigger, but the primer was a dud. I took my failed attempt as a sign to find out why I am here.

I found jiu-jitsu again, then mixed martial arts and fitness. New passions kept popping up and the more missions I started and completed, the better I felt. I started traveling and hiking mountains, climbing rock walls, going fishing. Every adventure brought me closer to finding that sense of accomplishment I had in the military. I started reaching out to my veteran brothers when I noticed they were having a rough time and taking them with me on my adventures. Through recreational therapy I realized I have a lot to offer the veteran community.

Warriors next adventure will bring that sense of accomplishment and create a new brotherhood outside of the military for our veteran community and help our armed services overcome the mental health crisis they face today. I feel this is very much needed program that will lift the spirits of those who truly deserve some inner peace. Check the blog section for a closer look into what myself and many others from the veteran community are trying to cope with and how I dug myself out of what seemed like a bottomless pit.

Tales of Nihilism and Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq, written by Stephen Russell, Army Veteran and Author

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:48:18 -0000

Stephen Russell, a former airborne infantryman with a decade of military service, brings a unique perspective shaped by his deployment with Bco 1/12 3HBCT 1st Cav DIV to Baqubah, Iraq, during the surge in 2006-2007. Beyond the battlefield, he’s a versatile artist, currently contributing to the comic series Tales of Nihilism and open for traditional art commissions. He believes the U.S. hasn’t fully reckoned with the aftermath of 9/11, emphasizing the need to confront our collective anger and hate. His memoir, Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq, is a compelling exploration of the nature of war and its lasting impact on current events—a moral imperative to illuminate the foundations shaping our world today.

Fueled by a sense of duty and a desire for personal redemption, Stephen Russell shares the untold stories of his band of brothers, dispelling the notion of heroism and challenging the societal constructs that surround it. With brutal honesty and a refusal to conform to conventional narratives, this memoir offers an intimate portrayal of the humanity behind the war, exposing the complex emotions, moral dilemmas, and sacrifices faced by soldiers on the front lines. It presents a stark contrast between the harshness of combat and the illusion of patriotism, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of military culture.

Through vivid descriptions, poignant reflections, and unfiltered personal accounts, Troublemakers serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of humanity, a tribute to unsung heroes, and a powerful critique of the societal systems they serve. He ends with a call to action for American culture and society to understand our complicity and responsibility in the Iraq war, and how this has shaped our current lives and events.

Home | Blue Ear Books

Article 15 Comedy with special guest Brandon Johnston (OFP Comedy)

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:46:31 -0000

ARTICLE 15 COMEDY, A GROUP OF VETERAN COMICS THAT FORMED IN 2023 IN TEXAS TO PROVIDE HILARIOUS COMEDY ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE HEALING POWER OF LAUGHTER.

Go For Broke - National Education Center

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:43:27 -0000

“Go For Broke” was the motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an Army unit composed of Japanese Americans from Hawai’i and the mainland United States. For high-rolling gamblers in Hawai’i in the 1940s, it was slang for “shooting the works,” or risking everything for the big win. For the Nisei soldiers, “go for broke” meant that they would put everything on the line to win the war against the Germans in Europe and the war against racial prejudice at home.

OUR MISSION

To educate and inspire character and equality through the virtue and valor of our World War II American veterans of Japanese ancestry.

What We Do

Go For Broke National Education Center preserves the legacy of the Japanese American WWII veterans through in-person and virtual educational programming, maintaining the Go For Broke Monument, Defining Courage exhibition and managing the Hanashi Oral History and Special Collections.

Go For Broke – National Education Center

Team Rubicon, Driven to serve, Ready for anything

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:41:00 -0000

In 2010, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jake Wood couldn’t stand idly by as a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti. He saw an immense need for help, so he acted. While other relief organizations hemmed and hawed, Wood led a team of seven into action. That small, scrappy team cared for thousands of survivors, broke the mold of humanitarian aid, and proved that we can always do more.

That was our first operation—and the one that gave Team Rubicon its name. Channeling the audacity of Julius Caesar as he crossed the Rubicon River in Italy, our team was committing themselves irrevocably to the cause when they crossed the Artibonite River into Haiti, their own point of no return.

Today, our team has expanded to 160,000+, but our mission remains the same: to help people affected by disasters. With billion-dollar disasters happening every 18 days on average, more people need support, so we need more donors, advocates, partners, and Greyshirts—the badass volunteers who don grey shirts and step up to support our mission of serving communities near and far.

Home - Team Rubicon (teamrubiconusa.org)

She's the Veteran

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:39:55 -0000

To all the female veterans out there, thank you for your service! The concept of "She's the Veteran" is in an effort to raise awareness of the almost 2 million women veterans currently serving or have served in the military.

She’s the Veteran works with female veterans to improve mental health through programmatic activities, provide a supportive community, and spearhead research efforts in support of their health and mental health.

We envision a country that acknowledges women veterans for their service, a nation with improved mental health services for women veterans, and funding for research that closes the gap for mental health issues within the female veteran community.

She's The Veteran - Military, Women, Veteran (shestheveteran.org)

Marine Veteran starts Spice Company, Corspice

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:38:18 -0000

It all started when founder and U.S. Marine Bill D was stationed in Korea back in the late ’80s. Bill discovered that MREs tasted like @#$%, but by mixing certain MREs, he could re-create the consistency and flavor of chili. Soon, word got out. Along line wrapped around the outside of his tent with marines longing for the flavors of home. A foodie was born.

A decade ago, a friend gifted Bill with savory spices from Europe. Bill suspected the spices contained too much sodium and MSG, since his and his wife’s wedding rings got tight every time he cooked with them. He decided to reverse engineer the spices, since they’d become his family’s new addiction. He spent months experimenting in his Midwest kitchen, perfecting the spice blends for pork, chicken and beef. In no time, friends were requesting his magic blends. They became the most sought-after food phenom for Christmas and birthday gifts every year. People would come over and leave their empty jars on his kitchen counter, hoping that he’d do a refill.

www.corspice.com

This is where CORSPICE partner and “Chief Tasting Officer” Bob Moring enters the picture. As Godfather to Bill’s kids, Bob would visit regularly visit from Arizona. Bill was always cooking for Bob, and Bob saw the growing demand for Bill’s spice blends. One night, after a few beers, (okay, maybe it was more than a few) Bob slammed his hand down on the counter and proclaimed, “I’ll invest. Let’s DO this!” Bob doesn’t recall this is how it went down, but that’s our story, and we’re sticking to it. Anyhow, Bob did invest, and here we are.

CORSPICE: Military veteran-owned-and-operated, giving back to our military family with every jar we sell.

Award winning author Teri M Brown

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:36:54 -0000

Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown came into this world with an imagination full of stories to tell. She now calls the North Carolina coast home, and the peaceful nature of the sea has been a great source of inspiration for her creativity.

Not letting 2020 get the best of her, Teri chose to go on an adventure that changed her outlook on life. She and her husband, Bruce, rode a tandem bicycle across the United States from Astoria, Oregon to Washington DC, successfully raising money for Toys for Tots. She learned she is stronger than she realized and capable of anything she sets her mind to.

Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others.

www.terimbrown.com

Mr. JayR McIntyre, PBA, PMP, MBA

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:35:12 -0000

I’m a Project Management Professional (PMP) with my MBA and a Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)

With a Scrum Master 1 and 2 Background. I’m Highly skilled at making sound decisions and experienced in short and long-term strategic planning, designing program performance measures, developing policies and procedures, preparing action plans, and advising on diverse program strategies; expert in program infrastructure design, with the ability to understand complex processes and effectively align competencies to provide necessary support. Possess solid senior leadership

abilities, with the cross-functional project management skills to implement the change necessary to achieve an organization’s long-term strategic imperatives; a proactive professional with proven success in driving efficiency through operational analysis, and strategic planning and implementation to streamline the operations and maximize organizational efficiencies.

As a keynote speaker, Certified Master Motivational speaker professional (MMSP), and certified life coach (MLCP), With a Project Mangement Professional (PMP) I inspire and empower audiences with my insights, stories, and strategies on personal and professional development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience in the security industry, including executive protection, military service, and business ownership, I also share my expertise and perspective on risk management, crisis response, and resilience.

I am passionate about helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals and overcome their challenges, drawing from my own journey as a bronze star recipient, a veteran, and a lifelong learner. I have pursued multiple degrees and certifications in various fields, such as sports medicine, health and human performance, business administration, and executive protection. I am currently working on my doctoral degree in business administration and writing my second book on leadership and motivation. I also offer business consulting services to clients in the security and related sectors, leveraging my network and knowledge to provide solutions and opportunities.

She served Sheroes!

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:32:52 -0000

At She Served Sheroes, we believe that your journey as a veteran woman doesn't end when you hang up your uniform. In fact, it's just the beginning of a new chapter filled with limitless possibilities and untapped potential.

Our mission is to provide you with the resources, support, and sisterhood you need to thrive in every aspect of your life. Whether you're seeking financial empowerment, career guidance, personal development tools, or simply a community of like-minded women who understand your unique journey, She Served Sheroes is here for you.

www.sheservedsheroes.org

Tab Bartley, A Marine, Change Marker, Speaker, Podcast Host

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:31:04 -0000

I want to do good things. Not great things, but good.

I plan on leaving my mark on the world and not apologizing for it.

I am a marketing and public relations specialist, with more than 12 years of experience in digital content creation, brand integration, marketing, social media management, community relations and promotion across major media outlets, news media networks, editing and photojournalism.

I have developed and implemented organizational communication strategies at the local, regional and national level.

Marine, Law Enforcement, Actor, Singer Kevin Trees

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:29:10 -0000

A former high school football player, Eagle Scout, Marine and power lifter, just 3 weeks after receiving the Officer of the Year award for his police department in 2003, Kevin Trees suffered a life changing crash that left him for dead on the side of a country road. After two and a half years of not walking and ultimately losing his right leg above the knee in his 34th surgery, Kevin returned to his career as a police officer. Since his return, he has flown with his department's air unit as a crew member, worked homicides as a detective featured on A&E's First48 season 10 (episode 145 only highlighting his work) and now works as a police sergeant. His past and present experiences inspired him to write a book titled, The Serious Business of Laughing at Life which is available at most major book vendors, and he played the role of a cop in a film-festival featured movie by Xachery Irving, Nothing Without You. He can also been seen in Otto Bock publications, web pages and short videos on You tube. In addition to that, he coaches little league football and does motivational speeches about never giving up. He also mentors new amputees that are struggling to come to terms with their own injuries. In his free time he works on his 1968 Camaro, writes and records original music, enjoys photography and paints. Feel free to reach out to him if he can ever be of assistance. I just want to help anyone I can.

Live with Dana Spain from Veterans Villages

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:27:31 -0000

The mission of Veterans Villages is to revitalize the Dream by providing housing that our nation’s heroes are proud to call home. Our unwavering commitment is to transform lives by providing high-quality respectful housing for veterans caught in the housing crisis and left with few to no appropriate options for themselves and their families. Veterans Villages’ singular goal is to address the increasing need for high quality, dignified affordable housing for those who valiantly served us.

We fulfill this mission by raising the necessary capital to create well-designed, energy efficient housing projects. We oversee every phase of development as we support local, state, and national agencies to create communities for generations to come.

Over the next 5 years, we will be the leading nonprofit organization addressing the affordable housing need for our nation’s Veterans. Our Village concept is to build affordable housing communities that encourages neighbors to help neighbors – We will pave the way to completing 15+ fully functional villages.

Marine, Doctor, all around Badass! Dr. Theresa Larson

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:22:28 -0000

Dr. Theresa Larson (aka “Dr. T”) has become one of the healthcare and fitness world’s most sought after experts on movement health. Dr. Larson earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Saint Augustine in San Diego, CA. A former Marine Corps Engineer Officer and Combat Veteran, Theresa also played professional softball in Italy as well as semi-professional softball in the United States, was an All- American Division I softball player at Villanova University, as well as a former Body-for-Life Champion. Theresa founded Movement Rx with her husband in 2013 in order to break free from the limitations that traditional physical therapy puts on practitioners and patients. The result was a company where skilled practitioners can authentically treat patients with the time, care, and movement education they deserve.

Dr. Larson is determined to deliver movement & mindset health to as many people as possible with her team, including adaptive athletes as she is an adaptive athlete herself. She is a motivational speaker for companies, helping individuals and teams understand that change is possible and leadership starts within. She also presents on movement and mobility internationally and is the co-creator and lead instructor of the popular Functional Training for Adaptive Athletes program. She recently authored a memoir (WARRIOR) that was published through Harper One, an imprint of Harper Collins, and is a co-founder of Your Movement Prescription, the cutting edge virtual rehabilitation and wellness company whose programs include The Low Back Fix, The Knee Fix, and The Shoulder Fix.

In addition to her practice, wellness and speaking efforts, Dr. Larson is a huge advocate for Challenged Athletes Foundation, Team Red White and Blue, a veteran non-profit, National Eating Disorder Association, CrossRoads Adaptive Athlete Alliance, and Resiliency Project.

Theresa’s mission with ADAPT Media and the “My New Normal” podcast is to deliver crucial information to people who need it most. Whoever has gone through loss, trauma, or a major change in their life needs to find their new normal again. Through these channels she will offer stories of motivation and strength, overcoming hardship, and information on injuries from some of the top professionals and organizations in the world.

She believes that our ability to optimally adapt to a new normal is a choice. As the Dalai Lama says, “beautiful things don’t come without some suffering.”

The Roll Call Foundation

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:20:10 -0000

Don Barbiea, US Air Force Retired and is the Founder. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky

Jim Webb, US Marine Veteran and a Co-Founder. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky

David Naranjo, US Army Veteran and a Co-Founder. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas

It all started in different corners of the United States, with three disabled veterans named Don Barbiea, Jim Webb, and David Naranjo were living their lives with a shared purpose of helping others. From their respective cities of Louisville, Kentucky, and Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, these remarkable individuals harbored a common passion for horses, special children with needs, and veterans with disabilities.

Fate brought them together when they learned about the US Army's Fort Sill Artillery Half Section in Lawton, Oklahoma retiring horses where David had served in the Army. Inspired by the idea of honoring these noble animals and channeling their love for horses towards a larger cause, Don, Jim, and David decided to adopt two of them upon their retirement, Major Generals Baxter and Mario both military working equine.

Their vision was not limited to merely enjoying the companionship of these horses, but rather to leverage their presence for the betterment of others. Thus, The Roll Call Foundation was born.

With unwavering determination, the three veterans embarked on a journey to create a nonprofit organization that would utilize the therapeutic power of horses to benefit children and individuals with disabilities. By combining their skills, resources, and heartfelt dedication, they laid the foundation for a remarkable initiative.

The Roll Call Foundation soon became a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for those seeking solace and healing. Through equine-assisted therapy programs, the organization provided a safe space for children and individuals with disabilities to interact with their newfound four-legged friends. The gentle nature of the horses, coupled with the expertise of trained professionals, helped foster physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Don, Jim, and David's unwavering commitment to their cause attracted the attention of like-minded individuals who shared their passion. Volunteers flocked to The Roll Call Foundation, offering their time and expertise to support the various programs and initiatives. Together, this dedicated team of individuals worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where compassion, understanding, and growth flourished.

The impact of their efforts was profound. Children with disabilities found newfound confidence and independence as they learned to ride and care for the horses. The therapeutic bond formed between human and animal became a catalyst for personal growth, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The Foundation now has a new horse in the program, a registered American Paint Horse, Cruisin for Fillies aka " Chief Mack" in Louisville Kentucky.

In August 2023 a new mission was presented and accepted by the Founders, add a new chapter of AMBUCS in Louisville Kentucky. Now we are proudly part of their national organization. We are also now Twin Spires AMBUCS, Louisville. Providing individuals with disabilities an adaptive bike called and AmTryke. Each one custom built for their needs and abilities. We can't wait to the roads these bikes take us.

Word of The Roll Call Foundation's transformative work spread throughout the nation, garnering recognition and support from individuals, organizations, and even local government bodies. This newfound recognition enabled the foundation to expand its reach, providing equine-assisted therapy to an ever-growing number of individuals in need.

The story of Don, Jim, David, and The Roll Call Foundation serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the indomitable spirit of veterans. Through their shared passion for horses and their unwavering dedication to helping others, these remarkable individuals transformed their own lives and the lives of countless others.

Live with Keeping it Country Live!

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:18:19 -0000

"a platform and network comprised of independent traditional country music artists, veterans, supporters and related organizations dedicated to working together to raise public awareness and bringing communities together through special concerts and events in order to further AMVETS mission of helping enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live."

Talking with STAT

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:13:38 -0000

STAT founders Dale Massey and Eric Culver worked together for many years in special operations and SWAT. During their time together, leading a full-time SWAT Team, training was a huge part of daily operations.

In their positions, they had many interactions with the community and realized there was no training specifically tailored for civilians. With their shared passion for training, they set out to develop training programs for civilians with survival strategies designed specifically for an active aggressor event.

They knew a valuable opportunity existed to build stronger communities, increase self-awareness, and protect civilians and their families in the face of danger. STAT was created to give civilians, businesses, and first responders the tools needed to mentally and physically prepare for an active aggressor event in the workplace, or in the course of everyday life.

Live with Active Heroes!

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:11:45 -0000

At Active Heroes, we know that veterans, the Military, and their Families need compassionate communities that can relate to and appreciate the challenges that come from military service. To establish a community that can both relate to and support those who have served, there needs to be opportunities to build connections. Without this camaraderie, those who have served can feel isolated and left behind. This can lead to a ripple effect that can lead to crisis or suicide. We believe these heroes deserve to be supported outside their military service through recreational activities and therapeutic programs that can facilitate this much-needed camaraderie. The Active Heroes Retreat was created by military families to support military families.

Camp Brown Bear! Navy Seal Steven "Bear" Brown

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:09:51 -0000

The Camp Brown Bear Vision

Hello, my name is Steven Brown, and I am the founder of Camp Brown Bear. Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma have elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and psycho-social problems. We would like to be part of the solution, in part, by immersing Veterans into the wilderness, giving a sense of purpose while participating in projects, building camaraderie, introducing the participants to holistic modalities (i.e. Equine Therapy, Restorative Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and Guided Journaling). They stay physically active during camp projects, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. The evenings are spent bonding around a campfire. Giving the participants a safe, relaxing, peaceful, stress-free place to spend their days helps them recuperate and sleep restfully, helping process their trauma.

Business Leaders Quick Reaction Force

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:08:24 -0000

Mitchell Kieffer (Captain, USAF [Ret.]) was the Chief Data Scientist for several U.S. and Air Force Commands as an officer in the military and as a civilian contractor. He is a combat-proven leader, being Wounded in Action – Purple Heart Recipient – when his vehicle was directly hit by a copper plated Explosively Formed Penetrating IED which gave him a Traumatic Brain Injury as well as fractured 10 vertebrae. He then earned a Master’s Degree in Data Science/Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology via a prestigious assignment. He went on to lead two Air Force doctrine guiding ‘Core Function’ teams, earning the ‘USAF Analytic Team of the Year’ award, the Lance P. Sijan Award for the ‘Highest Quality of Leadership’, as well as ‘Company Grade Officer of the Year’, twice.

Mitchell was stratified by his commanders as number one of his peers in every Air Force and Joint assignments. He has also earned “Distinguished Graduate” honors at all Professional Military Education courses. After medically retiring from the Air Force, Kieffer earned an MBA concentrating in Finance and holds a Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Utilizing his MBA-Finance & M.S. Data Science, he conducted cradle to grave business plans & analyses, analyses of alternatives valuations, Benefit-Cost-Risk assessments, and surveying studies and workshops driven toward providing operational and strategic optimization predictions and prescriptions.

Shane is a former 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force). He is a tenacious professional with an extremely rare skill set. Shane is passionate about leadership development with over 20 years of experience in Leadership and Operations Management within the US Army, and the private sector.

He served proudly in the US Army Special Operations community - a fast-paced environment demanding strong analytical, organizational, technical, tactical, and interpersonal skills. He has a demonstrated track record for working effectively across organizational boundaries and building strong relationships with department, team and functional area leaders to optimize organizational performance.

Testimonials illustrate Shane’s successful career and skillsets stating, “Shane is inspiring and has great wisdom to share given his life experiences. He inspires greatness and encourages and engages others to perseverance with true grit and a can-do attitude; inspiring confidence and belief in doing good and living life with meaning and purpose.” Another testimony of Shane’s prowess stated, “Shane is the real deal. He’s the kind of person who truly gets stuff done. As an elite Unit member of the U.S. Army Delta Force, Shane served our Nation in the most dangerous of special operations situations. He is a tremendous motivational force and inspires us to reach new levels of performance. I am proud to have Shane as a friend and know he is a tremendous asset to any organization and anyone who he meets.”

K9s on the front line!

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:04:24 -0000

K9s on The Front Line was founded in 2016 when Hagen Blaszyk and Linda Murray realized the intended bandwidth of their mission to provide Service Dogs to combat Veterans could not be met by partnering with any of Maine’s existing organizations. Blaszyk and Murray had met the previous year while training their own dogs at a local K9 training facility, where Law Enforcement K9 handlers were working with dogs that would eventually become Service K9s for a small group of combat Veterans in North Carolina. Witnessing the process and the impact of the ‘final product delivered’ exposed the pair to an immense need for many of our military Veterans. It was then that Blaszyk and Murray recruited a small group of compassionate patriots to serve as founding board members and moved K9sOTFL decisively forward. K9s on The Front Line has continued to grow and evolve since 2016 and we are grateful for the amazing partnerships we have created with local and national organizations and citizen patriots nationwide. We have been touched by our Veterans and their families, who continue to spread the word about our organization and its impact.

Don "DB" Bramer from Kentucky to Dc and back again

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:01:56 -0000

Donald Bramer, founder and Chairman of Bramer Group is a veteran of both combat and Capitol Hill having served the offices and campaigns of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell at both the state and national levels. He has served as an appointee under the administration of President George H. W. Bush in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce focusing on Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as the Office of the Secretary at the U.S.Department of Health & Human Services on the Advisory Council on SocialSecurity. Additionally, Bramer has worked at the state and national levels of several key presidential and congressional campaigns, as well as gubernatorial races in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and continues to be actively engaged in the political process.

After 9/11, Bramer left the political arena and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he joined a family heritage of military service stretching back to World War II. Over the years, Bramer was called up for multiple deployments with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force(CJSOTF) from 2005–2007 where he operated throughout Iraq as an intelligence officer and senior interrogator. For his tours in Iraq, Bramer was awarded twoNavy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Combat Action Badges, the Navy& Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars from the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2009, he received his commission as a Naval Officer and continued his service as a member of the reserve intelligence staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). He later resigned his commission in 2020 after 18 years of service and accepted a commission withKentucky National Guard until his retirement.

Upon leaving active duty, Bramer joined the team of Phoenix Consulting, LLC in Alexandria, VA as an instructor and project manager for the development and implementation of intelligence training programs for the Defense Intelligence Agency and other federal agencies. Bramer has previously served as the deputy executive director at the national headquarters of Log Cabin Republicans; director of membership for the National Association of Manufacturers, where he worked to engage with business leaders across the country representing their views in Washington and eventually, as Vice President, Government Relations of The Steelman Group.

Don is a graduate of DeSales High School in Louisville, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Louisville and has a Masters in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University. He has published numerous academic articles on homelessness among veterans and the effects of the Repeal of DADT. Bramer contributes routinely to Fox News and Fox Business and has been a routine guest on the Ingram Angle, Fox & Friends, Outnumbered Overtime, NewsNation and various other media outlets across the globe on national security, congressional and military matters.

Today, he serves as a Founder and Executive Director of Defend Our Nation PAC; Co-Founder and Chairman of American Freedom Fund; Co-Founder and Director of the Military Equestrian Foundation American Freedom Fund and, as Chairman of the Bramer Group advocating on issues that relate to defense, intelligence, and small / medium manufacturers. Don is also an avid polo player.

#HEROESSTRONG David Rubin

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:55:29 -0000

David Rubin, founder of Wekiva Strong, saw the need to help his local heroes after witnessing all they did during hurricane Irma in 2017. It was weeks and months of local firefighters, policemen and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to assure people in the community they would be safe, have the needed services and take care of one another. These Heroes were spending so much time away from their own families, caring for others. David decided to put on a local community event to thank these Heroes for everything they were doing. Wekiva Strong continued into 2018 and with the help of more community members and businesses. All types of Heroes were recognized and we showed our gratitude. The event in 2018 created so much buzz, it was obvious this needed to grow on a much larger scale.

Wekiva Strong became Heroes Strong.

Karl Truman (Army Officer to Lawyer to Veteran Advocate!)

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:52:23 -0000

Injury attorney Karl Truman began his military career when he enlisted in 1981. He then enrolled in Army ROTC at the University of Kentucky, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1983. He worked his way through the ranks, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2009 after 28 years of service.

His military training includes:

Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Course at Ft. Knox, KY
Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense Operations Course
The Air Assault Course at Ft. Campbell, KY
Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA
M1 Transition Course
Anti-Terrorism Instructor Course with the J.F.K. Center for Special Warfare at Ft. Bragg, NC
Combined Arms Services Staff School
Total Army Instructor Training Course
Command and General Staff College
Reserve Component National Securities Issues Seminar with the Army War College

Highlights of his duty assignments include serving as:

Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader
Mortar Platoon Leader
Executive Officer of an Armor Training Company
Training Operations Officer with Task Force 100 in direct support of Operation Desert Storm
Commander of an Armor Training Company
Executive Officer of a Division Headquarters Company
Chief of APMS Operations
Instructor with the Combined Arms and Services Staff School
Deputy Chief of Staff of a Division Command

Decorations include:

Army Service Ribbon
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster)
National Defense Service Ribbon
Army Achievement Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)

Live with Jamie Utley

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:47:25 -0000

Jamie Utley was born a beautiful, normal, healthy baby...and then things went wrong. Jamie takes the audience on a rollercoaster thrill ride, showing them what the world looks like through his eyes as he guides them along the twists and turns of his experiences with his dysfunctional family, relationships, being a single parent, staying sober in recovery, and male-bonding. Jamie Utley toured on the Monsters of Comedy with Ralphie May and Jim Breuer, starred on Laughs on FOX, and has appeared on The Bob and Tom Show and Fridays with Jim Breuer on Sirus XM Satellite Radio.

Wayward Warrior Ranch

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:45:04 -0000

Wayward Warrior Ranch is a Veteran Service Organization located in Bristol, Virginia.

Mission: To help warriors find hope & purpose after service through ranching & the love of Jesus Christ.

Faith. Farming. Focus. Fulfillment.

Live with KY VALOR

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:40:23 -0000

We are a nonprofit organization that helps veterans capitalize on their military experience to meet career goals. We partner with employers throughout the Commonwealth to connect transitioning service members and their spouses with open job opportunities.

We believe that the shortest pathway for the transitioning veteran is the best pathway. By recognizing your unique career goals and family needs, we’ll connect you with a fulfilling career in Kentucky.

In the Bunker with Allan R Smith (Crux Distillery)

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:39:04 -0000

Allan R. Smith Story: Born in Hollywood, California as a dumpster baby and then adopted by a mixed family (Armenian/American) where he grew up as an only child. His adopted father a professional musician had a connection in the television industry and quickly Allan had a job at age 6 as a child actor working in television commercials. After a couple years this moved into network television shows such as Gunsmoke, Medical Center, Brady Bunch, Cannon, rockford files and then onto feature films where he appeared in the Academy Award winning film Chinatown with Jack Nicholson. Age 16 he felt the need to transition away from the “industry” and with the hit show at the time “Emergency” on TV about LA Country Fire Department Paramedics, this sparked an interest in the fire service and he joined the Glendale Fire Department explorer program. In his senior year of high school he earned his certificate as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). Thinking this was his future, one of his fire instructors said he should explore the Air Force as a PJ or firefighter to gain valuable experience. So after visiting the recruiting office and taking the ASVAB, the direction seemed solid, until, stopping to look at the most badass recruiting posted he had ever seen at the Marine Corps Recruiting office. After a conversation, the recruiter say, Marines are the best of the best warriors out there, no, don’t think you could cut boot camp and earn our EGA. Well all common sense went out the window and the challenge was on. I skipped high school graduation and headed straight to boot camp wanting to prove I had what it takes to me a Marine. Post active duty and assigned to a reserve battalion, Allan entered paramedic training and became a Los Angeles county Paramedic working in South Central Los Angeles. Years later he accepted a position working as a firefighter-paramedic in the Eastern Sierra of California covering the Eastern side of Yosemite National Park. He was the lead responder in the worst bus crash in America’s history earning him several valor awards. With the fire department schedule, he found that time on his hands that made him restless and the training from the Marine Corps along with his Fire/Medic skills offered him a unique opportunity to create a film production company focused on indigenous cultures, hostile territories and 3rd world countries. A team that could get into a country, get the requested footage, treat themselves medically if need be and have the situational awareness to get home safely. A luck would have it, it has led to over 80 countries visited, multiple film awards, filming the oldest American to ever summit Mt. Everest, to the jungles of borneo and beyond. He Produced and Directed the Award winning documentary “RESCUE MEN: The Story of the Pea Island Lifesavers” about 7 African American that led the all only all black lifesaving station in the history of the LSS. These men lead the most rescues and some of the most heroic rescues off the coast of North Carolina, that led to the formation of the United States Coast Guard. This film alone, led to the naming of a new Coast Guard Cutter the “Richard Etheridge” after the station keeper, as well as the new crest and logo currently carried on the Cutter. After years in the fire service and tired of the climate in California, a decision was made to relocate to North Carolina. A sister company was born and “Pipe Hitter Media” was created and quickly grew to be a leader in the firearms and tactical industry for video production and photography.

The MisFitnation with Rich Lamonica

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:34:03 -0000

Rich LaMonica Is a 22-year veteran of the United States Army who was deployed on multiple occasions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It was during this career he evolved as a leader of people. His education came from great mentors who showed him how to take care of people. He retired in 2015 and went through an entire year of self-reflection as he transitioned to civilian life again. Those 365 days from retiring to finding a job taught him valuable lessons about transition. This has powered his drive to help other veterans as they go through the transition and any other roadblocks they are hitting. He is a Motivated Speaker who discusses Mindset, Resilience, Grit, and more skills that will make you find your Purpose no matter the journey you have been on. He is currently finishing up two books while pursuing a Ph.D from Liberty University in Homeland Security. He lives by rules and has a motto that resonates with fans of How I met Your Mother “Challenge Accepted”. He is the Executive Producer and host of The MisFitNation Podcast

Talking with Samuel Deeds!

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:26:57 -0000

Samuel Deeds was born in Bangor, ME on 2 Oct 1977. He graduated from Penobscot Valley High School in 1997.

Deeds served in the Marine Corps from June 1997- Oct 2011. His military education includes, Recruit Training, School of Infantry (Infantry training Battalion), Special Operations Training Group (Non-Lethal Weapons Course), Recruiter School, Convoy Operators Instructors Course, Stability and Support Operations Instructors Course, Unit Operations Center Course, MV-22 Basic Mechanics Course, Substance Abuse Control Officer Course, Unit Substance Abuse Manages Course and Equal Opportunity Representative Course. His units include 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Recruiting Station Louisville, KY, Recruiting Sub-Station Florence, KY, 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, 6th Marine Regiment and Marine Medium Training Squadron 204. He deployed to Okinawa, Japan 1998/ Pohang, South Korea 1998/ Port-au-Prince, Haiti 1999 (Operation New Horizons)/ Thessaloniki, Greece 2000 (NATO Exercise Dynamic Mix)/ Port-au-Prince, Haiti 2004 (Operation Secure Tomorrow) and Iraq 2005 (Operation Iraqi Freedom). After 67 days in Iraq Deeds was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) while warning his fellow Marines of the threat. Deeds had sustained a 1/3 open tibia fracture of the left tibia, two broken metacarpals in his left hand, multiple shrapnel wounds to the left thigh, left forearm, right groin and a grade two concussion. This was the second IED blast in just 30 days. On September 11, 2008 while vacationing with family Deeds saved the lives of three distressed swimmers that were caught in a rip current of the coast of North Carolina. This was just five weeks after having an abdominal surgery earning him the Navy and Marine Corps, which is the highest award for heroism outside of combat. On October 1 2009 Deeds was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Having under gone 30+ surgeries and procedures since 2005 and not being capable of performing the basic tasks of a Marine, GySgt Deeds was medically retired on October 1 2011.

GySgt Danny Draher: From New York To Force Recon, From Marine Raider To Family Man

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:48:01 -0000

GySgt Draher was born on June 26, 1983 and raised in New York City, New York. Motivated by the events that took place on 9/11 he enlisted in the Marine Corps and shipped to boot camp February 25, 2002. GySgt Draher’s first assignment was with Alpha Company, 6th Communication Battalion (Bn), a reserve unit based out of Amityville, Long Island where he served as a field radio operator. Shortly after his arrival he found himself deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I. After realizing that the reserves were not for him, GySgt Draher quickly switched over to active duty. From July 2004 to November 2005 he was assigned 2d Bn, 8th Marine Regiment (2/8) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving as a line company radio operator. He deployed with 2/8 on the 26th MEU and participated in Joint Exercise Caya Green in Israel, and Infinite Moonlight in Jordan. In 2005, searching of something more, GySgt Draher volunteered to take the Recon Screening. After successfully passing the screening he was assigned to 2d Force Reconnaissance Company where he went through a Reconnaissance Indoctrination Platoon at 2d Recon Bn and completed the Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) at Fort Story, Virginia Beach.

Shortly after completing ARS, 2d Force Reconnaissance Company was absolved into 2d Marine Special Operations Bn in mid 2006, And the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was formed as a subordinate unit to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). While at MARSOC GySgt Draher has served at all three operational battalions (Currently named 1st, 2d, and 3d Marine Raider Bn’s) as a Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) member, Assistant Element Leader, Element Leader and Operations Chief. GySgt Draher also worked at the Bn level as a lead instructor for Direct Operations and Sub-Terranean Operations in the Training Cell, and as the Bn Future Operations Chief. In 2011, after three MSOT deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom GySgt Draher was assigned as an Instructor at the Marine Raider Training Center Stone Bay, North Carolina. In 2014, he served as a Test Operator and Tactics Lead for the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), and the first enlisted Marine Raider Para-Commando on the Parachuting Demonstration Team for USSOCOM located at MacDill Airbase in Tampa. After his time in Tampa, GySgt Draher Deployed once more to Guam, The Philippines, and Australia for Joint Chief of Staff Exercises Balikatan, Talisman Sabre, and multiple Joint Combined Exchange Training events. On his last deployment he deployed with Special Operations Task Force 83 to Northern Iraq and Kurdistan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

GySgt Draher completed his Degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis at Norwich University after graduating Cumma Sum Laude. Other schools he has attended include the Multi Mission Parachute Course, as well as various other parachuting courses, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape, Marine Combatant Diver Course, Dive Supervisor, Special Operations Planners Course, The Senior Instructor Course, Fast Rope Master, Multiple Explosives and Assault Breacher Courses, Multiple Direct Action & Special Reconnaissance Packages, Advanced Special Operations, The Merlin Project, Martial Arts Instructor Course, Sergeants Course, Career Course, Advanced Course, Joint Special Operations University Joint Fundamentals, Enterprise Management, and Enhanced Digital Collection Training. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation with Valor, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star. GySgt Draher is married to Destiny Flynn-Draher, they have 2 awesome children.

Talking with Melissa and Lonnie Allen from KOVR Suncreen

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:43:39 -0000

Melissa's upbringing in the Midwest was much like a scene straight out of Tom Sawyer. She was outdoors every day, usually riding her bike down to Duck Creek, a tributary off the Mississippi River, with her friends. They would spend all day catching crawdads and bullheads, and playing in the woods around the train tracks.

As an adult, Melissa carried on her love of the outdoors after relocating to the San Diego area with her husband, Lonnie, who was in the Navy. They quickly fell in love with the outdoor culture available here and all the opportunities for adventure and exploring. Water sports not available in the Midwest like scuba diving, surfing, and paddling were now plentiful, and they took full advantage of the desert, beaches, and mountains surrounding them.

Then one day their puppy, Bodie, began licking the top of Lonnie's head. So much so that it made them take notice. This resulted in an appointment with a dermatologist, and what turned out to be Basal Cell Carcinoma.

From that point on, it was never an option to skip sunscreen. Melissa works in the health and fitness industry, and so recognized the importance of preventative care. Yet she always had a hard time finding sunscreen that felt good while in the dirt mountain biking.

Bodie finding the cancer on Lonnie's head gave her the idea to make a sunscreen for active people. But it would also need to be safe for the environment as well as the person wearing it, and not tested on animals. And that is how the concept for Kovr All Natural Sunscreen was born.

Adam Bird with Heroes Media Group

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:40:40 -0000

Experienced entrepreneur and manager in building companies, training, mentoring, leading, and educating teams to success; Qualified professional in the development of Top Performer Status team members; Highly skilled professional in creating, developing, and implementing monthly department plans and achieving goals; Proficient leader in creating, implementing, and monitoring team goals and objectives; Self-motivated, conscientious, and top performing manager with a diverse background earning a solid reputation for integrity, discipline, and commitment to excellence; Proven aptitude and skills to excel in results-driven and customer-focused environments; Effective and professional communicator with all departments and levels of any organization

Specialties:

►Teambuilding & Supervision

►Customer-Focused Professional

►Process Oriented & Results Driven Leader

►Effective Problem Solver

►Policies & Procedures Development

►Course Development & Instruction

►Strong Sales Background

►Strategic & Goals Oriented Planner

►Broadcast Production

►Business Marketing

Talking with Jon Atchison! Marine Veteran, Hockey player, Servant Leader

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:37:16 -0000

Many of our nations military and first responders are suffering silently on a daily basis. Our mission is to help in any way possible. These heroes are a band of brothers and sisters which live by the motto "No One Shall Be Left Behind". That motto should should continue to ring true whether on the battlefield, on duty, or in the workplace. It is for this reason that Louisville Ice Warriors, Inc was founded.

Louisville Ice Warriors, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are attempting to bring active, retired, disabled, veteran military members and first responders together using the sport of ice hockey. We promote peer support, open lines of communication, and a family type environment. It is the goal of the program to help these proud Warriors return to the lifestyle that they enjoyed prior to their military or public service.

It is our personal goal to help as many Warriors, their families, and their friends as we possibly can. Whether it be through hockey, community involvement, or just being there to provide support for a brother, sister or their loved ones.

Relief 4 Heroes with Sean Franklin

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:30:57 -0000

Our organization was born out of a commitment to assist 1st. responders families during tragic events. Relief4heroes WILL be there to provide HONOR Meals at the funeral and wake and honor of the fallen. We will visit the family roughly 30 days later, letting the family know that their loved one are NOT FORGOTTEN! We will provide them with a $250-$300 gift card for family needs and provide them with an additional HONOR Meal in remembrance. Relief4heroes revisit the family on the one-year anniversary date of the fallen and provide them with an HONOR Meal in remembrance. For our military veterans and family to include all 1st. responders, we have teamed up with Camp Hero KY to provide PTSD assistance and whatever else they need. Our friends at Dogs Helping Hero’s‘s will be there to help all 1st. responders and veterans with Service K-9’s when needed. We believe that change as possible when we put a hearts and mind to it. We have also set up a scholarship fund to assist with higher education for the fallen heroes children there is an application process for that.

Mission 22 with Thomas Shevlin

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:23:35 -0000

Thomas is a former infantry machine gunner who served in the Marine Corps. He went through two deployments, one being a combat deployment. After serving four years, Thomas pursued his aspirations of becoming a personal trainer and obtaining his Kinesiology degree. Having competed in bodybuilding and powerlifting, Thomas has taken the knowledge of physical application and educational application in order to formulate a structure that is most advantageous for health and fitness goals. Still having a passion for the military, as well as that of health and fitness, he wanted to incorporate the two together in order to help veterans in need.

Woody Williams Foundation with Alex Nauert

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:20:32 -0000

Alex Nauert, a 15-year service member of the United States Marine Reserves and a Purple Heart recipient, graduated from UofL in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Presently, Nauert serves as a military police officer with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, the director of programs for The Woody Williams Foundation and owns a small business called the Tap Tavern Truck.

HomeFront Sitrep talking with Cletis Evans

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:14:45 -0000

Born at Fort Knox, raised in Meade County, I enlisted in 1985 upon graduating from high school and served 22 years of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps. Upon retiring in 2008, I wanted to give back to my community and in 2010, I joined the Marine Corps League, Detachment 729 here in Louisville. Currently, I am in my 13th year as the Toys for Tots Coordinator for Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Henry and Owen counties in Kentucky.

Donald Bramer / KY to DC and everywhere in between!

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:06:37 -0000

Hope Project with Chappie David Trogdon

Thu, 16 May 2024 03:06:13 -0000

Dr. David Trogdon Chaplain (LTC) US ARMY, Ret.

2016- Present: HOPE Project CEO/Founder

2016- Present: EAGALA Mental Health Professional

2023-Present: Arenas for Change Professional

David retired in 2015 from the US Army after 33 years of military service including 25 years of active duty. He currently serves as the director of the HOPE Project and serves Soldiers and Families, Wounded Warriors and veterans. His many years of military service includes 16 years as an Army Chaplain where he deployed to Iraq twice, Afghanistan, Africa and Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. David specialized in trauma, combat stress, child loss, grief, and family ministries. David is a graduate of Welch College, Southeastern Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, the Army Command and General Staff College, US Army Chaplain Basic and Advance Courses, US Army Military Intelligence Center and School, the Basic Airborne Course and Clinical Pastoral Education. He is the coauthor of “First Aid for Veterans” and the author of “Operation Eternal Freedom” as well as numerous published articles for magazines and newspapers.

HomeFront Sitrep with Camp Hero Kentucky!

Thu, 16 May 2024 01:52:21 -0000

Rocco and Lauren Besednjak are lifelong public servants. Lauren is currently a Registered Nurse, and has been living her dream of working with children for over 15 years. Rocco spent over 4 years in the US Navy, before he was medically retired due to becoming disabled. Not wanting to stop serving, Rocco served as a police officer, for over seven years, before he was forced to retire, due to spinal injuries after being intentionally dragged and ran over by a wanted felon. However, Rocco’s drive to continue serving, allowed him to convince Lauren to acquire a beautiful piece of property in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Appropriately named Camp Hero, Rocco wanted to be able to provide retreats, hunting trips, camping trips, and outdoor experiences for other wounded veterans and first responders. During his early stages of being treated for service-connected PTSD, Depression and Anxiety (that were tied to his physical injuries) Rocco was able to find the organization, Kentucky Wounded Heroes (KWH), which also provides outdoor experiences for wounded veterans and first responders. Through experiences with KWH, Rocco was able to fully understand the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors, in nature, and being around like minded people. Rocco wanted the non-profit to be able to continue on this idea, and provide a location to be able to help other wounded heroes heal, and grow our heroes of the future.

HomeFront Sitrep with Will Creasman!

Thu, 16 May 2024 01:49:31 -0000

William Creasman is an Army veteran, who is now a certified therapist working on Fort Knox with active duty and their families. He talks about his military journey and his life after getting out of the service

HomeFront Sitrep with OFP Comedy!

Thu, 16 May 2024 01:39:49 -0000

Brandon Johnston is a USMC veteran with a passion for entertaining and helping others. Brandon served 2 combat deployments to Iraq and spent a total 15 years in the fire service before and after the Marines. He draws on his unique experiences as a firefighter, Marine, father, husband, and biker to provide comedy entertainment like no one else. From overseas deployments cracking jokes with Marines and other service members, to entertaining family and friends, to putting on full-scale performances, Brandon has always been dedicated to finding the humor in any situation.

A Chappy's right hand Man!

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:30:44 -0000

Instead Of Sheep!

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:29:30 -0000

Why We Serve!

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:26:44 -0000