Heart of a Volunteer: Veterans

This is the final episode of the podcast. "Heart of a Volunteer: Veterans Podcast", what a hell of a run! As all things do, it must end. I'd like to thank everyone for being apart of this. The Veteran Co-hosts that came out of their comfort zones, dredged up old memories, reached other Veterans on a personal level, and gave the podcast class. Thank you. I know coming on the show wasn't easy sometimes, but the assistance that you gave, the example you set for others made it all worth it. The podcast will stay active for awhile, it will also be archived within a few of the platforms, so go back and listen to any episodes that you might have missed. No sponsors, just Veterans doing good works. Everyone stay safe, I'll see you on high ground. This is the final episode of "Heart of a Volunteer: Veterans Podcast". ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Seems as if the podcast is up and running again. Spent a little time away from the Lake House, just to get my head right. Wasn't much I could do here, so exercised some battlefield patience and now we are sitting right. On top of just taking my mental health into account, taking time away gave time for the new equipment to arrive, which is amazing. (Episode on that soon). Caught up with Zach Carpenter (S3E5) and we chatted about the changes going on here in Sherwood Shores while the clean up and rebuild happens. Still a lot that needs to be done, but compared to a month after the tornado this is beautiful.Zach and I both are looking at relocating, Zach to West Texas and myself to Belize, so we covered some of the reasoning behind that and what we are looking for in that next stage in life. Not only is Zach moving, but he has a baby boy on the way in late November, so making moves for the next chapter in his life, so good things going on out here in the world.Everyone stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend. Till next time...★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Monday, 21 March, 2022 an EF2 Tornado brought heavy destruction as it ripped across the community known as "Sherwood Shores". Grayson County reported that 10 tornados had touched down. Across the entire state only one life was lost, Mrs. Viranda Rogers was a resident of Sherwood Shores, TX. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and to the families of those injured. With no warning from sirens, this could've been much, much worse. Very blessed. Ways to help those in need can be found at: The United Way of Grayson County (www.unitedwaygrayson.org), for those that are looking to help, thank you! Continue listening folks, the studio and equipment are gone, but I'm going to keep things going. Maybe the source of my sanity is this podcast right now!!! Everyone stay safe and we'll talk to ya again.

Got to catch up with a Veteran who lives here at the lake, Zach Carpenter, and we soon became good friends. He took me out for a training session with his hunting dog "Bob". Zach has Bob trained as a birddog. I was amazed at just how dynamic they operated and wanted to know more. So a couple weeks later here we are.Zach talks us through his upbringing, his military service, and then he gets into dog selection. Zach is keen on the "German Short-hair Pointer" and talks about the training routine that he uses, ranging from Commands, Retrieval, Table Breaking, Field/Water Work, and Competitions. Zach has a way with dogs, he proved it here at my place with my pups. Zach spends a lot of time afield, so no surprise that he has seen Sasquatch, not once, but twice! Great conversation.Everyone stay safe and blessed out there. Subscribe to the show, share it and let me know what I can do to make it better.©HOV2022

Welcome everyone to another episode here on HOV: Veterans Podcast, and I'm your host Chris.It's been a while since I put out an episode, the Ride with Dan, USA roll up was the last one that I did. Up to that point it is all me, pure laziness and focused on other things. Easier things in some regard.But the past month I was deeply engaged, and that is what I going to talk about on todays episode.This is a Veterans Pod, so talking about Veterans and the areas that impact our lives and those around us is what we do. My Grandpa, 94yo WWII Marine Veteran, Merchant Marines before that, and newest inductee into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. My Grandpa has filled this life up folks, not only with experiences, but with people.Not to get into my Grandpa's medical history, he's 94yo so you get it. On top of that, he fell going into church and fractured his femur right above the knee. He had his knee replaced a number of years ago, so that messed up the alignment of his hardware.  This has made his knee unstable and a concern when living alone. Yes, my Grandpa lived alone til he was 94 years old. But getting up/down stairs, stopping falls without breaking something else is not something he can do alone anymore.Family got together to get a schedule around. 3 aunts, 2 uncles, jobs and medical issuesSigned up on the duty roster for 30 daysLearned a few things over this period that I'd like to share.1) Duty & Obligation are over used Calling, number of cousins that aren't able to just cut away, they may feel that they are not fulfilling a duty, but in the end its a calling, a draw to this person, to help steady them and ensure they are maintained.2) Personal Perception in Stated Learning - we all have those moments where we “change”, the situation dictates that we become someone else. Some times it's a date, location, but mostly its situations. Think about the idea of Monday's, going to work after a long weekend of not resting at all. This develops a “state of mind/emotion” around this event. People can do this to us also.  - My Grandpa had this hold on me. Like I said, he has been my best friend longer than anyone else. He directs me as if I was 15yo again, I snap to his directions like I did when I was young too.  - There is nothing wrong with this, per say, when he passes, which we all will, there would have been a feeling of being lost, a great loss to me.  - But walking behind the man who use to tower over me, looking over his head a full foot and holding my hand in a belt grabbing position changed my view of things. This also has nothing wrong attached, a progression that took many years, but one that had to happen at some point. Especially in the sense of mental and emotional health going forward.3) Old Age Care - My Grandpa has it pretty good. He gets to stay at home, his family will make sure that he is taken care of and he'll be good to go. The constant contact with my Aunts/Uncles during my time there made things all too clear for me.I'm going to either be in a Veterans Home or at the mercy of someone that I don't know to care for me. Either way, I have a lot of work to do on my character. When I look at the situation, me without the ability to do for myself and someone taking care of me, I see only one thing that can make my situation better….a good character. These folks, primarily ladies, are giving their time to cover the cost of resources to propel their family to the next level. They are profiting by my demise. There is no need to confuse the facts there, others will profit in terms of a paycheck for taking care of me till I pass on. My level of character is the only thing that will make a difference at this stage of my journey.  If you haven't been to an Assistant Living Facility, you should go some time. It's a good view of how things will be for you, kind of a “Ghost of Christmas Future” if you will. Christmas slang is creeping in this time of year. The bills that are passed that save money, but strip away funds or oversight into these facilities will be something that we fall on to when our time comes. At the same time, you get to see the folks that are engaged and who draw extra attention from the nursing staff. If you're not that person, well you're probably just going to stare out the window like an ass, passing the time as a shell of your former self. Holy shit, didn't mean to take a few steps down the dark path folks, just trying to paint the picture for ya. It is something that we need to think about. Some of you have parents that will soon be entering this stage of life, it is hard  to be a part of, life altering. Something to consider. All in all, I feel personally, that I came away from the short visit with my Grandpa having cultivated a portion of myself that has changed me, very profoundly. These opportunities don't come along very often, and certainly the fully engaged nature of the environment had a lot to do with it also. I went to bed thinking about my Grandpa and woke with my first thought turning to him, the rest of the day was focused on his needs. A truly great time, 30 days of hanging with and being there for my oldest friend.What do things look like going forward for the pod, well… I have no idea. The plan was never to be an old crusty clown still hosting this pod, but for the time being we'll see what we can make happen for the show. I've discussed the nature of the show and how it has its own set of inherent difficulties.I've been picking back up where I left off on the 6 chapter book called “Settlement, Inc”. The 6 chapters will be broken down into 12 episodes, with an opening episode and closing/beginning of the next book. All read by me with a bit of technical wizardary added in for good manner also. I'll do a brief read as we get closer.Mr. ChummyVet himself, Ryan Wempe and I are working on a pod that we will host together, more to come from that.Alright everyone, take it easy out there. Stay safe, blessed, and smiling. Till next time.

Caught up with the seven-time co-host on the podcast, Dan Hurd, to talk about the conclusion of his cycling journey across the lower 48 states for suicide awareness. During the episode we talk about the changes that have occurred during the three and half years that he's been out on the road. From the start, to the shift to riding to raise suicide awareness, the pandemic slow down, the accident in Arizona and 22k miles later, finishing what most thought he wasn't mentally prepared for or that his injuries were too great for him to ever ride a bike again.Dan's story isn't a new one, we hear people from all walks of life out there doing uncommon things, but as we listen to these challenges faced do we see ourselves at some degree and ask if we need a good ol' fashion deep challenge to get us to the next level? If not, we should be. So that is the challenge to you, take yourself deep on a personal level. Take a fascination in yourself, learn the little things and ask yourself questions. Get yourself involved in something that you know if going to change you, you're not meant to wither on the vine.There are a total of five episodes where Dan talks about his journey. Here they are: S1, Veterans Chat 18, 23 & 34, and S2, Veterans Chat 3.

Dr. Katie Kopp joins me for a second time on the podcast, this time we tackle suicide and turning our mental health around. Won't lie, had a really tough week. Someone who holds a place in my heart took his life, I haven't felt this level of loss in a very long time, so very fortunate to have Dr. Kopp available to come on and have a chat. Opening things right up, Katie asked me when suicide first effected me. I have to say, two hours later and I feel really good about opening up, sharing my feelings on it and having her there to help me sift through things. Each of us have a had experience that we have a hard time getting around, opening up about these sticking points is clutch. If you're listening to yourself and you're not healing, then you need someone to help you out.  From the point of hopelessness, we talk about not being able to find a way out of our situation, life, and how suicide feels like the only option. How do we gain a footing here and pull ourselves back from the brink?  1) Take care of your personal hygiene and stay healthy. 2) Get a Veteran or 100 in YOUR LIFE! You are either helping or being helped, either way its a win-win for everyone. Everyone needs someone to call them out. This isn't a daily thing here, this is a check-in, get on in there. 3) Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Find out and understand what makes you who you are. Dive deep into what is bothering you, break it up into pieces and understand those little chunks. Stay in the zone of understanding it, gain full knowledge and understanding, move to the next chunk. 4) Don't get comfortable, our demons are waiting...keep your head on a swivel and keep moving! 5) Normalizing Trauma means that you have understanding of what makes you tick. Now its time to make it normal, this trauma is apart of you, your personality will always have elements of this trauma. Breaking the cycle of silence, opening up and getting sound advice from those you trust. 6) Build Compassion & Empathy for yourself, you've been through a lot, take credit for it. If it makes you sad then imagine how others feel, you showing that this too effects you, that is having compassion and empathy. This also helps others to normalize their trauma. A damn win-win again.   Everyone take it easy out there. Reach out to someone and have a meaningful conversation about life. Reach out to Dr. Kopp if you have questions or need guidance on getting plugged into a counselor, katiekopp@gmail.com. Any Veteran that would like to come on and have a chat on the show, email: hovpodcast7@yahoo.com. Let's get it done.   Stay safe and blessed! HOV©2021

Through the course of life we find ourselves, on many occasions, barely holding on to the things we value and put our works into. These many years of life have taught me, in brutal ways sometimes, that change is all around us. We struggle, which is our nature as humans it seems, fighting against the current of life, wondering when we are going to catch a break. Well, that break will never happen, the moment and environment that made that work has passed. Change is all around us, we are in the eye of something that is in constant flux, this is unavoidable.   Resistance to change causes us to be anchored to an old way, one that has passed its period of usefulness. In saying that, the podcast is adjusting to the change times and updating itself, so as to not swim against the current of life as a Veteran.    The long standing episode, the Saga, is out. On paper this episode is amazing, Veterans Gold, but in reality this episode opens chapters of life, that for some produce setbacks. Much like the “war story” genre, if you’re not growing from it then it is holding you back from understanding it. War is not something we just do, war is lived - that lived part of life must be known to us, without the “fog of war” obscuring the truth.   More to follow in regards to episodes. “Children of Fallen Patriots” is an amazing non-profit that provides “gap” assistance to Gold Star Children for college. This organization was founded in 2002 and has provided educational funds, scholarships and more to over 2000 Gold Star Scholars. This is an organization that I know we all can get behind. Reach out to the Gold Star Families you know and ask them if they have enrolled, free benefits, don’t let em go to waste.   “Veterans Mental Health Series” will be out here in a couple of months, four episodes talking about “Our Mental Health” and how we can move up a couple of levels in owning it.    Reach out if you’d like to come on the podcast for a chat, all are welcome. Till then, everyone stay safe, blessed and engaged.

Movement Monday has two guests that have been longtime friends, Joel Wood and Wendell Moore, on the series to discuss Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Their friendship spans decades before becoming involved in this movement with working together in government to starting a restaurant with friends to moving to different capitals, their bond was never broken and continues to stay strong. The words “incurable” and “untreatable” are words no parent or person wants to hear but that’s exactly the words associated with Duchenne and for the many other forms of Muscular Dystrophy (MD). The Wood Family heard similar words when their son, James, was diagnosed in the early 2000’s and the family set out to change the words associated with the disease with the creation of the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is one of the most serious genetic diseases in children worldwide and this form typically only affects boys but there are other forms that can affect different areas of the body and can affect boys, girls, men, and women. Duchenne MD is the most common childhood form of MD, as well as the most common of the Muscular Dystrophies overall, accounting for approximately 50 percent of all cases. The Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne’s mission is to identify, leverage, and bring to market treatments that will benefit ALL sufferers of this disease. The advancements within the last 20 years for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is creating a huge shift. This shift is making better opportunities for patients and their families with DMD that will allow these boys to live better lives as well as how they can benefit other diseases by breaking the code on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (FED) https://www.duchennemd.org FED 2020 Annual Video https://vimeo.com/395684937 2020 Virtual Nashville Music Event: https://youtu.be/eYZeAWthff0 Social Media https://www.facebook.com/eradicateduchenne   _____________________________________________________________________________   Try Athletic Brewing, Brew without Compromise! (https://bit.ly/3aQ4u8n) Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order! Follow Dan’s journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com HOV©2021

Today’s co-host is Air Force Veteran Michael Minor here to discuss an organization within Garmin called GPS VETS. Let’s first Start with what is GPS? Its known as Global Positioning System and it’s a satellite-based navigation system made up of at least 24 satellites. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, with no subscription fees or setup charges. The U.S. Department of Defense originally put the satellites into orbit for military use, but they were made available for civilian use in the late 1980s. This opened a whole new industry that has become part of our everyday lives. A company that started during this time was Garmin. Today they are one of the biggest GPS companies in the world. I reached out to them about talking about their movement because of the support I received from the company when I broke my watch on my journey. When I got to Lander, WY, Garmin upgraded my broken watch at no cost to me which did more than just track my miles. When I was hit in Arizona that watch detected the accident and sent a message to my mom and sister. They knew where I was before I was able to tell them. Those safety features have been used all over the world. Over the past 20+ years, GPS technology has led to a spread of commercial applications across industries and sectors, including agriculture, construction, transportation, aerospace, marine and especially with the creation of portable devices that impact our everyday life. In addition to creating new efficiencies and reducing operating costs. The adoption of GPS technology has improved safety, emergency response times and environmental quality. GPS giants like Garmin are building various communities within their organization like GPS VETS to make stronger communities that can impact the lives of many. I didn't expect that GPS VETS doesn’t stand for global positioning system, but something even greater. Listen how Mike and his team are making differences within the veteran community inside Garmin and beyond. Its time to get locked in! See the latest Garmin gadgets: https://www.garmin.com Job opportunities: https://careers-us.garmin.com/us/en/ Social Media https://www.facebook.com/Garmin https://instagram.com/garmin/ https://www.youtube.com/garmin https://twitter.com/garmin ______________________________________________________________________________ Try Athletic Brewing, Brew without Compromise! Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order! Follow Dan’s journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com HOV©2021

Movement Monday has Sylvie D'Aoust on the series to talk about her Secrets from the Saddle. She shares parts of her past not often talked about related to mental health. Sylvie tells us about the hiccups along the way and how she overcame each obstacle. It just goes to show its never to late to share your story. Join the movement by sharing your story, remember its never to late! Ironically she is also the founder and host of the podcast series called Secrets from the Saddle where she talks anything cycling and to the extraordinary people out there doing it, including an episode with yours truly. She founded one of Ottawa’s largest women's only road cycling clubs, CycleFit Chicks, and has since created signature Online winter cycling skills programs that have attracted cyclists from all over the world as a coach. Having trained over 900 woman in the sport improving overall skills. This isn’t limited to women either, we all can improve our riding skills and safety with some coaching. To learn more about Skills & Technique Courses: Stop wasting energy with poor pedal stroke form on the trainer this winter. PROMO CODE: pedal Extra $50 off https://www.cyclingskillspro.com FOLLOW Her on Social MediaIG: https://www.instagram.com/sylviedaoust_cyclist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daousttrainingsystems/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/Daousttrainingsystems TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@sylviedaoust_cyclist YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SylvieDAoustWorkoutsCyclingCoaching ______________________________________________________________________________   Try Athletic Brewing, Brew without Compromise! Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order! Follow Dan’s journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com  HOV©2021

JT Frank co-hosts Movement Monday to talk about Consequence of Habit podcast and new nonprofit organization. Listen how this Air Force Veteran changed and continues to change his life after years of struggles. Is it possible to kick whatever bad habit is holding you back? Sure and JT realized he needed better habits, including Self-acceptance one that many of us should work on.  The habits he had restricted him until he analyzed them and made the changes one habit at a time. We talk about how Athletic Brewing Company has had an impact as well! Use this code RWD20 or COH20 to receive 20% off your first order.   JT started Consequence of Habit Podcast to explore how habits relate to happiness, success, or lack thereof. Talking to others who have made massive changes in their lives by changing their habits. This led to wanting to make a bigger impact and is currently in process of filing for 501c3 status. The mission is to raise awareness and help those struggling with bad habits to get them into better lifestyles. Remember to take time to manifest positive habits examine your routines, what happiness do you get? Analyze the reward, once you know the why you do something it will be easier to find a better habit that will give you the same reward. Identify the cue, being aware of the habit and what’s reinforcing it is a positive way forward and is the first step to change. Instagram @Consequence_of_Habit ______________________________________________________________________________ HOV©2021 Try Athletic Brewing, Brew without Compromise! Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order! Follow Dan’s journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com

William (Bill) Broadie passed from his earthly life to his eternal heavenly home on January 21, 2021, after a six-week battle against COVID-19.  Bill was born February 26, 1948, in Ashland, KS, to Elmer (Raymond) and Leta (Luke) Broadie. Bill graduated from Ashland High School in 1966. He was a life-long resident of Ashland, KS, a fourth-generation cattleman, and a proud United States Marine. Bill loved being a cowboy. Stories of a young Bill working alongside his father and “helping” out on the ranch were frequently retold. One story often heard was of a very young Bill looking up at one of the cowboys and saying, “Do you want to have some fun?” At that moment, he spurred his Shetland pony, Dynamite Dan, as they went bucking through the middle of the herd “whoopin’ and a hollarin’” and scattering the entire herd after a full morning of gathering. Bill often said it was a good thing it took several hours to regather the cattle; otherwise his father would have killed him. Bill often told stories about growing up on the ranch as a kid. He had several mishaps, including being kicked or runover by cattle or getting bucked off his horse. The first aid administered to him by the cowboys were phrases like “I guess they won’t hurt you in football,” or “Get up it will make you tough,” or “It’s a long way from your heart.” These valuable lessons learned on the ranch of toughness, determination, perseverance, and hard work were reinforced as a Marine and carried him throughout his life. The next chapter in his life was set in motion when Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  During Bill’s deployment to Viet Nam, he was wounded twice. The second one resulted in the amputation of his leg. To put it simply, his air evacuation did not go smoothly. As his good friend Rod Raso stated, “Who the hell else can get shot, dropped out of the helicopter that is supposed to be evacuating him, and still survive?” Bill spent six months in the Philadelphia Naval Hospital recovering from his injuries. He was awarded two Purple Heart Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. He received an honorable medical discharge in 1968. Bill returned to Ashland and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Kaye Clark, on July 27, 1968. They enrolled at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, to pursue their educational goals and started their family with the birth of their son, William Barrett on June 8, 1970. Graduating from college, in the spring of 1971, they returned to Ashland to partner with his father & grandfather on the ranch. They gave birth to daughter, Amy Lynette on March 27, 1974. Bill’s determination for leading a full and independent life remained a focal point of his character. He resumed his normal activities of riding horses, roping, doctoring and taking care of cattle, as well as (reluctantly) learning to drive a tractor again, mastering all of these tasks with his wood leg. At one point, his prosthetist wanted to understand why he was breaking so many wood legs. After spending a couple of days on the ranch with Bill, he quickly understood and came up with a reinforced leg, designed to better withstand the cowboy life.  Bill never used his disability as an excuse. He never complained about the hand he was dealt. He led by example and taught his children to get up, keep going, and work hard. If he felt that a pity party was carrying on too long, he would offer a spare leg for a kick in the butt to get you going.  In 1988, Bill joined on with Superior Livestock Auction, a young company that was to revolutionize the cattle industry.  Setting out to build a new career with Superior, he saw the benefit for both producers and livestock in this model of bringing the traditional cattle auction to satellite TV. As a representative for Superior Livestock Auction, his circle of business associates grew nationally. Bill personally marketed over 500,000 head of cattle over the course of 32 years and created a team that has collectively marketed over 2.2 million head of cattle.  He helped build the foundation and reputation of this young company into a nationally recognized and successful marketing option for ranchers. After 9/11, Bill saw the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq lingering on. Always driven to serve, Bill was moved to do something after seeing the press vilify the troops, just as they had done to the Viet Nam veterans. Combining his two life passions, the beef industry and his brothers and sisters in arms, Bill wanted to show his appreciation to them by serving steak dinners to the troops and their families. Bill, along with a core group of dedicated and committed friends, successfully created the All-American Beef Battalion. Since April 26th, 2008, they have served approximately 418,000 service men, women, and families in 28 states. Bill was continually overwhelmed by the commitment, dedication, and love given by the men and women who have selflessly sacrificed countless hours to the beef battalion, in order to fulfill their mission of serving ribeye steaks to the troops. Bill will always be remembered for his toughness, generosity, and his ability to just “call it like it was”.    

Jacob Bowman joins the podcast today for a chat about his time as a Ranger Medic with 2nd Ranger Battalion, the challenges of post-service and the connection back to life that Ayahuasca gave to him.  Not only is Jacob a Veteran, but he is also a Veteran Business Owner. He developed a CBD balm that jump started “Buzzed Bee Balm” with his Mother and a buddy he served with. The Lemon Grass balm is as solid as they come, I’d try that one. A few years ago, Jacob was invited to go down to Medellin, Columbia to take part in an Ayahuasca Ceremony through the non-profit “Heroic Hearts Project”. The scholarships that Heroic Hearts Project provides allow Veterans to go down and participate in the ceremonies. These retreats are not just thrown together, they are vetted by the CEO/Founder and others to insure the safety of the Veterans being sent down. Make sure to check out their website and if you’re a Veteran that thinks this is for them, reach out to them and start the process. Best of Luck! Once again, psychedelics are not a joke or a game. Serious advances in Veterans and others lives are being made by their usage. Get informed and support the advances of healing the souls and minds of those that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us. Everyone is different, that knowledge leads to different forms of treatment to get them back to living amazing lives. Everyone Stay Safe & Blessed!   HOV©2021

This week we have Glen Bloomstrom cohosting the series to share with us, LivingWorks Education. Back on episode two of Movement Monday, I talked about a movement that I value very dearly and if you have followed my journey at any point through Ride with Dan USA or the nonprofit One Pedal At A Time Movement then you have heard me talk about LivingWorks Education. Livingworks is the world leading suicide intervention training organization and we believe suicide is preventable! I thought what better way to share this movement that is so near and dear to me then to bring them in to share their own organization and their newest programs.   Our co-host today is my first guest that I did not meet on my journey, yet we are strongly connected in this cause. Before joining the LivingWorks team, our co-host served for 30 years as an active-duty army chaplain working with some of the U.S. Army’s most elite! He serviced from battalion to Army Staff and all levels between before retiring as a colonel in 2011. Glen is the LivingWorks director of “Faith Community Engagement”, he also works with faith communities, the us department of defense, veteran organizations, and international militaries. I am excited for us to get to know him and the work he is doing at LivingWorks. Come join us and listen how we can start to make our communities suicide-safer! Are you a member of a faith community? Has your community had members struggling with depression or the thoughts of suicide? Please take the time to share this critical program to your faith leaders! LivingWorks Faith Want to start your own training?  LivingWorks Start ______________________________________________________________________________   Try Athletic Brewing, Brew without Compromise! Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order! Follow Dan’s journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com   HOV©2021

Seth Rockwell, a Friend from the Road, joins us this week to chat about vanlife and the love for the great outdoors. At just 21 years old, he is living an amazing journey already full of adventures. Some of us at some point in life have had thoughts of traveling the country maybe the world in a similar fashion. For any number of reasons, we find ourselves on a different path. This does not mean you cannot fulfill that dream at some point though. If you enjoy life in some of its simplest forms this could be just what you are looking for!   Seth and I met just outside of Moab, UT at Willow Springs BLM under unique conditions. Neither of us expected to meet up again for lunch a week later. The adventure he was on was epic and spontaneous, but the most spontaneous thing occurred after! Seth was heading West originally but he changed his plans to go back East in hopes to make it for a certain event. What would be so important? Hang on as we discuss that and other changes that have happened since leaving Utah.  We discuss the future and the movement ahead. What is Van Life? ___________________________________________________________________   Follow Dan's journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Movement at Opaatmovement.com      HOV©2021

Thomas Elpel of Green University connects with the Movement Monday series! Episode 7, I want to thank you for listening to this point! Tom was recently awarded writer’s digest’s first place in nonfiction for his natural history travelogue, “Five months on the Missouri river: paddling a dugout canoe”, a work that I am thankful to be featured in. Our guest partnered with Churchill Clark, the great-great-great-great grandson of Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Together they whittled and carved a 10,000 lb. log into an over 500 lb. canoe used for the journey.   Tom is known as an "Ecopreneur". He is an author, builder, conservationist, and a pioneer in experiential education through his Green University. We discuss the importance of developing a deep and interactive relationship with nature. Thomas shares how we can foster our connection to the environment and find our place in the ecosystem through hunting, gathering, and learning primitive skills. Let's find a balance between modern and primitive lifestyles. Learn new skills from Green University whether in the immersion program or a class! We all have room to learn about nature and the way life was for humanity for many years.   How to Register       Try Athletic Brewing, Brew without Compromise! Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order! Follow Dan’s journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com   HOV©2021  

Singer and Songwriter, Jeffrey Steele, joins the series to discuss the love for music with the love for skateboarding. Stick around get comfortable and come jam out with us. Even if you are not a country music lover there are just some songs that we all hear at some point. Those songs that get the head bobbing, the feet moving and the emotions flowing. Those songs like Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town, Steve Holy’s “Brand New Girlfriend” and Rascal Flatts’ a band that transcends further than a country with songs like “Here”, “My Wish”, “Every Day” and “What Hurts the Most” and there are many others out there. Those songs I mentioned are just a few of the 100s of songs Steele has been involved in writing and producing! 2007 was the year he and his family would start a different and unexpected path. They started an organization named The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. In honor of his late son. His love to film, skateboarding and playing music sparked a movement after heartbreak. They continue Alex's legacy by sharing his passions and love with all. Join us for an evening to support the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund on March 8th, 2021 in its 14th Annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends, an intimate evening and one-of-a-kind virtual experience! Mark the calendar for an amazing time that’s also a great cause! Donate Here ___________________________________________________________________   Follow Dan's journey at Ridewithdanusa.com Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com   HOV©2021

Family ADDventures, Nicole Santiago, joins the Movement Monday series to discuss “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD). Keep focused as Nicole discusses the different types of ADHD. Just how many types are there? Listen as she explains each one and gives examples. She discusses her own experiences with ADHD as a daughter, a parent, a wife, published author and a coach. I forgot to mention she does all of these things just like anyone else but she too has been diagnosed with having ADHD. ADHD cases have been described as far back as the textbook published in 1775 by Adam Weikard in German. Yet, the stigma still exists and the general public has little understanding of ADHD. Pay attention because it can impair major life activities including social, emotional, academic, and work functioning when gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. When diagnoses/understanding is known this can led to improved ways of life through treatment, coaching and a self-understanding. We discuss important information about ADHD and the facts that you may be unaware of. Join the movement to change the cycle of shame and bring change to the Stigma of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.   Facebook Family Addventures Instagram @FamilyADDventures ________________________________________________________________   HOV©️2020 Follow Dan's journey at Ridewithdanusa.com  Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com             

American Gold Star Mother and U.S. Marine Veteran, Lee-Ann Forsythe, assumes co-hosting duties today on “Movement Monday” to talk about the great work that American Gold Star Mothers Inc. (AGSM) does for our nations Gold Star Mothers, Active Duty Members, Veterans and Youth through varies outreach programs and partnerships. Lee-Ann talks about the wonderful contributions these amazing Mothers make to each other and the country.   Like her father, Lee-Ann served in the Marines, as did her son, Marc. Service is in her blood, so taking on roles within AGSM has been her way of continuing to serve. From working with our youth to teach Flag history and etiquette, partnering with “Working Dogs for Vets”, assisting Veterans, and sewing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gold Star Mothers are out in front, all in white, showing us the makings of what we call the “heart of the volunteer”. Get Involved Here _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow Dan's journey at Ridewithdanusa.com  Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com         ©HOV2020

Christie Douglas, from Saga Ep. 25, stopped by the studio on her way back up from Dallas and we didn't waste the opportunity. Christie is the voice for the introduction on "Movement Monday", so she was gracious enough to record a few more for Dan. Dan and Christie hadn't seen each other in quite some time, so this was a much-needed reconnection, especially after all that Dan has gone through in the last couple of months. It was a reunion that they both needed and I think it comes out in the episode also. Remember, reconnecting with someone can be life-changing to you both, don't miss these chances if you can help it. I too am guilty of this, always working on rectifying that. Enjoy the episode and help the podcast out by subscribing on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on. Take the time to comment on an episode that you enjoyed. These comments mean a lot to the podcast, help others find us. Remember, this podcast makes no money, so the little bit we can get in the form of listeners is all that matters to us. Consider helping by sharing the podcast.   Alright, stay blessed and stay tuned for more episodes.   HOV©2020  

Alex had travelled 19 states by the time he met up with me in Moab, UT. None of which he planned to originally do and he is doing lots of new things these days! We replayed the Forrest Gump Hill scene and crossed into my 44th state together! We parted ways with no plans to see each other again, at least for a while. Well I ended up beating him to Flagstaff, AZ, but not in our traditional bicycle method but because of a Medical Flight. We kept in touch throughout the process and he even made a delivery to the hospital for me with some of my favorite snacks. We had the privilege to connect yet again while at the Lakeside Studio, this time in his 22nd state and his longest time on the road, EVER. Listen as we discuss what inspired the current bicycle journey that he is on, after just completing his first trip. Alex talks about how his plans were halted in the last moments before starting his great adventure! This didn’t stop him, sure the plan changed but the movement was the same. Along the journey he was surprised when he got to follow someone he considers a personal "hero" and "professional bicycle tourer"! They got to meet and spend 10 days together. Listen for how the journey has gone so far and what the plan has in store for the future. Alex tells us how things have changed since meeting one of his "heros". Not all movements are the same but they all have the power to make change! Instagram BumOn2Wheels Facebook BumOn2Wheels _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow Dan's journey at Ridewithdanusa.com  Support Suicide Awareness and Dan’s Cause at Opaatmovement.com              HOV©2020

Podcasting has really taken off during the pandemic, with folks at home or having a lot of free time, some are taking to this platform to talk about what moves, inspires, or just fills a need in their life. In terms of podcasting, finding your message and coming up with a title is a good start, but once you get past that its on to the format. Are you looking at a “1-on-1 Interview” format or are you wanting to tell a story as a series? Either way, there are five more formats to choose from to get started. Don’t really worry about the length of the podcast at this point, grab your cellphone and start putting in the work. Equipment can vary, we utilize the technology that Rode Microphones has put to get. The Rodecaster Pro w/ Podmics is a great set up, but it runs about $800-900 to get started. The set up we have here is about 2k, but we have more mics, speakers and cables. The “no budget” option with just the cellphone or purchasing a $20 mic is all you need. Practice, Practice, Practice! Spend as much time as you can on the mic w/ headphones on. The dynamic nature of you voice coming from a mic takes some practice to get the “flow” that will drive your podcast. Use an outline to organize your thoughts and practice the delivery, this will help you get your “sound”. After you’ve got that down its time to start finding the guests that have the topics you want to cover. Reach out to family, friends, and friends-of-friends to get those guests that bring the gold for your podcast format and topic.  Either way, don’t be scared! Go for it and make sure you share it with HOV so we can subscribe to your show and promote it. Everyone stay safe out there and enjoy the holiday season. Blessings. ———————————————————— HOV©2020

Welcome Everyone to “Movement Monday” a NEW series on “Heart of a Volunteer: Veterans Podcast” with me, Daniel Hurd. This series is a way to continue my movement for Suicide Awareness, after the accident that left me unable to continue my own physical movement after 44 States, nearly 18,000 miles and over 2.5 years on a bicycle with Ride With Dan USA. It also made it difficult to continue to share my own Movement for Suicide Awareness, One Pedal At A Time (OPAAT) Movement. HOV gave me a place to heal my body and “HOV: Veterans Podcast” gave me a way to continue moving but in a different way. If you’ve dreaded your Mondays before, I want you to look forward to them here with guests on movements that are powerful and inspiring! What is Movement? You could read one of the many definitions available in the dictionary, but instead listen as we explain our definition for what movement is on this series. What started this movement in the first place? A bicycle, a cause and a stopover in Mobile, AL. We talk to a special guest that explains what inspired his involvement with starting the OPAAT Movement! The movement has changed, but the mission stays the same, bring awareness. We talk about Livingworks, and OPAAT gives the listeners an opportunity for something FREE! We’ll talk about some of the guests we will have on from friends from the road, volunteers making a difference, movement starters, and even some of those hopefuls that we hope to have on the show, including a confirmation during the show! Comment-Like-Share-Subscribe Opaatm@gmail.com    HOV©2020

Victor Varela, Army Veteran, drove up from San Antonio, TX to enjoy the weekend and to have a sit down at the studio for a chat. It was a great time and the is full of Victor’s life and times. As all of us know, the reason we join the service, regardless of branch, is an individual one, framed by the needs of the time. For many college and for some following in the footsteps of a family member or mentor. A deeper connection is reserved for those that seek self-discovery and self-redemption. Victor’s “why” he joined is a story of the redeeming qualities, one that many of us can relate with. He saw his life as something much better than what he was living, joining the Army in 2006 set him on a course of self-correction and finding that sweet spot that he can lean forward and life life. Victor dug his bones in A.co, 2/35 IN BN in Iraq for two deployments, during that time his reason for joining changed to “Why I serve”. Through the struggles of deployment, hand in hand with other Soldiers, his purpose in life changed. Victor is leaning forward in life to help Veterans in need and being apart of the Veterans community in San Antonio. Great chat with Victor and a visit to San Antonio has to happen now, Victor is a member of VFW Post 76, “Oldest VFW Post in Texas”, so excited for that. Everyone stay safe and spread the word about the podcast when you get the time.   HOV©2020

Change of Mission: "Shifting Focus to Maximize Efforts"    

Ryan Wempe - owner of "ChummyVet.com", came up to the "Lakeside Studio" for a chat about what is a Chummy Vet and how connecting with Veterans is a life-defining event.15% Discount Code: HOVPODCAST Chummy: Friendly, familiar, thick as thieves, matey, buddy...Veterans know all too well how this feels when you're engaged "in the suck", but we only really relate to "Battle Buddies" and pass over chances to chat with other Veterans. Ryan decided that he wanted to find a way to open the door to communication, a random chance encounter with another Veteran...stepping away with a smile and a new friend. CHUMMY!Ryan has spent the last seven months developing the designs and chatting with other Veterans so that they open the channels of communication between Veterans. When you visit ChummyVet.com, make sure that you read the write-ups, these can also be seen on Facebook and Instagram. Check out ChummyVet.com online, Instagram, and Facebook!! HOV©2020 

Dan Hurd joins the show today for an update on his journey to bring Suicide Awareness to the masses. Dan has cycled through 42 states so far and traveled over 16,500 miles during that time. The number of lives that he has impacted can't be counted, truly happy to know he's out there doing great work building awareness and offering some really great training through "Living Works".    Living Works provides training for Suicide Awareness, as an Ambassader for Living Works, Dan donated five (5) of the "START" program from Living Works. The START program is an online training program that utilizes simulation and situational exercises to help build the skills in Awareness, Identification and Engagement. If you are interested in signing up for one of the free courses then email Dan at: OPAATM@gmail.com to sign up and receive your sign-in information. If you aren't able to get one of the free programs, then go here to take the program for just $20. Start.opattmovement.com Ride with Dan here: Facebook  One Pedal At A Time Movement   LIKE-SHARE-SUBSCRIBE HOV©2020

Marine Corps Veteran, Daniel Lee, joins the show today to talk about getting into the deep end of our challenges, finding a greater understanding within it. Dan followed a path to service that many Veterans themselves have put feet to, faced choices and challenges leading up to joining.   Dan was an All-American swimmer in high school, from the age of four he honed his skills in the water and the water taught him lessons that carried over into not only his time in service but in life itself. Dan’s father passed away when he was 17 from cancer, his strong connection with his father, family, and the water got him through and onto the next chapter of his Saga.   Daniel attended college at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY), though he had discussed attending the Naval Academy. He attended OCS (Officer Candidate School) at Quantico, VA, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, where he served as a Communication Officer (0602). Dan deployed to Afghanistan to Helmand Province in 2011, forcing him to take a year off of training for triathlons, but he was submerged in more challenges that would later pay off more than training.   Dan lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and new baby girl. During these trying times, he has cherished the time really getting to be close to his growing family, even leaving triathlon training as a secondary passion.   Enjoy this episode everyone, won’t lie this episode really resonated with me. Dan’s understanding of his life and his connection with his father opened up lost points of truth and knowledge that my mother taught me. I slept like a baby the night this was recorded, and will again tonight after listening to it once again. Stay blessed everyone and find those points of truth, as Dan says, submerge yourself in the challenge.   HOV©2020

Michael Armstrong joins the growing ranks of Veteran Co-hosts today and defines yet another Veteran attribute - Never Quitting. With his cousin serving in the Marine Corps, Mike set his sights on following his lead. But his dream of becoming an 0331 - Infantry Machine Gunner was derailed when a diagnosis of childhood asthma was discovered. Mike's level of personal drive and determination eclipsed this challenge and he finally joined the ranks of the Army.  Hear Mike talk about his time in service and how after three deployments, the last one being the toughest, he was suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and other physical injuries related to the May 18, 2012 destruction of the Artillary Gunline at FOB Bostick, Afghanistan.  Mike is like the vast majority of Veterans that have faced struggles in service and now have the skills and character to define these struggles as a Veteran and work through them. Another reason I'm humbled to be a member of the Veteran Community. Stay blessed and enjoy the episode. 88 Tactical Group Facebook page 88 Tactical website   SHARE-LIKE-SUBSCRIBE   HOV©2020

Dr. Katie Kopp, Ph.D. assumes Co-hosting duties on today’s Saga Episode to discuss her amazing journey to becoming a Clinical Psychologist. Not all Veterans set out in life to serve directly, but some are given auspicious moments that change their life's path, thus changing them forever. Katie is one of those Veterans who found Soldiering to be a calling that she found tough not to answer. Katie takes us through her time in college as she worked on achieving her goal to become a Clinical Psychologist and how a scholarship changed everything for her and her family.  As CPT Kopp, Katie was embedded with the “Mountain Warriors” of 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, CO, where she deployed not once, but twice with her brigade to the Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Listen to her describe her first deployment and the actions she took to get timely care to the survivors of the Battles of Ganjgal and Keating. Her second deployment saw her traveling all over RC-East to help service members manage life in a combat environment, even providing a solid sounding board for Sr. Battalion/Brigade leadership. I’ve talked about a concept that I call a “Veterans-Veteran” on the show before. Dr. Kopp is one of those Veterans who are leaning forward in the ruck straps to ensure positive outcomes for Veterans. CPT Kopp's passion was first and foremost the mission, keeping service members in the fight and as fit as possible mentally was paramount in fulfilling that. As a Clinical Psychologist and a Veteran, Dr. Kopp has not stopped supporting the mission of the Veterans she helps today. We look forward to having Dr. Kopp on the podcast again to help us Veterans understand what's new with “Our Mental Health”. Everyone stay safe out there and help us spread the word by sharing. Don't miss an episode, Subscribe to stay in the loop. HOV©2020

Nick Martin sits down at the Lakeside Studio for today's episode and we have a stoic conversation about gaining traction from the lessons learned, during not only our service, but in every challenge we face in life. Nick came from humble beginnings, but he was guided by a Mother who worked hard to provide, this early lesson was not lost on him. Examples of service were all around him growing up, living near Ft. Benning, GA, so it was no surprise that he would join to serve.    Nick went from an enlisted Airborne Ranger, to West Point Cadet, and then to Intelligence Officer. He has run the gauntlet of embracing the suck, flawlessly engaged, and fully understood. Nick is a people person, he applies learned leadership skills to his position now. His achieved goal during his own transition has been a "Re-Branding" of military skills to civilian enhancement skills.    Very strong episode, share and spread the word. Stay blessed.   HOV©2020

Devon Walker made the journey from Amarillo to Lake Texoma to get some much-needed family time, while at it he hosted Veterans for a fish fry and hung out here at the "Lakeside Studios" for an episode on the fishing here at Lake Texoma. Devon co-hosted during Season 2, "Veterans Chat Ep.020 - Traditions", so he knows his way around the podcast. Thank you for all you do for Veterans and the podcast, brother.   To support our Gold Star Families, by not only your finanical help, but to gain knowledge so that you can join those who have become a positive element in their lives. Kloe says go to: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors - TAPS, to learn more.   If you're planning on heading this way for fishing or just to enjoy the quiet of the lake, hit the podcast up and swing by.    Everyone stay safe and blessed.   HOV©2020

Devon Walker & Timothy Haley joined the podcast for an in-studio chat today about the fine art of "Noodling" or hand-fishing. Will and Tim served together in Hawaii and deployed together to Iraq. It was great getting to hear the stories that they made over 12 years ago. Tim hails from Oklahoma and Devon from Texas, so the BBQ Rib challenge was thrown down for a future gathering at the "Sniper Bar & Grill" and also a trip to film and interview during a "Noodling Expedition" here in the Lake Texoma area. Till then, sit back and relax and listen to the What-Why-Where-When and crazy stories of putting your hand into a dark place, hoping to catch dinner, and not be dinner.   Stay blessed and let's just keep the episodes between us from now on. We are getting way too many contacts and leads for future episodes. Slow your roll, Jack, we need time to chill too! Stay frosty folks!   HOV©2020

Ruben Valdez, from "Veterans Day 2019" episode, assumes Co-hosting duties on today's episode to highlight some of the great Soldiers he served, his military service, and the tough part of transitioning to the 1st Civ Div (Civilian Division). Ruben leaves a warning for all, don't neglect your health. Putting off a visit to the doctor, therapist or clinic can lead to some very dramatic health events. Take care of yourself, others are depending on you.   SHARE and Comment. Stay Safe and Blessed.   HOV©2020

Will O'Brien joins us today to talk about being an educator during this pandemic and what the focus is going forward. If you listened to Season 1, Veterans Chat Ep.008, "So you want to be a teacher?", then you already know Will's passion for teaching. He talks to us about the plan going forward for the Kansas City area that he teaches in and the challenges that exist.    Interested in coming on the podcast? Will talks about his Koi Pond and speaks fondly about enjoying it for hours. If you're in the same boat then reach out so we can work on an episode. Lots of great topics to share with other Veterans, so let's make it happen.   Till next time, SHARE-LIKE-COMMENT and stay blessed!   HOV©2020

Morning Coffee with Will Price at the "Sniper Bar & Grill" this morning. Great weather this morning for an outdoor chat about life. Will was injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Iraq and still carries the painful reminder in his feet. So we talked about how he has developed his life around the care and maintenance of his feet and his mind. Meditation, Yoga, and Tia Chi are key to Will's improvement and carrying them over into the next day, week, months, and years. Always healing is the goal!! Topics discussed:  -New National Suicide Prevention Hotline number: The long wait for a faster, simpler contact number will be implemented July 16, 2020 - "988" will replace 1-(800) 273-8255 (TALK). We talked about the question of "why wait two years to implement something that has been needed for 15-20 years". The focus on removing the stigma of mental health is slowing taking root and the PREVENT program (Presidents Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide). With understanding we can do more help for those that need it, might be you and I one day! -Space Force in the news and on Netflix, funny series so far. I'd check it out. -"FATHER SOLDIER SON" is out on Netflix and is about an Army Ranger, Brian Eisch, as a single father he deployed and was injured in a rescue mission that left him with the struggles of a lower leg amputation, healing wounds inside himself and with his two young sons. We are going to watch this and report back with some thoughts from other Veterans.  -Cross Timbers Hiking Trail is located just off of Hwy 377 as you cross into TX from OK. Great trail that has camping, picnic areas, and wonderful sights to see along the way. The trail weaves its way along Lake Texoma for 14.2 miles, sometimes being right along water on cliffs or into the woods to cool off. Visit if you're in the area. -Veteran Visitors are ALWAYS welcome at the Lakeside Studios, just reach out and let's get you down here for an episode or just to sit back and relax for a while.  Once again, thank you for the care at which you take in these episodes, and thank you for spreading the word. Everyone stay safe and blessed!!   HOV©2020

Season 2 Introduction Welcome back, everyone! It's been a bit of time since we have gotten together to enjoy an episode with a wonderful Veteran Co-host. Ryan Wempe (Saga Ep. 027) left me a voicemail, challenging me to start Season 2 and here we are!! Not to worry, folks, the podcast is coming back for a Season 2! A great many things have changed, as the episode reveals, and the podcast is ready to start up not only a new season but doing it in a new studio. The "Lakeside Studios", dedicated to SSG Richwell Doria "DAGR81", will be where the episodes for the show will be recorded from this point on. Excited to host Veterans at the studio for the show and to relax. Going to be hosting a "Veterans Breakfast" soon at the studio also. The rest of the episode discusses the layout and plan for Season 2, if you are wanting to come onto the podcast just email me at: HOVPODCAST7@gmail.com. There is a call out for all professional and subject matter experts to record a series of episodes to cover their content in 30-min episodes. Reach out and let's have a chat. Everyone stay safe and many blessings. Help us reach more Veterans and folks that enjoy a Veteran's perspective on life, share, and spread the word. Thank you again!   HOV©2020

Travis West assumes co-hosting duties on today's Saga Episode. Travis is a partner in West & Dunn Law in Wisconson that has been helping Veterans through their Veterans Advocacy Program. Travis discusses the in's and out's of the services that his firm provides and goes deeper into the operation of the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) system. The use of a Veterans Service Officer is key to getting your claim in, but once it's been adjudicated you need to make sure that you're getting what you deserve. Don't wait to let the VA know you have some issues! As an Airborne Ranger, Travis trained and deployed out of Ft. Benning, GA with 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (3/75) during his service time. During that time Travis developed and learned skills that still serve him well today. He applies his dedication, leadership, and perspective to his family, law firm and the people that they serve, making a small family out of everything he does. He took this attitude to the U.S. Army Ranger Association as it's president and continues to work on bringing Veterans together through his work. Continue to stay safe out there everyone, be blessed!!   HOV©2020

Dan Hurd, "One Pedal At A Time Movement" joined us for the third installment of "Riding with Dan". To catch up where we left off on Veterans Chat Ep.023 listen HERE.  Dan has had to "shelter-in-place" in Mobile, AL for the next few weeks or longer, but he is still doing amazing work through his non-profit "OPAAT Movement" and has plans on doing some videos to help encourage those dealing with the extra stress of isolation. Remember folks, you can still reach out to people and be apart of others' lives. Don't let someone slip through the cracks, reach out. The supplements that Dan is taking, and has gotten amazing results, can be found here at the link below. Ever one stay safe and continue to be blessed. Support your health with great products while supporting suicide prevention. 100 percent of the proceeds go to supporting the Pedal At A Time Movement. Check out the products here. rwdwellness.kyani.net For more information please reach out to Dan at rwdwellness@gmail.com or on social media at RIDE WITH DAN USA.   HOV©2020  

Adam Bouchard rode from Florida to Oklahoma and assumed co-hosting duties on the show today to connect with Veterans on many levels. Adam lives the seasonal engineering gig, so spending time driving and visiting friends and family is something he loves to do. As an engineer, Adam works on the nation's steam generating systems. He was working on the big one west of Las Vegas a few months ago, so you can imagine the equipment that he works on, massive stuff.  We talked about the value of getting an education, mainly to round off the edges and making yourself more hireable. The message is clear across the board when it comes to education, college, trade-school or certification. Consider this, if you're not showing improvement then you're not showing next-level skills. Keep after it and reach out to Adam if you're looking to get into some of the trades, he has some connections in plumbing, electrical, mechanical and other areas. Look at these jobs that aren't ever going away, be smart and think of the future. Keep after it folks and stay after it. Stay blessed and be safe.   HOV©2020

Matt Lunceford & Dave Palmer, hosts @ "It's Debatable" podcast, join this podcast today to share a passion for engaging with people that has formed between these two friends. Having served together as "Baker Boys" from 2-12 Infantry, Lethal Warriors, they bring a very balanced connection that is going to be fun to watch on their podcast. Matt & Dave tell us how they got this idea and how it turned into something that they had to challenge and learn. If you're looking for a podcast that talks about Pop Culture, Conspiracy Theories, and daily happenings around the world. These two are quite a pair, Dave is a personal trainer with some guns to show for it and Matt is a tattoo artist, Barber and NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. They have the traits to really open up a topic and tear it apart to find the yummy stuff. Stay tuned for more from Matt & Dave on "It's Debatable" podcast. Everyone stay safe out there, remember, always more one position lower than you think you can get away with and Stay Blessed!   HOV©2020

Devin Medrano assumes co-hosting duties on the podcast today and we discuss life and just where he is taking it after his 8 years of service. Devin is in his junior year here at Oklahoma State University where he is double majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Zoology. Passing on college to service and see the world, Devin used the time away from his dream of being a Wildlife Conservationist to learn just who was as a man and now as a Veteran.  After getting out, Devin set off to get his feet back under him and start focusing on getting closer to his goal of working for National Geographic.  Devin spends a lot of his free time working within the Wildlife Society and serving through wildlife conservation. He even talks about heading over to war-torn countries and covering their wildlife conservation issues. I am always grateful for the Veterans that come on, Devin opens up about his struggles and the way he got through them to get to the next level. Very interesting Veteran, don't sleep on his Saga.   HOV©2020      

Tyree Woods, lead singer of Buffalo Commons, co-hosts today and what an amazing chat we had. Could have easily gone on longer, but he had a show to do in Leadville, CO to get to. Tyree has a new single that is coming out titled "Monday" and it describes a very intense day during his deployment to FOB Bostick, Afghanistan. A very revealing song and one that Tyree describes as a deep healing that has helped him to become the husband, father and human he is today. The song plays a just past the first verse during the episode, but plays to the end as a wrap up. Through the process of healing through his music meant that he needed to be apart of a team, with like minded individuals, so he started a band named Buffalo Commons. They have an album coming out this summer, so be looking out for that. Also, if your in the CO area, they play all over the place. Enjoy Tyree everyone, a Veteran healing and helping others heal through his music. Stay blessed and keep spreading the word about the wonderful conversations with the amazing Veterans who co-host on the show. HOV©2020

Co-Hosting today's Saga episode is Army Veteran, Mike Humphreys. Mike is no stranger to podcast visits and media, so the chat was real light. Living in Portland, OR, Mike spends a lot of time outdoors and when he isn't he is an English online tutor to Chinese students, so we got into the coronavirus of course, business is booming right now. When he was 8-years old he was cast as "Young Forrest Gump" in the movie Forrest Gump, to one up that, he joined the Army as an Infantryman and served in 1st Armored Division and deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq. Mike has a deep tradition of military service in his family, so it made since for him to be interested in the Army.  This was the first time that Mike has openly talked about his personal feelings about serving and how it has effected him, most hosts just want to hear about Gump he said, but he opened up about how he feels and how it has effected him. He left the thought and idea of his service behind and went 11 years before reaching out to Veteran friends, he discovered that they were going through the same things he was, but had 10 years to deal with it. Mike is working through his understanding of his own mental health, but he has a great ability to express himself and how he feels. He graduated from college a year ago and went to the VA and sought counseling, opened up the years of service and is on the climb back up. Since everyone has seen "Forrest Gump", he is planning on using that as a platform to spread Mental Health Awareness. Check out Mike's video when he talks about his experience with PTSD and its effects, very good example of talking through it. Expect to hear from Mike here again on the podcast and be on the lookout for him in upcoming movies, he's making some moves. Everyone stay safe out there and stay blessed. HOV©2020

Matt Davenport assumes co-hosting duties on todays episode with some amazing details about the job opportunities with the company that he works for, Power Secure. Matt dives deep into the opportunities that are available now and excellent points of contact. Lets break some of this down real quick, this is a jobs episode. Power Secure operates in 25 states nationwide, with jobs available right now in GA, FL, TX. The company that owns them is The Southern Company, so you have lateral and upward mobility that doesn't take away from that area of the country you enjoy. Power Secure has an excellent package for employees and a tuition reimbursement program, folks, that means you go to school to get to promoted and they pay you back and pay you more. Novel I know! Check into this company and if you need to talk to Matt hit him up on Facebook and he will give you everything you need. Tell em' that Matt Davenport sent you and all he does is take care of Veterans! Recruiting: recruiting@powersecure.com HR Dept.: (919) 556-3056 Got some amazing Veterans out there getting after it. We are proud to be apart of this, thank you for listening and being apart of this with us. Stay blessed and if its good let people know.   HOV©2020

Steve Perchak co-hosts once again (Saga Ep.006) and he hasn't stopped being a Veteran that motivates and inspires others. He recaps the last four months in terms of the jobs that he has had and the one that he landed just today. Not only does Steve talk deeply about his jobs, but he talks honestly about the steps that he takes to make each one a stepping stone to the next.  Great to have Steve back on bringing such rich information for Veterans. Please pass this on to others, Share it when you can and as always...Stay Blessed.   HOV©2020

Garrett Brown assumes co-hosting duties today and we take the Veterans Chat a bit further than the usual 30 minutes, but its all good, great episode. Garrett talks about his first day out of the Marine Corps, his first job, which he self-admits he failed at, and coming to Oklahoma State University.  As the OSU Student Veterans Org. VP, Garrett is hard at work organizing Veteran activities that are campus and community focused. If you'd like to be involved in one of the SVO's drawings or hangout at a tailgate, well, just reach out to Garrett and make it happen. OSU's new baseball stadium, O'Brate Stadium is opening soon, be plenty of time to come and hangout with Veterans and chat.  The podcast is adjusting for the next couple of months, going to keep bouncing around the content until we find the sweet spot. Hang in there folks, SHARE and keep getting after it!   HOV©2020  

Tom Dunn assumes co-hosting duties today and we had a great chat about the use of the National Guard as a transition tool. For those that wondered the "why" behind the National Guard/Air National Guard posters on post, well it is a very easy way for an active duty member to "ease" their way into Veteran life. Tom paints a picture of a whole lotta laid back weekends and yet something that gave him much more. Having spent seven years on active duty as an Infantryman he was prepared to train others, having been deployed, he was ready to prepare them for what could be. Tom is going to come back on and chat with us about the hometown Veteran feel, something we need to get back. A big take away for us Veterans within this episode really sits with our attitude towards finding a logical way to make a smooth transition to being a Veteran. Most have passed this time, but for those that you know who might need it, getting out or already have, then pass this on to them. If I would have gotten out after eight years I would have joined, just to help me get my boots off for good and start walking in a different pair. Everyone stay safe and SHARE the podcast if it passes muster. Blessings.   HOV©2020