Two veterans discuss what it was like transitioning out of military service and going to college.
In this episode, I sit down with Jenna McDonald–Director of Physical Wellness, Sports & Recreation at Hope For The Warriors. Jenna shares the annual run race tradition meant to inspire and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Hope for the warriors has been leading the charge in addressing the concerns of service members as they transition out of the service. Recreation and sports such as this annual run tradition allow veterans, family, friends, and military supporters to come together to remember those we have lost. But more importantly, how we continue to celebrate their life through remembrance and reaffirming to our Gold Star and Blue Star families we are here for them. Hope you enjoy this episode and will take part in this tradition in person or virtually. Any donation goes directly to the programs at Hope For The Warriors that assist veterans and their spouses readjust back home. https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/
https://www.rangeforehope.org OUR MISSION Our Mission is to provide outdoor activities as a positive outlet to assist Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans, and their Dependents overcome life's difficulties specifically attributed to the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). ABOUT US In 2018, retired US Army First Sergeant Alvin King, founded King Fore A Day, a Veteran Charity Golf Event. The goal for the event was to support South Carolina-based Veteran Non-Profit Organizations with resources and funding to combat the impacts of PTSD within the Veteran Community. As a former Combat Veteran with multiple deployments, he personally understands the struggles that Veterans suffer with and wants to provide a means to support Veterans and their families through the Range Fore Hope Foundation Programs. Since 2018 we have donated to Project Josiah, a Veteran Peer-to-Peer Counseling Non-Profit Organization in South Carolina. The donated funds directly supported the training of over 40 Peer Facilitators throughout the State. We also contributed to PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Columbia. The funds provided in the past three years have been able to impact over 100 Combat Disabled Veterans through the game of golf with HOPE Certified PGA Professionals. We are excited to introduce the launching of new Programs and Partnerships with Cobblestone Park Golf Club (Blythewood), Clyburn Golf Center in Downtown Columbia, and SC Youth Challenge Academy (SCYCA in Eastover) for 2021 and beyond. The Cobblestone and Clyburn Center Programs will offer weekly Range Time and access to a PGA Pro during their practice time at NO COST to the participant. The SCYCA Program will provide Range Time and access to a PGA Pro for Cadets prior to their cycle graduation all at NO COST to the Cadets. . The Programs will be funded primarily by the Range Fore Hope Foundation.
Cedar Hills Hospital Military Program Dear Military Service Member, Family Member or Veteran: I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you as our guest to The Military Program at Cedar Hills Hospital, a part of the Patriot Support Programs at Universal Health Services. Since 2009, The Military Program at Cedar Hills Hospital has provided care to hundreds of service members, family members and Veterans. As you become involved in your treatment program, we are very interested in your feedback about how well we are meeting your needs. In light of this objective, we will ask you to complete a Patient Satisfaction Survey at the end of your stay. The information you provide is carefully reviewed and analyzed for incorporation into the performance improvement activities of the hospital and outpatient services. It is the policy of The Military Program to explain at the time of admission the patient advocacy policy and procedure to the patient and their families and/or significant others. Please be advised, if you are an active duty service member, your Commander will be involved in weekly communication during your treatment. Additionally, we will ask you to provide written consent to release information about your treatment to family members and friends. We welcome you and trust you will find a health, hope and recovery at The Military Program at Cedar Hills Hospital. Respectfully, Mario Bolivar, Jr., LCSW Director
HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS AWARDS 15 MILITARY SPOUSE AND CAREGIVER SCHOLARSHIPS AS IT CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SERVICE National Scholarship Program Announces Fall 2021 Recipients SPRINGFIELD, Va. (August X, 2021) –Celebrating the nonprofit and program's 15 th anniversary, Hope For The Warriors recently awarded 15 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships for higher education for the fall 2021 semester. Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit that assists veterans, service members and military families with a variety of programming including clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation and transition services. For 15 years, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as they assume critical roles in the financial well being of their families. Scholarships vary from $1,500 to $2,500 and are applied toward higher education at an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Unique to the program is a scholarship for Master of Social Work students, Restoring Hope. Fifteen scholarships totaling $31,500 were awarded to the following for the 2021 fall semester: “The military spouse/caregiver scholarship program was one of the first programs we began when Hope For The Warriors came to life 15 years ago,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president/CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “It's incredible to think about all of the incredible spouses and caregivers who've been impacted by this program in 15 years. We're incredibly honored and proud to have played a small role in their educational goals.” Since the program's inception, Hope For The Warriors has granted 172 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships totaling $471,222. The 2022 spring scholarship application will open up open August 1 and close Sept. 30. To receive an application to apply, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and apply for services. For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter. About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 36,000 through a variety of support programs focused on clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation and transition. One of the nonprofit's first programs, Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, has awarded over 170 scholarships to caregivers and families of the fallen. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
CAMERON, USMC VETERAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Cameron grew up in Texas and went to college in New York before joining the Marine Corps as an infantry officer. After multiple overseas deployments he was medically retired. Finding the transition to civilian life a challenge, he took to the sea, living aboard and cruising several boats on both the east and west coast of the U.S. Learn more about his sailing story. In addition to devoting his time to American Odysseus and to helping his brother and sister veterans, Cameron teaches American history, plays with old motorcycles, and sails with his family. He is also certified as an instructor by the American Sailing Association OUR MISSION American Odysseus Sailing Foundation is a not-for profit organization with the mission of providing relief, assistance, and opportunities to veterans, military service members, and their families though sail training, coastal cruising excursions, and offshore sailing expeditions.
Kyle worked in the University of Tennessee GI Bill education benefits office as a student employee. He shares some knowledge for those going back to school.
Army Grunt and Air Force Veteran, Travis Velazquez shares a children's book "Protected by the Best A Story of Patriotism." Illustrator Artwork–Suzanne Shedosky He wrote this book in memory of his brothers. And as a tool for parents and educators teaching kids about sacrifice and what goes on in the world around them. He has a second book in the works! You can purchase your copy on Amazon.com (click here to buy) Reach out to Travis for any questions about the book. He's also a Real Estate agent. Realtor_travis@yahoo.com 815-762-8466 Thanks for listening to his story. We must never forget our brothers and sisters, nor our Gold Star Families.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors is now open and offering virtual mental health services for post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and military families in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Steven A Cohen Hope for the Warriors website link Monroe “Roe” Holcomb was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. However, Jacksonville, North Carolina has been his home since 2006. After high school, Roe Joined the United States Marine Corps where he spent ten years of service as a 0341 Infantry Indirect Fire Crew Member, 8153 Marine Corps Security Force Cadre Trainer and 0369 Infantry Unit Leader. In 2010, he was medically separated from the Marine Corps and started working for Schilsky Chiropractic as an assistant X-ray tech and floor leader. This role offered Roe the opportunity to coordinate grassroots marketing projects for Med First within the Schilsky Chiropratic organization. During his time as a volunteer with Hope For The Warriors, he secured a position as a Military Veteran Program Coordinator. In that role, he worked alongside Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, serving as a liaison providing assistance to service members, veterans and families to increase awareness of programs available to them through Hope for the Warriors. When not working with the veteran and military community, Roe is a diehard sports fan—go Cubs, Bears, Bulls! He enjoys volunteering his time to mentor youth. Roe’s hobbies include coaching a local Christian school basketball team and attending charity events and local fundraisers.
Marine Veteran Greg Dunn from IGY6-Santa Clarita, CA joins us for another great conversation. That's right, we felt we needed to continue the podcast in a two-part podcast series since we still had plenty to talk about about the transition out of the service. Enjoy the episode! Be sure to check out part 1 with Greg Dunn. Follow him on social media IGY6. Also, check out their podcast episode!
Marine Combat Veteran Greg Dunn shares some insight of his transition back home after service, finding purpose, and discovering a new identity that can compliment your military characteristics. He runs the IGY6 Group out of Santa Clarita, CA which uses physical fitness, group camaraderie, and faith base healing to help Servicemembers/LEO/Civilians be part of something great together–coming together as a community. Give them a follow/subscribe on their podcast "IGY6 True Insight" Thank you to our Sponsor DadsStartingOver.com
82nd Airborne Afghanistan War Veteran shares his story. Sean Karpf Jacksonville Jaguars ESPN Article NFL Salute to Service Article
https://dadstartingover.com Hi there, I’m the DSO (Dad Starting Over). My story is not an unusual one. For those who just stumbled upon this site by chance and have no connection to the subject matter… it may seem a bit “out there”. Trust me… it’s common. For the rest of us, you came here for a reason: You need to hit the restart button on life and redefine what it means to be a MAN in today’s world. You need a boost up over the wall and you’re scrambling for any little nugget of wisdom that will help you climb that extra inch. Why a restart? Well, maybe life just kicked you in the teeth. If you’re like me and millions of other grown men all over the world… you were told “I want a divorce”, or worse… you discovered infidelity. Your entire worldview has changed. Your head is spinning. What you thought was innocent and comfortable is now twisted and scary. Welcome to the real world, my friend. I’ve been there and done that. My philosophies and advice are not cookie-cutter. They’re not politically correct. They’re not always nice. But.. they work. They make sense. They get results.
You can find Ted's business in Etsy under "BJORNFELL" Thanks for sharing your story Ted!
Jessica Asbury shares about the PGA HOPE program. You can go to pgareach.org for more information about the program. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans. PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables Recreational Therapists to refer Veterans to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. Through a robust program strategy, PGA HOPE aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community by shaping lives, changing lives, and possibly saving lives through the game of golf.
You will get a wealth of knowledge about employment, VA benefits, networking, his personal accounts, and how he's moved forward in life. Reach out to Mat and he can send you a list of resources via email. As always, reach out to Mac and I if you ever need to talk. We are here for all you who find themselves alone in the fight. Just remember, you are never alone.
Army Combat Veteran Ted Crumb shares his transition story.
Brian Tally, a former SGT in the United States Marine Corps was severely injured due to the incompetence of several doctors and ER staff, at the VA hospital in Loma Linda, Ca. His misdiagnosis led to months of neglect and malpractice, that eventually nearly cost him his life. After nearly a year long battle with the VA’s General Counsel attorneys, Brian was denied compensation for his injuries, because the VA had concluded the accused physician was not a VA employee, but an “independent contractor” working within the VA. The VA also concluded that it’s not responsible, or accountable for the injuries and malpractice due to the current FTCA law / Contractor Exception. Brian is now on a mission to change the law to protect all veterans from unidentified “independent contractors,” and to ensure that VA is transparent and fully accountable. Brian Tally Website
The epic story of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, whose elite soldiers broke the last line of German defenses in Italy’s mountains in 1945, spearheading the Allied advance to the Alps and final victory. At the start of World War II, the US Army had two cavalry divisions—and no mountain troops. The German Wehrmacht, in contrast, had many well-trained and battle-hardened mountain divisions, some of whom by 1943 blocked the Allied advance in the Italian campaign. Starting from scratch, the US Army developed a unique military fighting force, the 10th Mountain Division, drawn from the ranks of civilian skiers, mountaineers, and others with outdoor experience. The resulting mix of Ivy League students, park rangers, Olympic skiers, and European refugees formed the first specialized alpine fighting force in US history. By the time it deployed to Italy at the beginning of 1945, this ragtag group had coalesced into a tight-knit unit. In the months that followed, at a terrible cost, they spearheaded the Allied drive in Italy to final victory. Ranging from the ski slopes of Colorado to the towering cliffs of the Italian Alps, The Winter Army is a saga of an unlikely band of soldiers forged in the heat of combat into a brotherhood whose legacy lives on in US mountain fighters to this day The Winter Army Amazon Book Store
Every step of their journey there was one incident or decision that changed the direction of the outcome. Despite the physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion, these small, yet conclusive, victories provided hope to persevere through the storms of life. Operation Decisive Victory was founded to be that sense of hope for members of the veteran and first responder communities. Many times the ‘war at home’ is fought alone because civilians simply do not understand. This organization strives to work with government and private institutions alike to ensure the services provided for our military members are continuous and seamless for the individuals or families impacted. There are no qualifiers, bureaucracy, limitations or red tape that will restrict us from assisting a veteran in need. Operation Decisive Victory Website Link
Chad Cole, a young US Marine Rifleman experiences the strains of the Marine Corps in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War. In a raw and looping narrative, Chad teaches the reader the importance of hearing and telling war stories from Vietnam and Desert Storm and also offers up his own experience with Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines during Operation Peacemaker, the military response to the 1992 Rodney King Riot, in Los Angeles, California. By 1995 the young Sergeant leads a squad from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company 3/1, during Operation United Shield, the final United Nations withdrawal from "the dirty little war," of Mogadishu, Somalia. The author was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for Valor and the Combat Action Ribbon for his actions during United Shield. You can purchase his book from thedirtylittlewars.com and amazon/thedirtylittlewars Also, check out his veteran owned t-shirt company called Heavy Metal Thursday.
The Warrior Reunion Foundation provides all-inclusive reunion experiences to reconnect units deployed to a combat theater together. In May of 2010 the Marines of India Battery 3/12 deployed to the volatile Kajaki district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. For the next 7 months they would be involved in daily contact with a well entrenched enemy force, while securing the critical infrastructure of the Kajaki Dam. With over 25% of the unit wounded and 5 Killed in Action, the men prevailed in the toughest fight of their lives together. Their deployment bonded them as family - brothers in arms - who would forever share a commitment to each other. In the years that followed many found themselves in a new fight: the fight to find their next mission in post-military life. The unit needed to face that challenge like they had all others: together. Five years after their return from combat India Battery renewed their commitment to each other. On Memorial Day Weekend 2015, the Marines of India Battery reunited, joined by the Gold Star families of those they lost. Together with a community that rose up to support them the Marines celebrated their history, honored their fallen, and connected with actionable resources to support each other. Out of that life-changing and life-saving event the Warrior Reunion Foundation was born. Our team's mission is to ensure every unit has this same opportunity to reconnect. We leverage our experience, partnerships and resources to deliver unparalleled, all-inclusive unit reunion events that enable warriors to reunite, remember and recover together.
SFC John Herbst joins me on this episode to discuss his reasoning for serving after 9/11 and how his deployment affects him to this day. He was honest and vulnerable during the conversation of what "eats" at him everyday and how his new purpose in life has helped him get back on the right track in life. You'll enjoy this episode and learn from struggles that we all go through at some point during our transition out of military service. Thanks for listening to his story. Pro Patria–For Country Ric
Sergeant Mark Green served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 12 years. On his last deployment and upon his return home he was transitioned to the Army Warrior Transition Battalion where he underwent two surgeries and began his recovery. Encouraged to get up and out of his room by his cadre, Green began going to adaptive sports activities and was introduced to not only adaptive cycling, but now, Run For The Warriors Race Director, Robyn Womac, who at the time was the adaptive sports coordinator for the Battalion. Handcycling quickly became his outlet where he didn’t feel limited by his disability and gave him the opportunity to socialize. When he was faced with the news of having another surgery, Green was worried that he would have to give up his newfound passion. This was a fear Womac wouldn’t allow him to have. Not even a month after surgery, Womac moved Green from a recumbent bike to a handcycle that allowed him to still remain active despite his cast. Hope For The Warriors Details ___ Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families. For more than 12 years, Hope For The Warriors has continued to provide a full cycle of care through many programs to restore self, family, and hope to post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen across the country. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served more than 23,200 service members, veterans and military families through a comprehensive approach to well-being focusing on, clinical health and wellness sports and recreation transition In 2018, Hope For The Warriors processed more than 4,200 applicants for assistance. 58 percent of the veterans separated from the service within the last 6 or more years. 70 percent of those applicants were servicemembers or veterans, 30 percent were military spouses, caregivers or family members. If Hope For The Warriors does not have a program that meets a specific need, we connect with one of our partners. Clinical Health and Wellness:Provides a holistic, person-centered approach in addressing the physical, psychological, social, moral, and environmental needs of the service member, their family, and families of the fallen. Programs: Critical Care Coordination Comprehensive Case Management Military and Veteran Caregiver Support Services Family Resiliency Services Sports and Recreation:Reintroduces a loved sport or hobby with an emphasis on organic healing or gives the opportunity to gain new skills with the use of adaptive equipment to assist in physical and psychological recovery. Programs: Outdoor Adventures Run For The Warriors® Team Hope For The Warriors® Transition Services:Supports the career, educational, and personal goals of service members, veterans, and their family members as they experience the many military transitions. Programs: A Warrior’s Wish® Warrior’s Compass Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships Accolades: Hope For The Warriors is a part of the Combined Federal Campaign, designated as a “Best in America” by the Independent Charities of America, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Hope For The Warriors has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for superior overall performance as an organization eight years in a row, has a 2019 Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency and has been designated a top-rated charity by Great Nonprofits. For more information on Hope For The Warriors visit hopeforthewarriors.org
On this episode I sit down with retired Army SFC Jay Lawrence. He talks about his tv channel Combat Zone 360 and his purpose behind it. The purpose of Combat Zone 360 is to educate civilians and veterans alike. We are going to interview military recruiting branches, nonprofit organization’s for veterans, families of veterans, and veterans themselves. Links to his youtube channel: Combat Zone 360
Combat Veteran Justin Roswell chats about his upcoming MMA Bellator 220. He shares with us his drive for putting his body out there and how fighting helps his transition.
Hope For The Warriors® launched Warrior’s Compass, powered by JobPath, a web-based employment search engine and career support hub designed to assist transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans with locating employment in the civilian community. Made possible by the support of Clayton Home Building Group®, Warrior’s Compass is part of Hope For The Warriors’ transition services programming, offering resources for veterans starting new careers, as well as helping employers find qualified veteran or military spouse candidates. As a national nonprofit, Hope For The Warriors assists veterans, service members and military families with a variety of programming, including clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation and transition services. Accessed by applying for services within the nonprofit, Warrior’s Compass offers a comprehensive range of resources including resume support, job training, military skills translation, candidate matching and structured mentorship from other veterans. It also offers access to over 1,500 companies nationwide looking to hire veterans or military spouses. “Warrior’s Compass is not a typical job board,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president/CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “The program is designed to address the issues of veteran recruitment, retention and military spouse employment with access to companies looking to hire within the military community.” Transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans interested in Warrior’s Compass can visit hopeforthewarriors.org and apply for services. Warrior’s Compass allows employers to identify candidates that best match their job description through a searchable database of over 200,000 (and growing) highly qualified veteran and military spouse applicants, post and promote jobs, utilize a dynamic applicant tracking system, and find resources on best veteran hiring practices. Fifty percent of the posting and recruiter license fees benefit Hope For The Warriors. Employers looking to post open positions on Warrior’s Compass should contact warriorscompass@hopeforthewarriors.org. For more information on Warrior’s Compass or Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
Marine Combat Veteran Chad Russel shares his story with 3/1 Lime Company, the Fulluja Offensive, Post-Traumatic Stress and Post-Traumatic Growth. “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.” - Thomas Paine
Combat Veterans Stan Lake and Daniel Charles are best friends who were deployed to Iraq together. They both had a vision (maybe not at the time) to make funny videos of while deployed to send back home to the families. Think of Jackass the tv show, but for military morale. This was long before Vet T.V. or any other famous veteran comedy platforms that we see now. They created a film that shares a story of laughter, sadness, and the transition home through these films. The link will be attached to the free film below. I felt the film hit home for us who make the transition home and miss war... More so, we miss out tribe, the brotherhood or sisterhood. www.hammerdownfilm.com www.catchingcreation.com Make sure to check there nature programming Catching Creation too. You'll be sure to get a laugh! www.youtube.com/catchingcreation https://youtu.be/Gd6zkHZmoRI Also, Stan has some sweet nature photography on his instagram. www.instagram.com/stanlakephotography
Alex Tufail is combat veteran and a full-time guide with the Walking Connection organization. He leads group and veterans on guided hiking trips throughout the country and world under the I-Conquer banner. We met him through a trip hosted by Hope for The Warriors (Grand Canyon hike) He is also an avid rock climber. He owes much of this transitioning back home from war to being outside in the elements. Get ready to laugh, he's a funny dude and a great friend. https://www.walkingconnection.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513076355
Co-Founder of Regular Infantry Guys, Gennaro Ringley, comes on to the show to highlight his experience of traveling across country to California to pursue his dream of working with Nick Diaz Fight Academy as a strength and conditioning coach. Although he wasn't able to reach this dream, he found a Foundation called Mighty Oaks for Warriors. At this program, he found Peace, Hope, and Joy. He is now an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Emory and Henry College. Tune in to listen to the details.
Mark Bilosz Director of Veteran Benefits Administration Winston-Salem North Carolina Regional Office has a conversation with us about important veterans benefits issues that affect veterans. In addition, he shares how his regional office is making significant strides to reach veterans within the community. Thank you Mark for sharing your passion with us–serving veterans. I'll attach important links below. If you have benefits questions please get in touch with the VBA in Winston Salem, NC. Outreach Events Outbased locations on Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg, a full list of locations and hours is available at Veteran Service Organizations and VA Outreach personnel can assist with claims: Information on VSOs is available on Kernersville Health Care Center has VBA Public Contact personnel available full days on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons
Returning guest and Navy SEAL Veteran Monty Heath shares some insight of the "Clever Talks" conference he attended in San Diego, CA. Clever Talks conference is a non-profit that showcases successful veteran business owners. Some note worthy names consist of Tom Davin–CEO of 5.11 Tactical, Evan Hafer–Black Rifle Coffee, the owners of Vet T.V., and David mutha****ing Hasselhoff! That's right! The HOFF!!! You'll love this episode of impact stories from fellow veterans. The Clever Talks 2019 40 city tour was just posted–if you're near one, you should check it out. I attach the link below. Clever Talks 2019 40 City Tour Don't forget to check out our guest host new blog and podcast website! He has great content for those looking to grow personally and professionally. Navy SEAL Veteran Monty Heath blog and podcast website He's also part of the VetToCEO program for those looking to educate themselves on starting a business. VETToCEO–Educational material on starting your own business
Rob Vessels Senior Campaign Representative, Military Outdoors A barrel chested freedom fighter, turned environmental advocate, found his new sense of purpose. Providing outdoor recreation opportunities to help fellow veterans heal. Our service oath doesn't discontinue, we must protect our lands against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our national parks are treasures that should be protected and accessible for all Americans regardless of social-economic backgrounds.
Marine Corp Veteran Jessica Rambo shares with us how her passion for art helped her healing and provided her with a new sense of purpose; helping fellow veterans express themselves through art. She is currently in the process of a converting a blue bird bus into a art studio (Skoolie) so she can provide art lessons to other veterans within the community and eventually nationwide.
There is no other program in the country that offers the whole-life healing that we do at Higher Ground. We are the only program that invites the spouse or other supporter to be part of the journey. Together, the pair forms a new unit with other veterans and supporters in their program. They take on new challenges. They talk. Higher Ground Sun Valley Phone: (208) 726-9298 Email: Info@HigherGroundUSA.org Office Address: 160 7th Street W Ketchum, ID 83340 Mailing Address: PO Box 6791 Ketchum, ID 83340
The California native spent 32 years, 20 of which were active-duty, serving in the Army. In July 2011, Trost spent his last deployment in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan. His objective as a civil affairs specialist was to work with the local community in developing infrastructure in the region. On Feb. 20, 2012, he was escorting an aid from the U.S. Agency for International Development when Trost and his team came under fire, killing one U.S. solider and injuring Trost and a fellow corporal. He was medically evacuated to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he spent 10 months receiving 31 surgeries, to repair the injuries of five gunshot wounds to his lower extremities. In 2014, he medically retired from the Army. Due to complications from his combat injuries, in April 2016, Trost made the decision to have a below-the-knee amputation on his right leg and was fitted with a prosthetic. Since retiring from the Army in 2014, Trost has concentrated on his growing farm and has earned a certificate in Brewing Science. His goal is to use the donated backhoe to grow hops to sell to local micro-breweries and home brewers in the Knoxville, Tenn. area. For more information on Hope For The Warriors and A Warrior’s Wish, visit org, Facebookor Twitter. http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/
Masters enlisted in the United States Army in 2001 and served as an Airborne Ranger. Between 2002 and 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan three times and once to Iraq. He was honorably discharged and went to college to study film at the New York Film Academy. In 2007, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and reclassified his military occupational specialty to combat cameraman. Masters received training through the Army in both photography and cinematography and deployed to Afghanistan in December 2009. While serving in Afghanistan as a combat cameraman, Masters was injured due to a severe blast and medically evacuated out. He received treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and medically retired in 2012. Looking to transition from his military career to his civilian career, Army Staff Sergeant John Masters now has a boost for his first film project, thanks to Hope For The Warriors® and its A Warrior’s Wish® program. Through A Warrior’s Wish, Masters received $15,000 of support to help fund the film Her Inescapable Brave Mission (HIBM), through his production company Masters Productions. HIBM is a documentary of a 12-day expedition through the Grand Canyon featuring Masters wife, Cara. At just 30 years old Cara was diagnosed with a rare type of muscular dystrophy called Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy (HIBM). With John by her side, the film will follow Cara striding on horseback as she descends nearly 6,000 feet into the country’s deepest canyons and continue to follow her as she rafts 150 miles down the Colorado River. The goal of the project is to break down the barriers faced by people with disabilities and to inspire everyone to live bravely in the face of adversity. Link to sizzle reel of film: https://vimeo.com/271359388/9d0a62a400 Hope For The Warriors http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/
Welcome to The Triangle of Death, what the Iraqis called The Graveyard of the Americans. Peer into an Infantryman’s first-hand account based on the journal the author kept during his deployment to Iraq from 2006-2007. He does not hide the ugliness of war, but tells of the worst things it brings out of us, as well as our best. When all Hell breaks loose it is easy to wonder where God is. Often He is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire raging around us, but in the gentle whisper that follows. “Not in the Wind, Earthquake, or Fire is a book that will give you a first-hand look through the eyes of a soldier in a war zone with IEDs, and the infiltration of fighters that don’t want non-Muslims in their country or even living at all.
Combat Veteran and competitive precision shooting athlete Stephen Acosta, shares his transition story home. He also shares how finding his passion in the firearms industry post-college, opened new doors of opportunity which led to working alongside one of the greatest firearms cleaning product companies in the world, Clenzoil. Make sure to check out veteran owned and veteran made Clenzoil products. https://clenzoil.com 15% Promo Code for the entire month of August if you type in “RIG15”
Combat Veteran Omar Pacheco shares his transition story. We discuss his pursuit as a real estate agent entrepreneur, his passion of taking care of service members, and the reason he legally changed his first name “Jose,” to Veteran. His desire to continue serving military families and veterans with new home purchases is his passion. He understood the struggles of purchasing his own home. He disliked the process. Not knowing what to do, or what information should be considered from civilian real estate agents was frustrating to him. He now runs his own agency helping and coaching service members throughout the process of purchasing a new home.
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