Podcasts about Operation Homefront

Calm the Chaos of parenting in this episode. Marva Soogrim, renowned as the "Nanny to the Stars," graces our podcast with her extensive expertise in newborn care and parenting, gained over four decades. She explains the profound yet often tumultuous journey of parenting, emphasizing that, despite the absence of a comprehensive guidebook, parents can indeed cultivate their innate capabilities with appropriate guidance. She has worked with Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Courtney Cox, Sheryl Crow, Kristin Davis, and Laura Dern, just to name a few. Marva brings "Calm to the Chaos" of parenting with her unique approach. She helps parents tap into their own abilities with encouragement and advice. In Marva's spare time, she visits hospitals to hold newborn babies and has traveled to many states to support military moms through Operation Homefront. She has offered parenting advice on The Today Show, CBS, and various podcasts. Marva has also written about parenting for The Huffington Post, SheKnow,s and Today's Parent. She also develops products to bring ease to new parenting through her company Marvalousbabies. Marva's unique methodologies, which she has applied successfully with notable celebrities, provide insights into establishing a serene environment amidst the inherent chaos of raising children. By fostering self-care, creating structured routines, and emphasizing calmness, she equips parents with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of early parenthood. Join us as we delve into Marva's remarkable experiences and invaluable advice that can help transform the parenting experience into a more manageable and fulfilling endeavor.https://www.marvalousbabies.com/https://www.instagram.com/marvalousbabies/https://www.facebook.com/MarvaSoogrim/https://women-road-warriors.captivate.fmhttps://womenroadwarriors.com/ https://womenspowernetwork.net#Parenting #ParentingInfants #MarvaSoogrim #NannyToTheStars #MavlousBabies #ShelleyJohnson #ShelleyMJohnson #KathyTuccaro #WomenRoadWarriors

We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® recipients from the National Guard, Space Force, Navy, and Army families. Join us as Emily, Natalia, Mason, and Maribel share stories of resilience and appreciation for growing up in military families.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Maxwell-Gunter Spouses' Club To learn more, visit https://www.maxwellgunterspousesclub.com/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources:   Operation Homefront https://operationhomefront.org/   Military Child of the Year Award Recipients https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/   Bio: Emily, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the National Guard is 18, and the daughter of Rebecca and Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, an Army National Guard sergeant who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  Her stepfather, retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Skip Amaker, served 26 years. His tenure included five deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.   Emily was 2 when her mother received the news on June 29, 2009, that Juan Carlos was among four North Carolina guardsmen killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. He first served in the Marine Corps but transitioned to civilian life and, in 2008, joined the Guard.  Being part of a Gold Star Family has shaped Emily.   “I have grown up with the utmost respect for our country and those who serve to protect our freedom,” she said. “My family has always made it a top-tier priority to stay hopeful and stay positive through everything.”    Natalia, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Space Force, finds opportunity in the challenges that face military families.  Natalia, 17, is the daughter of Maria Tapia and Chief Master Sgt. Jay Harris, who has served in the Air Force and Space Force since 1995. He is currently senior enlisted leader at Vandenberg Space Force Base.   Natalia understands the hardships of changing friend groups and adapting to new cultures after attending ​​12 schools and enduring seven PCS moves that have taken the family to five states and ​​​​one foreign country.  At first, she saw the constant change and upheaval as a disadvantage. However, her perspective changed, and she learned to value resiliency.   “I chose to shift my mindset, and now I appreciate the ​​ 12 supportive schools, ​​12 reliable friend groups, and seven different places that I can proudly call home,” she said. “Every one of these experiences has profoundly influenced my journey, instilling in me a deep appreciation for resilience and the importance of building meaningful connections.”    Mason, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Navy, earned a bachelor's degree before most of his peers finished high school. He reached the accelerated milestone while balancing academics with caregiving responsibilities at home.  Mason, 19, is the son of Melissa and Chief Warrant Officer Jason Mosher of Marysville, Washington. Jason, a 20-year veteran of the Navy, serves as N6A at Commander Naval Surface Group Northwest and is based at Naval Station Everett.   The family has made four PCS moves, including two to Japan, and Mason's father has been away on deployments, patrols, and missions at sea for 97 months.   A homeschool student, Mason excels despite challenges of dysgraphia, a learning difference that affects written work and motor skills. He graduated high school at 16 and completed his associate degree from Liberty University four months later. He kept up the pace, and less than two years later graduated cum laude from Liberty University with a bachelor's degree in marketing and advertising.    Maribel is Operation Homefront's 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Army is founding and presiding over a youth volunteering organization when her family was stationed in Japan, serving with the Red Cross, and dedicating herself to improving childhood literacy are just a few of the reasons.  She is 17, lives in Kentucky where her father, Lt. Col. Nicholas Sikes, is stationed at Fort Knox. Her mom, Audrey Sikes, homeschools Maribel and her four younger siblings.   In considering colleges, along with the usual items like location, financial aid, and aligning majors, Maribel must consider her food allergies and whether she can access allergen-free food stations. Her allergies and medical conditions are why she wants to study supply chain management and attend school in the Southeast.  “I want to ensure that other kids will not be worried about where their next meal is coming from because the grocery store is out of the right allergy-friendly foods,” she said. “With a degree in supply chain…I will be able to make a difference in other people's lives by providing enough safe food for them.”    Full biographies can be found at https://operationhomefront.org/2025-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/?internal_medium=internal&internal_source=banner&internal_campaign=thd-oh-25-03-internal-mcoy-traff&internal_content=D2503W61SB&sourceid=1153486.              

In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force families. Join us as Isabella, Ian, and Sophia share their heartfelt stories of resilience, adventure, and gratitude that come with growing up in military families.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Bliss Spouses' Association. To learn more, visit https://www.thefbsa.org/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. Show Notes: Resources:   Operation Homefront https://operationhomefront.org/   Military Child of the Year Award Recipients https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/   Bio: Isabella, the 2025 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps, values the unique culture of the military community.    A junior at Swansboro High School in North Carolina, she makes it her mission to welcome new students. Isabella, 17, lives in Hubert, North Carolina, with her mother and stepfather, Amanda and Chris Price. She has four siblings.     “Being a military child who is now permanently in Swansboro, I get to not only relate to these new military kids, but help ease their transition into their new environment,” she said.    Her parents served a combined 42 years in the Marine Corps. Her mother, a staff sergeant, deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions. She retired after 20 years.     Her father, Gunnery Sgt. Brian J. Smith, retired from service after 22 years and eight deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering injuries in Afghanistan. He died in 2023 at the beginning of Isabella's sophomore year of high school after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer.    “My father who was the epitome of hard work and dedication to his career,” she said. “I strive daily to be as committed as he was in everything I aspire to accomplish.”     Isabella is on track to earn an associate degree before graduating high school. She's considering several universities in North Carolina for completing a bachelor's degree before going to law school. She aspires to a career in the political field.     Ian, Operation Homefront's 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Coast Guard, has achieved academic success that will help propel him to his goal of becoming a civil engineer, all while mentoring other students.    Ian, 17, is a senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he is currently his class valedictorian, the first Black male student to hold the position in a decade. He will graduate with an associate degree from Tidewater Community College a month before his high school graduation.    Ian is the son of retired Lt. Michael Lindo and Michelle Effatt. Michael served for 27 years active duty in the Coast Guard, deploying for a total of 10 years conducting counter drug and migrant interdictions in the Caribbean, before retiring in 2019. His father lives in Georgia while Ian and his mom live in Virginia.    “My father's dedication and commitment to serving our country for so many years is something I deeply admire,” Ian said. “His loyalty and sacrifice for our nation have shaped who I am. It's not just about the uniform; it's about the values he instilled in me—discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of duty.”   “I'm really passionate about designing systems that can improve lives, especially in underserved areas,” Ian said. “I've always believed that infrastructure like roads and bridges plays such a crucial role in connecting people, improving safety, and supporting everyday life.”    Ian is currently deciding among several universities, including Virginia Tech and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, to major in civil engineering.     Sophia, Operation Homefront's 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force, has learned to embrace life following the death of her father in 2023 after he served his country for 17 years.    Sophia, now 17, was 15 years old when her father, Master Sgt. Anthony Pinero, passed away tragically… She lives at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany with her mom, Sheena Pinero, an executive services specialist and her younger sister.    As a military child, Sophia experienced 37 months of her father's deployment and five changes of station. Moving most recently to Germany meant leaving friends and family even farther away than usual, but Sophia responded with resiliency, helping plan trips around Europe with her mom and sister.    “Of all of the bases that I have been stationed at, Ramstein Air Base has been the best,” Sophia said. “I have never felt as connected to the people around me as I do here. Whether it is pitching mail at the post office with active-duty personnel or recognizing volunteer excellence in the community, Ramstein Air Base has always felt like one big, connected family.”    Sophia is considering pursuing a career in engineering or medicine. She wants to attend the United States Air Force Academy or a university with a strong Air Force ROTC program, and she hopes to become an officer in the Air Force.     Full biographies can be found at https://operationhomefront.org/2025-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/?internal_medium=internal&internal_source=banner&internal_campaign=thd-oh-25-03-internal-mcoy-traff&internal_content=D2503W61SB&sourceid=1153486.              

Robert Thomas joins us to discuss his military transition and the work he is doing with Operation Homefront. He discusses how he worked up until the end and didn't have a plan when he transitioned. After a period of trying to figure things out, Robert found Operation Homefront and the rest was history. He discusses the amazing financial and housing programs they use to help our veteran community find their footing and get their lives moving in the right direction. These amazing programs are making life-changing differences in the lives of our veterans and their families.Robert D. Thomas joined the Operation Homefront executive team in August 2015 following a nearly 31- year career of distinguished service in the Air Force. He is an experienced combat pilot and has served around the world. Bob holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Master's degrees from the University of Southern California and the National Defense University.  After serving as Operation Homefront's Chief Operating Officer for more than eight years, Bob was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer on March 1, 2024.  In this capacity, Bob will continue overseeing the organization's daily operations.  He will lead programs, services and the multi-functional teams across Operation Homefront that provide relief and recurring family support, throughout the year, to tens of thousands of military families.  https://operationhomefront.org/ #vetsos #vetsospodcast #military #militarylife #transitioningmilitary #militarytransition #militaryspouses #militaryspouse #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #militarycommunity #militarysupport #militaryveterans #vets #veterans #veteran #veterantransition #transitioningveterans #veteranservices #honorveterans #veteranswife #supportourveterans #veteransupport #veteransusa #veteranshelpingveterans #careerchange #transitioningservicemembers #linkedin #sof #coastguard #navy #spaceforce #marines #army #nationalguard #airforce #usmc #usmcr #us #usa #education #podcast #entertainment

Listen as Scott Arcuri, Vice President of Field Operations at Operation Homefront discusses their mission to build strong, stable, and secure military families.  They provide relief and recurring family support programs, including events like the Back-to-School Brigade, Holiday Meals for Military, and Star-Spangled Babies.  Operation Homefront is truly focused on helping military families not just survive but thrive.    This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Military Spouse Association of Camp Pendleton. To learn more, visit  https://www.msa-cp.org/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes: Resources:   Operation Homefront https://operationhomefront.org/   Back-to-School Brigade https://operationhomefront.org/back-to-school-brigade/   Family Events https://operationhomefront.org/events/ Bio:   “Our military families face constant change, uncertainty, and separation, yet they willingly devote their lives to service. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude, and it's an honor to come alongside them to help when they need it most.”   Scott Arcuri joined Operation Homefront as Vice President of Field Operations in January 2023 after serving a distinguished 32-year career in the Air Force. He spent the majority of his time in uniform as a personnel officer and he commanded units in Korea and in South Carolina. Scott held a variety of staff and leadership positions during his career, including Director of Personnel for U.S. Air Forces in the Middle East, and later in Europe and Africa; two tours at the Air Force Personnel Center; and three tours at Headquarters Air Force at the Pentagon. His career was devoted to leading, developing, and assisting Airmen and their families across the globe and he is passionate about continuing that work at Operation Homefront. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's degree from Central Michigan University, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.  

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with John Pray, Brig. Gen., USAF (Ret), CEO of Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront provides relief and recurring family support programs and services throughout the year to help military families overcome short-term difficulties so they don't become long-term hardships About Today's GuestJohn I. Pray, Brig. Gen., USAF (Ret.) has served as Chief Executive Officer of Operation Homefront since 2015. He credits his parents with instilling the importance of service to others and love of country – two core beliefs that have formed the moral compass John has used to guide all the major decisions in his life. John's father, a career Army officer who served during World War II, survived both the Bataan Death March and three and a half years as a POW, and the Korean War, believed his mother was the one who deserved special credit for all she had to deal with his long absences and the many uncertainties that characterize military life. Their example was the driving force behind John's decision to join the United States Air Force. He retired after serving 27 years in a variety of staff and command assignments, to include the Director of the White House Situation Room, to accept the opportunity serve as the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council during the Bush Administration. Once John left the Federal government, he chose to continue serving our military members and their families. First, in a variety of executive capacities at the United Service Organizations (USO) and since May 2015, as the President/CEO with Operation Homefront, another nationally recognized nonprofit. In his current role, he oversees the fulfillment of the organization's vital mission – to help build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. The Operation Homefront family, consisting of 120 staff members, 20 national board members, over 50 regional advisory council members, nearly 4,000 volunteers, scores of corporate and foundation donors and tens of thousands of individual donors, share a common passion to help our military families in their time of need because of all they have done for all of us in our nation's time of need.John holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and master's degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the School of Advanced Airpower Studies, and the Air War College. He has also completed senior executive programs at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Links Mentioned in this Episode Operation Homefront WebsiteProvide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

We're talking about finding big & tall bike shorts IN AN ACTUAL STORE, how we're approaching our wardrobe revamps, and Paulaner USA's Big Cans for Big Heroes National Campaign in support of Operation Homefront. Paulaner USA: https://www.paulaner.comOperation Homefront: https://operationhomefront.orgBeers:Bruce & Jody: Paulaner Munchner Lager, from (you guessed it!) Paulaner Brauerei

This episode features Robert Thomas, a distinguished Air Force veteran with nearly 31 years of service and a key member of Operation Homefront's executive team. The conversation dives deep into Thomas's extensive military career, from flying C 141s and C 5s to his role in supporting the Operation Homefront mission. Listeners will learn about the impactful work being done to build strong, stable, and secure military families, ensuring they do not just barely get by, but thrive. Through stories of critical assistance, housing programs, and special initiatives like the Back to School Brigade, the episode paints a picture of the difference Operation Homefront is making in the lives of military families across the nation. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://operationHomefront.org Follow Operation Homefront on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OperationHomefront/ Follow Operation Homefront on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operationhomefront/ Follow Operation Homefront on Instagram: https://instagram.com/OperationHomefront Follow Operation Homefront on Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/Op_Homefront Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Air Force, Army, National Guard, and Space Force families. Join us as Noelani, Allison, Caleb and Taylor share their incredible stories of resilience and appreciation growing up in military families.    This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Edwards Spouses' Club. To learn more, visit https://www.edwardsspouses.com/.    Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.    Show Notes:    Resources:    Operation Homefront  https://operationhomefront.org/    Military Child of the Year Award Recipients  https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/    Bio:  Noelani is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force.  The 16-year-old aspiring composer and performer is a junior at Brennan High School in San Antonio, Texas.  Noelani is the daughter of Gail and Air Force Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a Purple Heart recipient who served for 29 years and retired in July 2021. Gail died in 2016 in a terrorist attack at the Brussels airport, which left Noelani, then 9, her dad, and three siblings seriously injured.  As a military child who experienced six permanent changes of station, Noelani's world was broadened.  “It's amazing to be able to make friends from various places in the world and share our experiences,” she said.     Allison is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Army.  She learned the value of empathy and began envisioning her future as a pediatric surgeon when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 13. Allison, 18, is a senior at Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia.  She is the daughter of Maria and Sgt. Maj. Daniel Candelario, whose military service spans 26 years across the Army, Marines, and Air Force Reserves. Currently serving in Kuwait, Sgt. Maj. Candelario has been deployed for a total of seven years of Allison's life. Her brother also serves in the Army, highlighting a strong family tradition of military service.  Allison was a freshman when her journey from breast cancer patient to survivor began. The experience, she said, became the foundation of her commitment to shaping a kind, compassionate future.     Caleb is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard.  He is 19 years old and holds a love of science that has propelled him to already complete three years of college, first at community college then at University of Colorado Boulder (CU), as well as conduct a humanitarian project in Nepal.  He is the son of National Guard Col. Shawn Hatch and Army veteran Marie Hatch. His mother served five years before honorably discharging in 2005 as a captain from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His father has served since 1999. Caleb has an older sister and a younger brother and sister.  Caleb's resiliency has shown through the difficulties of 38 months of parent deployments along with his handling of medical issues – being diagnosed with diabetes and celiac disease. His interest in science has helped him cope with his health hardships.     Taylor is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Space Force.  Taylor, 18, is the daughter of Space Force Col. Mia Walsh and Air Force veteran Mark Walsh. Mark retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2014 from the Air Force after 18 years of service, choosing family stability over continued deployments and separations. The Walsh family has experienced six permanent changes of station throughout their military journey.  Currently, Taylor's mother is serving in Los Angeles, California, while her father stayed in Arlington, Virginia, so Taylor could finish school. She is a senior at Washington-Liberty High School. Taylor has enjoyed growing roots in Arlington, a city that is home to many service members and their families.    Full biographies can be found at https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/. 

In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard families. Join us as Charlotte, Isabella, and Lindsay share their heartfelt stories of resilience, adventure, and gratitude that come with growing up in military families.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Hurlburt Spouses' Club. To learn more, visit http://www.hurlburtspousesclub.com/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes:   Resources:   Operation Homefront https://operationhomefront.org/   Military Child of the Year Award Recipients https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/   Bio: Charlotte is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year for the Coast Guard. Charlotte, 18, is a high school senior in Washington, D.C., where she resides with her parents, Sarah and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jason Tama, and her 16-year-old sister. Charlotte views military life as a series of adventures, having participated in unique experiences such as marching with Coasties in the New York City Veterans Day parade and viewing Fourth of July fireworks from the deck of a Coast Guard ship in New York Harbor. During her father's career, Charlotte has experienced six permanent change of station moves, which have taught her the importance of diving into new situations with confidence. Charlotte believes that engaging in school, sports, extracurricular activities, community service, and faith-based groups is crucial for making connections and feeling at home in new places. “Getting involved…will help you form connections in your new community and make a new place feel more like home,” she said.   Isabella is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps. The 17-year-old senior resides in Temecula, California, volunteers with a local peer court program that offers juveniles a hands-on understanding of the judicial system, including roles from juror to attorney. She also cultivates her knowledge of the law through her school's Mock Trial team and an internship at a local law firm. Isabella is the daughter of Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Arrieta, an aircraft mechanic instructor with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit North Island, and Denise Arrieta, who works as an alternative education clerk. Isabella has a 12-year-old sister. One of her most cherished memories is of pinning her father's uniform during his last promotion ceremony, a moment that underscored the pride she feels for her family's military service and the sacrifices that come with it. “I was so proud to be his daughter,” Isabella recalled. She equally admires her mother for her role in supporting the family through financial challenges and periods of separation due to her father's deployments. Isabella credits her mother's strength and resilience for forming the foundation of her own character and achievements.   Lindsay is Operation Homefront's 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Navy. Lindsay, 18, is the daughter of Navy veterans Shaun and Keri Carstairs. Shaun retired as a captain after a distinguished career of 25 years, and Keri served for 13 years, achieving the rank of commander before her honorable discharge in 2011. Both parents have medical backgrounds, with Shaun working as an emergency physician, and Keri as a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare executive. Lindsay has an older brother, Ian. Despite her parents' medical expertise, the diagnosis of Jeavons Syndrome when Lindsay was 8 years old presented significant challenges. The disease was difficult to control. Epilepsy was not just a physical hardship for Lindsay but also a mental and emotional challenge. She worried about what her classmates would think of her each time an ambulance came to the school because of her seizures. Lindsay's early adversities inspired her to co-found a local International Children's Advisory Network (iCAN) chapter at Rady Children's Hospital, where she was a patient.  “I am proud to have started (a chapter) for my community,” Lindsay said. “I dedicated many hours to establishing our chapter. I learned to stay organized and improved my public speaking skills while talking to peers about iCAN and at advocacy events.”   Full biographies can be found at https://operationhomefront.org/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/.  

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families. Jenny Valderas discusses how their programs and resources serve the entire family… because when military families are strong, our communities are strong, and America is strong.       This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Cannon Spouses' Club. To learn more, visit https://www.cannonspousesclub.org/.    Show Notes:  Resources:  Operation Homefront  https://operationhomefront.org/    Military Child of the Year Award  https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/    Bio:  Jenny Valderas is Operation Homefront's Senior Director of Family Support Services. She has worked with the organization for more than a decade and in her current role, Valderas oversees the planning and execution of programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by America's military families, including the delivery of school supplies and holiday meals, and celebrating expectant parents and exceptional military children.     Beyond her professional capacity, Valderas is also a military spouse, providing a distinct personal connection to the military community and Operation Homefront's mission to create strong, stable, and secure military families.     Valderas received a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University.  

Host Dennis Glasgow visits with President and CEO John Pray Jr. from Operation Homefront to talk about what they do, who they service and so much more!

Join Kevin and Meredith Stowers in an insightful conversation as they dive into the world of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), one of the hottest trends in housing. Meredith, a renowned ADU lender in California and construction strategy expert, brings her expertise to the table. As the founder of Operation Homefront and a former Navy wife, she offers a unique perspective on housing needs. Tune in to explore the explosive growth of the ADU sector, unravel the complexities of zoning and how to optimize rental income, and discover the prime areas that are embracing and benefiting from the ADU revolution."Learn everything from mentors, books, and events."-Meredith StowersHere are 5 Key Takeaways from this episode:Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and growth of that sector in the Bay AreaZoning and maximizing for rental incomeAreas favorable to ADUsWhat to specifically look for in potential ADU propertyOperation HomefrontHonorable Mentions & Useful Links:"Growth Mindset" by Carol DwekGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela DuckworthOperation HomefrontSolider's AngelsConnect with Meredith Stowers:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteEmailReady to take the next steps in your Military Real Estate Investing journey? Watch our Masterclass and claim your EPIC reward for action. Tap here to register today!Are you looking for a loan for your next project? Look no further! Check out ADPI Financial Services for all of your residential and commercial lending needs!No Time...No Worries! Get all the info you need now by texting DEAL to 33777Ready to become a PASSIVE INVESTOR? Check out ADPI Capital™ and learn how you can get started passively investing in commercial real estate for only $500! Tap the link above or text ADPI to 33777Helpful ResourcesConnect with the ADPI: Facebook |  Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 17th Thursday Publish Date: Aug 14 Wednesday   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Thursday August 17th and happy 62nd birthday to actor Sean Penn ***Penn*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia 1. Amazon, Operation Homefront help military parents with back-to-school needs at Dobbins Air Reserve Base 2. Attorney says Vinings development can save taxpayers $1.5 million 3. And Elizabeth Goff named Cobb County Teacher of the Year Plus, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets is here to talk about foods for swollen feet   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subcribe! Commercial : CUofGA   STORY 1 Dobbins   Amazon employees collaborated with Operation Homefront's Back-to-School Brigade to provide military families with school supplies. In partnership with Amazon Web Services' Day of Generosity, employees in Atlanta, Denver, and Washington, D.C. prepared 335 backpacks filled with supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students. Amazon employees purchased the supplies through a virtual wish list. The backpacks were delivered to National Guard and Army Reserve military parents at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, easing the financial burden of the back-to-school season for military families. Amazon's commitment to supporting military families includes employing over 50,000 veterans and military spouses, aiming to hire 100,000 veterans by 2024. ......................……... read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: Vinings   A proposed multi-use development in Vinings, Georgia, that sparked division among residents could potentially save Cobb taxpayers over $1 million by contributing to an extension of the Silver Comet Trail. The project's developer, Branch Acquisition, withdrew its proposal for 360 apartments and retail space near the Sterigenics plant after facing potential rejection by the Cobb Board of Commissioners. The developer plans to return with a modified plan in the future. The Silver Comet Trail extension's estimated cost is $1.5 million, which the developer would cover if the proposal were approved. The withdrawal was approved by a 3-2 vote.   Story 3: goff   Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale surprised the students at Bells Ferry Elementary by announcing that the district's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year is Elizabeth Goff, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at the school. Goff has been teaching for 21 years, all within the Cobb County School District. The announcement took place during what appeared to be a promotion for the school's fun run event. Goff, who was also named the school district's elementary-level Teacher of the Year, will advance to the state-level Teacher of the Year competition. She teaches students from diverse language backgrounds and emphasizes the importance of ESL instruction in building social and academic skills. …..(pause)   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.   we'll be right back   Break: ESOG – Dayco - Elon   STORY 4: fair   The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell is hosting a Farm Fair on September 17th. The event focuses on sustainable food practices and reconnecting with the natural world. Vendors will educate attendees about biodiversity and traditional agriculture, with activities including a local petting zoo, guided bird walks, conservation insights, gardening tips, and a Unity Garden tour. Visitors can engage in educational games and activities like the Native vs. Invasive Species game, a Unity Garden scavenger hunt, seed bomb creation, and planting seeds. The event aims to promote a deeper connection to the Earth and highlight the importance of conservation and sustainable living.   STORY 5: woman   The 12th Annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop, organized by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, will take place from November 3rd to 5th at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. The workshop aims to introduce women aged 18 and older to various outdoor recreational skills and activities. Participants can choose from over 32 classes, including shooting sports, fishing, backpacking, nature photography, and outdoor cooking. The program seeks to create a supportive learning environment and break down barriers to female participation in outdoor activities. Attendees can stay in tents or at the lodge, and the cost ranges from $255 to $300, including food and programming.   Story 6: suspended   Ohio State's tight end depth has been affected as Bennett Christian, a second-year tight end, has been ruled out for the entire 2023 football season. The player tested positive for a banned substance found in a supplement he took in January to prepare for the season. Although he will continue to participate in practices, he won't be eligible to play until January 2024. Christian expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging that he should have checked with the training staff about the supplement's policy compliance. He came to Ohio State as a four-star recruit in 2022 but redshirted in the 2022 season. Coach Ryan Day acknowledged Christian's mistake while praising his character and transparency.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Drake- Powers – Ingles 10   Story 7: LEAH   And now, Leah McGrath, corporate dietician at Ingles Markets talks with Bruce Jenkins about foods for swollen feet   ***Leah***     Back with final thoughts after this…..   Break: JRM - Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe you think that when someone says something negative you shouldn't dignify their comment with a reply. According to David Oates, that's actually not the best strategy. The reality is everybody, right or wrong tends to have the same weight and credibility in a social media post or an online review. Now that rubs most of us the wrong way particularly when we get criticism from somebody who may not have ever been a customer or who had realistic expectations when they walked in our virtual or actual physical front door. You know they're out of line and you feel like all you're going to do is to give them some credibility if you reply.  Responding with empathy and action allows you to take control of the narrative.  You may not get the naysayer to change their mind but you are telegraphing everybody else who matters to you; customers, partners, employees and the general public that you take things seriously.  About David our guest David Oates Dave possesses more than 25 years of strategic public relations experience dealing with a wide array of adverse public events. Starting as a U.S. Navy Public Affairs Officer and later as a Corporate Chief Marketing Officer and Non-Profit President, he excels in expertly addressing a myriad of crises spans military, government, corporate, charity, and start-up environments. His Crisis Communications experiences, including handling employee and executive misconduct, cybersecurity attacks, product recalls, mass layoffs, large-scale accidents, criminal investigations, and civil litigation matters. A sought-after speaker, Dave served as a lecturing professor teaching the semester-long PR Media & Messaging program to upper-division undergraduates at San Diego State University. He actively gives back to others through his role as Past President of the Rotary Club of San Diego, the fourth largest service club in the world. Dave previously served on leadership roles that raised tens of thousands of dollars for organizations that include the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Operation Homefront, Free to Thrive, and others. Dave authored three Amazon e-Books and co-produced two LinkedIn Learning courses, Crisis Communication for HR, and HR Communication in Today's Fluid Workplace. He is an accredited PR specialist (APR) who received his MBA from San Diego State University in 2004 and his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1991.​   David is one of the contributing authors in MORE THAN A FEW WRITTEN WORDS, a collection of essays by some of my favorite guests. It is available on Amazon

Listen to a new episode of YNS Live with NFL Thread recorded live on Fireside with hosts Juliet Hahn and Cynthia Zordich, featuring Special Guest Camille Jenkins. Camille Jenkins is a results-oriented, customer experience consultant, keynote speaker, realtor, and servant leader. During the pandemic of 2020, she repeatedly received requests from organizations for her help in ensuring that their customer service and sales teams all demonstrated the proper messaging needed to manage these unprecedented events. While she wanted to help, she was tied to her employer and could not risk a conflict of interest. However, the demand for her services continued to surge, and she realized it was time to take a leap of faith. In 2021, Camille exited the corporate world and founded her own consulting business, Camille's Keys LLC. With decade's worth of industry experience including sales, corporate communications, construction, contract negotiations, warranty and operations knowledge, Camille brings a real-world approach to setting and delivering on expectations. She was honored in 2020 by national nonprofit Operation Homefront with the Cornerstone Award for her tireless work to provide mortgage free homes to military families transitioning from service. Camille assists organizations to both identify keys to a successful service experience and coach leaders through change management, positively influencing  brand reputation., operations and employee performance. Camilles Keys services translate across industries as every organization is in one form or another in the customer service business. Formerly, Camille served as Vice President, National Customer Relations with Meritage Homes Corporation, a publicly traded national homebuilder for over twenty years. During her tenure, the organization delivered upwards of nine-ten thousand new homes on an annual basis across 11 states.  Camille was responsible for several national key performance areas including the organization's customer satisfaction rating, escalations policies, advocacy initiatives, and companywide customer service training programs. Under her leadership, their customer satisfaction rating improved from 70% to well above 90% and was the recipient of multiple Avid Ratings Customer Satisfaction awards including the prestigious Diamond Award. Camille has shared the stage with top keynote speakers as well as fellow members of the National Home Building Association. In 2023 she presented at IBS, the International Builder Show on remodeling and the customer experience.  Download the Fireside App today and follow YNS Live with NFL Thread and PIVOT. We dive deep into NFL stories and reveal the good people inside the game.   You can find Camille on her Website.   Remarkable Quotes   “If you are the person that can walk into the room and in the middle of the chaos, you can find your peace and help others get through it, you're powerful.”   Sponsor   The YNS Live With NFL Thread Super Bowl Experience is sponsored by Shutterstock Editorial.  Wherever you go - Shutterstock is there to capture it!   Contact Shutterstock at assigments@shutterstock.com and take the field with Shutterstock's award-winning photography superstars.   Find Us Online! Fireside: Juliet Hahn | Cynthia Zordich Instagram: Juliet Hahn | Cynthia Zordich | NFL Thread LinkedIn: Juliet Hahn | Cynthia Zordich FB: Juliet Hahn | NFL Thread Clubhouse: Juliet Hahn YouTube: Juliet Hahn Twitter: Juliet Hahn | Cynthia Zordich | NFL Thread

As Head of Diversity & Culture at Yahoo, Inc., Alicin leads Yahoo's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts globally, in addition to building upon Yahoo's passionate and positive team culture. Alicin discusses how to enhance belonging within the corporate culture and shares her insights on the value of Feminine Leadership and the need for high EQ in corporate leaders, something already practiced by her CEO. Listen to find out who and how! For over 25 years, Reidy-Williamson has led Culture, Purpose, and DEI for top companies. She previously served as Chief Inclusion Officer at Endeavor, leading inclusion strategies globally across multiple businesses. Prior to Endeavor, she was Managing Principal for The Raben Group, a national public policy and communications strategy firm, where she developed the DEI practice. Reidy-Williamson also spent 13 years at Viacom and MTV Networks, launching the company's efforts in corporate responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and public affairs, while managing their growth. Reidy-Williamson's passion extends beyond the corporate environment and into her community. She is on the board of March on Washington Film Festival, the Diversity Advisory Council Chair for Operation Homefront, and sits on the board of She Should Run. You can follow our series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and on the Fiftyfaces Hub - fiftyfaceshub.com. This series is hosted by Liana Slater and featured on the Monumental Me website at www.monumentalme.com/podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mindshare/support

   The more Mizzou talks about not playing KU in a bowl game, the worse it gets.  I like Eli Drinkwitz because he's unafraid and says things... this time... he's saying way too much and it looks bad.    Ditto for Chiefs safety Justin Reid who, ridiculously, now says he was right about the Bengals.  Andy has to shut this guy up, fast.    The Royals are not only bad, they are unlucky.  The draft lottery happened Tuesday night and it was nothing short of a disaster for KC.    Elon Musk has provided clarity into how criminal the FBI has been the past several years rigging elections in America and it's likely the biggest government scandal of our lifetimes.    And I can't wait for you to meet A.J. Kahn from www.operationhomefront.org.  A.J. works with active military families in our area as part of this wonderful national organization and we'd be honored if you could either donate or get involved this holiday season to help a couple families that have had disaster strike.

Dave possesses more than 25 years of strategic public relations experience dealing with a wide array of adverse public events. Starting as a U.S. Navy Public Affairs Officer and later as a Corporate Chief Marketing Officer and Non-Profit President, he excels in expertly addressing a myriad of crises spans military, government, corporate, charity, and start-up environments. His Crisis Communications experiences, including handling employee and executive misconduct, cybersecurity attacks, product recalls, mass layoffs, large-scale accidents, criminal investigations, and civil litigation matters.   A sought-after speaker, Dave served as a lecturing professor teaching the semester-long PR Media & Messaging program to upper-division undergraduates at San Diego State University. He actively gives back to others through his role as a Past President of the Rotary Club of San Diego, the sixth largest service club in the world. Dave previously served in leadership roles that raised tens of thousands of dollars for organizations that include the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Operation Homefront, Free to Thrive, and others.   Dave authored four Amazon e-Books and co-produced four LinkedIn Learning courses. He is an accredited PR specialist (APR) who received his MBA from San Diego State University in 2004 and his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1991. More from Dave: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oatescrisispr/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/OatesCrisisPR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidoates/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PublicRelationsSecurity Website: https://publicrelationssecurity.com/ Click here to enter the giveaway!

We talk to Joe Ohara from Operation Homefront about the work they do for military families. 

Description: Military and veteran kids experience unique stressors that may influence their decisions to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking. Join MCEC and Responsibility.org as we bring together experts to discuss how talking with your kids about alcohol early and often is the best way to keep them safe.  Thank you to the Fort Lee Area Spouses Club for their support of this podcast.  https://www.fortleeareaspousesclub.com/   Show Notes: Understanding Youth Substance Use: For Military Parents and Caregivers https://www.nctsn.org/resources/understanding-youth-substance-use-for-military-parents-and-caregivers Responsibility.org             https://www.responsibility.org/ Talking to Tweens About Alcohol: https://asklistenlearn.org/parents/conversations-and-communication/ Ask,Listen, Learn:                 https://asklistenlearn.org/ Infographic on Ask, Listen, Learn Conversation starters English Spanish: https://asklistenlearn.org/materials/spanish-language-building-communications-infographic/?lessonplan=Parents Advice for Parents from Parents    https://www.responsibility.org/prevent-underage-drinking/talking-to-kids-about-alcohol   Bio:  Tim Farrell, MCEC's Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO), is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel who served for more than 23 years. Before joining MCEC, Tim served as the CEO of the National Association of Veteran-Serving Organizations (NAVSO), and as COO and interim President & CEO of Operation Homefront. Having balanced his military service and raising his children for many years, Tim has a personal understanding of the difficulties military families face during periods of transition. He is a strong believer in using this experience to serve his community through his work on the World Affairs Council of San Antonio's Board of Trustees and the City of San Antonio's Veterans Affairs Commission, as well as his selection as the inaugural board chair of Students of Service (SOS) - San Antonio. Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rutgers University (where he also played college football), a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and an executive certificate in Transformational Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Gina live in San Antonio with their two sons, Aidan and Keagan.   Chris R. Swonger Chris serves as the President & CEO of both the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Mr. Swonger has extensive experience guiding corporations to lead in business while playing a positive role in communities through proactive engagement. With over 25 years of experience in the public and private sector, Mr. Swonger brings extensive experience breaking down the traditional barriers that exist between corporations, non-government organizations and activist groups by facilitating consensus-based outcomes and knowledge leading industry in corporate social responsibility strategies.   Dr. Katie Friedman Dr. Friedman is a board-certified pediatrician, writer, spokesperson, and mother. She currently practices pediatric emergency medicine in South Florida. Along with her two sisters, Dr. Friedman is co-founder of ForeverFreckled.com, guiding parents through obstacles of childhood safety, illness prevention, and pediatric medicine. She also serves as a medical correspondent for Lifetime's Access Health and The Balancing Act.

Description: Military and veteran kids experience unique stressors that may influence their decisions to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking. Join MCEC and Responsibility.org as we bring together experts to discuss how talking with your teens and young adults about alcohol early and often is the best way to keep them safe.  Thank you to the Fort Lee Area Spouses Club for their support of this podcast. https://www.fortleeareaspousesclub.com/    Resources: Understanding Youth Substance Use: For Military Parents and Caregivers https://www.nctsn.org/resources/understanding-youth-substance-use-for-military-parents-and-caregivers   NMFA and Bloom Survey https://www.militaryfamily.org/the-military-teen-experience/ Responsibility.org https://www.responsibility.org/   Advice for Parents from Parents  https://www.responsibility.org/prevent-underage-drinking/talking-to-kids-about-alcohol   Advice for Parents from Experts on Talking to Teens   https://www.responsibility.org/prevent-underage-drinking/end-teenage-drinking/parenting-teens/   Conversation Starters https://www.responsibility.org/prevent-underage-drinking   Parents You're Not Done Yet https://www.responsibility.org/prevent-underage-drinking/responsibility-on-campus/parents-youre-not-done-yet/   Bio:  Tim Farrell, MCEC's Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO), is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel who served for more than 23 years. Before joining MCEC, Tim served as the CEO of the National Association of Veteran-Serving Organizations (NAVSO), and as COO and interim President & CEO of Operation Homefront. Having balanced his military service and raising his children for many years, Tim has a personal understanding of the difficulties military families face during periods of transition. He is a strong believer in using this experience to serve his community through his work on the World Affairs Council of San Antonio's Board of Trustees and the City of San Antonio's Veterans Affairs Commission, as well as his selection as the inaugural board chair of Students of Service (SOS) - San Antonio. Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rutgers University (where he also played college football), a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and an executive certificate in Transformational Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Gina live in San Antonio with their two sons, Aidan and Keagan.   Chris R. Swonger Chris serves as the President & CEO of both the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Mr. Swonger has extensive experience guiding corporations to lead in business while playing a positive role in communities through proactive engagement. With over 25 years of experience in the public and private sector, Mr. Swonger brings extensive experience breaking down the traditional barriers that exist between corporations, non-government organizations and activist groups by facilitating consensus-based outcomes and knowledge leading industry in corporate social responsibility strategies.   Dr. Katie Friedman is a board-certified pediatrician, writer, spokesperson, and mother. Dr. Friedman completed her residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami and currently practices pediatric emergency medicine in South Florida. Along with her sisters, she is also a co-founder of ForeverFreckled.com, where she serves as an educator and spokesperson. Using her passion for preventive medicine and pediatric safety, Dr. Friedman has worked alongside several educational initiatives, such as KnowYourOTCs, Talk Early, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, to guide parents through obstacles of childhood safety, illness prevention, and pediatric medicine. In addition to her hospital work and writing obligations, she also serves as a medical correspondent for Lifetime's Access Health and The Balancing Act.  

This is the second of two episodes this week in honor Mental Health Action Day which this year falls on Thursday, May 19th. Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with U.S. Army Veteran, burn survivor, actor, motivational speaker, The New York Times best-selling author of the book Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit, and Dancing with the Stars Season 13 winner. Ron and JR talk about service, survival - or rebirth as JR describes it - overcoming trauma and resilience, the importance of connecting with the world and with others, and so much more. ---May is mental health awareness month. The second annual Mental Health Action Day is Thursday May 19, 2022. Setting the theme of “connection,” MTV and about 1,700 companies and organizations will drive calls to action to address the surge of loneliness and isolation felt by millions because of the pandemic. Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action. The 1,700 partners will encourage people to take their first steps towards mental health action. Free resources and tools, such as an employer toolkit and platforms for hosting and organizing events, are available for organizations and groups to help support their audiences through a myriad of ways – from starting a meditation practice to learning how to support a friend to advocating for change. For more information on how you can participate, please visit MentalHealthActionDay.org.Today, May 19 at 4:00m ET,  join Home Base, Paramount Veterans Network, Movember, GI GoFund, FourBlock, Veterans In Media & Entertainment, Empire Vets, Student Veterans of America, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Project, and JobPath as they unite to create an amazing panel on “Making Connections for Mental Health & Wellness”. The session will be moderated by CBS New York's very own, John Elliott joined by an esteem panel of mental wellness experts including veterans. Opening remarks will be given by Stephen Hill of CBS' Magnum P.I. And, In addition to the panel discussion there will be a mental wellness activity that we can use to incorporate into our daily routines. Incredible right? RSVP at http://bit.ly/MHAD51922 You don't want to miss it. For more information you can visit Paramount Veterans Network at www.paramountvetnet.com---If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org  **REMEMBER FOLKS THE ANNUAL RUN TO HOME BASE IS 7-30-22 THIS YEAR! ALL FUNDRAISING GOES DIRECTLY TO THE CARE OF OUR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES, SO SIGN UP HERE: www.runtohomebase.orgTheme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the tree" by The Butler FrogsAdditional music credits include "Cadillac" by Ron Hirschberg. Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInThe Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Maureen Roderick, Laurie Gallagher, Karianne Kraus, Lucy Little, Taylor Orlando, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter SmythProducer and Host: Dr. Ron HirschbergProducer, Sound, Editor: Lucy LittleChairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter SmythHome Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/homebasenation. To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

This is the first of two episodes this week in honor Mental Health Action Day which this year falls on Thursday, May 19th. Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with U.S. Army Veteran and country music artist Craig Morgan. Craig spent nearly 11 years with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, serving in both Panama and Desert Storm. As a country music artist for more than 20 years, Craig has had 25 songs on the Billboard Charts, including his songs - "Almost Home", "This Ole Boy", "Wake Up Loving You", and the four-week No. 1 hit "That's What I Love About Sunday". Ron and Craig talk about service, the healing power of music, the loss of Craig's son Jerry in 2016 that led to the powerful and beautiful song, "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost", and about the CBS/Paramount hit show "Beyond The Edge," set in the jungles of Panama that Craig co-stars in along with eight others. The season finale of Beyond The Edge airs Wednesday, May 18 at 9pm ET.---May is mental health awareness month. The second annual Mental Health Action Day is Thursday May 19, 2022. Setting the theme of “connection,” MTV and about 1,700 companies and organizations will drive calls to action to address the surge of loneliness and isolation felt by millions because of the pandemic. Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action. The 1,700 partners will encourage people to take their first steps towards mental health action. Free resources and tools, such as an employer toolkit and platforms for hosting and organizing events, are available for organizations and groups to help support their audiences through a myriad of ways – from starting a meditation practice to learning how to support a friend to advocating for change. For more information on how you can participate, please visit MentalHealthActionDay.org.On Thursday, May 19 at 4:00m ET,  join Home Base, Paramount Veterans Network, Movember, GI GoFund, FourBlock, Veterans In Media & Entertainment, Empire Vets, Student Veterans of America, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Project, and JobPath as they unite to create an amazing panel on “Making Connections for Mental Health & Wellness”. The session will be moderated by CBS New York's very own, John Elliott joined by an esteem panel of mental wellness experts including veterans. Opening remarks will be given by Stephen Hill of CBS' Magnum P.I. And, In addition to the panel discussion there will be a mental wellness activity that we can use to incorporate into our daily routines. Incredible right? RSVP at http://bit.ly/MHAD51922 You don't want to miss it. For more information you can visit Paramount Veterans Network at www.paramountvetnet.com---If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org  **REMEMBER FOLKS THE ANNUAL RUN TO HOME BASE IS 7-30-22 THIS YEAR! ALL FUNDRAISING GOES DIRECTLY TO THE CARE OF OUR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES, SO SIGN UP HERE: www.runtohomebase.orgTheme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the tree" by The Butler FrogsAdditional music credits include: "Warrior-Healer" by James House, Blair MorinFollow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInThe Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Maureen Roderick, Laurie Gallagher, Karianne Kraus, Lucy Little, Taylor Orlando, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter SmythProducer and Host: Dr. Ron HirschbergProducer, Sound, Editor: Lucy LittleChairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter SmythHome Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/homebasenation. To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

Meredith Munger Stowers (formerly Leyva) helps people achieve their goals. Stowers currently handles marketing and business development at CrossCountry Mortgage and ADUlonas.net with a focus on helping families, buy, build, renovate and refinance property, notably Accessory Dwelling Units, (ADUs). She operates ADUloans.net and serves as a founding member of the ADU Coalition, an advocate for attainable housing.  She recently wrapped up her nationally syndicated column, "The Marketing Coach" in the Business Journals. Previously, Stowers served as Chief Operating Officer for Voices Heard Media, the leading social media applications and consulting company serving clients including Disney and Scripts Networks. Before that, Stowers served as a consultant to Military.com/Monster.com after that company acquired her online community and magazine, CinCHouse.com, where she was CEO and editor. She is the author of "Married to the Military: A Survival Guide for Military Wives, Girlfriends and Women in Uniform" (Simon & Schuster, July 2003 and 2008). Her editorials and news articles have been syndicated to over 140 military base newspapers worldwide, and she has been a contributor to Army Times Newspapers, the USO's "On Patrol" magazine, Military.com and other military publications. Meredith regularly represented CinCHouse.com in the national press, including feature stories on CNN, Fox and NPR. Her work with CinCHouse has also been featured in such publications as USA Today, the Washington Times and Joint Forces Quarterly.  As part of her work on CinCHouse.com, Meredith founded Operation Homefront which is now the fifth largest charity serving military families.  Previously Meredith worked as a public relations consultant and lobbyist for a variety of companies including CareerBuilder.com, Boeing, Eli Lily, Motorola and Iridium. Meredith also served as director of Public Relations for the American Enterprise Institute and legislative assistant to Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ). She served on the National Advisory Board of the Independent Women's Forum which published her 2001 book on Social Security reform entitled "Women and Retirement Security."The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.Video LinkRadio Show

Meredith Munger Stowers (formerly Leyva) helps people achieve their goals. Stowers currently handles marketing and business development at CrossCountry Mortgage and ADUlonas.net with a focus on helping families, buy, build, renovate and refinance property, notably Accessory Dwelling Units, (ADUs). She operates ADUloans.net and serves as a founding member of the ADU Coalition, an advocate for attainable housing.  She recently wrapped up her nationally syndicated column, "The Marketing Coach" in the Business Journals. Previously, Stowers served as Chief Operating Officer for Voices Heard Media, the leading social media applications and consulting company serving clients including Disney and Scripts Networks. Before that, Stowers served as a consultant to Military.com/Monster.com after that company acquired her online community and magazine, CinCHouse.com, where she was CEO and editor. She is the author of "Married to the Military: A Survival Guide for Military Wives, Girlfriends and Women in Uniform" (Simon & Schuster, July 2003 and 2008). Her editorials and news articles have been syndicated to over 140 military base newspapers worldwide, and she has been a contributor to Army Times Newspapers, the USO's "On Patrol" magazine, Military.com and other military publications. Meredith regularly represented CinCHouse.com in the national press, including feature stories on CNN, Fox and NPR. Her work with CinCHouse has also been featured in such publications as USA Today, the Washington Times and Joint Forces Quarterly.  As part of her work on CinCHouse.com, Meredith founded Operation Homefront which is now the fifth largest charity serving military families.  Previously Meredith worked as a public relations consultant and lobbyist for a variety of companies including CareerBuilder.com, Boeing, Eli Lily, Motorola and Iridium. Meredith also served as director of Public Relations for the American Enterprise Institute and legislative assistant to Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ). She served on the National Advisory Board of the Independent Women's Forum which published her 2001 book on Social Security reform entitled "Women and Retirement Security."The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669.  For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.Video LinkRadio Show

John Pray's father was a career Army officer who served during WWII where he survived the Bataan Death March and three and a half years as a POW. John's father later reflected on how hard it must have been on his mother during all of his years of service. His example and sentiment were driving forces in John's future. Pray joined the United States Air Force and retired after serving 27 years in a variety of roles including Director of the White House Situation Room. After retirement, Pray didn't stop serving military families. In May 2015, he is the acting President/CEO of Operation Homefront whose mission is to help build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. https://operationhomefront.org Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: John Pray

John Pray, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. @Op_Homefront – IG: operationhomefront Topic: Building strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive—not simply struggle to get by—in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Issues: This non-profit has served more than 40,000 military families and provided nearly $25 million in relief […] The post Building Strong, Resilient Military Families + Raising Great Kids in Two Hours a Day appeared first on Mr. Dad.

On this episode, Duane's Insights segment centers around the difficulty with Military Deployments and breaking the news to kids. Our guest interview is with Shannon Kelly, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addiction Counselor with Family Care Center and the Homefront Military Network Resource of the week: Operation Homefront.

It's hard to believe, but back to school season will be upon us shortly.  Hunt Military Communities (HMC) through its non-profit organization Hunt Heroes Foundation (HHF), is supporting Operation Homefront in their annual Back-to-School BrigadeⓇ initiative by delivering backpacks fully loaded with essential school supplies to military families living in HMC communities in advance of the upcoming 2021 school year.

In this episode, we're joined by Operation Homefront for a wrap-up of our Military Appreciation Month celebrations. Hear from Robert Thomas, Operation Homefront's COO, as he shares about the organization and their mission. The conversation also touches on military lifestyle and personal finance, and the key moments in servicemembers' careers. Tune in to hear more and visit operationhomefront.org.

The Power Is Now Media is conducting a series of interviews about the importance of Homeownership and Financial Literacy, during the month of June. Today Eric Frazier speaks with JK Huey, CMB, AMP – CEO, Huey Management Services.Our goal is to inspire and educate everyone about the wealth-building impact that homeownership can have on your life. Especially for low to moderate-income families, minorities, and African Americans who have the lowest homeownership rate of all minorities.Huey is an independent consultant, bringing over 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry, and offers her expertise to various organizations. She currently serves on the National Board of Directors of Operation Homefront, specifically in helping military families obtain homeownership. She also advises the organization on its other endeavors, including providing relief to veterans in the form of financial assistance, rent-free transitional housing, holiday meals, and back-to-school initiatives for children of veterans.

Birdies for Charity: Operation HomefrontKaylyn Lockyer, Program Coordinatorwww.operationhomefront.org

On this episode of the Inside Business Podcast, Sally Harrison, Mesa Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, is joined by Michael Jackson from Meineke Car Care #2829. "Meineke Mike" takes us through his tumultuous first year in business. Mr. Jackson details spending time in a coma following COVID, winning shop of the year, donating a car, and the upcoming Operation Homefront drive! Since their first Houston, TX, location got up and running in 1972, Meineke has worked to create a network of friendly, locally-owned shops led by true car care pros. From employment opportunities to financing options, learn more about what Meineke can offer you!  Visit them at 2056 W. Southern Ave. Mesa, AZ 85202 or online now For over 100 years, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of Business in Mesa, AZ. The Chamber's mission is to improve, promote and advocate for the business community. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Each episode is recorded in the University of Phoenix Podcast Studio. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org. The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at http://mesachamber.org © 2020 Mesa Chamber. 

On today's episode, Duane France talks with Suzy MacKenzie Founder and Executive Director of Eagle's Nest Ranch on Equine Therapy, the Insight segment on navigating Military Families different identities and information on Operation Homefront.

Her Story: I began my formal education at the National Louis University in Washington, DC, where I concentrated on graphic design, website design, and photography. After that, my enthusiasm for photography had grown and I believe that my passion for the art shows in the quality of my work. I currently offer both in-studio portrait photography and outside portrait photography. I continued my education with the New York Institute of Photography, focusing in Professional Photography. I have active memberships to Professional Photographers of America, the American Society of Media Photographers, and the American Society of Picture Professionals. In 2011, I collaborated with Freedom Crossing on Fort Bliss and expanded my commercial event coverage. Since then, I have worked with TAPS, USO, Operation: Love ReUnited, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Wives, Homes for our Troops and other similar businesses. I have photographed some amazing professional talent like Chris Daughtry, the Eli Young Band, Pat Green, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gym Class Heroes and many more. Find our more about Tara in the May Podcast guide at www.awildridecalledlife.com/podcast-guide --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/annette-whittenberger/message

Her Story:I began my formal education at the National Louis University in Washington, DC, where I concentrated on graphic design, website design, and photography. After that, my enthusiasm for photography had grown and I believe that my passion for the art shows in the quality of my work. I currently offer both in-studio portrait photography and outside portrait photography.I continued my education with the New York Institute of Photography, focusing in Professional Photography. I have active memberships to Professional Photographers of America, the American Society of Media Photographers, and the American Society of Picture Professionals.In 2011, I collaborated with Freedom Crossing on Fort Bliss and expanded my commercial event coverage. Since then, I have worked with TAPS, USO, Operation: Love ReUnited, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Wives, Homes for our Troops and other similar businesses. I have photographed some amazing professional talent like Chris Daughtry, the Eli Young Band, Pat Green, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gym Class Heroes and many more.Find our more about Tara in the May Podcast guide at www.awildridecalledlife.com/podcast-guide--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/annette-whittenberger/message

Bob Thomas knows that military families have been hit hard by COVID-19. Operation Homefront is committed to helping families with Critical Financial Assistance. The post AWTR Show #786: Operation Homefront: Pandemic Response & Holiday Services first appeared on Army Wife Network.

Last Spring, we talked with Lee Keller and the Southeast Iron Butt Tour - it benefited Operation Homefront and turned out to be a hit...for 2021 Lee has big plans and your IMRG Chapter could be part of the events success. southeastironbutt.comThe Real Time Test Ride event is now just two week away and RidingFish is fired up and ready to go. IndianRiderRadio.com/the-real-time-test-ride-eventSAVE with IRR & TAB PERFORMANCE USE OUR AFFLIATE LINK!Riders Share Rent anytime and virtually anywhere! List your bike and earn $$$. Peer to Peer Motorcycle Rental!Lloyd'z Garage & IMC Charlotte The Industry leader for Indian Motorcycle performance cams, big bore kits and MOREThe V-Twin Blog Editor Larry Marshall with up-to-date motorcycle news, information, trends, highlights & advice!The Weather Show with Vin Crosby Meteorologist Vin Crosby provides up-to-date professional forecasts for your area.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=H936M85CN9VGN)

Clay Stackhouse, Marine Corps Veteran and Regional Outreach Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, joins the Pensacola Expert Panel to overview the 2020 Best Cities After Service list which is now available. This list is determined based on various quality of life metrics specifically for service men and women such as Veteran income levels, proximity to military bases, and proximity to VA hospitals. Many cities in our area ranked high on the list, and you can find the entirety at www.NavyFederal.org/bestcities. Clay recommends that military servicemembers work with an institution they trust to build a financial plan when transitioning to civilian life. Thank you, Clay, for your service to our country - Semper Fi!

This week's line up: 6:30 - Pierre Banks - Commentator - Appalachain State Mountaineers 7:00 - Anthony Jenkins - Financial Advisor 7:30 - Carlton Terry - Conway HS Head Football Coach 8:00 - Bruce Alexander - VP of Communications with Operation Homefront

In this episode, I pod cast with Mr. Doug Gainey. Doug Gainey Promotions organizes an annual festival called Drift Jam. Drift Jam is a Non-Profit Organization that supports Operation HomeFront. "I take my job as a music promoter very seriously. I make your event, concert or show my priority to publicize and make sure it exceeds your wildest expectations. I work closely with agents – or in some cases, directly with the bands – and with clubs and venues to arrange for a show to make a huge splash! My dedication to promotions is not just about putting together an amazing show, for me it extends to the community. Combining each event with a charity organization creates a synergy between the artists and the community that can’t be beat. My heart is all about helping." --Doug Blacklist Industries Firearms Parts ManufacturerDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (http://cash.app/$thefitboss)

A special guest joins today's edition of We Live in a Society, as current U.S. Coast Guard Officer Greer Smith joins the program to discuss some of his experiences from joining the military, stories from life at sea while operating on different ships, and how the Coast Guard assisted the Allies on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and got an old German sail ship out of it that still operates today.For more information about Operation Homefront and how you can help military families in need today, visit https://www.operationhomefront.org.

A special guest joins today's edition of We Live in a Society, as current U.S. Coast Guard Officer Greer Smith joins the program to discuss some of his experiences from joining the military, stories from life at sea while operating on different ships, and how the Coast Guard assisted the Allies on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and got an old German sail ship out of it that still operates today.For more information about Operation Homefront and how you can help military families in need today, visit https://www.operationhomefront.org.

Raising a child with special needs brings many joys and challenges. On this episode we hear about it firsthand from Sharon Pike, who has a daughter with special needs. Through her experience navigating the healthcare system with her daughter, she was inspired to start Operation Homefront. This organization pairs medical students with special needs children and their families, for an immersive experience that broadens perspective and helps future doctors learn how to better support their patients with special needs. Additionally, Sharon works at Easterseals, an organization dedicated to providing resources to people with different abilities. She is an amazing advocate and we are lucky to learn from her and share her message with you all. Get in contact with Sharon: 630-479-7230, samj142@aol.com Episode produced by: Josh and Mara www.medicuspodcast.com | medicuspodcast@gmail.com | Donate: http://bit.ly/MedicusDonate

Ken Vennera is a man of many hats.Wharton educated, corporate lawyer, and mentor, he is also involved with Warrior Rising as Chief of Staff — a veteran nonprofit that helps veteran entrepreneurs get off the ground and positioned for success. Show Notes For more: LinkedIn | Warrior Rising | Operation Homefront | Vets2Industry Theme music by: Ruel Morales Audio Transcript Brian Schoenborn 0:01 Hello, hello. Hey everybody. Our guest today is a man of many hats. Wharton educated. He's a lawyer, also involved with Warrior Rising as Chief of Staff, veteran nonprofit that helps veteran entrepreneurs get off the ground and get to where they need to be. Give it up for my friend, Ken Vennera. Brian Schoenborn 0:25 My name is Brian Schoenborn. I'm an explorer of people, places and culture. In my travels, spanning over 20 countries across four continents, I've had the pleasure of engaging in authentic conversations with amazingly interesting people. These are their stories, on location and unfiltered. Presented by 8B Media, this is Half the City. Brian Schoenborn 0:52 So what's up, Ken, how's it going? Ken Vennera 0:54 Much Brian, thanks for having me on the show. Brian Schoenborn 0:56 Yeah, no problem, man. So listeners where we're sitting You're on location in Philadelphia, beautiful Philadelphia Ken Vennera 1:03 City of Brotherly Love. Brian Schoenborn 1:04 That's right. And we are. We're in the peak of the coronavirus madness, but we're not going to talk about it. We're going to give you guys something else to talk about. Ken Vennera 1:14 Thank you. Brian Schoenborn 1:14 Yes. So can tell me a little bit. Um, one of the things I like to do is kind of discuss origin stories a little bit. Ken Vennera 1:22 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 1:22 You know, how people that have been that have seen a lot of success and things like that, how they got to where they, where they got, so maybe you could maybe you could start with like, just a little, maybe a little bit more of an in depth intro than what I provided, what you're up to. And then we can go back and like kind of dig in like how you got from point A to point B? Ken Vennera 1:40 Sure. Sounds good. So I as you mentioned, I have a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania, my undergrad, for that. I have a law degree, JD, from Widener University School of Law, which Used to be the Delaware School of Law, and also have a master's degree in law in taxation from Villanova University. Brian Schoenborn 2:07 Oh, wow, okay. Yeah, a lot, a lot of time in class. Ken Vennera 2:10 a lot of time in school for sure, for sure, much too much time as my grandmother would probably. I've been involved in a lot of veteran nonprofit space. You know, we could talk about that a little bit later, if you like, as well. But, you know, currently Chief of Staff with Warrior Rising. A super, super organization that, as you mentioned, you know, helps veterans who are looking to start businesses, you know, and accelerate them. You know, and earn, basically, you know, their future. And you know, a few others as well. I'm involved with Vets2Industry, sit on the foundation board for them, and others that I've been involved with along the way. You know, I can give you a little bit more background about that. I'm on the advisory board of Operation Homefront of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, for example, Brian Schoenborn 2:13 What is Operation Homefront? Ken Vennera 2:58 So Operation Homefront was founded probably about 15 years ago, roughly, I want to say, to provide sort of emergency assistance to active duty military while they were deployed in order to keep their families stable and things like that. You know, they've since changed, not change their mission, but morphed their mission a little bit more, you know, they help with, you know, veterans that need housing. They still help with some mergency financial assistance and things like that. I mean, they're nationwide. But they're all about, you know, really maintaining the families for the military, you know, in times of, you know, crisis and things like that. Brian Schoenborn 3:38 Gotcha. Ken Vennera 3:38 They've expanded out a little bit towards, you know, National Guard space and things like that, and some veterans up to a certain point, but, you know, some some great work. Yeah, as I mentioned, I was I was very active many, many years ago with them probably during the height of deployments from about, you know, 2006 to roughly 2010 or so. I was chairman when they had independent chapters did a lot to really grow the Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey chapter into an actual, you know, operating entity from what it was. And, you know, proud to say that it's still successful. I mean, national national organization is nationalized all of the chapters now into basically field offices. But some of the people, you know, some of the key people that I put in place like Pete Stenson, for example, who was chapter president under me, is now a regional director for them. So you know, his territory pretty much covers all the way from Maine down to Maryland. Brian Schoenborn 4:44 Oh, wow, okay. A huge chunk. Ken Vennera 4:46 Yeah. So, you know, so there's that, you know, try and do you know, what I can, I mean, not having served myself. I mean, it's pretty important for me to, you know, help out, you know, the military. There's large military presence in my family as well. And a lot of friends of mine and things and Brian Schoenborn 5:01 yeah, so I mean, I'm a veteran, obviously, and I appreciate everything you've done that you do for us. Just curious. I mean, where does where does all that come from? Like, the desire to? Ken Vennera 5:13 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 5:13 You know? Yeah, so be more respect, you know, be with as involved with the military and vets as you are. Ken Vennera 5:19 Um, you know, I'd say a lot of things. My grandparents were, you know, an immigrant generation, you know, coming from Italy. But, you know, they left Italy because there was not opportunity. I don't mean to sort of sound cliche about it, but that's really, you know, the truth of it. You know, they came to this country, and we're extremely, extremely proud of it. My grandparents themselves, were the sort of oldest of their generation so and they came from very large families. So, the younger members of the family were born here, and were proud to have served in the military. I had a great uncle, my grandmother's brother that, among others, I mean, others of her brothers served in World War Two as well. But her youngest brother just passed away about six months ago now. Yeah, and he was in the Battle of the Bulge and you know, he's 95, 96 years old when he passed away. So, there was a, there was a huge patriotic feeling in the family even though you know, again, they came from, you know, a different background, you know, ethnically, etc. but very, very much in support of, you know, the military in this country, etc. And so, you know, very much loving the country and what, you know what was done. My grandmother, it was very funny, saved my uncle's letters when he would write them from every place. From like, France, from Belgium, from Germany, Brian Schoenborn 5:35 That's cool. Ken Vennera 6:24 Even uncle Yeah, and I still have them to this day because she cherished you know, like every one of those letters that you know, he wrote. I think their last stop To be honest, he And after that being, you know, part of the Battle of the Bulge. Their last stop in Germany was Fürstenfeldbruck, which is right near Dachau concentration camps. So I'm sure that, you know, they're probably involved in liberation, you know, Dachau as well, Brian Schoenborn 7:14 That's amazing. Ken Vennera 7:14 Yeah, it's pretty awesome. Brian Schoenborn 7:16 You ever pull out those letters and like, read them, like, get an idea of like, Ken Vennera 7:19 I've looked at him with friends. You know, it's very funny to see, like that first perspective and know that it's sort of a family member that experienced that, you know, you know, you see things from like that era. And you think, again, you know, it's a little bit cliche, but, you know, there's there's mentions of, you know, we really have Hitler's boys on the run now and things like that. Yeah. And it's just, you know, just crazy to think that they were experiencing that firsthand and relating it, you know, back as best they could, you know, back in those days, there was no internet or things like that. You couldn't even really pick up the telephone call family or anything. So Brian Schoenborn 7:55 It's literally just letters and who knows how long it took a day and some of them on a ship or whatever else, right? Ken Vennera 8:01 And some of them worst are centered, you know, things like that as to what was said, so that you weren't giving away like locations and things like that, while they're removing, I mean, it's pretty, it's pretty cool. I mean, you know, to feel like that part of history and things like that. So, you know, even subsequent to that, I mean, my father's generation, you know, I've uncles that, you know, served in Korea, and then thereafter, you know, mementos that they brought back from, you know, Japan and other places and so forth, you know, from their, from their tours. You know, a lot of friends of mine, served in the military as well. Both, you know, ahead of me and even slightly younger than me, you know, and I just have a great respect for them seeing what you know, they were dealing with while they're in and, you know, the sacrifices that they made, being away from family, crucial times and things like that in places that they didn't necessarily want to be to do what they had to do, you know, so, it bred a lot of respect, you know, for that, but the real sort of impetus to help me, and I'm sorry if I'm talking too much. Brian Schoenborn 9:04 No, no, please. This is for you man. Ken Vennera 9:06 I appreciate that. Brian Schoenborn 9:07 This is for you to talk. Listen, it's all good. Yeah. Ken Vennera 9:10 So I was working in Manhattan when 911 happened. And, you know, to tell you it was, in all honesty, one of the most impactful kind of situations I ever been involved with, I mean, Brian Schoenborn 9:25 How close were you to ground zero? Ken Vennera 9:27 so I wasn't thankfully, you know, at the World Trade Center site or even, you know, close to it in lower Manhattan, but, um, you know, it's still extremely traumatic. I actually was coming in on the train that day. And, you know, the first tower, we were coming up along the Meadowlands you know, areas like you know, in the train pretty much comes up at lower Manhattan right at the tip. So you're facing right at the World Trade Centers and World Trade Center and the first tower at 8:48 was already on fire. You then take a turn And start going up along Manhattan before you turn into the tunnel and Penn Station. Yep. But so you know, we probably hit that point at nine o'clock so as you know, at 9:02 the second tower was hit so we literally saw the second we didn't see the plane itself. But yeah, we saw the second tower explode man. And I can recount to you Brian, in all honesty, every word that was said on that train by everybody around me as to what was going on. Things like that the confusion, the the craziness of not understanding, thinking that it was a rogue plane and a pilot problem and all that kind of stuff all the way to, you know, no, we're at war and things like that. And then getting into a city, you know, one of the largest cities, you know, on the face of the earth and having it completely abandoned. I mean, I don't even want to talk about coronavirus but it's like a lot like that. Ken Vennera 10:56 Apocalytic. You know, scenes of streets that are using Full of, you know, hundreds and thousands of cars like completely devoid of cars and people and all that kind of stuff. And then, you know, just the horror of you know, the towers falling. You know, these are like, they were largest buildings, the tallest buildings in the world at one time. And here they are collapsing with thousands of people that you knew were trapped, you know, just the horror of that and, you know, everything that that came from that us not being able to leave the city. Now that feeling of being told that you can't leave somewhere. I mean, it's not like being in prison, but it's very much a traumatic thing. Brian Schoenborn 10:56 Yeah yeah yeah, mmhmm. Brian Schoenborn 11:37 It's unsettling, for sure, yeah. Ken Vennera 11:38 Like to say, you know, you can't leave you can't go home. You know, it's it's, it's very odd feeling and then, you know, having, you know, fighter jets flying over overhead that you don't know that, you know, you can't see from the ground that they're necessarily US planes, you know, not knowing. Yeah, right. What's going on and? Brian Schoenborn 11:56 It's like Pearl Harbor all over again. Ken Vennera 11:57 Oh, yeah. Like really, I mean, like it was, you know, trauma after trauma like experiences, I mean, there were a Grand Central Station was at the end of 44th Street, which was the street in which my office was you know, there were bomb scare so they would get evacuated and you would see hundreds of people running down 44th Street, which is a very narrow street, two lanes, but, um, you know, to see people running for their lives, man like it's a strange feeling. And then, you know, to cap that off. You know, we were finally able to leave Manhattan that day. And, you know, not until about three o'clock in the afternoon the George Washington Bridge finally opened up. Brian Schoenborn 12:38 Hmm. Ken Vennera 12:38 We it took us about three hours to get from where the parking was all the way up to the George Washington Bridge, which was only about 70 blocks. Brian Schoenborn 12:48 Yeah. Ken Vennera 12:49 But literally just got across the George Washington Bridge and a van had pulled onto the lower deck and they closed it down again. So it was that kind of day where it was like you literally felt like you were trying to escape, you know what was going on and then to see hundreds, hundreds Brian, I'm not even exaggerating, but hundreds of rescue EMT, ambulances parked in the center lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike all the way down almost to lower Manhattan. I mean, it's just the, you know. Brian Schoenborn 13:21 The first responders. Ken Vennera 13:22 Yeah, the first responders from areas that were even further south than Philadelphia have, like my areas that I like to recognize names of, like to realize the kind of response it you know, was drawn by the horrible things that were happening that day. I mean, it was just, it just was a tremendous, you know, and I managed to come back into the city Two days later, you know, 911 was on a Tuesday. That Wednesday, nobody was allowed back in, but that Thursday, I made a journey back just to see what was going on to check in on you know, clients or just to get some handle on the chaos and you Imagine being on a 10 car rail train and you know, the the total number of people on those all 10 cars was probably 20 people you know, and and Brian Schoenborn 13:37 It was a ghost town. Unknown Speaker 14:15 it just totally was crazy and you know, I distinctly remember the car that I was in there were four other people on that car with me and they had photographs of family members that they were going to try and go find now this is two days later, Brian, and all I could think to myself is like oh my god, man. Like it's two days later like you know, if they're in trouble or like they're they're gone right like and but like feeling like in that position of like, if that were me going to try and find loved ones two days later. I mean, like, how horrible would that be? You know what I mean? Like so again, like if just trauma after trauma in terms of in those kinds of things, I mean, Bryant Park and others big gathering, you know, open areas and things like that would have huge pieces of plywood joined together with hundreds of photos on them, like in makeshift memorials like all over the city man, like it was just, it was just crazy. And then, you know, you would go back to like Penn Station and you would see firemen that like days after were covered in soot and stuff like that and just collapsed on the ground pretty much from exhaustion. You know, and seeing National Guardsmen in the station with machine guns and things like that. I mean, it's just not things you're used to, in this country man, and to have all of that happen at one time was, you know, fairly impactful to me. And that, you know, that was Brian Schoenborn 15:41 That changed everything, man. Ken Vennera 15:42 Yeah. And you know, and so that was the genesis for me of like, understanding why a lot of people would want to sign up, you know, after seeing those kinds of things. You know, I was a little bit past probably, maybe the waiver age, you know, even at that time, but still was interested in doing some way to try and help You know, and like I said, and then supporting friends of mine that were in because of it. You know, it just changed my outlook as to how I could play a part, you know, and helping out and things like that. And so, Brian Schoenborn 16:11 You know, I, I was active duty when 911 happened. Ken Vennera 16:15 Yeah? Brian Schoenborn 16:15 Yeah, I was, you know, 50 caliber machine gunner. active in the Marine Corps. I was stationed in Camp Pendleton, so I was in San Diego. Ken Vennera 16:22 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 16:23 I'll never forget, you know, eating morning chow. I was in the chow hall eating breakfast. I'm sitting at this table by myself. I had already had PTSD at this point. So I was in the process of being medically discharged. But I was sitting there by myself. And I looked up, you know, there's these, you know, TV screens, right monitors or whatever, up in the corners. And usually there's like the news or something on, right? And I'm like eating I'm eating an omelet and green pepper onion, and cheese omelet. Ken Vennera 16:54 Nice. Brian Schoenborn 16:55 And I look up and then the computer screen or on the on the TV screen, rather, I see these two buildings that are burning? And I'm like, What the fuck? I'm like this guy just like a commercial, like a movie trailer or some shit like that. Right? Ken Vennera 17:06 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:07 And then then the entire chow hall got quiet. And I looked up again and it said, CNN on one corner and live on the other one. Ken Vennera 17:15 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:15 The trade. The Trade Towers have been hit. Ken Vennera 17:17 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:18 And it was at that point, you know, like I said, everyone got all quiet. Finished my, I finished my omelet. And as I left to go back to my barracks and get ready for formation, I heard this guy just screams just goes, we're going to war. Ken Vennera 17:34 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:34 And I was like, you know, like, my patriotism shot through the roof at that point, man. Ken Vennera 17:37 Of course. Brian Schoenborn 17:37 Like, you know, if I wasn't already dealing with my PTSD, I would have been Ken Vennera 17:44 deployed Brian Schoenborn 17:44 more than more than ready, willing and able to be deployed. Ken Vennera 17:47 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 17:47 In fact, you know, my unit was the first to go to Iraq after after 911. Yeah. And they fought in Fallujah, stuff like that. Ken Vennera 17:55 No doubt. Brian Schoenborn 17:55 It really tore me up for a long time actually, afterwards that I couldn't be there for my brother's. Couldn't be able to protect and defend Ken Vennera 18:02 pretty common Brian Schoenborn 18:03 our country and, or retaliate for it. Ken Vennera 18:05 Sure. But you find other ways to do it. I mean, that's sort of, you know, me to a much lesser extent, obviously, in you. I mean, you're already wearing, you know, the cloth of the country that point. But, you know, you try and find other ways. I mean, that's sort of what it's all about, you know, being part of a team, you know, you you make do with what you can do. Brian Schoenborn 18:24 Yep. Ken Vennera 18:24 You know, so. Brian Schoenborn 18:25 So, so that's what led you to doing Ken Vennera 18:28 a lot of military involvement Brian Schoenborn 18:30 philanthropic work and stuff like that Ken Vennera 18:31 Yeah, with that military, you know, direction. Sure. Brian Schoenborn 18:35 Mm hmm. So, you were Ken Vennera what? Corporate lawyer, corporate hack? Ken Vennera 18:40 Corporate lawyer. Not corporate hack. Thanks a lot, Brian. Geez. Corporate lawyer, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 18:47 okay. Sure. Okay. And then you started moving into this doing some of those volunteer or Ken Vennera 18:53 totally on the volunteer side. I mean, anything I was doing even with operational front at that time was all volunteer time. I still working full time. And, you know, taking care of other things. I mean, I'm involved very much in my local community, you know, as well like my HOA and things like that. But yeah, just doing it on the side and, you know, trying to make a difference as much as possible. Brian Schoenborn 19:15 How do you have time for all that? That's my question. Ken Vennera 19:18 I don't sleep much. I don't sleep much. You know, you guys in the military, you probably understand this more so right, is that, you know, sleep asleep enough when I'm dead, right. Brian Schoenborn 19:27 That's what the old gunny says, for sure. Ken Vennera 19:29 That's it. So you know, I kind of living proof of that. So, yeah, I just try and do as much as I can, you know, and I'm pretty efficient when I do things, you know, for sure. When I have the sport to be able to do it. Brian Schoenborn 19:41 But so So tell me a bit about I'm gonna keep talking about this veteran stuff for sure. Tell me a little bit about Warrior Rising. So I know a little bit I've gotten involved with warrior rising about six months ago, roughly. Ken Vennera 19:53 Yep. Brian Schoenborn 19:54 Something like that. That's how we met actually. Ken Vennera 19:55 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 19:56 But for the listeners, maybe you can kind of give a little high level view and then You know, I can talk about our involvement how how we got connected as well. Ken Vennera 20:03 Absolutely. So, Jason van Camp, he was a major in the US Army, he was Green Beret and Ranger. Brian Schoenborn 20:12 Yep. Ken Vennera 20:14 He was, you know, medically retired from the military, but still, you know, fairly young guy and said, you know, look, I have a lot of life ahead of me, got involved in starting a business himself, because that's what a lot of his peers that had gotten out were doing. And quite a few people that were colleagues of his would, you know, want to sort of emulate what he was doing and you know, got the idea of asking you know, him for assistance and he said, Well, you know, maybe it's a good idea to create a an organization or program whereby, or program within an organization, whereby we could help veterans who are looking to start their businesses and support themselves basically, you know, and and reestablish the purpose that existed in the military, reapply that ambition etc that existed there. Restore, you know, sort of that dignity of being, you know, receiving benefit from what you know their own hands and their own work and things like that. So he did you know, he created about five years ago, back in 2015, stood it up, put together a program. At first it was live instruction, but then converted to video instruction, etc. And basically, the program is evolved into a four pillar program that provides instruction, mentorship, funding opportunities, and then last part we're a community, which recognizes the fact that even coming out of the military, one of the things most people miss is that sense of team that existed around the military people. So it's reestablishing that being the local face of you know, Warrior Rising in locations throughout the country. You know, the organization is really, really prospered you know, quite a bit. Thanks to, you know, a lot of what, you know, Jason and the team have put together. They are getting or we're getting approximately, you know, last year, over 1000 applicants. Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 22:13 That's huge. Ken Vennera 22:13 Yeah. And, you know, pretty steady clip of, you know, 20 to 25 applicants every week. Brian Schoenborn 22:18 Wow. Where are they coming from all over the country? Ken Vennera 22:22 All over the country. Yeah, I can tell you probably the top five states. Number one absolutely is Texas. There's a good 13% of all the applicants are coming from Texas. Brian Schoenborn 22:33 It's a big veteran state too. Ken Vennera 22:34 Sure, sure. And and they all follow pretty much that pattern as well. California is second, probably with like close to 9% of all come from California. Florida is probably a close third with about you know, 7% and then of course, you know, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, believe it or not. You know, but, you know, as of last count, I think we had applicants from all All all but one state I think we had 49 states that we had applicants from. Vermont being the lone holdout of all places. Brian Schoenborn 22:57 Really? Vermont? Ken Vennera 23:07 I know, Vermont, I know you would figure you think it'd be like Alaska or Hawaii. No, Vermont was the lone holdout. Although, you know, that that might have that gap might have closed since then. I mean, this probably a month or so two ago. But yeah, so, you know, the organization really, you know, it focuses on being a full lifecycle. I mean, there's lots of organizations that do parts of it that are very similar, you know, mentoring and things like that, as well as government programs through the SPDC or SBA programs and things like that as well. But, you know, Warrior Rising, really proud that prides itself on being a full lifecycle for that so that somebody comes in at any given stage, whether it's concept or whether, you know, they're further along as well, they could have, you know, being an MBA program even, it pretty much looks at that individual and says, here's where you are, here's where you need to be to move on to the next step. And then we'll shepherd you, you know, through all those stages, whether it's funding, whether it's again, maintaining that community on the back end, you know, etc. It's not just sort of a one and done, you know, yeah, we mentor, no, we're doing everything, you know, that's part of that program to make sure that people are feel like they're treated, you know, individually, you know, with what their needs are, and then where they need to move on to to achieve you know, viability, sustainability, which are to pill, you know, to guidestones, guideposts sorry, and, and be able to sustain themselves, you know, in business so. Brian Schoenborn 24:34 I'll tell you guys, you guys got me man, I, we had this discussion The other day you and I did and I forget, I forget exactly how I came across Warrior Rising but I but I did, right? I came across it and I put in my application, you know, so I had to submit my business plan. I submit my pitch deck, right, that kind of stuff. You know what kind of funding I'm looking for. And you had me when you got a hold of me and you said Brian, I think you're one of the most prepared guys I've ever seen. Ken Vennera 25:00 Yeah, it's true, though it's true. You know, I see a lot of applicants for sure. Yeah. And listen, you know, even those that aren't as well prepared. I mean, we do our best to try and you know, help them as well. Brian Schoenborn 25:10 Well, that's the thing though, cuz I mean, like, I get nervous because, you know, I don't want to fly by the seat of my pants. Ken Vennera 25:14 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:15 I want to make sure that I'm gonna do something that I'm gonna put all my heart and soul into it. Ken Vennera 25:18 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:20 Especially given some of these other opportunities in the past that I'd gotten the short end of the stick on. Yeah. I want to make sure that I built my, my media company, on a solid foundation. Ken Vennera 25:32 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:32 Right? But it's, I think it's good to have that. But you also have to recognize at what time are you ready to take the leap and start executing? Ken Vennera 25:38 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:39 Right? So like for me, I had plan and plan and plan and plan and I recorded some interviews and you know, stuff like that. And I was nervous to hit submit. Ken Vennera 25:48 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:49 Right? It wasn't until a friend of mine she she put a big boot in my eyes and said fucking do it. Do this, Brian. Submit right? Ken Vennera 25:58 Do it. Do it exactly. Brian Schoenborn 25:59 No more. There's no more pussyfooting around what I you know, like, just do it. And so I have, yeah. And you know, it's been going all right. But um, you know, but the point being is that, you know, there's other applicants out or entrepreneurs in general, veteran entrepreneurs that that well, even just regular entrepreneurs, like in general veteran or otherwise, you know, there has to be a point in time where you have to say, okay, let's execute. Ken Vennera 26:24 Yeah, I'll tell you the biggest two problems, Brian, that I see. And, and it's pretty typical, as you mentioned, across the board, whether military, you know, ex military or not, is, you know, people either follow one of two routes, and that is they either plan and don't execute, or they execute without planning. Brian Schoenborn 26:42 Yes. Ken Vennera 26:42 Which is also a big problem as well. Brian Schoenborn 26:44 Yeah, they could both be recipes for disaster. Ken Vennera 26:46 Yeah. And they and they are because you know, they executing without planning is definitely a recipe for driving off a cliff. Brian Schoenborn 26:51 That's where you're just making shit up. Right? Ken Vennera 26:53 Yeah. Exactly. Just it doesn't work. It might work for a short time. Yeah. But you know that and that's why all You know, we strive for, again, its viability and sustainability, right, like viability meaning, you know, will it work and sustainability, you know, will it last, you know, kind of thing. Because they're very, they're they're both very important. You can't have one without the other. Brian Schoenborn 27:13 Yep. Ken Vennera 27:14 Yeah, it's a little bit hard. I will tell you sometimes especially, you know, trying to have people who put a lot of their effort into something and they've worked very hard, either in the military or, you know, in trying to stand up their business, you know, it's hard to tell people that are entrepreneurially minded, and a little bit of ego, you know, behind it, that, you know, where they have gaps and identify, you know, where their flaws. You know, that sometimes is a stumbling block, because people take it as criticism, but it's never intended that way. It's really just intended to say, look, you know, we don't need to help you where you're strong, but we need to help you where you have gaps, you know, where you're missing things. And, yeah, it's a little bit hard, but I think once people understand that, they don't see it then as criticism. They see it as, you know, helping you in the areas where you're weak, you know? And that's what a team does, right? I mean, that's what your teammates do is they pick you up where you're weak, you know, and help you Brian Schoenborn 28:08 Talk about egos man, because not only not only are these people entrepreneurs, so they believe in themselves enough that they have something that people want to buy. Sure. But they're also veterans, which means they've gone through hell and seen a lot of things that other people haven't seen for sure. Ken Vennera 28:24 Yeah, sure. So it is hard. It's hard to tell somebody like here's what you don't know. Brian Schoenborn 28:30 Yep. Oh, no. I mean, even in our first couple of conversations, I'm like, What the hell, I'm like, you don't know what you're talking about, Ken. Just like, you know, you're kind of like, you know, talk to me off the ledge a little bit, you know, shit like that. So I want to know, um, so you mentioned I just want to talk a little bit about your partner Jason are, you know, the leader of this? Ken Vennera 28:49 He's Executive Director, I work for him. Brian Schoenborn 28:50 Right. Right. Right. He's the leader. Yeah. Jason van Camp. So you're saying he's a Green Beret officer? Ken Vennera 28:58 He was he was a major major. Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 29:00 Nice. I wonder if he knows my or if he knows my friend Chris. I bet he does. He was a lieutenant colonel Green Beret. He was 30, 30. Ken Vennera 29:06 What's his last name? Brian Schoenborn 29:07 Schmidt. Ken Vennera 29:08 I don't know possibly. Brian Schoenborn 29:09 He was a an army in the army for like 30 years and 18 of it as a Green Beret. Yeah, pretty long, significant career as well, that asides and I'm just kind of mumbling out about that. But I'm just curious. Like, what if any types of values or frameworks, maybe that Jason got from his time in the Special Forces does he carry over? Ken Vennera 29:37 That is well, it's not if any, there's certainly certainly a lot of them I mean, that's that could be probably show but our program all by itself, Brian, to be honest with you. Brian Schoenborn 29:46 It'd be awesome to get him on. Ken Vennera 29:49 Definitely. He definitely should. I'd highly recommend it, man. I'll tell you what, you know, Jason is one of the most, you know, inspiring guys that I've ever cross, you know, come across in my life. He looks at things with that, you know, intense drive towards, you know, success. I mean, you know, he he will tell you no, no rush, you know, don't rush to failure, you know, you know, he's very selfless guy very interested in helping other people. You know, even when he you know, he just wrote a book, Deliberate Discomfort, which, you know, is now out on Amazon, etc. But you know, even doing that, I mean, you know, there's people out there, especially in the military community that write books and other people, you know, people have different opinions about former military people that write books and things like that. But I can tell you, you know, in all honesty, I mean, Jason is definitely a guy that is about helping people, you know, like, it's, it's first about, you know, teaching and driving you to be a better person, before even himself. I mean, he's definitely a guy that's you know, about team creating that you know, sort of team spirit and you know, his concept of, you know, deliberate discomfort, you know, from Special Forces times, you know, his training, etc. revolves, you know, around that whole idea of, you know, putting yourself into situations where you're not comfortable and getting used to that and making yourself a stronger person. Brian Schoenborn 31:19 Hell yeah. Ken Vennera 31:20 Um, and, you know, I can tell you, I mean, that's the theme of his book. He tells it through stories of individual, you know, individuals in different situations to, you know, as examples and then gives you sort of the science behind it. I mean, it's a tremendous, tremendous book. I mean, there's a lot of great lessons, you know, that he has there, but he as a person, man. It's, it's way beyond even what's you know, in that book, I mean, he is definitely the type that inspires people to do better. Which is obviously one of the main characteristics of you know, being a leader. Brian Schoenborn 31:54 Yep. Ken Vennera 31:55 You know, again, it's all about creating something above himself. Putting himself out there all the time. I mean, I can't even tell you all the sacrifices, I could tell you. But again, it would probably be its own show. All the sacrifices that he makes, I mean, you know, he's got his own business, running, you know, Warrior Rising, he's got a family, a young family, you know, besides that, you know, requires and demands, you know, his attention and things like that. And he really gives his all to all of those things. And it's just amazing. It's just amazing to me, you know, how he's able to do you know, that stuff. And like I said, I mean, you know, I'm a pretty smart guy. I have a pretty solid background myself, but I definitely consider Jason one of the most, you know, inspiring and admirable guys I've ever come across, you know, in terms of having those qualities of leadership but also that side that, you know, cares about people, you know, things like that. I mean, he's definitely not the typical hard nosed military, when it comes to the interpersonal side, but surely, in terms of the values and characteristics that he carries over from his training that you asked about. He's definitely, you know, all about, you know, carrying them over in the best way possible to help people be better people, you know, kind of thing, so. Brian Schoenborn 33:10 That's, that's interesting. I want to talk a little bit about the, the concept of deliberate discomfort. Ken Vennera 33:16 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 33:17 I think I think he and I kind of share that ethos. Now for years. I've said about getting comfortable outside your comfort zone. Right? So we word it a little bit differently. But I you know, I consider myself very comfortable. being uncomfortable. You know, it's the things that are unfamiliar the things that you don't know you haven't done, you haven't eaten. People you haven't interacted with, whatever. You know, it's part of the reason why I dropped everything in New York and moved to China. Right? Ken Vennera 33:47 There you go. Brian Schoenborn 33:47 I didn't know anybody. I just never been there. Ken Vennera 33:49 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 33:50 I didn't know what to expect. You know, nevermind the language, right? Ken Vennera 33:54 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 33:55 But until you until you get out there and do something, you know, like getting getting in that discomfort zone or getting outside of your comfort zone. I mean, that's, I feel like that's where you that's where the learning happens. Ken Vennera 34:09 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 34:09 That's where the growth happens. Ken Vennera 34:11 Exactly. Brian Schoenborn 34:11 Like that's where, you know, you and there's nothing wrong with like staying in your little bubble your entire life either necessarily I mean some people can live nice comfortable lives. Ken Vennera 34:22 Different strokes, different strokes for different folks, you know, as they say, right but you know, the real genesis of creativity comes from, you know, stressful situations, unfortunately, you know, I mean, I know you didn't want to talk about Corona virus, Brian Schoenborn 34:36 but whatever we can talk about it. Ken Vennera 34:36 But not too much. Thankfully, there's too much talk about it as it is. But, you know, the thing I find is that, you know, innovation comes from stressful sit, you know, from problems, you know, like, look at all the inventions that were throughout history has created, you know, a lot of innovation has come from, you know, technology and things like that have come from, you know, being in those kinds of situations. We're like, look, we have to do something about this. You know, whereas people are just comfortable they're never really going to look outside, there's no, there's no reason to look outside their comfort zone, as you mentioned, like their little bubbles. So, I would look at that discomfort kind of concept as being the genesis for creativity and innovation, you know, for sure in society. So, you know, it's the force to move, you know, past where somebody might exist at any given time. And certainly, you know, as I said, I mean, you know, that's the credo that that Jason follows, you know, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 34:37 What was the thing you're telling me? So we went for a walk earlier today. Kind of, you know, meeting of the minds kind of shit. Ken Vennera 35:41 Two philosophy, two philosophers walking along. Brian Schoenborn 35:44 It was a little philosophical. Yes. Good. Walking meeting. But you were talking something about? There's like a loop like a cycle. Ken Vennera 35:53 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 35:53 About that good people are strong people. Ken Vennera 35:56 Yeah, so the saying goes that weak men make bad times. Bad times make strong men. Strong men make good times. Good times make weak men. So yeah, that's pretty much the cycle. I didn't originate that, obviously. But clearly, it's pretty accurate. Brian Schoenborn 36:14 But that stood out to me because I'm like, it's you know, it's all about the hustle, right? It's about the struggle, the struggle is real, right? Like, um. Ken Vennera 36:20 For sure. Brian Schoenborn 36:21 For example, I was basically homeless for two years. And I was out surfing, fucking. I was living in a hostel for the last six months and just got into my own place. You know, fighting with the VA trying to get my disability benefits and all that shit. And it took me like they were just sitting on it, man, like it took me going into the VA triggering the shit out of myself. I was I was so triggered. I was like, convulsing in this place. Ken Vennera 36:45 Shame. Brian Schoenborn 36:46 If I wasn't struggling like that. You know what? I was doing all that while I'm building a company. Ken Vennera 36:51 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 36:51 You know, while I'm managing a restaurant, right? Shout out to Chipotle woot. You know, keeping myself extremely busy. Do you like sure working like 100 hours a week? Right? Ken Vennera 37:02 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 37:02 You know, but still taking myself into a place of extreme discomfort. Ken Vennera 37:08 Yep. Brian Schoenborn 37:09 Where I was extremely triggered and I had to go there numerous times over the first month or so, just to make sure that the paperwork was right. You know, I'm getting they understand my situation, right? Finally was able to get some some VA treatment, which I've been denied for for so long. Started getting that thing going. If it wasn't me taking that action when I was struggling, I would not have seen any sort of success. Ken Vennera 37:40 Mm hmm. Brian Schoenborn 37:40 Right? As a result of me going there and taking matters into my own hands. It sped the process along. Ken Vennera 37:46 Sure. Yeah. And Necessity is the mother of invention. You know, like they say, I mean, it's unfortunate but you know, that's what spurs on that creativity to want to get out of that situation, right. Like most people if they're in a good situation. Don't look for ways to get out of it. Brian Schoenborn 38:01 Right, exactly. I mean, I think about I think about the innovations, it'd be interesting to see a study and innovations between people coming from cold weather versus people coming from, like the tropics. Ken Vennera 38:13 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 38:13 You know, it's like a beach life, man. That's Ken Vennera 38:15 Right! Who wants to leave San Diego right? Brian Schoenborn 38:18 Got a coconut. You got a beach. Ken Vennera 38:19 exactly what do I need to go anywhere? It's for sure. Yeah, yeah, it was funny. You mentioned you go into China, you know, and speaking, you know, not knowing the language very well or things like that. I mean, being placed in completely foreign culture, you know, etc. You know, I often think it just reminds me of hearing you say a few those things that you know, one of the things I admire most about my grandfather, my dad's dad, was, you know, he left you know, Italy at 17 years old to come to this country. Did not Brian Schoenborn 38:53 That's a bold move, man. Ken Vennera 38:54 Totally a bold move without his family. But not didn't even have. I mean, if you have a certain level of education, even if you're still not educated in that language, you understand how it is sort of get around a little bit better, how to ask different questions, etc, that might help you in that situation. But, you know, he hardly had any education in Italy came here at 17 years old, you know, started a family, um, you know, within two generations, you know, here I am going to an Ivy League school, you know, and then law school, you know, even beyond that. So, I mean, it's real, a real testament again, to, you know, that pioneering spirit or, you know, putting yourself like you said, and, you know, or as Jason would even say, you know, in that situation of discomfort, you know, and then forcing yourself to excel, you know, to to get yourself out of it. Brian Schoenborn 39:42 Well, that's the dream right? Move to America. You know, work hard, work hard, and hopefully your children or your children's children can see, the fruits of the labor. Ken Vennera 39:52 As long as that as long as that element of sacrifice is there. Absolutely. Brian, I mean, I think in some ways, though, what's been lost on many a younger generation than you and I, is people want immediate gratification. Brian Schoenborn 40:05 Sure. Ken Vennera 40:06 And that's the thing that I think has changed the most. Brian Schoenborn 40:08 They don't want to work for it. Ken Vennera 40:10 Yeah, or they're there. It's not even so much, they don't necessarily want to work for it. They're not willing to sacrifice their own gratification for the benefit of future generations necessarily. So in other words, they're not willing to postpone their gratification in order to set the, you know, children that the, you know, the future generations up for that success. And I think that hurts because my grandfather's generation, in and of itself, you know, yeah, they would be considered successful maybe by the standards of where they came from, etc. But they wouldn't be considered necessarily successful in this country. I mean, they were blue collar factory type workers in this country. I mean, my, my grandfather worked in an asbestos plant, you know, which, who would take a job in an asbestos plant today, like you would never do that, right. So it wasn't like He, you know, in his own generation was successful. But you know, in a way, that mentality of sacrificing, you know, for the benefit of, you know, his children and then their children, you know, and so forth, creates that opportunity. And I think that's what's you know, gotten lost a little bit is, you know, it's, it's not that people don't necessarily want to work hard. I think if people understood that how things worked a little bit better, they probably would be more willing to do that. But I think what's gone is the putting off, you know, the self denial kind of aspect in favor of, you know, helping the future generations kind of thing a little bit so, Brian Schoenborn 41:38 Yeah, I kind of I kind of waffle on that one. I mean, no, cuz I mean, cuz I, in one sense, I agree with you. Right? I think that sounds fairly accurate. And the other side of that coin, it does sound a lot like, you know, millennial bashing. Ken Vennera 41:55 I didn't make any group. Brian Schoenborn 41:56 I know, but I'm a millennial. I'm an elder, millennial. Ken Vennera 42:01 but but actually that's in favor of, you know millennials and the generation because that's one of the things if you look at a lot of commentators, they'll say like, you know, the millennials or generation without hope of doing those things. Brian Schoenborn 42:13 And I think they're also saying they're spending all their savings on avocado toast. Ken Vennera 42:17 And that wasn't me. That wasn't me saying that. Brian Schoenborn 42:19 I know. Ken Vennera 42:20 I don't think that I think, you know, I think that a lot of people, if they're guided in the right direction, you know, will do the right thing. I mean, I think, I don't think anybody wants to be lazy or do bad things or anything like that, you know, by far. I think that was the appropriate kind of direction, though. And it's like anything else, I mean, you know, to sort of go back to where you're rising a little bit. Again, you know, you have people that are talented, sort of, you know, former military in a certain direction. He needs need the guidance in other directions to, you know, create that analogy to create that bridge sometimes, and you need people willing to do that and You know, kudos to, you know, people like Jason that are willing to, you know, sort of show that path to people. You know, I think that's what's really important. I think that's what's missing very often, you know, in today's society. Brian Schoenborn 43:12 Yeah, I hear that. So I hear that, you know, it can be hard to connect all the dots. Sure. Quick, quick question. How did like how did you guys, how did you two come into like Ken Vennera 43:23 Contact? Brian Schoenborn 43:23 How did you how did you come into being? Ken Vennera 43:25 so very funny, like I said, I was doing a lot of, you know, veteran related activities and things like that. I was doing a lot of sort of freelancing on the internet in terms or on LinkedIn, specifically, helping guys find jobs, because when I went into, you know, more of an advisory board role with Operation Homefront, I was really looking for an organization that would help former military find, you know, jobs. To be, you know, again, sustainable you in that way. I couldn't really find at the time a group that I thought was Being very effective in that regard. I mean, there were lots of groups that were trying to educate, you know, employers about how to hire military and all kinds of things, you know, around surrounding sort of that but, but never anyone that was really sort of directly doing that. So, I was trying to help people as I could with, you know, mock interviewing or looking at the resumes and all these kinds of things, and, you know, made friends with a lot of people along the way. In particular, one guy, former Navy guy, you know, he said to me one day, he's like, you know, you should really get in touch with this guy, Jason van Camp. And see what Warrior Rising is all about, you know, that they're helping guys, you know, start businesses and I thought about it for quite a bit and said, you know, that's probably even better than trying to find people jobs because you start a business I mean, you can possibly employ a Brian Schoenborn 43:27 It's multitudes of jobs. Ken Vennera 43:42 Right, exactly. It's a force multiplier, you know, kind of thing in a way and I'm like, you know what, like, maybe I haven't been I've been narrowing my focus too much. In that, you know, going into this arena of helping, you know, military start start businesses is actually probably even a better thing and, you know, got involved with Warrior Rising got involved with Jason and you know, I'll tell you like I said, you know, Jason's charisma man like his drive towards you know what he's doing i mean you know again you look at like traits of leadership man you know if people inspire that's one of the key traits of being a good leader and Jason definitely inspires me. Clearly inspired me to, you know, want to put my efforts towards doing what you know what Warrior Rising's doing and making it into a success. So yeah, that's that's pretty much how it came about. Well, so two years now almost just about a couple months short, but pretty close. Brian Schoenborn 45:46 Nice. Ken Vennera 45:46 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 45:47 Um. Sorry. I kind of bounced around a little bit but a Ken Vennera 45:50 Bounce all you want. Brian Schoenborn 45:51 Yeah. I just you know, as you're speaking things are things trigger, right. Ken Vennera 45:56 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 45:57 Because I connect dots as well, right? Ken Vennera 45:59 Yes. Brian Schoenborn 45:59 Reminds me of, you're talking about helping people connect the dots, helping helping entrepreneurs get going that kind of stuff. Veteran entrepreneurs reminds me, the weird thing is like, when you're in the military, everything's laid out for you. Right? You're part of this machine. And you do, as you're told, and you know, but you know, by the time you get through boot camp, or basic training, or maybe your school afterwards, you pretty much know how to conduct yourself and what is expected basically every day. Ken Vennera 46:29 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 46:30 Right. So you're in this Ken Vennera 46:33 Mode? Brian Schoenborn 46:34 Sure. That's what's the word I was thinking. Whenever you're in this, you're in this fucking mode, where every single day you know exactly what you have to do. Ken Vennera 46:42 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 46:43 On the entrepreneurial side, every day, it's a blank slate, right? It's a clean slate. Like you you got to figure out everything that you're doing. You know, you write the script, basically, right. It reminds me when I went to grad school, when I went to business xchool the first day of orientation. One of our think she was a career services. Barbara Hyle, shout out to Barb. She wrote two words on the board on this white board said embrace ambiguity. Ken Vennera 47:15 Flexibility, name of the game for sure. Brian Schoenborn 47:17 That's something that's kind of stuck with me. That's kind of what what it made me think of there when you're like, Oh, you know, helping people connect the dots and the circles and stuff because you're, you know, again, when you're when you're going from something where everything is regimented, like that's, that's the whole reason that term is there, right? It's regimented routine, basically every single day to what the hell am I doing? I'm creating something out of nothing. Right. That can be a big change, man. And people Ken Vennera 47:42 Well, so I think, you know, again, and forgive me for characterizing, you know, never served in military myself, but I think a lot of what you're talking about in the military is not necessarily that overall, everything is regimented. Right, what's regimented? His training right and whenever you're in a and execution to a certain extent, like certain operations, right? But that's because like in life, you can only control the things you can control. Brian Schoenborn 48:12 Right. Ken Vennera 48:14 I think the thing again piecing together from a military perspective that people they understand when they're in that that situation but then don't understand it necessarily once they get out because they're not within that framework is that that basis right that foundation for that kind of regimented training, etc. And that following orders in a certain way following you know, standard operating procedures, etc, is because eventually in many situations, especially in combat, you end up not seeing, you know, the the regimentation, right. In other words, you end up seeing the things that go off the reservation, right, like, Brian Schoenborn 48:54 You're living life in the margins, on the battlefield. Ken Vennera 48:56 So you know it What's that expression that you know, no place survives first contact with the enemy, you know kind of thing right? Brian Schoenborn 49:02 Like Mike Tyson said, everyone has a plan to get punched in the face, right, like so. Ken Vennera 49:09 So, you know, but that's the whole idea is that it's, it's, you know, one of the beautiful things about military training is saying, like, Look, we're going to create this foundation from you. So that when you're placed into these situations where you're not sure, again, going back to the whole, deliberate discomfort, you know, concept, you know, Jason, you know, it's training yourself to constantly react in a certain way so that when you're faced with that ambiguity, when you're faced with that uncertainty, when you're faced with, you know, the enemy in your face, it's, you know, 50 meters, you know, kind of thing, you're now able to deal with that because of all of that muscle memory, regimentation, etc. Like, you know, calming yourself down thinking in a certain direction. You know, is is extremely valuable, you know, it's extremely valuable when you're facing You know, uncertainty and things like that. I tell people very often, you know, if I asked you, for example, to navigate from your bedroom door of your house to your front door, you're gonna be like, not a problem, right? Piece of cake. But, right, but but all of a sudden, if you're blindfolded and it's dark, right, you know, you're gonna start employing tactics that you know about your training, right, you're gonna put your arm out and reach certain distance and feel around to get your bearings for what your environment holds. Again, all of these things from training, etc. to understand, like, I need to know what my environment is, I need to know what the weather is, I need to know assess the situation. All those things for training come in handy now, because what you're doing is reducing the number of variables down to the minimum number so that you have the best chance, you know, an opportunity of success. Ken Vennera 50:49 You know, the other analogy I use a lot when like mentoring is that it's a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You know, when you first start out with a jigsaw puzzle, you know, you dump the box. Have 1000 pieces and they're all over the place summer the backside, you know, that's all brown without the picture and summer, the you know, the the picture side, you have edge pieces, etc, you know. So the first thing you do is turn all the pieces over. So you can see that, you know, they're all facing the same way. Why again, reduce those numbers of variables of unknowns and things like that you have to, you know, smaller number, then what do you do you put all the edge pieces together first, why? Because there's a clue with the edge pieces that all the other pieces don't have and that is they have an edge. Right? Brian Schoenborn 51:33 Right. Ken Vennera 51:34 So you you again, you put them all together and now you've reduced the variables down, you know, to a smaller number, then you start to put like pieces with like pieces, right? Again, utilizing as much information as you possibly have to reduce those numbers of variables and so forth. And little by little man, you put those things together and you end up with a complete, you know, picture from that. Brian Schoenborn 51:55 Hell yeah. Ken Vennera 51:56 And that's what it's a lot like i think you know, so yes, there is that aspect of regimentation in the training and always go into battle. So you develop that muscle memory, but it's the application of that in those situations like in combat or otherwise, where you're facing unknowns, and very much so like when you're in business, you know, of course, the consequences aren't quite as dire as being in combat, but you know, you're facing pretty, you know, dire consequences if your business is going to fail and things like that. And you have to support your family well, and and your employees if you haven't, right, and your employees lives, etc. So, you know, there's a lot of situations like that, I mean, look, look at all of the things that come up in business where, you know, all of a sudden, there, you know, a regulation is passed, for example, that you didn't have to do X, but now you have to do it, and that's gonna cost you three times as much, and possibly, you know, you don't have a margin left anymore, you know? Or look at what's going on with this. Sorry, like the coronavirus. And I know he didn't want to talk about that. I'm so sorry. Brian Schoenborn 53:01 That's all everyone's talking about. It's all right though. Ken Vennera 53:03 But but it's such a good example. And because if you think about it, you know, what, who was who was planning for this in their business three months ago? Brian Schoenborn 53:11 Oh, nobody. Ken Vennera 53:12 Right, who was creating that reserve to carry them over this, you know, situation three months ago? And and that's this, you know, that's the kind of stuff it's like, what do you do when something hits you that you really didn't expect? Well, now you revert back to your training, your muscle memory, your things that like, you know, work in these kinds of situations to help guide Brian Schoenborn 53:32 Sanitize your hands. Ken Vennera 53:33 Right, wash your hands. Brian Schoenborn 53:34 Not traveling on an airplane, Brian? Ken Vennera 53:36 Right. So, I mean, but it's all of those things, then help the situation reduce the number of variables make it more manageable, I mean, nobody has a crystal ball, right? Nobody has a crystal ball ever, you know, kind of thing. So what do you do man, you reduce the number of things, the unknowns down to a manageable level, you know, and you do that, you know, by utilizing that training and so forth. So, so I agree with you I mean there's a lot of regimentation etc to the military but it's there for a reason. Brian Schoenborn 54:05 Yeah it's for a purpose for sure. Ken Vennera 54:06 Exactly and and the same reason that it is there you know in the military is the same reason it's effective and useful even in the business world or in life in general, you know, in terms of developing ways to cope with situations and the unknowns and so forth so. Brian Schoenborn 54:23 Huh. Habits. We are habitual animals. Ken Vennera 54:27 Good habits well good habits developing good habits you know for sure and that's again training right in the military develop good habits right you know and do things the right way all the time you know what I mean? Brian Schoenborn 54:36 Getting up at 06, creasee cammies, spit-shine shoes, you're cleaning a rifle every second you get. Ken Vennera 54:44 Sure. Responsibility, dedication and all those factors that again, will get you through tough situations. You know? Brian Schoenborn 54:50 Focus. Ken Vennera 54:51 Focus exactly. Brian Schoenborn 54:52 Laser like focus. Ken Vennera 54:53 Yep. Brian Schoenborn 54:54 Yep, do it for sure. It's been a pretty good chat so far. Ken Vennera 54:58 Think so I listen. I enjoy talking man, I can talk to you probably for another three hours if you wanted to, but Brian Schoenborn 55:02 We could, we could filibuster this shit. Ken Vennera 55:07 And it's been good man I really love you know, being on the show for sure, man, I love I love the thoughts, you know, that we're talking about, you know, because I think it'll help a lot of people, you know, it helps a lot of people to hear, even if they already know it, it helps to hear sometimes. Brian Schoenborn 55:20 I think, you know, I think one of the important things is, this is a this is a podcast, so it's not visibility, but you know, what I mean, like accessibility, maybe like when people have an opportunity to hear or see things that, you know, they might not know, they might not know otherwise, or to see it again, maybe something they haven't thought about in a while. Ken Vennera 55:40 Reinforcement. Sure. Brian Schoenborn 55:40 Reinforcement. Ken Vennera 55:41 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 55:42 You know, I could help a lot of people and that's to be honest like that's why that's why I get people on that have interesting stories and are doing are doing some really cool things sure of yourself. But that's also why I'm so like, open and vocal about like, you know, my like my PTSD experience and stuff like that, know? Because the more you can talk about things, the more people can understand. Ken Vennera 56:05 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:06 And the more people can understand things, the more people can be helped. Ken Vennera 56:10 Absolutely. Brian Schoenborn 56:10 You know, because whether whether you have like a like a thing like a mental illness like PTSD, or whether you're running a business, right? A lot of times you can feel like you're on your own. Ken Vennera 56:21 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:22 Being an entrepreneur, it can be lonely man. Ken Vennera 56:23 It can be, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:25 You hear other people's voices and hear that there's support out there. And there's resources, Ken Vennera 56:31 Absolutely. Brian Schoenborn 56:31 you feel a little bit less, less lonely. Ken Vennera 56:34 You know, I'll tell you to Bri just to, you know

Ken Vennera is a man of many hats. Wharton educated, corporate lawyer, and mentor, he is also involved with Warrior Rising as Chief of Staff — a veteran nonprofit that helps veteran entrepreneurs get off the ground and positioned for success.

Ken Vennera is a man of many hats. Wharton educated, corporate lawyer, and mentor, he is also involved with Warrior Rising as Chief of Staff — a veteran nonprofit that helps veteran entrepreneurs get off the ground and positioned for success.

Jonathan White, division president of Atlanta at Meritage Homes, is in studio on today's episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Joined by co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick, the group discusses the multiple Meritage communities in progress or now selling in and around metro Atlanta. White also gives insight on the builder's commitment to energy efficiency and Operation Homefront on this All About Real Estate segment of Radio. White has been in the building industry for almost 16 years, and with Meritage Homes for the past two years. Originally from Florida, White began his career working in several Florida markets such as Orlando and Jacksonville. Most recently, White spent six years in the Houston market before settling in Atlanta in early 2018. White spent about half of his time in his home building career in land acquisition and development. After gaining years of experience, he shifted his focus to the overall management side of the industry. White also worked for eight years as a civil engineer. Meritage Homes stared in 1985 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Currently operating in 17 divisions across nine different states, Meritage is a top ten national builder. “Our core purpose is to enrich lives by building the American dream,” said White. “We are guided by six core values which are start with heart, integrity above all else, develop to empower, think strategically, build value and play to win. We really do live by those values.” Meritage came to Atlanta in 2014 and has evolved over the past six years, growing into a top ten builder in the area. For the seventh consecutive year, Meritage has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its superior building practices. It was awarded the Energy Star Partner of the Year in sustained excellence. Meritage Homes builds a wide range of products in and around the metro Atlanta area. Products include two-story front-loaded townhomes, three-story rear-entry townhomes, 40-to-50-foot-wide single-family homes, two-story rear-entry bungalows and more. Homes range in size from 1,600 to over 4,000 square feet. “Right now, we really focus on three rungs of the homeownership ladder,” said White. “First-time buyers, first-time move-up and move-down buyers are the primary focus of who we serve. Our price points range from the mid $200,000s to the low $500,000s. We really see the largest growth opportunity in the under-served first-time buyer market and the move-down buyers, so we intend to focus our growth in those areas.” Meritage Homes is currently selling in several of its new home communities. Highland Overlook near the East-West Connector is a three-story front-and-rear-entry townhome located in Smyrna. With only 68 homesites, this intimate community offers convenient access to various metro Atlanta favorites. Twelve homes are available now at Highland Overlook and priced from the low $400,000s. Willowcrest is the newest Meritage community, only just opening at the end of 2019. This community of single-family homes in Mableton is priced in the low $300,000s. Another fantastically located community right next to Smyrna, Willowcrest has three separate product lines. Forty-foot single-family homes, 26-foot front-load entry townhomes and 24-foot detached bungalow homes all reside in this community. Willowcrest also comes with an amazing amenity package. A third community White highlighted in his interview is Winding Creek in Stockbridge. This community will provide 117 wooded lots with convenient access to I-75. Priced from the mid $200,000s, homes in this community will feature up to 3,020 square feet, four to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and a two-car garage. Winding Creek homes offer one of four unique floorplans. Meritage Homes has these three incredible communities, as well as several more communities located around Atlanta. One distinction that separates Meritage from other home builders is its commitment to ener...

John Pray, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. @Op_Homefront – IG: operationhomefront Topic: Building strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive—not simply struggle to get by—in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Issues: This non-profit has served more than 40,000 military families and provided nearly $25 million in relief […] The post Building Strong, Resilient Military Families + Raising Great Kids in Two Hours a Day appeared first on Mr. Dad.

VETERANS VOICE 9 - 21 - 19 - JOHN DANCEY - JOE OHARA - OPERATION HOMEFRONT.ORG by WFYL 1180 AM

Gaby Juergens - CEO and founder of Homefront Girl, a lovely person and such a powerful story. Founder and CEO of “Homefront Girl”, an organization that has donated over $100,000 to military charities, Gaby Juergens sat down with Big League Politics to discuss her involvement with military families. Juergens has created close to 2,000 designs with inspirational quotes on merchandise like coffee mugs, pillows, candles, and the newly announced clothing line that are meant to encourage and show support for family members of the military. She seeks to inspire those who have relatives in the military that, “we are the other Half of the Brave.” Homefront Girl has been licensed with partnerships like Hallmark, Walmart, and Yankee Candle. Perhaps the most popular item available on the website is their Signature Teddy Bears which were donated to military children at the 2017 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Juergens has hopes that the same will be accomplished this year. Homefront Girl donates to charities like “Operation Homefront” and “United Through Reading” which seek to encourage military families as they deal with the emotional rollercoaster of having a family member deployed. Her uplifting merchandise has not only significantly helped other charities, it also has proved to be a memorial for family members of fallen heroes. Gaby Juergens has worked tirelessly to ensure that deployed and fallen men and women of the military are given the acknowledgement and respect that they deserve. Learn more about Homefront Girl at homefrontgirl.com WARNING — AI Transcriptions Below May Cause Grammatically Correct People Serious Stress and Lack of Sleep! Tackling Homelessness with CEO of Helping America Now Raji Rykert – Episode 42 Greater Change: Tackling Homelessness with Tech Founder Alex McCallion – Episode 33 Nathaniel Schooler  0:23 Gaby Juergens is the creator and founder of Homefront girl, an international inspirational brand, shining the spotlight in fashion and retail on the families that stand behind the men and women who serve their nation in uniform. A daughter of a veteran raised in military life and a former military spouse of 28 years, she created a brand inspired by her front row seat to bravery, sacrifice, and service. And she's a very inspirational lady. So let's dig into this interesting interview. Well, hey, Gaby, it's lovely to speak to you again. Gaby Juergens  1:03 Oh, it's lovely to be here. Thank you for having me, Nathaniel! Nathaniel Schooler  1:05 My pleasure. I'm really quite excited to hear your story, actually, because you've got a really inspiring story from from what I gather, and you've kind of fought really hard to launch your brand. Launch your clothing brand. And, how did that happen? What sort of drove you to where you have ended up? Gaby Juergens  1:29 Well, when I started Homefront girl, real quick, I have a military family background. And I was married into military raise my son in the military life. So for me, they always say is to writers. Write, which, you know, this was what I knew. And I had attended a licensing show. And I didn't see this mega demographic that I had grown up and represented in retail. And so I just decided to look more into it. And then I fast forward - started to build up the collection of artwork, and soon got an agent, a licensing agent. And licensing in a nutshell is where an artist creates art. And then it licenses that to a manufacturer who then places that on their products. And so that's who my my agents represent me on on that and getting me contracts and getting my products. So I've done things with the Yankee Candle Company, which I was very gratified. Actually, when the collection came out, we had a lot of, I had a lot of emails and followers from the UK, who loved the collection. Unfortunately, it was not carried in the UK or Canada, it was only carried here in the US. But now it's available on eBay,

John Pray, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. @Op_Homefront – IG: operationhomefront Topic: Building strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive—not simply struggle to get by—in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Issues: This non-profit has served more than 40,000 military families and provided nearly $25 million in relief […] The post Operation Homefront + Prime-Time Parenting appeared first on Mr. Dad.

  Eric Schuller is the Director of Government and Community Affairs at Oasis Financial, and serves as President of the Alliance of Responsible Consumer Legal Funding. He's also a veteran, with 22 years of service in the U.S. Army and the National Guard.   Eric Served 22 years in the U.S. Military – the Army and the National Guard He was born in Minnesota, but moved to the Chicago area when he was 8, and has lived there ever since He played basketball in high school, and was replaced due to injury by none other than Jeff Hornacek His first foray into government affairs was working for then Lt. Governor Quinn in Illinois He served as Quinn's liaison to military families and families of fallen soldiers He still stays in touch with many of the families he worked with during his time in Quinn's office After the Lt. Governor's office, he moved to Operation Homefront, an organization that supports veterans In 2008, he joined his current organization, Oasis Financial, which provides financial assistance to people who have been injured in accidents and are waiting for their cases to settle with insurers Eric is active in all 50 states, and has lobbyists engaged in about 20% of the states at any given time Help us grow! Leave us a rating and review - it's the best way to bring new listeners to the show.  Have a suggestion, or want to chat with Jim? Email him at: Jim@theLobbyingShow.com Follow The Lobbying Show on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for weekly updates about the show, our guests, and more.

There is nothing typical about former Miss USA Deshauna Barber. She opens up about her journey to the crown, challenges in the military and how she spends most of her time these days. She also reflects on that epic moment that she won Miss USA 2016! Follow: @deshaunabarber Website: www.deshauna.com About: Deshuana Barber On June 5th 2016, Deshauna was crowned the first Miss USA to actively serve in the United States military. She spent her reign partnering with the USO, Smiletrain, Best Buddies, Operation Homefront and numerous organizations that focus on the betterment of people around the world. Deshauna has a bachelors degree in Business Management and a masters degree in Computer Information Systems and Services. She has worked in the government for over 5 years and recently left her IT Analyst position at Department of Commerce to become Miss USA 2016. United States Army Officer Captain Deshauna Barber is a logistics commander in the United States Army Reserve. She commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011 and has been serving her country ever since. Deshauna has a passion for our men and women in uniform. She has spent much of her career focused on advocating for soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Survivor Deshauna has made it her life goal to Encourage, Inspire and Strengthen the people around her. Deshauna is a survivor of child sexual abuse and wants to inspire other survivors to fight through fears of their past. Deshauna has overcome bullying and after the recent loss of her mother to cancer she wants to encourage people to focus on loving ourselves and the people around us. About the show: ►Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ► Visit http://www.pinnertest.com and use Promo Code: ashsaidit ►Become A Podcast Legend: http://ashsaidit.podcastersmastery.zaxaa.com/s/6543767021305 ►Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ►SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ►Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ►Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ►Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ►Newsletter: http://ashsaidit.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863c8&id=a6f43cd472 ►Casper Commercial Music Courtesy of http://www.BenSound.com #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, iHeart Radio & Google Play. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

There is nothing typical about former Miss USA Deshauna Barber. She opens up about her journey to the crown, challenges in the military and how she spends most of her time these days. She also reflects on that epic moment that she won Miss USA 2016! Follow: @deshaunabarber Website: www.deshauna.com About: Deshuana Barber On June 5th 2016, Deshauna was crowned the first Miss USA to actively serve in the United States military. She spent her reign partnering with the USO, Smiletrain, Best Buddies, Operation Homefront and numerous organizations that focus on the betterment of people around the world. Deshauna has a bachelors degree in Business Management and a masters degree in Computer Information Systems and Services. She has worked in the government for over 5 years and recently left her IT Analyst position at Department of Commerce to become Miss USA 2016. United States Army Officer Captain Deshauna Barber is a logistics commander in the United States Army Reserve. She commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011 and has been serving her country ever since. Deshauna has a passion for our men and women in uniform. She has spent much of her career focused on advocating for soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Survivor Deshauna has made it her life goal to Encourage, Inspire and Strengthen the people around her. Deshauna is a survivor of child sexual abuse and wants to inspire other survivors to fight through fears of their past. Deshauna has overcome bullying and after the recent loss of her mother to cancer she wants to encourage people to focus on loving ourselves and the people around us. About the show: ►Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ► Visit http://www.pinnertest.com and use Promo Code: ashsaidit ►Become A Podcast Legend: http://ashsaidit.podcastersmastery.zaxaa.com/s/6543767021305 ►Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ►SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ►Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ►Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ►Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ►Newsletter: http://ashsaidit.us11.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863c8&id=a6f43cd472 ►Casper Commercial Music Courtesy of http://www.BenSound.com #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, iHeart Radio & Google Play. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

Hockey is right around the corner, so Anna and Jen spend 51 minutes complaining bitterly about politics. We are not happy with the Pittsburgh Penguins organisation's decision to go the White House this month, their reasoning for it and their following actions. We swear a lot. If you'd like to honour American veterans for their service beyond saluting flags, shaking their hands and giving them hockey tickets, you can also donate to Operation Homefront: www.operationhomefront.org The President of the United States has severely criticised Puerto Ricans and Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz while his government has been extremely slow to react to the destruction of Hurricane Maria. Donate to relief efforts: https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

Infinity will be hosting the 9th annual 2017 Charity Golf Tournament at The Club at Flying Horse on October 9th. All proceeds will go to support Operation Homefront! Operation Homefront assists our local military families in multiple ways. Please visit www.operationhomefront.net and see what they are all about!

“As you set out for Ithaka/ hope your road is a long one,/ full of adventure, full of discovery.” Ithaca poem – CP Cavafay Coach Nick and the Dudes of Disruption explore the lessons learned from the recent completion of the Spartan Race. Coach Nick and his Dudes of Disruption Men’s Group completed the Spartan Race while also raising $23k for veterans in need through Operation Homefront. “Ithaca” represents our goals at home and at work and the end results that we are desiring. The disruption that the podcast offers is around the importance of being present during the journey leading up to any “Ithaca.” The juice is in the experience and the journey and what comes up during that process versus the end result. The result is important obviously and what gets explored in the discussion is the importance of reflecting and noticing along the way to the goal/result – When we are focused on the journey versus the end goal, we are more likely to be present and to learn in the moment and be able to expand on what’s working and adjust real-time. Music by Jason Misrahi Dudes of Disruption Social Media: Like the Dudes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dudesofdisruption Follow the Dudes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoDtalkradio coachnick@coachnick.com

Mike, Tom, and Tad in studio. Mike has been super busy, Tom had a tree fall on the house he is selling, and Tad is... well...  always Tad. We really like talking to genuine good people.  There are lots and lots of them in this sport, and tonights guest is no acceptation. Doug Cook from Motion Raceworks called in to let all the listeners know about the Drag Week meet and greet they are having.  Saturday September 9th to meet the people, see the cars, drink and so on.  All of the proceeds are being donated to Operation Homefront.  Like we said, good people.  With the party details out of the way, we got to hear about Doug's business Motion Raceworks.  Check them out when you need something, we don't think you will be sorry. Like us on Facebook by going to Power and Speed Podcast and follow us on Twitter @powerspeedpod.  Listen to past archives on your favorite Podcast App, Tunein, YouTube, and SoundCloud on the web and your Sonos system.

You don’t often come across brand’s, or their staff, who are vocal about sponsorship on social media. Sure, there are those that are vocal about promoting or activating their sponsorships but not many that share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on sponsorship in a way that contributes to the industry. Dan Frystak, Senior Manager, Brand and Sponsorship at CDW, is different. Not only does Dan post on LinkedIn about things others don’t, he does so in a way that generates discussion and the sharing of other people’s ideas. That’s really valuable and that’s why we invited him on the show. It is an insightful chat, with someone on the brand side, who is willing to share their thoughts, views and experiences in an open way. You are going to love it. In the show, Dan talks about CDW's sponsorship of the PGA and how they've integrated it with their support of Operation Homefront. Check out the video here. You can connect with Dan on LinkedIn and find out more about CDW at www.cdw.com. Mark also joins us and builds on our recent blogs and podcasts around sales. Mark chats about his latest blog which looks at the three key people in an organisation, that you are trying to sell sponsorship to, that you really need to understand and navigate if you want to be successful. Enjoy.

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan, and Joe talk to Sloane Lucas, Manager, Corporate Citizenship, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, about their cause marketing efforts on behalf of Operation Homefront whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families so that they can thrive in the communities they've given so much to protect. One creative fundraiser launched last summer was Operation Rocker. With the purchase of a rocker on Cracker Barrel’s website, the company donated an adult rocker to Operation Homefront. Cracker Barrel also offered this same opportunity for each eligible rocker cushion set purchased online during this time.  On the show, Megan, Sloane, and Joe discuss: What is Operation Homefront and how did Cracker Barrel begin working with them? Operation Rocker is a new, major initiative for Cracker Barrel. They promoted both online and in stores. The first year they sold/donated 700 rockers. Why Cracker Barrel chose rockers instead of food for its cause marketing promotion. Rockers are an iconic part of their brand. What was Operation Homefront's process for distributing the rockers? How Cracker Barrel promoted the program. Lots of social media, including paid media. How Rockefeller Plaza was transformed into ROCKER-feller plaza with the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store rocking chairs on FOX & Friends. How important it is for nonprofits to be social media savvy and have a client-centered mentality.  Joe tests Sloane's knowledge of Cracker Barrel with trivia! Links & Notes Cracker Barrel Sloane Lucas on Twitter

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas on this four night Western Caribbean sailing to Cozumel. Hear this comprehensive review of the onboard experience.  John Heald talks to us about the new Carnival Cruise Line partnership with Operation Homefront and country music superstar Carrie Underwood.  Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net  Find in-depth cruise news and ship reviews at https://cruiseradio.net

Watch Martina McBride perform onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom in Galveston, Texas. The first Carnival LIVE concert performed outdoors was a benefit for USA military families and Operation Homefront.

To welcome Carnival Freedom to Galveston, Texas on Valentine’s Day, Carnival Cruise Line teamed up with Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that supports military families. During the event aboard the ship Carnival Cruise Line gave over 1,000 military members a free concert by country star Martina McBride, dinner in the main dining room, and a full evening of entertainment onboard the ship.   Before the Martina McBride concert, Carnival Cruise Line presented Operation Homefront with a $100,000 check to help military families throughout the country.   We were broadcasting live from the lido deck (pardon the wind), overlooking 1000's of military men and women.    Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net  Find in-depth cruise news and ship reviews at https://cruiseradio.net  

Join us for all new episode of Military Life Radio. Not only are we catching up on what has been going on since our last show we are featuring the following guests:   Jim Knotts, CEO of Operation Homefront, shares how the new program Dove Men+Care and non-profit organization Operation Homefront are teaming up to launch the "Mission: Care" campaign, which helps military dads (and moms) make the journey from their base to their families to spend quality time with their children. Three hundred military families will be reunited this Fathers Day. www.dovemencare.com www.operationhomefront.net  JJ Montanaro from USAA joins us to talk about the advantages of 529s and how these plans can help finance your child’s college education. So pour that iced cold drink and join the conversation. Laugh, Learn, Relate

Jae Marciano, Operation Homefront, joins Mark for this BEST of Hour! Live and Local! Listen...

An hour chalked full of news makers with Mark Larson. Dick Morris, author of "Catastrophe" talks about his book and how government is ruining the health care system. From the San Diego city council, Carl DeMaio explains he has already cut his staff before the budget cuts and what is up with the new water police. Jae Marciano, of Operation Homefront tells Larson how their organization benefits PATRIOTS and their families. And to cap it all off, the Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders comes on the show to update us on budget cuts, and the inner workings of City Hall.

Join us for the morning festivities as we get ready for to head to the sets

Continuation of the writer's panel

Join Rammy and Lee as we check out Loomer in his panel

Join Rammy and Lee as we continue at the charity event in LA, we are getting ready for the auction.

Join Rammy and Lee as we continue with Operation Homefront

Join Rammy and Lee as we start the morning ceremonies with the Color Gaurd