Operation Onward

MISSING IN ACTION: Derek Abbey on Project Recover, 81,000 MIAs & Bringing Heroes Home | OOP #012

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:53:26 -0500

Marine Corps combat veteran and CEO of Project Recover, Dr. Derek Abbey joins Operation Onward to discuss the 81,000 American service members still missing in action, and the mission to bring them home.

Project Recover conducts historical research, underwater and jungle recovery missions, and works alongside the Department of Defense to locate and repatriate fallen heroes from previous wars. From World War II aircraft recovery sites to deep ocean dives in the Pacific, Derek shares what it takes to fulfill America’s promise to never leave a service member behind.

TOM TRAN PURPLE HEART | Iraq War Combat Veteran, PTSD and Transition, VA Claim Took 20 Years

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:54:03 -0500

Actor and comedian Thom Tran Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient joins Operation Onward to talk about getting shot on his fourth day in Iraq April 3 2003 losing his roommate SPC Charles Edward Bush and the reality of transition after coming home. Thom shares how fast life moves after out processing why so many veterans isolate how his VA claim took 20 years to settle and what he is building now including his standup tour comedy album and a new podcast focused on cryptids and comedians.

FROM COMBAT TO RESILIENCE | Green Beret Nick Lavery on Sacrifice, Leadership & Life After Injury | OOP #011

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:52:09 -0500

Army Green Beret Nick Lavery joins Operation Onward to share his journey from combat injury to resilience, leadership, and purpose.

After losing his leg in Afghanistan, Nick fought to remain on active duty and became the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. This episode explores sacrifice, discipline, identity after trauma, and the mindset required to keep moving forward.

A must-listen for veterans, leaders, and anyone facing adversity.

LIFE AFTER SPECIAL OPERATIONS: Patrick Flood Owners in Honor | OOP #010

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:22:50 -0500

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Patrick Flood, former Green Beret and founder of Owners & Honor, joins Operation Onward to share his incredible journey from combat to entrepreneurship.

Patrick discusses his time in Special Forces, being bitten by a cobra in Afghanistan, and how his organization now helps veterans buy, grow, and sell small businesses. This conversation dives into leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to find purpose after service.

Learn more: https://www.ownersandhonor.org

“IF NOT ME, THEN WHO?” | Ryan Manion on the Legacy of Travis Manion & Gold Star Families | OOP #009

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Gold Star Sister Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, joins Operation Onward to share the powerful story of her brother, 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, whose mantra “If Not Me, Then Who?” became a national call to service.

Ryan opens up about Travis’s legacy, the founding of the Travis Manion Foundation, and how programs like Character Does Matter are helping veterans and Gold Star families heal through leadership, mentorship, and purpose.

This episode is a tribute to sacrifice, resilience, and community — reminding us all to live lives worthy of those who gave everything.

REDEFINING THE AMERICAN WARRIOR | Modern Warfare, Veteran Stories, & Brotherhood | OOP #008

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Ronnie Atkins — Army veteran, Intel specialist, and VP of Funker 530 — to talk about war, resilience, and the mission behind American Marksman. Ronnie shares powerful stories from Afghanistan, life working alongside JSOC, how Funker 530 became the “archive of modern warfare,” and how he’s helping veterans rediscover community and purpose through storytelling, marksmanship, and service.

THE DAY I DIED IN BAGHDAD: EOD Tech Daniel Acosta’s True Story of Survival & Brotherhood | EP #007

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Blown up in Baghdad. Flatlined twice. Saved when a doctor held his heart in his hands. Air Force EOD Tech and Purple Heart recipient Daniel Acosta—The Brown Baron—opens up about the IED blast that changed his life, the brotherhood that kept him alive, and how he rebuilt his purpose through faith, music, and service.

NEVER A VICTIM: Tyler Vargas-Andrews on Surviving Abbey Gate | OOP #006

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:59:07 -0400

Marine and Purple Heart recipient Tyler Vargas-Andrews survived Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal and carries forward one powerful mantra: “NOT A VICTIM.”

In this episode, Tyler shares his story of survival, resilience, and purpose — from the events at Abbey Gate, to his long recovery, testifying before Congress, and building a new path as a bladesmith and entrepreneur.

He speaks honestly about sacrifice, community, and the importance of moving forward while honoring those we lost.

Resources Mentioned: Tyrant Design, Black Horse Forge, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Ranger Road, Travis Manion Foundation, REE Medical.

LIFE AFTER WAR: Marine Veteran Scott Gatto’s Battle to Reunite The Fight | OOP EP#005

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:19:39 -0400

In Part II of this gripping two-part series, Operation Onward continues the conversation with Scott Gatto — Marine Combat Veteran and founder of Reunite The Fight.

After surviving the brutal Battle of Fallujah, Scott faced a different kind of war: the transition out of the Marine Corps and back into civilian life. In this episode, Scott opens up about the identity crisis, emotional toll, and isolation many Veterans experience after service, and how those dark moments eventually led him to launch a nonprofit to bring Veterans back together.

This episode is a message of hope, community, and healing for any Veteran struggling with what comes after the uniform.

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Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Leaving the Marine Corps: the emotional aftermath

• Struggles with identity, purpose, and PTSD

• How Veterans often feel forgotten or lost after service

• The founding of Reunite The Fight and the mission behind it

• Tangible resources and advice for transitioning Veterans

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Resources & Links:

• Reunite The Fight: https://www.reunitethefight.org

• REE Medical – VA Disability Support: https://referrals.reemedical.com/l/OOpodcast

(Use referral code: OOPodcast)

• Operation Onward Episodes: Subscribe and watch more real stories of resilience, transition, and Veteran success

THE FIGHT FOR FALLUJAH: 48 Hours in Hell with Combat Veteran Scott Gatto | OOP EP#004

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:07:46 -0400

In this powerful episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Scott Gatto — a Marine Combat Veteran and founder of Reunite The Fight, a nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting Veterans and reigniting their sense of purpose.
In Part I, Scott opens up about his early life, the events that led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and his harrowing firsthand account of the first 48 hours during the Battle of Fallujah — one of the bloodiest and most pivotal battles of the Iraq War. This is a raw, unfiltered, and gripping story of combat, brotherhood, and resilience. Topics Covered in This Episode:

Growing up with grit: Scott’s childhood and what drove him to serve
Marine Corps boot camp and early experiences
Detailed account of the first 48 hours in Fallujah
Trauma, leadership, and survival in combat
Why he founded Reunite The Fight for Veterans

Resources & Links:

Reunite The Fight: https://www.reunitethefight.org
REE Medical – VA Disability Support: https://referrals.reemedical.com/l/OOpodcast (Use referral code: OOPodcast)
Operation Onward Episodes: Subscribe and watch more stories of Veteran resilience, transition, and success

ARMY OFFICER TO BUSINESS OWNER: How Little Fit Patriot Built Her Veteran Brand | OOP EP#003

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:45:24 -0400

In this inspiring episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Alyssa Michelle — known online as Little Fit Patriot — a former U.S. Army officer, competitive bodybuilder, single mom, and founder of LFP Creative. Alyssa opens up about her journey from a small town in New York to serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, navigating the challenges of motherhood in uniform, and facing the difficult decision to leave the military.

📌 Resources & Links:
● Follow Alyssa Michelle “Little Fit Patriot” on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/littlefitpatriot
● Learn more about LFP Creative: https://lfpcreativeinc.mypixieset.com/
● Warrior Rising – Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: https://warriorrising.org
● Team RWB: https://teamrwb.org/
● Alliance Careers (Transitioning Officers): https://alliance-careers.com/
● Best Defense Foundation: https://bestdefensefoundation.org/
● REE Medical – VA Disability Support:https://referrals.reemedical.com/l/OOpodcast
(Referral Code: OOPodcast)

📺 Subscribe to Operation Onward for more stories of resilience, purpose, and life after the military.

BROTHERS IN BATTLE: Combat Veteran Scott DeLuzio on War, Loss & Healing | OOP EP#002

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:25:53 -0400

In this powerful episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Scott DeLuzio, a U.S. Army combat Veteran and Gold Star brother whose story will move and inspire you. While serving in Afghanistan, Scott and his brother were both deployed when tragedy struck — a moment that would change his life forever. Scott shares his raw and personal journey through grief, PTSD, and healing, while keeping his brother’s legacy alive through his book, Surviving Son. This is more than just a veteran interview — it’s a conversation about sacrifice, service, mental health, and how veterans can find purpose after the military. Whether you’re a veteran, military family member, or supporter of those who served, this episode speaks to the heart of the veteran experience and the strength it takes to carry on.
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Resources & Links:

Get Scott’s book Surviving Son: https://survivingsonbook.com/

Drive On Podcast with Scott DeLuzio: https://driveonpodcast.com/product/su ... and / @peterattiamd

Learn about REE Medical veteran services: https://referrals.reemedical.com/l/OO ...

Referral Code: OOPodcast

For more Operation Onward episodes, check out Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our YouTube channel.
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INFANTRY TO INFLUENCER: The Veteran With A Sign Story | OOP EP#001

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:07:07 -0500

Presented by REE Medical, Operation Onward is your companion for navigating life after military service.

Hosted by Retd. USCG Veteran, Nick (Nicholas Todd), and Veteran Outreach Specialist, Nic (Nicola Wales-Wong), this podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and stories that define the journey beyond the uniform.

Each episode, your hosts connect with fellow Veterans, experts, and community leaders to discuss what matters most after service. Through open, honest conversations, they share practical resources and meaningful experiences that resonate with the military community.

Discover inspiring tales of resilience, learn about essential tools and benefits resources, and connect with a community that shares your mission: moving forward—together.

Tune in and take your next steps with us.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out the resources and topics discussed in this episode below:

The Boot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org/

Semper Fi & America's Fund - https://thefund.org/

The Shepherd Center - https://www.shepherd.org/programs/outpatient/care-for-us-service-members

VETS | Veteran's Exploring Treatment Solutions - https://vetsolutions.org/

The Mission Within - https://missionwithin.org/

The Battle For Marjah Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pj28j3py5k

How To Change Your Mind Documentary - https://www.netflix.com/title/80229847