In her present civilian life, Alexandria has pursued a career in real estate in Florida, leveraging her excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and dedication to client satisfaction. As a realtor, she assists veterans and their families in finding their dream homes and navigating the complexities of the real estate market. In addition to her work in real estate, Alexandria serves as an Associate Director at The Long Walk Home, an organization committed to providing support and resources to veterans transitioning into civilian life. In this role, she plays an instrumental part in developing and implementing programs that empower veterans to reclaim their lives and find healing after serving.

With her unwavering determination and compassionate nature, Alexandria continues to make a positive impact in her community and beyond. She strives to be a voice for those who have endured trauma, offering support, empowerment, and hope to individuals on their journey towards healing and growth.

#honor #freedom #veteranwisdom #transitioningveterans #honoringveteranwisdom #straightouttacombatradio

For more information about The Long Walk Home VISIT: www.thelongwalkhome.org

Ron served in the United states Marine Corps from 1970-1972. after his military service, he owned and operated a gym and scuba shop in the Hamptons in New York for 28 years.  

After 9/11, Ron realized that he had to help transitioning veterans not to experience what his generation of veterans went through coming home from Vietnam, which was having little or no guidance at all. That lack of support was unacceptable to him. In 2006-7, Ron walked the Appalachian Trail barefoot to create awareness for transitioning and struggling veterans.

In 2010-11, Ron walked barefoot across the Country carrying a petition which he brought to Washington D.C. His goal was to get mandatory counseling for all military personnel prior to their discharge from military.

In 2014-16, Ron operated had a homeless shelter for veterans in the Florida Keys. Currently, The Long Walk Home organization has a veteran's mentorship program which started in 2020 and has been more effective in helping more people across the entire United States.

Ron maintains a strong presence within the organization spending most of his  I’m involved in every aspect of the organization and spend most of my time doing events and mentoring.

#honor #freedom #veteranwisdom #transitioningveterans #honoringveteranwisdom #straightouttacombatradio

For more information about The Long Walk Home VISIT: www.thelongwalkhome.org

Terry didn’t quite know what he wanted to do with his life but ultimately decided to enlist in the Navy in March of 2003 as a Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance). He went to basic training in Great Lakes, IL followed by “A” school at Cory Station in Pensacola, FL. From there he received orders to Naval Security Group Detachment Potomac at the Naval Research Lab in Washington DC. That tour ended when the command was decommissioned in 2005. At that time, Terry chose to screen for an assignment to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) and was subsequently selected.

After 4 ½ years of service with DEVGRU, Terry chose not to re-enlist and jumped over to the contracting world and he has worked in various roles in IT. He presently works as a contactor for Illuminate in a position for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Terry's family resides in Tampa, FL with his wife and twin daughters.

#honor #freedom #veteranwisdom #transitioningveterans #honoringveteranwisdom #straightouttacombatradio 

U.S. Army Air Corps -World War Two

Senior Fire Control NCO, B-29 'Superfortress'

I was born 95 years ago on September 7, 1925 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. located on the Mississippi river about halfway between St. Louis and Memphis.  I have lived here all my life except for time I spent in the service during WWII.

My father was a banker and when I was eight years old in 1933, in the heart of the great depression, the bank in which he worked became bankrupt.  Except for odd jobs, such as working in the collector’s office during tax season or helping out in another bank during vacations, he was unemployed for about three years.  We were poor, but so were most of my friends, and I really did not realize what my parents were going through to provide for my three older siblings, me and themselves. When I was nine I got a job selling magazines on Tuesdays after school, making about twenty cents each week. It was spending money for a kid.  When I was 11, I got a job delivering papers after school making sixty cents a week.  After several months, the new social security law came into effect and you had to be at least twelve years old to get a social security card. I was laid off until my twelfth birthday.  I got a better route and in time I finally worked up to $2.70 a week.  I kept this job until I was in high school when I got a job setting pins in a bowling alley.  This was in the day before automatic pin setters.  On an average night working from about 6:00 pm to 9:00 or 10:00 pm I would make anywhere from sixty cents to a $1.20.  I was rich.  Somewhere about my junior or senior year I got a job working in a hardware store after school and on Saturday making thirty-five cents an hour.

In the middle of all this on December 7, 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.  This was a Sunday and in the early afternoon our family was getting ready to take a short drive around town. My Mother would not let me go along because I had not written a paper for school that was due the next day.

As they were getting ready to leave my uncle called and told my dad to turn on the radio. THE JAPANESE HAD BOMBED OUR NAVAL BASE AT PEARL HARBOR IN HWAII.  We were all glued to the radio for the rest of the day. The next day, Monday, at school our principal brought his big floor model radio from home.  He set it on a table in the cafeteria and let anyone who had a drop hour come in and listen to President Roosevelt address a joint session of congress asking them to declare that a state of war had existed since the bombing began the day before.  I was lucky enough to be in the room and hear this historic address.

When I was seventeen years old and a senior in high school I knew that when I was eighteen I would be eligible for the draft, so a buddy of mine and I (with the principal’s approval) skipped a day of school and drove to the town of Sikeston, Mo. Which was about 30 miles away and had a small army air corps training base.  We spent all day taking tests and when we were told that we had passed we were sworn in to the Army Air Corps Reserves under a program in which we would not be called to active duty until after we were 18 years old.  We had chosen our branch of service and felt good about it.

A few months after my 18th birthday I was called to active duty and after a period of schooling I became as Central Fire Control gunner on a B-29 Superfortress.  The largest and longest- range aero plane that had entered the war.  I was sent from Lowery Field in Denver, (a great place to be assigned) to the air base at the tiny dusty town of Clovis, New Mexico.  In a large gymnasium, men were assembled in groups according to their job.  All pilots in one bunch, navigators in another, CFC gunners, etc.  A pilots name was called and he stepped to the center of the room, a co-pilot, a navigator, etc. until a crew of 11 men (boys mostly) had been assembled.  We introduced ourselves to each other and the next day began flying together.  We started in a B-17 because there were not enough B-29s available.  Our pilot had been trained on a B-17 and flew it well.  After a few weeks we got to move up to a B-29 which was a whole new world for our pilot and co-pilot.

Throughout his career as a Special Operations professional, Bill was the beneficiary of innovation that enabled him to deploy to remote locations and accomplish the missions assigned to him. He had the opportunity to travel professionally to over 15 countries, sharing his knowledge of information dissemination strategies with partner nations. Being able to identify new and creative ways to message select audiences that resulted in positive and long-lasting change was vital to his success while in uniform. Bill served two combat deployments in Iraq in addition to tours in Bosnia, Nigeria, Niger, and Qatar. It is because of those experiences that he is passionate about telling the story of Innovation and the Veteran Community.

 Born and raised in Long Island, NY. Family came from El Salvador escaping the civil war. Graduated from West Hempstead High School and following the attacks on the WTC 9/11.

Enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  October 27, 2004 attended Navy Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois.  Graduated Gunners Mate “A” School in June 2005 and assigned to amphibious assault ship USS OGDEN LPD-5 from March 2005 to March 2007. During this timeframe deployed to the Arabian Gulf with Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After a successful WESPAC deployment and decommissioning of USS OGDEN LPD-5. Transferred to Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training Class 265 Coronado, California, from March 2007 to October 2007. 

Successfully completed training and moved on to SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). Graduated SQT Class 270.Upon completion of SEAL Qualification Training, transferred to SEAL Team EIGHT in April 2009.  Completed 1 deployment to Yemen (Mar-Sept 2010), as well as 1 JCET deployment to Colombia (Nov 2010), and 1 deployment to Africa (Feb – July 2011). On June 15, 2012, was Honorably Discharged from active duty service. Worked in Private Sector for various security projects and conducted underwater construction projects in NY Tri-state area.  In Nov 2018, hired by the Department of State as a Method of Entry MOE Instructor. Charged with providing training to foreign law enforcement agents in the Middle East and Africa. Currently President and owner of OP5 Tactical. 

Personal awards include Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Battle E Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, , Expert Rifle Marksmanship Medal, Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Device, Military Freefall Parachutist   

 Currently holds a Commercial Deep Sea Diver Diploma, and is working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in Security Management through Bellevue University.

 He is currently married to Joanna and has 3 children:  Gabriella (4), Joseph (2), Jeremy (4 months)

Currently, Kirby is a leadership and transformation coach working with young professionals, transitioning veterans, and emerging leaders. Kirby’s passion is helping fatherless men live a more fulfilled life and to become pillars of their communities. His focus to bring positive light to the strengths of the men he works with so that they can become leaders who change the world.

Adam earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Management in 2011. He is an experienced entrepreneur and leader in building companies, educating, training and mentoring and empowering teams to success. Ultimately, Adam founded HMG to create jobs and reorganize the way media is consumed, delivered and trusted on a global scale.

Born in Wisconsin, Adam developed a love for the outdoors at a very young age. Fishing, hunting and playing sports was an everyday thing. After high school Adam enlisted the Army National Guard where he worked in various positions until mid 2007, when he left the Military to pursue greater opportunities and to be a full-time single parent to his son.

Mr. Bird has recently changed his single status to married and we congratulate him.

Don’s military biography is impressive-he’s a decorated combat veteran; Corpsman; SEAL Special Operations Technician; jungle, desert, and arctic-survival instructor; small arms weapons instructor; foreign arms weapons instructor, armed and unarmed defense tactics, advanced hand-to-hand combat instructor; and Survival, Evade, Resistance, and Escape Instructor; in addition to other credentials.

He is the author of 20 books including the New York Times Best Selling autobiography “Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors.”  The members of SEAL Team Six are synonymous with heroism, duty, and justice. These are the same elite warriors who assassinated Osama bin Laden. As a member of this elite team of warriors, Don worked in countless dangerous operations around the world to include Somalia, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He was even captured by the enemy once and lived to tell the tale.

To become a SEAL, Don had to overcome his own troubled childhood and push his body to its breaking point and beyond. Don’s narrative is all about physical and mental toughness. He has over 40 years (1,000+ races) worth of competitive racing experience; and was once ranked 38th in the world as a triathlete.

Mann received a Master’s in Management from Troy State University, in Troy, AL, a B.S. in International Relations & Criminal Justice, from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL, and a B.S. in Liberal Science, from State University of New York. He lives in Cape Charles, VA.

Navy Seal Team SIX Commando, World-Class Adventure Competitor, and New York Times Best Selling Author, Mr. Don Mann.

Don’s military biography is impressive-he’s a decorated combat veteran; Corpsman; SEAL Special Operations Technician; jungle, desert, and arctic-survival instructor; small arms weapons instructor; foreign arms weapons instructor, armed and unarmed defense tactics, advanced hand-to-hand combat instructor; and Survival, Evade, Resistance, and Escape Instructor; in addition to other credentials.

He is the author of 11 books including the New York Times Best Selling autobiography “Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors.”  The members of SEAL Team Six are synonymous with heroism, duty, and justice. These are the same elite warriors who assassinated Osama bin Laden. As a member of this elite team of warriors, Don worked in countless dangerous operations around the world to include Somalia, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He was even captured by the enemy once and lived to tell the tale.

To become a SEAL, Don had to overcome his own troubled childhood and push his body to its breaking point and beyond. Don’s narrative is all about physical and mental toughness. He has over 40 years (1,000+ races) worth of competitive racing experience; and was once ranked 38th in the world as a triathlete.

Mann received a Master’s in Management from Troy State University, in Troy, AL, a B.S. in International Relations & Criminal Justice, from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL, and a B.S. in Liberal Science, from State University of New York. He lives in Cape Charles, VA.

The Heroic Hearts Project has raised over $150,000 in scholarships from donors including Dr. Bronner’s and partnered with the world’s leading ayahuasca treatment centers, as well as sponsoring psychiatric applications with the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Georgia.

Jesse helps shape treatment programs and spreads awareness of plant medicine as a therapeutic method. He has spoken globally about psychedelics and mental health, and received accolades including being recognized as one of the Social Entrepreneurs To Watch For In 2020 by Cause Artist. Driven by a mission to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma, he is best known for his own inspiring battle with PTSD and his recovery through ayahuasca therapy. 

Jesse’s work can be seen and heard at NY Times, Breaking Convention, San Francisco Psychedelic Liberty Summit, People of Purchase, The Freq, Psychedelics Today Podcast, Kyle Kingsbury Podcast, Cause Artist, WAMU 88.5 and The GrowthOp. 

He was an 1142 Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist in the Marine Corp (aka Generator Mechanic), served from 2003-2007, mostly in Okinawa. While there, he traveled to South Korea four times and stared down the North Korean in the DMZ. He also visited Australia, and wrapped up my time in the Corps with a trip to historical Iwo Jima.

Ben was employed shortly after leaving the service, but was still not connected to his inner passion: leadership. He wandered without a clear path to follow.  It was only after he went to a seminar that changed everything and reignited his passion for Leadership. 

Since then, Ben has been on a 4-year journey to master leadership principles and to understand his true capabilities to own his life and the choices he was making. When he left the Marines, he felt that he was not going to reach his full potential while serving and that it was going to hold him back. "That sounds funny saying it out loud as it not a reason most people give, but that was where my mindset was," says Ben.

Currently, Ben uses his passion for leadership to help Military Veteran Dads understand who they are, develop the skills to overcome adversity and own their life and choices. He helps dads come home to their families and make the strongest legacy any of us can have, our families.

Ben loves leadership because it allows him "to reach down and pull people up when others might have pushed them down."

Ryan has been training dogs since 2002. He began his career in dog training with training and handling elite Military Workins Dogs (a.k.a. MWDs). While in the Army, he performed bite protection training, bomb threat sweeps, secret service missions, and combat deployment to Iraq (with his MWD, Zito) where he worked with Special Forces and Infantry units.

After transitioning, Ryan Founded and is the Head Dog Trainer of the ‘World of Dog Training’.  Ryan takes a personalized approach with every sing dog he trains. He’s all heart and then some. He’s working on projects to incorporate some of his canine-training techniques into the corporate human world.

Jon Macaskill is a soon to be retiring Navy SEAL Commander transitioning to the private sector in August.  Jon has served as both an enlisted sailor and as a commissioned officer. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 and went straight to SEAL Training known as BUD/S (pronounced “buds”). He has served in various roles in the SEAL Teams and been deployed multiple times primarily to the Middle East.  

However, now, as he looks toward military retirement, he is working as a mindfulness teacher and serves as the Deputy Executive Director for Veteran’s PATH, a nonprofit working to educate veterans and transitioning service members about the life changing and life-saving practices of meditation and mindfulness.  Jon is married with two young children and lives in Virginia but will be moving to Colorado this summer. 

Through his work with Veterans of War, he experienced firsthand the strength of guided ayahuasca therapy in battles against treatment-resistant trauma, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTS. Thanks to ayahuasca, Wyly overcame suicidal thoughts and ideations, finally found sleep again, and cemented his purpose in this life to bring safe and effective tools for recovery for those suffering from the treatment-resistant after-effects of war. Wyly passionately believes that entheogenic plants and fungi offer a unique path towards healing from trauma, and he is part of ballot initiatives advocating for their decriminalization in the United States.

Wyly strongly supports the guided use of entheogens to overcome trauma.

The selection process for this job specialty remains rigorous; it is still the only MOS in the Marine Corps that is strictly voluntary, you can quit at any time. EOD school lasts nearly 2 years. Tim was in school when 9/11 occurred waiting on his security clearance to clear.  Receiving his clearance, he was assigned to The Marine Corps Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF). While in training there, he was stationed with his younger brother who was also a Marine. His very first mission was to decontaminate Anthrax from a Senator's office, definitely not what he had expected as an EOD specialist.

Mr. Colomer was deployed to Iraq in 2006 to support Multinational Forces West. He was the SNCOIC of a small FOB. They had two EOD teams that responded to any situation around the clock. An average day consisted of 10-15 improvised explosive devices, car bombs, booby trapped buildings, and unexploded ordnance. They destroyed tons of enemy weapons and explosive stashes. Tim states, "We worked our asses off, but it felt good that we were keeping our brothers safe."

On December 11, 2006, Tim was blown up while in route to an enemy weapons stash. It was was one of the most intense days of his life – it changing him, and his team team forever. He left the Marine Corps in 2007 and started his life as a civilian.

As a government contractor, he trained EOD Technicians for almost 7 years. He became a Program Manager for the USMC EOD field and served nearly 2 years at the FBI Explosives United in Quantico, Virginia. When he finished graduate school at the George Washington University, Tim decided to try corporate America. He was recruited to be a Global Explosive Safety Officer for Halliburton Oil. When the oil market crashed, he purchased a franchise that he helped to expand to 8 locations across the US. They had 100 employees, a reality show, and embarked on a heavy Veteran-focused mission only to have his primary investor walk away. This left him to have managerial control over the managers at each location.  This experience gave him valuable skill sets which he has taken to the next stage of his life.

Currently, Tim is helping businesses grow by implementing some time-tested business tools, called the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).  His company, Colomer Advisories, is helping corporate leaders and their teams find visionary and business success in today's fast-paced, technological business world. 

Kevin joined the military after being commissioned as an Armor Officer from an ROTC Program. Fresh out of college, his first assignment was in Germany, where he served as a Tank Platoon leader, an Armored Cavalry Platoon leader and S-3Air for the First Battalion, 35th Armor, 4th Armored Division.

In 1965, Kevin volunteered to join the Vietnam War efforts. He underwent special operations training and learned to speak Vietnamese at The Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. From there, he served on a five-man advisory team to train South Vietnamese counterparts in combat in Mekong Delta. His team averaged over 150 combat missions during his tour in Vietnam. He was awarded a Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his service. Kevin remained in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving in several assignments including the Pentagon that culminated to his ultimate retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1981, Kevin was appointed the Administrative Director for Suffolk County’s Industrial Development Agency. In this role, he helped issue more than $500 million Industrial Revenue Bonds to assist hundreds of growing companies. This resulted in the creation and retention of more than 30,000 jobs in the New York county.

“One of the rules that military officers live by is the responsibility to accomplish the mission and take care of your people. At Apollo Sunguard, we take care of our customers. Every product we sell is backed by a team of professionals who care about your total satisfaction.”

             – Kevin Connelly

In 1997, Kevin founded Apollo Sunguard, which became one of the country’s leading shade solution providers. Apollo Sunguard is the only Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business shade manufacturer in the United States.

Since he founded the company, Apollo Sunguard has received numerous awards for its state-of-the-art technology, including a small business award from NASA’s Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. Apollo Sunguard also is the first manufacturer to receive a prestigious Gold Triangle from the American Academy of Dermatology for shade structures on playgrounds. Kevin continues to bring new economic opportunities to Apollo Sunguard, including the addition of EV charging stations and solar-powered Sunguard Solar Structures™.

Kevin remains active within the business community and supporting veterans. He was president of the Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association for five years and remains on the Board of Directors. He also is a member of the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Veterans Commission and a member of the Board of Directors for the Florida Veterans for Common Sense.

A compilation of answers from our fellow veterans Lane Belone, Michael Hartford, Robert Garcia, Isaac Belden, Ethan Samuels, Scott Kinder, and Fazel Rahim Kaihan.  

May God Bless America and all of you for your commitment, loyalty & sacrifices in the Support of Freedom!

A compilation of answers from our fellow veterans Ben Knisely, Shawn Rhodes, Bob & Melissa Sebastian, Osee Fagan, Lani Hankins, Boone Cutler, Darrell Hernanadez, Stephen Colon, Annette Whittenberger and Anthony Maggert.  

May God Bless America and all of you for your commitment, loyalty & sacrifices in the Support of Freedom!

A compilation of answers from our fellow veterans Mykel Hawke, Christopher Cockrille, Jake Bublitz, Mark E. Black, J.P. Lane, Scott Neil and Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson.

May God Bless America and all of you for your commitment, loyalty & sacrifices in the Support of Freedom!

Health Security Cooperation, Readiness & Training Officer, 

ENTOMOLOGY Center of Excellence, Jacksonville Naval Air Station

Global Health Professional, Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence Officer

Janette Arencibia is a 1988 graduate of Mercer County High School in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1995 and in 1996 from the EKU MPA program where she was a Patricia Roberts Harris Fellow and Presidential Internship Management Candidate. She is a graduate of the U.S. Navy War College where she earned a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies. LCDR Arencibia is, as well, a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff, Marine Corps University and is currently enrolled in the Uniformed Services University Global Health Engagement program.

In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, she was the first Medical Service Corps officer to deploy from a training command reporting as Chief, Joint Visitor’s Bureau with BCT 41 - Task Force Phoenix V to Afghanistan. Arencibia became one of the first female officers to instruct security and weapons training for females in the Afghan National Army ranks. She well represented the U.S. Navy among Army ranks earning the Keith L. Ware Award for her photography and additional written submissions throughout the course of her assignment in Afghanistan. She was awarded by the Afghan National Army for training and instruction provided and is also an honorable member of The Order of St. Barbara, a military honor society of the U.S. for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps Artillery, including Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery as a result of her involvement in artillery field training.

Arencibia’s initial sea tour was aboard USNS MERCY where she was a medical planner and patient regulator managing over 200,000 casualties during OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE –HAITI. Immediately following her redeployment from Haiti, she deployed onboard the USS IWO JIMA (CP 10) as the Lead Medical Planner. While serving aboard the IWO JIMA, she liaised with Central and South American embassies on behalf of FST-2. As the Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence DUINS awardee, she reported to the Joint Staff Surgeon’s office in 2012. During her Joint Staff assignment, she was the Project Manager for the Joint Medical Planning Tool; now the required verification and validation analytical tool for the Joint Forces. She was requested to extend at the Joint Staff Surgeon’s office then accepted the Lead Medical Planner Position at NORAD-USNORTHCOM in 2013 where she served until 2016. Arencibia transferred to Marine Forces Central Command where she served as the Lead Medical Planner for exercises EAGER LION and NATIVE FURY and is currently the USCENTCOM Theater Security Cooperation Manager for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Her shore assignments include the Navy School of Health Sciences Security Manager, NNMC-Bethesda Officer in Charge of Contingency Operations, BUMED M3 Readiness Officer, and Medical Officer Recruiter. 

Currently, CDR. Arencibia coordinates Global Health Initiatives, Force Readiness, Force Protection and Theater Security Operation specific to building Global Medical Force multiplier capacity. She is a Joint Qualified Officer. Her military awards include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy Marine Commendation Medal (2 awards), and other unit and service awards specific on CV. She serves as an Executive Board Member for the Gratitude Professor Foundation and volunteers with Remember, Honor, Support of the Tampa and St. Petersburg Bay area.

I created The Kristof Lewis Podcast in March of 2018, five months before I was honorably discharged from the United States Navy after serving nine years. I currently work in the ‘tech’ sector while I continue to create and build upon the podcast. I have always had a deep desire to help others, and I love speaking with other people that share this passion. I am a huge advocate of self-education, or focused learning, and a growth mindset. I understand that the learning process is different for each person, which is why I love the variety of the guests that I am able to converse with. I dropped out of college and dropped right into self-education, and never looked back.

Too many times in my life, I underestimated myself and set my goals too low. People told me that I would never find a job that I truly enjoyed. Through each Conversation I will show you that it is indeed possible to do what you want in life as long as you’re adding value to others. We can pursue anything we want and we alone are responsible for our success as long as we work hard enough for it. We should not keep what we know and learn to only ourselves.

With the loss of her job combined with the recession, the trajectory of their lives would shift from barely getting by to barely being able to keep the lights on. By the time Demetrius was graduating high school, a majority of the kids he grew up with had already begun to employ the lessons our environment had taught them; and many had already received the outcome. Demetrius was faced with the cruel realization about his future and what he could get out of this city. Eventually, this led him to make a tough decision at the tender age of 18; join the United States Marine Corps upon graduating high school. The time came and he enlisted in 2009. Demetrius has served 10 faithful years. Throughout his service he has faced obstacles and overcame adversity; he also deployed to different countries in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force. These tours along with many other challenges would go on to transform him into the man he is today. A Sergeant and Martial Arts Instructor Trainer within the United States Marine Corps, Demetrius has had the privilege to train, lead, guide, and mentor fellow Marines.

Most recently, for the C-SPAN series – “First Ladies: Influence and Image”, Andy spent over a year traveling to nearly every location that helped tell the stories of every First Lady of the United States of America. He covered Martha Washington through Michelle Obama, and visited with people and places all across the country. From Colonial Williamsburg to Stanford University, he was given an ALL ACCESS – BACKSTAGE PASS to some of the nation’s most treasured collections and historical landmarks. He spent time in libraries and museums – homes and schools – birthplaces and cemeteries – train stations and churches. No stone was left unturned, no door left unlocked, in his unique and historical journey to learn everything he could about these women before, during and after their time in the White House.

Historians, archivists and enthusiasts agree – Andy’s recent project and travels put him in a small and rare group of people. He is responsible for one of the most complete and vast collections of material and information about this unique sorority of women ever assembled. He IS the First Ladies Man, and he is excited to share the stories of his adventures.

Mr. Och states, “I think it’s important to be aware of the first ladies that did things or put policies into place that are still relevant today, and not just the obvious ones we learned about in school.” He brings a fresh look and a new passion to an often overlooked subject in American History.

The First Ladies Man is set to publish his first book, Unusual For Their Time (Dec 2015) that is a companion to his speaking program; it allows him to tell all the tales from the road. Mr. Och’s travels were extensive; from Fredericksburg VA to California, Mr. Och relates, “On my very first stop in Fredericksburg for Elizabeth Monroe, I held earrings that were woven from her actual hair. I knew this was going to be the adventure of a lifetime.”

Andrew continues and adds, “One of my last stops on the West Coast was the Reagan Museum and Library in Simi Valley, CA to research Nancy Reagan.  The true love story that is the Reagan’s was a powerful way to wind things up, and reaffirm that these women are people. Real people who live; love, laugh and cry.”

Bringing education and entertainment together, Andrew Och has accumulated one of the most intricate and complete historical collections of America’s First Ladies. He is a historian, teacher, lecturer and producer who lives and breathes his work. During his lectures, he’s often asked- who was his favorite First Lady? Mr. Och’s answer sums up his lecture series, “I can’t name just one lady. Their separate contributions need to be looked at as a whole because together they’ve helped sew the unique fabric of our country and for that we’re extremely lucky.”

Astoundingly, Abe kept his sense of human dignity–with gangrenous feet he struggled to stay on the healthy-workers list; with scant supplies he bargained for food and coal and helped others survive. Abe always believed he could live one more day, and on April 11, 1945, when the Buchenwald camp was liberated, he was finally free.

After Liberation, Abe focused on going to school and earning a living. He began rebuilding his life with other survivors in Germany. Eventually, as a man earnest to forgive past sins and take individuals at face value, he married a German Lutheran, who later converted to Judaism. They moved to the United States, where they raised their family and built a remarkably successful automotive business.

By the time Abe died in 1972, he had almost completed a rough first draft of his memoirs. His eldest son, Joseph, recently prepared Abe’s manuscript for publication. Abe’s Story: A Holocaust Memoir was released on April 11, 1995, the fiftieth anniversary of his liberation from Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

To the family he raised proudly in the Jewish tradition, Abram Korn left a legacy of powerful inspiration. For modern readers seeking the best in Holocaust literature and riveting drama, Abe’s Story is an incredible story of hope, of the human potential to do good in the face of horrible evil. All who read Abe’s Story seem to apply it to their lives today. It inspires them to persevere, despite any obstacles in their paths.

In her eyes, being a mother to Benjamin Kopp was her largest blessing and gave her life meaning. At age 13, Ben vowed to serve his country and expressed this with such determination. She knew then, that her son was destined for greatness. As a result of his determination, Ben became an Army Ranger and served with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. On July 10, 2009, Jill received a phone call that would change her life forever.

During his third deployment, but first in Afghanistan, Ben saved the lives of six of his fellow soldiers before being wounded during a firefight. He survived his injuries long enough to make it back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, Ben was unable to overcome the trauma. He was then declared brain dead and removed from life support. Before his death, Ben ensured his living will state that he donate all of his organs, including bone, skin and tissue. His donations saved or enhanced the lives of 60 people. His heart still beats in a woman who resides in Winnetka, Illinois.

Jill formed a friendship with news reporter Bill Lunn, who was moved by her son’s heroic story. In collaboration with Jill, Bill Lunn was able to publish his first book, “Heart of a Ranger”. A book that outlines Ben Kopp’s legacy, before and after death. They jointly conduct readings and book signings across the country.

Jill speaks nationwide and is an active advocate for organizations such as the ILMFR, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and American Gold Star Mothers. Jill is able to provide peerless wisdom that exudes strength and encouragement because of her experiences in her career and personal life. Through her adversities she has found the hidden blessings. She draws on her strength and has made it her mission to instill positivity, motivation and hope to all who experience hardships and difficulty moving forward. Jill knows how to grasp what life throws at us. She takes that energy and turns it into drive, motivation and success. Her voice speaks to a variety of audiences allowing her to be a featured speaker for Proctor & Gamble, the University of Minnesota and the US Army.

 Her story has been featured on the Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, the Hallmark Channel, The World News, Independent Journal Review & more.

Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, was a rifleman assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. He was born on Jan. 20, 1988, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Kopp was seriously wounded during a combat operation in southern Afghanistan, July 10. Kopp was medically evacuated through Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to Walter Reed Medical Center,Washington, D.C., where he died as a result of his wounds July 18. His unit hadattacked into a Taliban safe haven where they fought a determined enemy from multiple directions for several hours, resulting in the killing of more than 10 Taliban fighters.

Kopp was on his third deployment in support of the War on Terror with two previous deployments to Iraq.

After graduating from Rosemount High School, Kopp enlisted in the U.S. Army from his hometown of Rosemont, Minn., July 2006. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning Ga., as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Indoctrination Program also at Fort Benning.

He graduated from the Ranger Indoctrination Program and was then assigned to Company C, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment June 2007 where he served as a Rifleman.

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Indoctrination Program, and the U.S.Army Ranger Course.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Army Achievement Medal with two awards, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge. Kopp was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

A couple notable aspects of his career that I would like to share with you in this introduction is that during a tour of duty in Viet Nam, the then, First Lieutenant Ben Knisely, while piloting a UH-1 MEDEVAC helicopter was shot down by an enemy missile in the Ah Shaw Valley over enemy territory and severely wounded in the crash.  He and his co-pilot were listed as MIA in April 1968 and were subsequently rescued by a very highly publicized heroic and daring mission executed by the Army’s famous 101st Airborne Division. The details of the harrowing escape and evasion actions by Lt. Knisely and his copilot, and the subsequent and successful rescue efforts by a small special Operations team was captured in a book  by Peter Dorland, called DUSTOFF 65, published in 1974.  The Infantry Lieutenant, who led the famous and heroic rescue effort directly into the face of the enemy, was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor. 

After 9 months of hospitalization, Knisely not only petitioned to stay on active duty, but re-qualified to fly MEDEVAC helicopters, and did so for the remaining years of his Army career…..In his last tour of duty; he served on the special staff of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. 

Ben hides his physical scars of combat well.  Clothing covers the skin disfigurement of his burns, and you will Hardly notice the limp of his prosthetic left ankle and foot, but he admits that he suffers from PTSD, for the haunting dreams of his combat shoot-down event almost 50 years ago still come back now and then, and for that invisible wound, he will be the first to tell you that there is no cure.   

Colonel Knisely now lives in Sarasota, Fl.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors of a Wounded Warrior organization called Operation Second Chance.  He is also on the Board of Directors of the Sarasota Military Academy, and is the Military and Veterans Liaison Officer for the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office.   His list of military awards and decorations are far too numerous for me to read to you … He is a named member of the elite Order of Dedalions and in 2013 Ben was inducted into the US Army’s Medical Aviation Hall of Fame. 

A compilation of answers from our fellow veterans Michael Flynn, Rocky Bleier, Michael Burns, Carl Higbie, Simon Harmer (U.K.), Jason Redman, Erik Shaw, Herb Thompson, Russ Barnes, and Janette Arencibia.

May God Bless America (and, the United Kingdom) and All of You For Your Commitment, Loyalty & Sacrifices in the Support of Freedom!

A compilation of answers from our fellow veterans Brandon Long, John Cunningham, Jack Berman, Scott Jackman, James Van Prooyen, Jeff Lodick, Justin Cobb, Pete Turner, Roy Duncan.

May God Bless America (and, Australia) and All of You For Your Commitment, Loyalty & Sacrifices in the Support of Freedom!

Shawn Rhodes is an award-winning war correspondent for the U.S. Marines, champion public speaker and Fortune 100 management consultant. In addition to his hundreds of published articles, videos, podcasts and TEDx talk, Shawn and his work has been featured in TIME, CNN, NBC and hundreds of media outlets around the world.

CAPTAIN Black hails from Milton, West Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute, lettering in football and was selected as a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon and the Kappa Alpha Order, Beta Commission. He graduated with Distinction with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and was commissioned in the US Navy through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) in 1986. In 2002 he graduated from the Air War College attaining a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies and a regional specialization in Sub-Sahara Africa. He completed Project Management courses through the George Washington School of Business in 2006 and completed the Navy Executive Development Course at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2009.  CAPTAIN Black was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) after completing flight school and assigned to the F-14 Tomcat community. He primarily served throughout his thirty-year naval career in F-14 squadrons to include the VF-124 Gunfighters, VF-51 Screaming Eagles, VF-101 Grim Reapers,  VF-41 Black Aces and Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC). He is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and served as a strike lead designated to direct numerous aircraft in aerial mission over hostile territory with three different Carrier Air Wings (CVWs). CAPTAIN Black’s staff roles were as the F-14/Precision Strike Requirements officer on the Navy Operational Staff and as the Defense Planning Branch Head Officer for the North American Treaty Organization (NATO).

CAPTAIN Black was selected to command on four separate occasions. His first command was as the Commanding Officer of the VF-11 Red Rippers. He transitioned the squadron from F-14s to the F/A-18F Super Hornet. He was later selected for major command as the Pacific F/A-18F Wing commander leading 23 F/A-18 and F-35 squadrons. CAPTAIN Black subsequently was assigned to lead all Naval personnel in Afghanistan as the NAVCENT (Forward) Afghanistan Officer in Charge (OIC). Upon return to the United States, he was chosen to lead the NROTC unit at the University of Virginia.

CAPTAIN Black is married to the former Kim White of Pace, Florida. They have two sons; Victor and Luke. Victor is a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College, and Luke graduated from Ferrum College. Both were varsity lacrosse players and captained their teams. Victor is an active duty member of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.  Luke is an intelligence analyst and an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technician with the 753rd EOD Company of the West Virginia National Guard.

US Navy veteran and former member of SEAL Team 6

Hailing from a small Pennsylvania farm, Kristin attended the Virginia Military Institute from 1984-87. In 1990, Beck enlisted in the Navy and became a SEAL desiring to be one of the “toughest of the tough.”

She certainly earned that distinction. During her 20-year Navy career, Kristin would receive the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Valor, along with nearly 50 other medals. Beck deployed 13 times, 7 of those were combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, and Africa.

Kristin retired from the Navy in 2011. Today, she is still on the front lines, fighting to educate the public and to support other transgender human beings. In 2013, she co-authored the book, “Warrior Princess” with Anne Speckhard, about her own personal journey.

The documentary film, “Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story”, aired on CNN in 2014.  She ran for a seat in congress in August in 2015 finishing second in the Democratic election primary. Kristin has appeared on the Dr. Phil show and been interviewed numerous times by various media outlets around the Country.

"They raised an unconventional militia army of horsemen and they started attacking the Taliban so much so that within 90 days, less than 90 green berets overtook Afghanistan," he added. Neil’s story was recreated for the Hollywood “12 Strong” (released in January, 2018).  

Now, the former Army Master Sergeant calls Tampa home. He started a new venture — creating his own bourbon. "We decided to make a little whiskey... make whiskey, not war is our tagline," said Neil.

He says it’s important for he and fellow veterans have a chance to transition into another career after the military. For him, creating the American Freedom Distillery was perfect. American heroes, producing an American product, with an American story flowing through it.

"For us, it was a way we could do both art and science and it was a way that we can make a product that truly reflects [who] we are," said Neil.

February 8, 2019

My name is Justin Lane, aka JP Lane. Many people have their own reasoning for joining the military, mine is probably similar to most my age, in 2001, watching the twin towers fall. I was reminded of that feeling when I was old enough to sign up. At the age of 20, In 2008, I joined the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer. I was deployed, in 2010, to Afghanistan to search for IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices). I was blown up 3 separate times, and the 3rd one got me. July 2nd, 2011, I was blown up by a 200-lb IED while on mission. It was the first IED to penetrate an RG31 truck. The blast resulted in putting me in a coma for 6 weeks. I lost both my legs, right arm snapped in half, lost my four front teeth, pelvis snapped in half, spine dislocated from my pelvis, and everything in my torso was destroyed by shrapnel except for my heart and left lung. In total, I received 26 injuries, and had 28 surgeries, this completely changed my life. Doctors said I wasn’t going to be able to do many things, like, use prosthetics because my legs were so badly damaged. Also, that I wouldn’t be able to speak properly or sing ever again because of a tracheotomy.

With each day, I am proving them wrong. I am the only double amputee recording artist in the world. God wasn’t finished with me yet. Since I got my prosthetics, I have performed for 2 Presidential Inaugurations, Presidents Obama and Trump. I have performed with Lee Greenwood, Neil McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Jason Castro, and more. I have performed for non-profit organizations such as Adopt-a-Vet and Helping a Hero, which are in support of our military. I also, performed for organizations that support the local community, like, “Taking it to the Streets”, a homelessness initiative, and G.A.N.G Outreach in Colorado, that provides positive/encouraging sports camps for underprivileged kids. I have also been able to perform and inspire thousands in Brazil and Mexico. I signed the dotted line when I joined the Army – to SERVE and protect the American people – and since I am still alive, by the grace of God, I will continue to serve. Retirement is just a word! So, I decided to be a motivational speaker to share my story and give hope to those who need it. I am a reminder for others to “Never Give Up, Never Surrender”.

My goal is to impact the world with more than just music. Changing hearts and minds, one at a time.

In a situation like mine, most people would look in the mirror and feel like no one would want them. I was blessed to have found someone who not only loves me for me, but also supports my career and my passion of singing. Crystal, my beautiful wife as of Feb. 2018, has been a huge support for me and given my life purpose. We now work together inspiring couples around us, telling them the amazing story of what brought us together.

April 1st – 9th, I went back to AFGHANISTAN to have a “proper exit.” I was able to visit the hospital I was first recovering in after being blown up. Since I was in a coma, I did not remember much of the hospitals or traveling that I did during that time. As I visited different bases around Afghanistan, I was welcomed back with open arms from thousands of troops. I was proud to walk down the welcome ceremonial row, holding my “NICE TRY TAILBAN” shirt. One of the most amazing feelings was getting to wear the U.S. Army uniform once again, but nothing compared to the feeling of getting to leave the country on my own two feet, prosthetic feet, with my head held high!

Upon returning from Afghanistan, just as it seemed like my story was about to end, Crystal and I were in a serious car accident that rolled our jeep and destroyed our car. Airbags went off in every direction, and glass shattered with every turn of our vehicle. Thank God we were wearing our seat belts, otherwise the damage we received would have been worse. But as part of the strong and determined Lane family, we will overcome. Nothing in this world will defeat us or bring us down! We have a purpose… to bring hope, love, inspiration and the idea of being mentally strong, to people across the world.

For more information about his current project visit: www.22andYou.net 

After serving in the Marine Corps’ Force Reconnaissance and Marine Corps’ Forces Special Operations Command, MARSOC, Fagan said he felt compelled to start the project.

“I’m getting out and transitioning out of the military in a couple months,” said Fagan. “I felt like I still had something to give, something to honor the people in the community and the guys who died.”

The project is coming together as a book called “The Untold Stories of Valhalla,” which tells more than a dozen stories of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The book will be a compilation of stories written by close friends of the fallen, with permission from their families. Stories about the fallen won’t just be about their roles as Marines, it will be about who they were as family men, friends and as individuals.

The mythological Valhalla is a place where heroes go who have died in combat to join their brothers in a glorious feast to celebrate their valor in combat, which is where the title of the book came from.

Veteran authors writing about their friends’ lives and their deaths had to be compelled to write their stories, said Fagan.

For more information on the book or the Brothers In Arms Foundation, visit www.brothersinarmsfoundation.org/the-untold-stories-of-valhalla.

“You do it because you know at the end state, this product is going to honor them in the long run and it’s going to help their families for one and it’s going to be in good nature,” said Fagan.

For Joe Bell, an author in the book, it was therapeutic to tell his friend’s story.

“The story I’m writing, I’m so close to the person I’m writing about, that it’s easy to describe everything he meant to me and my family,” he said.

For Bell, the book means more than just telling stories.

“It’s important because the next generation of raiders need to know they’re just like these guys and they can be just like these guys and (the book) can give them something to emulate,” he said.

Bell said the book is also important to not only show the character and human side of the Marines, but to also put the Marine Corps in a good light.

Both Bell and Fagan said they hope the book will eventually make the Commandant’s Reading List, a selection of books the commandant of the Marine Corps puts out for Marines to read to improve their leadership and their well-roundedness as a marine.

“It would mean the effort of the authors and the Marines in the stories are worthy of note throughout the Marine Corps,” Bell said. “It would signify the sacrifice they made would mean something to the entire Marine Corps family.”

Profits from the book will support the families of the fallen. Donations and book sales will be evenly divided to provide support, said Fagan. According to Brothers In Arms, money from the project will go to quality of life initiatives for surviving spouses and children; grief counseling; educational and vocational scholarships; assistance with cost of living expenses for families suffering from economical hardships; and travel expenses associated with annual travel to/from memorial sites/ceremonies such as Arlington National Cemetery.

“Our goal is to raise $17,000 (needed to get the book published),” Fagan said. “Everything above that is going to go to support the families.”

Through this book, Fagan said he hopes to honor the fallen so they’re not forgotten, find a way to support their families, and inspire the current and next generation of Marines.

“It’s a labor of love because the stories (the authors) are writing about meant a lot to them,” Bell said. “It’s as much about us writing the book about these Marines as it is about the families who are going to hopefully read the book.”

For more information on the book or the Brothers In Arms Foundation, visit www.brothersinarmsfoundation.org/the-untold-stories-of-valhalla.

I was born in Southern Rhodesia (in what is now Zimbabwe) in 1953. After a fairly uneventful schooling in which I focused more on sports than on academics, I went to university in South Africa, where I spent several years training in the field of education.

In 1976 I returned to Rhodesia to comply with national service requirements and was involved in the Rhodesian Bush War. On leaving the war in 1977, I spent a number of years living and working in South Africa before emigrating to Australia, where I lived for several years before settling in England for a brief period of time. After unsuccessfully attempting to mountain bike from Great Britain to Israel in 1984, I flew there instead and spent four years developing the British Council English Language Centre. While in Israel I developed a passion for marathon running, which then extended to ultra-marathon running after I returned to South Africa to qualify as a clinical psychologist.

 I returned to Australia in 2000, where I have remained ever since. In 2002, given my military experience and psychological qualifications, I was accepted as a contractor with a veteran organisation; I still continue with this work today. I also continue to run short distances and am passionate about music. I play the African drum, American Indian flute and the Australian didgeridoo.

In my most recent book, “Which Way is your Warrior facing” I dress the complex nature of transitioning to Civilian territory. I have also combined Book One “Which Way is Your Claymore Facing” and set the book up as a free PDF download from my website. I have encapsulated many years of conversations and learning with the extraordinary men and women I have sat with in my practice over the years, from regular to special forces soldiers. I hope that some of what I have written will support you and others around you on your journey towards healing. As I have noted, this is not a researched and academic text, and as such it may very well have its failings and limitations. Instead, this book is based on years of conversations with veterans and their partners and children. It is based on my experiences and challenges as a veteran and a man. It embodies years of exposure to neuroscience principles and brain- and body-based wisdom. I have tried to express this in simple, accessible writing and to draw on military operational terms to explain relevant concepts and lessons. I've also drawn on my own life experience while navigating my own pathway through a variety of life challenges.

Boone’s message is simple: “America has lost faith in what they used to believe were the heroes of Hollywood, America has become disgusted with the political climate of today so the only place to turn to and trust for leadership is the Warfighter.”

Boone began writing his Iraq War-inspired autobiographical account of what he experienced, Voodoo in Sadr City, during his combat tour in Iraq, and completed it during his two-year recovery from wartime injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, during the Neglect Scandal of 2007.

After recovery, Boone began to see a major void in the Warfighter community.  He decided to approach Fox News affiliate 99.1 FM Talk with the concept of a new show that focused on national, international and social events based on the Warfighter’s perspective.

In 2011, his show Tipping Point with Boone Cutler was launched, providing a weekly platform for Boone’s raw Paratrooper, no-holds-barred style. The show quickly becoming a hit over the air waves and online, with an audience of fellow Warfighters and curious mainstream American listeners.

In June 2014, Tipping Point with Boone Cutler began its partnership with KNEWS 107.3 FM in Reno, NV airing for three hours every Saturday.

In 2010, Boone founded the National Warfighter Symposium to bring much needed attention to Warfighter issues, such as post-combat life – particularly the alarming rates of Warfighter suicide and homelessness.

America currently loses at least 23 Warfighters (22 veterans + 1 active duty) to suicide every single day. This is a number that Boone has made his mission to combat with his creation of “The Spartan Pledge”.  Warfighters promise not to take their own lives, and instead vow to find a new mission to help one another. He has chosen GallantFew.org, founded by US Army Ranger Karl Monger as his signature charity.

In 2012, Boone was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease, secondary to a blast-injury in Iraq.  He is currently starting to campaign for more awareness on the issue in the Warfighter Community.

Governor Sandoval of Nevada appointed Boone to the Inter-agency Council on Veteran Affairs for the 2012/2013 term. Boone is now very involved with the arts, after seeing first the healing effects of music therapy. He also works as music video producer / director for REDCON-1 MUSIC GROUP.

In 2014, Boone became the national spokesperson for the Warfighter Rights’ Movement whose mission is to end Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder phobia that results in discrimination against Warfighters in employment, housing and the judicial process.

Boone spoke at the 2016 World Peace Conference.

Roy is the son of a sharecropper and was born in Western Kentucky. During the war, he was a Radio Operator assigned to HQ Company, 21st Armored Inf Bn, 11th Armored Division in General Patton’s Third Army.

This native Kentuckian answered his Nation’s call to duty and his story is amazing, one worth hearing. The tail-end of his military service took him through the last six months of the war that had the 11th Armor Division pushing through the sun-covered countryside from France to Linz where they liberated the Mauthausen Concentration Camp on the day the war ended.

Roy Duncan was not awarded just one Bronze Star Medals, he’s got three.  

I was born and raised in Fort Wayne Indiana and knew from the age of 5 that I wanted to be a Marine. My mother's uncle served in the Air Force and he was a big idol of mine. I wanted to be like him and he helped to encourage me. When I was a sophomore in high school, I got into some trouble with the law and I was no longer able to join the Marine Corps. I knew that I had to try anyways. I had to talk to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and the Commandant for 3 months for them to make an exception and let me join. I am so thankful they did. I was able to join the Marine Corps in February of 2009. Somehow my recruiter got me to become an early graduate so I did half my senior year.  In February of 2009, I started my Marine Corps career with boot camp in sunny San Diego, California. Boot camp went by pretty fast and it was a lot of fun. After boot camp, I went to Infantry School at Camp Pendleton. Once that was completed, I was placed with my unit, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines out of San Mateo in Camp Pendleton. When I got with those men, i realized I was in it for real now (lol). I trained with AMAZING men and learned a lot from them. We found out around January of 2010 that we were going to be leaving for Afghanistan at the end of September. The work up for that deployment was pretty intense but very fun. On September 28, 2010, we loaded up on buses and headed to the airport for Afghanistan. It didn't take long before we were there. I remember walking off the helicopter and seeing a massive black cloud from something that exploded earlier in the day. It was a complete culture shock for me. We spent 2-3 days getting our gear ready and making sure we knew what we were doing and where we were going. We then took a helicopter ride to our main F.O.B. called Nolay. It was nick named 'No Legs' by the Brits. We spent a day there and the we were drove to our patrol base. From then on, while I was overseas, we never used vehicles again. It was all foot patrols.

Immediately we took a lot of contact every day. We started having injuries pretty quick. Seeing one of your brothers laying on the ground injured is a hard thing to process but this is war and we have to adapt and over come. Of those many men that were injured, I served with Lt. Robert Kelly (General Kelly's son). Lt. Kelly was my LT and he was motivated as hell. On December 21,2010, I was reunited with my squad of men after being apart for about 2 weeks. This is also the day that changed my life. We went on patrol early in the morning and i was on point. Everything was going good for the first few hours until i came across the Helmand River. There I found rocks stacked on top of each other on each side of the road. This was consistent for almost a mile with about 5 feet in between the stack rocks and the were spaced out wide enough for a vehicle to drive in the middle.. Towards the end of the rocks, there was a little path on the right that had the same concept with the rocks but now the path was like a walking path of stacked rocks. The rocks lead to a big bush where you could see that someone cut the top of the bush so you could see behind it. On the other side of that bush was about 50 stacks of rocks in a 10 foot circle. As I went to step over the bush to investigate more and find a wire or something to indicate it was an IED, I put my foot down and the explosive went off. Immediately, I was thrown in the air, landing on my right side. I opened my eyes and the dust was every where and I couldn't breath. I knew right then what happened but didn't know how bad. I laid on my back and told myself "I have to see how bad this is". i went to lift my right leg and instead pulled the bone out of the leg. I went unconscious for a minute or so before regaining consciousness. While I was out, I had visions of seeing my daughter who was about to be born, I got to see my wife (now ex), and I got to experience what I think was heaven. When I regained consciousness, I was not allowed any pain medications or it would have stopped my heart. I don't remember exactly how look it took for the Medevac team to get to me but it felt like forever. I remember asking my men if I could ever ride a bike again and they said not to worry about it. When I was on board the Medevac, they were finally able to properly put me under. One of the medics saw that I had severe internal bleeding and if he didn't do something, I wouldn't make it to the hospital. So he took out his knife and cut my stomach open so he could dump out the blood. Come to find out, there was a LARGE rock inside my stomach sitting just below my lungs. The rock had entered through my leg during the explosion. When I got to the hospital in Afghanistan, they did everything they needed to to get me ready for coming home. I unfortunately woke up. When they pulled the air tube out, I was able to make a phone call home. I called my wife and told her I was injured and that I loved her. She was going into labor at that moment. I called back a few hours later and I could hear my baby girl crying in the background. It was the happiest/saddest moment in my life.

When I got home to the USA, recovery was pretty difficult. I was on a lot of heavy medications and my body doesn't handle medications too well. The first 2 1/2 years are kinda blurry for me. I remember some things. When I got out of the military, I went back home to Indiana. But, I had forgotten that it snowed there and I was in a wheelchair now. So my wife and I decided to move to Florida. I had never been before. We moved here and built a house. Unfortunately though, we did end up separating not too long after moving. And that's where my motorcycle came into play. My wife wouldn't let me buy a motorcycle because she didn't want me getting hurt. However, when we separated, I went straight to Adamec Harley-Davidson and bought my first trike!! The people there were great! They had never modified a motorcycle before and I had never seen one in person, so we collaborated together and did our research. They were able to help me take my ideas and turn it into a reality. This is my 2nd Harley Davidson now. I plan on getting more.

I grew up in a small town on the Central Coast of California, and was the youngest of two kids. My father, a Vietnam veteran, worked for a company that specialized in metal coil and paper roll restoration, while my mother worked in human resources. Prior to joining the Army, I was enrolled in the Fine Arts program at the local community college. Shortly after completing my associate’s degree, I was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Basic Combat Training (BCT), followed by Fort Lee, Virginia for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where I was trained as an Automated Logistical Specialist (92A).  I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where I worked as a supply and dispatch clerk for the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. During my time in 1-4 CAV, I was a member of the Female Engagement Team (FET) and completed one combat deployment to the Paktika Province of Afghanistan. In February of 2015, I transitioned to the Army Reserves where I continued to serve as a 92A in Cape Coral, Florida.

I decided to leave the Army after 6 years to continue my education with the Post-9/11 GI Bill. While working on my master’s degree, I was given the opportunity to address veteran suicide and communication problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs. My capstone project inspired me to start a blog where I could continue to bring awareness to veteran suicide and veteran health care issues. Today, the Kruse Corner blog is where I share personal stories about life in the Army, the transition from soldier to civilian, and my struggles with mental health. My mission has been to encourage other veterans to reach out and share their own story to take action against veteran suicide and end the stigma attached to mental illness.

 She is a mentor with Veterati, eMentor and for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

 She is also a blogger on Medium.com. 

 Annette has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Environmental Management. 

From there, his first assignment in the army was Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA. After successfully completing and graduating Ranger School he continued his Signal Training attending various training schools in Georgia and New Jersey before being stationed in Germany. Shortly after, Cunningham served first combat assignment of 12 months in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.

Later, John discharged with the Army in 1972 at Fort Hood, TX. He the enrolled in law school at the University of Texas and graduated with his Law Degree in 1975 and went on to earn his MBA and CPA. After 25 years in the corporate world with his Wife, Marlies and three children; Michael, Sean and Katrina Cunningham.  In 2000 John and his family moved to Columbus, Georgia where they bought a Harley-Dealership, Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson, located just outside of Fort Benning. 5 years later, Cunningham expanded and built a secondary retail location, Big Swamp Harley-Davidson, in Opelika, AL just miles away from Auburn University. Today, one a year away from their 20th Harley-Davidson Anniversary, John and Marlies Cunningham are proud owners of Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson and Big Swamp Harley-Davidson. 

He has continued his service by assisting transitioning Service Members as an Associate Instructor for FourBlock and is the host of On The Other Side: Leadership After Transition, a podcast designed specifically to allow experienced Veterans and those who truly want to assist Veterans the ability to provide insight on leadership and the transition process.

In 2002, at the age of 23, Jeffrey was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This was the first time in his life that he realized his mortality and he began to appreciate living. During his time as a Drill Sergeant in 2005 through 2007, he found his passion to help those who truly wanted to help themselves and who were simply asking for guidance. With his passion for life and his desire to teach, coach, and mentor, upon his retirement, he opened Change Your Forecast, LLC, an organization that uses organized sports to teach life and leadership lessons to student athletes at both high school and collegiate level. He is an inspirational speaker, a member of the National Speakers Association, and a member of Toastmasters.

He is married to Alexandria with 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy ages 14, 12, 4 years, and 10 months.

After leaving the Air Force, James learned about the power of using a podcast to amplify a message. The message he most wanted to help get out was using the podcast medium inside the veteran community.  James see how valuable podcasts could be to help veterans, active duty, and their families. He has great experience in both producing and hosting multiple podcasts and wholeheartedly believes in the power of good to create positive change.

Justin was born in Enterprise, Alabama in 1988.  He went to G.W. Long High School in Ozark and graduated in 1986. He enlisted into the Marine Corps right after graduation and served 9 years with the 2nd LER Battalion. He deployed to Iraq in 2008, and again to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011 with the same unit. In 2014, he went back to Afghanistan as a foreign advisor. In 2015 he left the Marine Corps and transferred to the US Army National Guard (186th Engineer Company) in Dothan, Alabama.  He served with that unit for 3 years. Currently, he is the Can-Am Service Manager for Harley-Davidson of Dothan.

Soon after, Scott was deeply devastated after the death of his assistance dog "Whiskey".  In an effort to support and assist in Scott's rehabilitation, close family and friends gave Scott the encouragement he needed knowing that he was more than able to help and support others through his experiences, knowledge and empathy.

Thus, was the birth of Whiskey's Wish.  Its important Mission is to provide training and puppies for service dog training to veterans, first responders & correctional officers who suffer from PTSD and service-related injuries. 

A compilation of answers from veterans Simon Kirby, Ryan Weaver, Joe Crane, Todd Scattini, Andrew Nelson, Chad Walker, Mark Green, Scott Huesing, Athena Ives, Steven Kuhn and Pete Turner.

Simon's second combat tour came at the age of 20.  In 1981, he deployed to West Belfast during the height of the troubles there.  That deployment proved costly for Simon's unit.  He lost three of his close friends in an enemy ambush.  It was not long after that he would return to the civilian world, leaving the army after serving his Country for five years.

Simon eventually made it to the United States (a dream that he had during a break from his Ft. Campbell training while visiting Florida). Currently, Simon owns a very successful holistic-natural-food restaurant, Simon's Coffeehouse, in Sarasota, Florida.  He is the father of two children, enjoys cooking, meditation, yoga and sailing the Caribbean (when time permits).

His purpose in sharing his story in "Step Out, Step Up: Lessons Learned from a Lifetime of Transition and Military Service" is to encourage others to have hope and recognize that no matter where you come from, you can achieve your dreams. In "Warrior’s Code 001", he shares his secrets to developing a mindset that boosts resiliency and smooths transitions. He developed these strategies from his own experiences with his family, hard-earned lessons, and education, and is developing a curriculum around them.

To book Mark today for speaking or a workshop, contact him at stepoutstepup7@gmail.com.

The Cav, as it is called, is a diverse, combined arms, military organization designed to be self-sustaining, flexible, and effective in combat. It is a special type of unit marked by a penchant for courage, decisiveness, speed, innovation and audacity in order to conduct reconnaissance and protection operations facilitating the mission of others. Historically, the cavalry helped the United States with its westward expansion during the infancy of our Nation. They provided protection for settlers heading West along the Oregon and Santa Fe trails departing from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Cavalry Cannabis is poised and capable to assume a similar role as the United States and the world embark on a path of discovery, not unlike those early American settlers, to unpack all of the medical benefits we believe are held within the cannabis plant.

Throughout history, in combat operations, when units were in distress, pinned down by enemy fire, surrounded and desperate, a message from the headquarters by messenger or by a crackling radio saying the Cavalry was on its way meant there was hope to be saved; hope for victory.

Today, many veterans and active duty military personnel feel trapped and desperate. The population from where Todd came, and the veteran population that he is now a part of, is facing an epic healthcare crisis marked by unacceptably high homelessness, unemployment, suicide, and opioid abuse and overdose rates. Todd believes cannabis presents a safe and effective method to address these issues.    

To most, it is likely surprising that he would end up in this position as the CEO of a cannabis company. Todd truly believes he has created his dream job. He also believes his education at West Point was meant to prepare him to lead soldiers in combat and to inspire him to a lifetime of service to the Nation. Interestingly, the skills and lessons he learned at the Academy, as well as those as a Cavalryman and a military diplomat prepared him well for his mission in the medical cannabis industry. At West Point, they were always taught that their only limit to their imagination was themselves and that they had to think critically about complex issues and then develop creative solutions to apply to them.  Todd believes there are few issues facing our country that are more complex than that of veteran suicide and our Nation’s opioid crisis. The two combined result in the death of nearly 12,000 veterans annually. Beyond that, opioid overdoses cost the lives of almost 70,000 American civilians last year. Cannabis can help reverse this situation. This is no longer an assumption. This is fact, and anyone who understands this would be irresponsible to ignore it and would be questionable as a leader.

 'xw2u63bm' 

He left the Army with a Purple Heart for wounds received in Afghanistan, the Special Forces tab, the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, NATO non-article 5, Iraq campaign ribbon with cluster, Afghanistan campaign ribbon and many other awards for his service.

After his time in uniform was over Robert set out to write about his experiences. He has three published books including his non-fiction military memoir Love Me When I’m Gone: the true story of life, love and loss for a Green Beret in Post-9/11 war and the first two books of his fictional trilogy, The Pact and The Pact Book II: Battle Hymn of the Republic .

He has been featured on national programs such as Fox News, The Dennis Miller Show, The Adam Carolla Show, The Herman Cain Show and writes frequent articles for Heroes Media Group.

Robert has two children, two stepchildren and is engaged to the love of his life (and editor) Natalie Pimentel. He writes from his homes in Los Angeles and Dallas.

Lane grew up in Oklahoma and served in the military from 2005-2017, most of which as a Green Beret. During his service, he deployed to Iraq twice, Northern Africa and all over Europe. During his adult life, he has climbed mountains, survived the Arctic and many other physical feats.

Lane's philosophy is to live with authenticity and genuine curiosity in life. Experiment in life until you stumble across the most important moment of your life, meeting your true self for the first time. Lane uses travel and experience as a tool of transformation, along with his premier program, Ignite Your Authentic Alpha, where he helps his clients extract their greatness already within. By living authentically and becoming your best self, how could you not feel great? Allow travel to be the pivotal activity for growth.

Upon discharge from the military, Lane and his wife took a 3-month road trip across the United States visiting 37 states and even more cities. Then they moved to Panama to live as Vagabonds.

Mike served as Deputy Director, Reserve Component, Navy Medicine, at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia from October 2010 to September 2013.  He retired as a Navy Captain culminating a military career spanning almost four decades. He also served as the Navy Senior Liaison Officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs while mobilized as a Care Manager with Navy Wounded Warrior/Safe Harbor from March 2007 to November 2009. Prior to being commissioned as a Navy Officer he served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and Army National Guard from 1974-1986.

In addition to holding senior-level healthcare executive positions in the Department of Defense, he has held c-suite executive level positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH). He also worked as a Program Director for Healogics, Inc., formerly Diversified Clinical Services, in providing a continuum of comprehensive wound care services at Wound Care Centers throughout the United States. His positions in the Florida DOH in Hillsborough County, Florida were Administrative Services Director, Financial Administrator and Health Center Administrator.  His twenty-two (22) year VA career included assignments as Assistant and Acting Director/Chief Executive Officer in Long Beach, CA. and Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer in Loma Linda, CA.  In 1999, while serving as Director/Chief Executive Officer at the VA Health Administration Center, Denver, CO, he was recalled to active duty to serve at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C. as the Director for Navy Reserve Medical Programs.

He is Board Certified in Healthcare Management and a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE). He is Past-President, ACHE Western Florida Chapter and received a White House appointment to serve on the Board of the Veterans Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation.  He has also served as a Board Director for Help Hospitalized Veterans. Mike is a graduate of the 79th Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives and Leadership VA.  He is a member of the Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV, Loyal Order of the Moose, The Army and Navy Club, Association of the United States Navy and a life member of the Leadership VA Alumni Association.

Mike is a service-connected disabled military Veteran and has dedicated his life to serving other military Veterans, active duty service members and their families. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Management from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Laverne, Laverne, CA. Military decorations include the President's Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star).

Tony joined the Army after high school at age 17, completing two tours in Afghanistan and three in Iraq, among other stations. “After 63 countries, you get a better appreciation for the world,” he says. “In Iraq, we linked up with a bunch of locals. They took great care of us, and we were having things like barbecued camel. I got to experience different cultures and their perspectives. Even being in New York, it’s nothing compared to when you go into somebody else’s country and they invite you to their table and you eat their cuisine. That’s just such an awesome experience.”

Tony contracted flesh-eating bacteria in Afghanistan in 2011 and lost his left leg in 2014 as a result. “The folks at Walter Reed [National Military Medical Center] do a phenomenal job,” he says. “You can figure out being an amputee, today. If you have a burning desire to continue to do things, you won’t let it stop you.”

And Tony doesn’t. He continued his service until June 2018 when he retired in a Virginia suburb of D.C. to stay near Walter Reed and enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. “The only thing I knew was I had this burning desire to go to culinary school. I told my wife, if there’s anything that I have to do in life, before I kick the bucket, I have to do that,” Tony says. “I always felt like there was some sort of black magic when it comes to cooking. I think a lot of people think that and I’ve got to understand what this thing is that’s such a mystery.”

In his final module of the curriculum, Tony says he was a rock star at Thanksgiving and has washed more dishes than when he was in the military. “Chefs will tell you that any monkey can read a recipe and figure out how to cook, but once you really understand the techniques, you have this sort of eureka moment,” he says. “All of this makes sense, and I know how to put this together, and I understand the flavors. That’s so worth the tuition right there.”

Tony says learning how to fabricate a chicken properly was one of the most rewarding lessons, and smoked fried chicken is his latest signature dish. He shares experiments like lacto-fermentation and sous vide preparations on his Instagram account (@chef_maddog_maggert) and posts instructional videos (like “How to make a homemade smoker for less than $20”) on YouTube.

“When you’re going through the process of physical therapy, the doctor’s know how to talk to you about trivial things, but nobody ever tells you how to cook well for yourself,” Tony says. “You have a lot of people out there that have a lot of health issues, so I want to help to educate people on how to cook better for themselves, how to eat right and how to operate the kitchen.”

He doesn’t think of himself as handicapped and says working with one leg requires planning and figuring things out like everything else in life. Fortunately, fellow veterans and the nature of working in professional kitchens have eased the transition.

“Chefs like Carmine Arroyo, who was in the Army, are great teachers and they get it,” Tony says. “They understand that you come from this background where things are very structured and you have a certain degree of rigor, and when you go to culinary school, you fall back into the life that you were in previously. You just trade one uniform for another.”

As for his enthusiasm for culinary school after six months of taking a Vamos bus and staying in a hostel every weekend, Tony says, “I don’t think anything really excites me as much as cooking, being in the kitchen, being part of food, being part of that entire experience.” He most enjoys applying the techniques he’s learned to make beautiful meals for friends, though he has loftier goals following graduation.

“I want to write a cookbook called ‘Deconstructed Kitchen,’ reaching out to my peers that are amputees and getting them involved in cooking,” he says. Then of course, “be famous. I’ve got to get some good air time.”

https://www.ice.edu/blog/anthony-maggert-culinary-arts-student

Nina is passionate and driven to learn and help others heal. Physical pain was a significant part of her life since 2006 and following her time in Alaska, her journey to heal herself and help others do the same led her to become a Certified Rolfer, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist, Certified Yoga Teacher, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.  She also opened a healthy food truck, Thrive Street Eats, in attempt to provide the healing foods that she recommended and couldn’t find nearby.  She recognized that her passion to heal others was a stronger personal passion, and therefore, she decided to pursue another passion of Real Estate as a career. 

Nina's thoughts, talents and experience of successes and failures have all led her to where she is at this moment in her career. She is a proud Veteran and out to helps others whenever she can. 

As a Marine Infantry Officer in 2006 Scott had the privilege to command Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC) while attached to 1-9 Infantry Battalion ("Manchu"), 1st Brigade Combat Team (1 BCT “Ready First”), United States Army (USA) as part of the Surge Strategy in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Joshua Hager

BROOMFIELD, CO, USA U.S. Army SSG, HHC, 1ST BATTALION, 9TH INFANTRY, FORT CARSON, CO RAMADI, IRAQ 02/22/2007

SSG Joshua R. Hager was killed in action Feb. 22, 2007.  He was an Army Ranger and had served at the 6th RTB prior to transferring to Ft. Carson, CO for deployment.  Josh loved being a soldier and was proud to serve his country.

Josh is survived by his wife Heather and son Bayley.  Joshua’s mother Lois lives in Broomfield, CO and his father, Kris Hager, in Venice, FL.  Joshua’s brother Aaron is in the USCG and is stationed in Miami, FL.  Joshua now has a younger brother, Carson, who loves to say “Hi Joshie” as he looks at the portrait presented by Mr. Reagan.

Mrs. Jane Brown is his maternal grandmother and lives in MI.  Mrs. Dorine Hager lives in Littleton, CO.  Joshua’s grandfather, Zack Hager served in WWII as a glider pilot and passed away in April of 2008.   They are laid to rest beside each other at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO.

At the End of the Row

When I’m asked for directions, Where the visitor might go, I say, “Through the main gate, Past the brick building, very slow.” On the right, just a bit, A wood stair you will see, It leads to the lake, And a bench by a tree.

Directly across, to the left side of the way, Park your car, and get out, By the green and white sea. The green is the grass, always mowed and trimmed, And the white are the markers, Too many, and him. His spot is just there, A few steps more, He’s with the fallen heroes, At the end of the row..

Kris Hager

Near the end of his deployment, Dan received a Red Cross message informing him that his mother was deathly ill. He immediately left Afghanistan and headed to the United States in hopes of seeing his mom before she took her last breath. Unfortunately, he did not make it in time to say good-bye before she died, which weighed heavily on him. After her funeral, Dan returned to his assigned duty station in Fairbanks, Alaska. Burdened under the weight of such guilt and still unable to sleep, Dan self-medicated with alcohol, binge drinking each night until he feel asleep.

On the night of March 2, 2013, he contemplated suicide – eyeing the rifle in the corner and convincing himself that it would be easy to end the mental torture. Hearing the pitter-patter of little feet on the floor of the apartment above him, he realized he would potentially endanger those kids if a bullet was fired. Not long after, he passed out from the alcohol. He awoke the next morning to a call informing him that one of the soldiers from his former Platoon, SPC Corey Smathers, had shot and killed himself the night prior. Questioning how they missed the signs that Smathers was struggling, Dan realized that he too was masking the signs from those he knew and loved. Dan and the other men struggled emotionally as they grieved their fellow brother and Soldier. Watching the men struggle and worrying that he may “green light” one of them to do the same, Dan resolved that he would not take his own life. However, the mental torture remained as did the binge drinking each night.

Due to multiple combat injuries, Dan medically retired from the Army on September 11, 2014 and returned home to Winter Haven, Florida. He quickly busied himself by reentering the law enforcement profession. Mutual friends introduced Dan to his future wife in January 2015, whom he married in April 2016. All the while, he hid his struggles and the need to self-medicate. Unfortunately, his combat injuries forced his retirement from law enforcement in May of 2017.

With little to occupy his time, the weight of his military experiences, and transition out of service began to manifest more visibly in his drinking, depression, nightmares, night sweats, and negative outlook. His wife strongly encouraged him to seek help, and he contacted the local VA Office. The VA diagnosed Dan with Post Traumatic Stress and began to treat him with prolonged exposure therapy, which tormented him nearly as much as the trauma he had experienced. He opted not to continue this line of treatment.

Months later, Dan met Retired Army Lt. Colonel Scott Mann, who introduced him to professionals in alternative treatments, such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) Protocol. Dan’s experience with alternative therapies was so life-changing that he was compelled to help others find the same relief from traumatic memories.

When she isn't traveling the world, Athena resides in San Diego where she is active in multiple Veteran Assistance Projects.  

Global Health Specialist Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence Officer

MARINE FORCES CENTRAL COMMAND

Janette Arencibia is a 1988 graduate of Mercer County High School in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1995 and in 1996 from the EKU MPA program where she was a Patricia Roberts Harris Fellow and Presidential Internship Management Candidate. She is a graduate of the U.S. Navy War College where she earned a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies. LCDR Arencibia is, as well, a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff, Marine Corps University and is currently enrolled in the Uniformed Services University Global Health Engagement program.

In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, she was the first Medical Service Corps officer to deploy from a training command reporting as Chief, Joint Visitor’s Bureau with BCT 41 - Task Force Phoenix V to Afghanistan. Arencibia became one of the first female officers to instruct security and weapons training for females in the Afghan National Army ranks. She well represented the U.S. Navy among Army ranks earning the Keith L. Ware Award for her photography and additional written submissions throughout the course of her assignment in Afghanistan. She was awarded by the Afghan National Army for training and instruction provided and is also an honorable member of The Order of St. Barbara, a military honor society of the U.S. for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps Artillery, including Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery as a result of her involvement in artillery field training.

Arencibia’s initial sea tour was aboard USNS MERCY where she was a medical planner and patient regulator managing over 200,000 casualties during OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE –HAITI. Immediately following her redeployment from Haiti, she deployed onboard the USS IWO JIMA (CP 10) as the Lead Medical Planner. While serving aboard the IWO JIMA, she liaised with Central and South American embassies on behalf of FST-2. As the Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence DUINS awardee, she reported to the Joint Staff Surgeon’s office in 2012. During her Joint Staff assignment, she was the Project Manager for the Joint Medical Planning Tool; now the required verification and validation analytical tool for the Joint Forces. She was requested to extend at the Joint Staff Surgeon’s office then accepted the Lead Medical Planner Position at NORAD-USNORTHCOM in 2013 where she served until 2016. Arencibia transferred to Marine Forces Central Command where she served as the Lead Medical Planner for exercises EAGER LION and NATIVE FURY and is currently the USCENTCOM Theater Security Cooperation Manager for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Her shore assignments include the Navy School of Health Sciences Security Manager, NNMC-Bethesda Officer in Charge of Contingency Operations, BUMED M3 Readiness Officer, and Medical Officer Recruiter. LCDR Arencibia donned the Commander rank in September 2018.

Steven hails from Pennsylvania in the USA and served in the U.S. Army from 1986 -1993 based in Germany. During his service career Steven served one tour in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm as a Sergeant.

Upon discharge from the Army, Kuhn continued to live in Europe where he later became a best-selling author, a multi-country start-up and turn-around specialist, as well as a political consultant all while simultaneously completing his MBA at the prestigious Bradford University School of Business Management in Leeds, U.K.

Kuhn has an astute business mind, tailored to the ins and outs of building, operating, turning around and growing a businesses successfully. Having accomplished this success in 9 countries and various industries, Kuhn has gained a reputation of a no nonsense, “boots on the ground” executive who leads by example.

Since 2006 as the Principal of his own company, S2K2 Precision Management, Kuhn actively consults companies from various industries and in multiple countries. His work with the EU Parliament and German political leaders has allowed Steven to gain success within governmental organizations as an outsider, and non-European, a testament to the value he brings his clients and partners. Steven is sought for the unbiased opinion on Trans-Atlantic and American issues.

Steven is a valued asset for Blue Energy because of his hands-on work ethic, honesty, integrity, straightforward communication style and the pleasure he takes in passing along this knowledge. We know he is the perfect leader for driving the business to the next level as a Blue Energy Board Member and Managing Director for Europe.

Erik has been a guest on FOX News multiple times, and the Tactical 16 team has been featured on Yahoo, MSNBC, CNN, BBC, SKYNEWS, NEWMAX, and EWTN. Tactical 16 has grown from a Veterans-only and focused company to having resources to not only help Veteran authors but non-military authors as well. Erik started working with multiple NFL players and other notable celebrities in 2018 on various publishing and non publishing projects that will benefit Tactical 16’s growth for years to come. “Our goal is to build a one phone call network, so when our Tactical 16 teammates need some help, we can provide it quickly and efficiently from reputable and proven professionals.”

Erik’s hobbies include building rifles he never gets to shoot and gives away, softball with Toby Keith, buying cars that he rarely drives and ‘nerding out’ to military aircraft that fly over his house.

Currently, he is the Vice-President of Operations for Radical Sterilant Technologies, a company with the technology to sanitize massive amounts of water economically and quickly.  This product would help to stabilize developing communities around the globe, making the world healthier and safer.  

Herb joined the Army right out of High School at age 17.  Because of color-blindness, he went into Human Resources.  He deployed to Uzbekistan/ Afghanistan in 2003.  There, he had the opportunity to escort a lot of money around the country, primarily to Special Forces units, one-time he helped move move $8.2 million to a main Allied base in Afghanistan.  Next, Herb volunteered to be a Drill Sergeant and he loved it.  He won a "Drill Sergeant of the Year" competition which led him the TRADOC CG, where he did special missions for top Army leadership.  A SF CSM mentor of his told him he should be in the Special Forces and that's where he went next as an E-7, one 1 of only 5 senior enlisted for that class.

After qualifying for Special Forces, Herb was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group.  He had multiple deployments to the Middle East and one "great" deployment to Afghanistan, where he advised, trained and led Afghan Commandos in dangerous missions.  His most rewarding trip was when he was in charge of over 200 Afghans (with less than ten Americans) on a 10-day mission in an area controlled by the Taliban. They survived 3 ambushes during that mission.  On one day, Herb learned an invaluable lesson about the difference between courage and stupidity. Luckily, he lived to tell the tale. After that trip, Herb went on to conducted more classified missions in the Middle East. 

Herb started SF2BIZ to empower SF veterans to seize opportunities in business. 

Robert grew up in the small logging town of Eureka, California. He struggled with a severe learning disability as a child, causing him to drop out of High School and later, two colleges. But, he never gave up.  His determination and persistence to overcome his weaknesses paid off. He went on to earn not only an MBA, but a PhD, too. Robert developed a system of "speed learning" that helps others achieve their business goals using asymmetrical methodologies to process and retain information. He is the author of "Next Level Supercharged Speed Learning Book."

Robert currently resides in San Diego, operating as a business strategist and Founder & CEO of SHIFT Advanced Life Design Magazine.

Scott also served in differing roles on an Operational Detachment – Alpha (A-team) in the US Army Special Forces. He is a proud Ambassador of the Green Beret Foundation and lifetime member of the Special Forces Association. Prior to the military and government service, Scott served as the Vice President (Operations) for a global dot.com startup, an operations specialist at a Fortune 500 bank, and as a barista at Starbucks…

Scott is the author of two books, Ground Truth: Enhance personal and organizational leadership skills and accountability through lessons learned from elite Military Special Forces and The Hill, Overcoming Fear and Learning to Embrace an Elite Mindset. In his free time Scott teaches self-defense classes and coaches soccer.

He attended Old Dominion University graduating Summa Cum Laude in May 2004 completing his time with the Hampton Roads Naval ROTC as Student Battalion Commanding Officer before he was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer.

Over the next four years, Lieutenant Redman completed combat deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  On September 13, 2007, outside of Fallujah, Iraq, Lieutenant Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun and small arms fire and he was severely wounded in the ensuing firefight. While recovering at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Redman authored and hung a bright orange sign on his door, which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. 

Lieutenant Redman is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons and the US Army Ranger tab along with numerous other personal and unit awards.  

Redman retired from the Navy in 2013 and founded the Combat Wounded Coalition a Non-Profit organization which inspires combat wounded warriors to Overcome.  He currently acts as the executive director of the organization and is also the founder and CEO of SOF Spoken, a speaking company which provides inspirational presentations on leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity for businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government organizations.  In 2018 Redman launched, the Overcome Academy, a leadership, resiliency, and communication program for wounded warriors to develop “the next greatest generation.”

In November of 2013, Redman published “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader”.  His book details lessons learned in leadership and overcoming adversity throughout his SEAL career while also discussing his combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as his personal journey with his wife Erica and their three children.  The Trident was selected in 2014 as part of the Chief of Naval Operation’s professional reading program.

Jason has appeared on multiple national news networks including Fox News, CBS, CNN, and CBN.  He has appeared on Fox and Friends multiple times and the Huckabee show.  Jason has appeared in multiple documentaries including History Channel’s, Navy SEALs, America’s Secret Warriors.  Additionally, Jason is an actor playing the lead role in The Perfect Day film and a supporting character on an episode  of Hawaii 5-0.

Isaac refers to himself as an “Accidental Entrepreneur” and says he “wouldn’t have it any other way”.  He is driven by his passion to serve and for helping others do the same. He has recently launched another passion project in his home State of Idaho that will help veterans on their path to entrepreneurship.

After retirement from the military, Russ grew a franchise territory from zero to profitability in less than three years.  His growth was based on a clear vision, building an effective network, consistently delivering a quality product and maintaining a relentless focus on customer service.

Russ is a graduate of the Referral Institute Certified Networker program where he received extensive training in referral marketing. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Manhattan College (NY), his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and his Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from Air University.  Colonel Barnes earned his PhD in Organization Development at Benedictine University.

Since having left the Navy, Ethan has become a powerhouse in the Financial Services field as a top producer for several leading agencies including Northwestern Mutual.  He now serves as the Chief Operating Officer for US Vet Life, a financial startup specializing in helping servicemembers, veterans, and their families successfully navigate and leverage the benefits and benefits market both in and out of the military.

Ryan’s personal story is like no other artist in country music today. Growing up with a family of eleven in a small town in Floral City, Florida, he joined the Army right after high school. After several years of working as a Military Intelligence Analyst, Ryan followed in the footsteps of both of his two older brothers, Steve and Aaron, by attending Warrant Officer Candidate School and flight school. He graduated top of his class in flight school, becoming a Black Hawk Aviator. In April 2003, he deployed to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, and shortly afterward, one of his brothers, Aaron, was deployed just west of him in Fallujah.

On January 8, 2004, Aaron was killed in action when the Medivac helicopter he was a passenger in was shot down by enemy fire. Ryan certainly understood mortality and the risks of combat. After all, Aaron survived the bloody 1993 battle in Mogadishu, Somalia that became the basis for the movie, Black Hawk Down. When Aaron died, however, something changed for Ryan. He returned from combat, taking a new position training the next generation of Army aviators and officers at Fort Rucker, Alabama and has not piloted a Black Hawk since that fateful day.

Exactly ten years later, Ryan’s brother-in-law, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy Billings, was laid to rest just one row away from Aaron Weaver. Randy was killed in action in Afghanistan on December 17, 2013 when the Black Hawk helicopter he was piloting was shot down by an enemy ground-detonated explosive device.

This second heartbreaking loss made the Weaver family a two-time Gold Star family. Ryan used his heartache as determination to succeed. Both of his brothers’ ultimate sacrifices continue to fuel his fire to accomplish his dreams in music.

Ryan debuted on a world stage in November 2017 as the Patriotic Voice of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) for their Celebrate America campaign. The World Finals is the biggest global stage in professional bull riding - a booming sport now seen in more than 400 million homes worldwide. Weaver made his debut in the primetime performance slot, held in 2016 by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, at PBR’s World Finals in Las Vegas, NV. Ryan’s new EP also titled Celebrate America was released at that time. Ryan worked closely with hit songwriter and producer, Wynn Varble, on the Celebrate America EP as well as co-writing three of the four songs on the EP.

This January, Ryan kicked off the PBR’s 2018 25th Anniversary Tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Celebrate America campaign is a season-long initiative that honors heroes, inspires youth and brings communities together.

Carl believes his oath of service is to the Constitution, not to the government, and those obligations are to the ideals represented in that Constitution of freedom and liberty. The critical importance of that in a democracy can never be overestimated.

Carl Higbie was a Special Operator with SEAL Team Ten, Echo Platoon. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has been a  regular contributor on Fox News and CNN. Higbie ran for Connecticut's 4th Congressional District in 2014. He resides in Greenwich, CT.

Carl discusses his newest book, "Crisis of Culture", and what We (Americans) need to do to turn it around...

After returning from two tours of duty in Iraq with the Marine Corps, Bryan fell victim to PTSD and the emotional hardships of fitting in back home.  After a stint with homelessness and the the numerous other rigors faced while adjusting to civilian life, Bryan found his calling-the Culinary Arts.  He was able to gather the courage to go to culinary school, where his military training paid dividends.  His aptitudes & attitude earned him several opportunities to work with some of the best chefs in the United States.  Soon, he found himself as the private chef to the Anheuser Busch family while attending school at USF-Saraota/Manatee, where eventually he'd earn his bachelors degree in hospitality business.

Bryan's life took a turn in May 2014, when he lost his younger brother to Veteran Suicide.  That day changed his life forever. He started a program to make a difference in the lives of his brothers and sisters who wore the uniform, wanting to give them something more than just a hand out. After he studied abroad in France, Bryan returend to America to build Vets2Success, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of veterans through food and brew.

In late 2012, Justin decided to share his story in the book, “And Then I Cried, Stories of a Mortuary NCO.” His hope was the story could help others struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

He is also an accomplished artist and his works can be seen hanging on the walls of the Pentagon in the Healing Arts Display. 

In 2013 Justin was Medically Retired from the Air Force with 20 years of service. After retirement Justin continued his advocacy and worked with The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program where he managed the Ambassador Program. He was responsible for teaching seriously injured or ill Airmen how to tell and share their stories of recovery with audiences worldwide. During his tenure there, he trained over 55 Warriors and briefed over 30,000 Airmen ranging from Airman to Four Star General. 

Justin now works at Warriors Heart, the country’s only dual diagnosis drug and alcohol treatment center that works exclusively with Military, Veterans and First Responders suffering from chemical dependency and psychological injuries such as PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Justin has been featured on CMTs “I Love Kellie Pickler” and has been a guest on over 200 radio shows nationwide. In 2015, he was awarded the American Solider Networks Hero Service Award for his work helping veterans in need.

  Justin has only one wish – if his work inspires you, do something about it, live beyond PTSD, live with purpose, and find your voice.

To see Justin’s previous speaking events, click here.

She has been recognized nationally and locally for excellence in Journalism, having received three regional Emmy Awards, and one National Emmy award. She has twice been honored with the Presidential Award for Volunteerism. Pam was named one of the top Women in Business in The Triangle Area. She was recognized by the state of North Carolina and honored with a Woman of the Year Award in Business.

Pam has recorded two albums. Her most recent “Holding It Down” is a collection of tunes that salute the troops. She is donating a portion of the sales of the music album to Fort Bragg Fisher House. It is a home away from home for families whose loved ones are being treated at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg.

Among her proudest achievements is the publication of her children’s book on PTSD. Pam wrote Ashley’s High Five for Daddy to explain PTSD to younger children. An Army brat herself, she hopes the project can help military families who may be struggling with mental health issues.

She has served as a fundraiser, strategic media advisor and board member for numerous nonprofit organizations over the last two decades. She is a former board member of The Komen-Triangle Race for the Cure. For 3 years Pam worked with community and civic leaders to create the Oak Ranch Project, which is a home community for at-risk boys and girls. She served as an advisor to Family Health Ministries dedicated to maternal and child health in Haiti. Using her instinct, grit, and heart as her GPS, Saulsby’s new career path is fast-paced and in constant motion.

She is considered a thought leader, passionately involved in putting facts in context and exploring the implications of current trends and policies that guide all of our choices and actions. To Saulsby, the old saying is still true: knowledge is power. She lives in Washington, DC.

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS MARCUS GOOD

UNITED STATES ARMY

FOR heroism on 3 and 4 October 1993, while serving as a Chalk Medic for Company B, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment during operations in Mogadishu, Somalia.   On the fast rope insertion, a fellow ranger suffered a C-spine injury. Private First Class Good stabilized, immobilized and extracted his fallen comrade under fire. Though the extraction vehicle was engaged all the way to the rear, he kept his Ranger buddy alive.  Private First Class Good’s dedication to duty and total disregard for personal safety reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.

Name: Marcus Eugene Good D.O.B: 19 March 1970 Hometown: Cook County, Ill. Currently: Venice, Fla. Entered Service: 6 Aug. 1992 Discharged: 29 May 1996 Rank: Private 1st Class Battles/Campaigns: Mogadishu, Somalia Unit:  Bravo Company, Third Army Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Commendations: Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Lapel Button, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Egyptian Parachutist Badge, British Army Parachutist Wings, Royal Thai Army Airborne Wings

After his rookie season, Bleier was drafted into the army, and fought in the Vietnam War. On August 20, 1969, Bleier's platoon was ambushed and Bleier was wounded in his left thigh. While he was down, a grenade sent many pieces of shrapnel into his right leg. Bleier's struggle to recover from his injuries was dramatized in the 1980 film Fighting Back starring Robert Urich as Bleier and Art Carney as Art Rooney.

Bleier would play sparingly from 1971 to 1973 as upon his return he couldn't walk without being in pain, and he weighed only 180 pounds. Chuck Noll, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach, waived him on two occasions, but Bleier would always regain a spot on the roster. An offseason training regimen brought Bleier back to 212 pounds in the summer of 1974. From that point in time, he would be in the Steelers' starting lineup.

In addition to being a great lead blocker, Bleier was the second of the Steelers' rushing weapons, (Franco Harris was the primary back,) but was effective nonetheless at both blocking and rushing. In 1976, both Harris and Bleier rushed for over 1,000 yards.

Bleier played in all four Steeler Super Bowl victories, and caught the touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw that gave Pittsburgh a lead it would never surrender in Super Bowl XIII.

American Built believes American-made is the ONLY way to be.

We are a brand founded by those who served in the Military, AND a brand that continues to support those who have served this country past and present.

-Nick trained to become a Marine sniper—a dream he followed since ninth grade. After three deployments—two to Japan and one to Iraq—he was wounded in service and received a Purple Heart. Nick healed and went through sniper school, advanced sniper training but his injuries hampered his skill set. He received an honorary discharge and returned to his hometown of Pocatello, Idaho to be with family.

“Our future is bright,” Nick said. “We are operating at a higher level for 2018 with more inventory, new designs and focusing on selling online. We will also be (touring) all over the West introducing American Built Clothing to new proud Americans! We started at the bottom with nothing, so there is only one way we can go from there, and that is UP.”

​Edwin brings years of experience directly advising leaders within Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Marine Special Operations Teams, along with various government agencies and International Forces during some of the most chaotic events and harsh environments imaginable. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he held positions to include Section Chief, Flight Chief, and Operations Chief in multiple industries or AFSC’s (Maintenance, Operations, Training, and Special Tactics) while serving. Edwin has been awarded multiple Bronze Stars w/Valor for direct ground combat actions to include citations for service during Natural disaster planning and rescue operations. He has mastered the tools necessary to motivate and create effective teams, develop and guide future leaders, prioritize lines of effort, conflict resolution and risk mitigation, as well as maximizing overall personal and operational performance. 

I started the distillery in June of 2015 while finishing up my last military deployment in Sinton, Texas. It was a disaster response mission; I was the commander of the transportation company responsible for moving any assets West of the Mississippi River. I purchased a 6,000 square foot facility; it used to be a lumber yard, then RadioShack and finally an 8-liner game room until they were outlawed in the county. It is on a good cross road between I37 and I35 right off I77 in South Texas so it is a regular detour between those main thoroughfares. The distillery gets its primary grain, corn from the local grain elevator; B&P Elevator in Sinton that produces mainly deer corn and we get sweet corn from an organic farming operation; Picha Farms in Robstown, TX. We started out making moonshine and several flavored variations of it from the deer corn and sugar from the Rio Grande Valley. As it stands today, we source all of our spirit ingredients from within the state of Texas and are registered with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO Texan program which promotes Texas made and sourced products.

We have expanded nearly 300% since opening, today we utilize a large 250 gallon cast iron boiler with copper stack; that creation is about 20 foot tall at least. Our spirit still utilizes a 100 gallon stainless boiler with a 9 foot copper stack; it’s a cross between a reflux column and pot still that I’ve created. That’s another great thing; we’ve dramatically cut our overhead on equipment by making most of it ourselves. My father helps me refine and construct most of the equipment. For example, I wanted large open fermenters for volume fermentation so we framed in some areas in the warehouse and stretched some pond liner and in the space where only 3- 100 gallon fermenters were working before we are now able to ferment 1,000 gallons. We have 3 of these now, with another 2 nearing completion at the fraction of the cost and room of a large manufactured fermenting vessel.