Bulletproof Veteran Podcast

We break into our regularly scheduled programming to bring you a special interview...This week we welcome friend of the show James Hodgman, United States Air Force Technical Sergeant and spokesman for Team RWB Solano. James talks about the upcoming 9/11 Stair Climb in Mill Valley, California, to honor the first responders who responded to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The Solano Team RWB chapter will meet at Old Mill Park at 64 Cascade Dr. in Mill Valley at 9 a.m. to begin the stair climb on September 16th. The stair climb challenges participants to scale 2,200 stairs while carrying a 40-pound pack. This serves to honor first responders who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center towers on 9/11. The event also serves as a remembrance of the 2,977 people who died in the terrorist attacks. The event is hosted by Team RWB, a nonprofit organization forging America’s leading health and wellness community for veterans. The stair climb is part of Team RWB’s “Monthly Missions,” a series of events that bring veterans and supporters together to accomplish one mission that pays tribute to the nation’s rich military history and provides veterans with a community that encourages a healthy lifestyle. For more information about the event please contact James Hodgman at james.hodgman@teamrwb.org. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Jason Herrick, author of the Life Long Learners series. Jason's first book My Jesus Song is a bedtime lullaby that will remind your child of Jesus's love throughout all the stages of their life. My Jesus Song started as a private story Jason created for his boys, but soon blossomed in to a fully illustrated launching point for his Life Long Learner Series. Drawing from his faith, Jason creates a soothing and welcoming addition to the end of day routine. We discuss the challenges of self publishing a children's book, finding an illustrator, and taking on the task of getting your work out to the world. We also take a deep dive into education, one of Jason's many passions. We discuss the Socratic method, and how current schooling procedures may fall short of what children really need. Jason talks about his desire to start his own school, but also spread his philosophy on education. This philosophy can be applied at home, whether your son or daughter attends public, private, or home school. Jason advocates for parents to take an active role in their children's learning, and stop handing this crucial duty over to other people and organizations. So toss out that old copy of the three little bears and get ready for some fun with this weeks episode! To purchase My Jesus Song go to https://a.co/d/ab4SHwH Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Dustin Baker, President of BioProtein Technology. Humans have been searching for the secret to longevity since the beginning of time. So, it’s no surprise that synthetic HGH treatments made their way onto the market and promised aging adults and athletes alike the fountain of youth. But, in addition to being costly and injectable, they’ve also long been associated with a laundry list of serious side effects like joint pain, swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even type 2 diabetes. For over a decade BioProtein Technology has worked with over 1500 of the industry’s leading Physicians and Practitioners looking to provide their patients with non-synthetic pharmaceutical grade anti-aging and regenerative therapies that work faster, easier, and safer. The result was BioPro+, the first 100% nonsynthetic, alternative to prescription human growth hormone (HGH) treatment. With years of experience working intimately with some of the world's most elite professional athletes, trusted physicians, and even international private security / military personnel Dustin's passion remains the same, to help individuals maximize their physiological and cognitive potential safely. Since his 20's Dustin has been instrumental in the product design and brand development for natural products in the professional athletics, fitness, and medical supply categories. So if the stories of Ponce de Leon's search for the Fountain of Youth resonate with you, get your pen and paper ready for this info packed episode! Check out BioProtein Technology and BioPro+ at https://bioproteintech.com. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Charles Brown, two-term President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). From a very young age, Brown knew he wanted to serve his nation and had a calling to work with military aircraft. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1985 and was trained in aviation ordinance. In 1986, Brown sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a diving accident while serving in Cherry Point, NC. During his initial rehabilitation at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Spinal Cord Injury center in Augusta, GA, he was introduced to PVA and became a member of the Southeastern Chapter. PVA is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946. They have developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of their members – veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injuries and dysfunction. “PVA helped me through the process of filing for benefits,” Brown says. “They gave me ideas for accessible bathrooms and entrances to my house. They have offered me sporting opportunities I never would have thought about.” In 1987, he moved back to his native Missouri. Wanting to give back to the organization who had given so much to him, Brown served on the Gateway Chapter board in a multitude of capacities, including as Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, advocacy director, treasurer, and vice president. While in St. Louis, Brown helped establish the Rolling Rams quad rugby team. He recalls recruiting players by making phone calls to rehab facilities, and even talking to people in wheelchairs at the mall. The team really took off when a couple of recreational therapists got involved and brought athletes with them. Brown believes in helping his fellow Veterans improve their quality of life and is passionate about continuing to help PVA improve the accessibility of our nation. Currently on the USA Boccia team, Brown was selected team captain for the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Ranked 63rd in the world after one international tournament, he fully believes that an active life has kept him healthy. Get ready to be inspired with this week's interview! For more information about PVA go to https://pva.org. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Rebecca Briggs, Gold Star wife and founder of the Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation. Technical Sergeant Dashan J. Briggs made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the 106th NYS Air National Guard unit as a Special Missions Aviator. He and his fellow airmen were flying in a HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter when they crashed on the afternoon of March 15 near the city of Al-Qa’im in western Iraq, where they were performing combat search and rescue operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the American-led coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2021 by Rebecca and family to honor his legacy and keep his memory alive. 2023 is the 3rd year for the Run for Briggs 5k and a 1-mile Kid’s Fun Run, sponsored by the Suffolk County Veterans Run Series . Rebecca is honored to announce that they will be taking over the Memorial Day Kickoff Run on May 28th , 2023. All proceeds from this event will go to the Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation awarding Scholarships to students in Riverhead and Comsewogue High School, and future workshops and seminars to help teach our youth important life skills that are not necessarily taught in schools; such as CPR/AED training, car maintenance, finances, and basic cooking classes, etc. Dashan left two children behind; five-year-old, Jayden and four-year-old, Ava. Since the age of four Dashan’s son, Jayden has completed four 5k’s and two 1 Mile runs. Dashan’s daughter, Ava has completed three 1 mile runs and one 5k since the age of 3. Please come out to see Jayden and Ava set their personal best records on May 28th, as they remember their father and all those lost on Jolly 51. Signup for the Run for Briggs at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/PortJeffersonStation/RunforBriggs For more information about the Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation go to https://djbriggsfoundation.org

This week we welcome C. David Cain to the show. David is the President and CEO of Heroes Home Advantage, the largest hero rebate program in the country for buying or selling real estate. Heroes Home Advantage is a network of Realtors, lenders, attorneys, home inspectors, title companies, and more who wanted to do something to give back to those who protect, serve and care for our country and community. The program offers military, law enforcement, firefighters, health care, emergency personnel, and teachers a discount or rebate when purchasing real estate. Heroes Home Advantage has given back over $20M to our heroes over the last 12 years. In addition to his role with Heroes Home Advantage, David is also a mortgage lender with 24 years of experience. He has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the business. David is customer-focused and works with transparency to provide service that exceeds expectations. Over the last 24 years, David has a proven track record of being a top producer and has been recognized as a Mortgage Lender in the top 1% in the country. So if you are in the market to buy, or sell, your home this is the episode for you! For more information about David and Heroes Home Advantage go to https://www.heroeshomeadvantage.com. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Don Culp, father and Warrant Officer in the United States Army. On January 16th, 2009, Don welcomed the newest edition of the Culp family, Braelyn Aubrey. When she was born, Braelyn never would make eye contact with her mother or Don. Within the first six months, she was flown by helicopter to a children's hospital. She had absence and myoclonic seizures and became very lethargic. This is when Don's family started uncovering some of the causes behind the lack of eye contact. After several doctor's appointments and a few hospitalizations, it was discovered that Braelyn had a chromosomal deletion. All of this unfolded while Don was immersed in Flight School, and continued as he prepared for a deployment. As she got older, the frequency and severity of her seizures increased. Braelyn was delayed with regard to both speech and motor skills. Despite her ongoing issues, she displayed a fighting spirit and a joyful personality. She achieved major milestones, such as learning sign language, feeding herself, talking, and walking. Braelyn was a loving child and, to Don and his family, she was their Superhero! She embodied joy, determination, and a no-quit attitude. Sadly, on October 2, 2012, Braelyn was called home to be with the Lord just three months shy of her 4th birthday. Don and I discuss the difficulties of balancing family and military life, and how the support of community and his unit helped him through this horrible situation. We discuss the Braelyn Aubrey Foundation, their early success and accomplishments, and how Don envisions future growth and advocacy. Most of all, we honor the fighting spirit of his daughter and how we can all strive to harness that same fire in our own lives. For more information about the Braelyn Aubrey Foundation and to donate please go to https://thebraelynaubreyfoundation.org.

This week we welcome Navy Seal, Dave Berkenfield. Dave discusses signing on to be part of the American Legion's Be The One Campaign. We talk about the American Legion and their history of advocating for veterans. Their newest program is focused on combating veteran suicide. Today, the No. 1 issue facing the veteran community is suicide, according to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. The rate of suicide for veterans is more than 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults. The American Legion is activating a national platform to reduce the rate of veteran suicide. The goals of the Be The One Campaign are to destigmatize asking for mental health support, creating opportunity for those with mental health issues to speak freely and get the support they need, provide peer-to-peer support and resources in local communities, and to deploy FDA-approved therapeutics for veterans to identify issues and find resources for support. Dave opens up about how suicide has affected his life, and why he decided to join this important suicide prevention initiative. If we are going to win the battle against veteran suicide, we all need to believe that we are The Ones that can make the difference. Please enjoy this important episode of Bulletproof Veteran Podcast! For more information about Be The One go to https://www.legion.org/betheone. For more information about Chip Ganassi Racing and Extreme E go to https://chipganassiracing.com. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome TSgt James Hodgman to discuss transitioning from military to civilian life. James is a former Security Forces airman, and current public affairs photographer, for the United States Air Force. Anticipating his separation from the military, James wanted to set himself up for success. To that end, he applied and was accepted into the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. SkillBridge provides service members an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. James walks us through how to apply to the program, and also discusses how SkillBridge, coupled with civilian networking, will lead to a smoother transition into a civilian career. We discuss the many pitfalls that military members face when getting ready to separate. He talks about the programs offered through government, and civilian, outlets, and why unfortunately many soon-to-be-civilians fail to take advantage of these opportunities. We also discuss the role NCO's and command play in setting our service members up to be successful when they leave the military behind. Finally, James enlightens us on a new program being used by military branches to combat suicide, the SAFETALK program. Through SAFETALK, service members learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support. James was the first NCO to teach the program at Patrick Space Force Base, FL. So if you are ready to kick off the new year, and your civilian career, with a bang...this is the episode for you. For more information about the DOD SkillBridge Program go to https://skillbridge.osd.mil/index.htm. For more information about SAFETALK go to https://www.livingworks.net/safetalk or check out this article about James and his SAFETALK experience https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/air-force-retiree-changes-lives-with-suicide-prevention-training/ I want to take a moment to thank each and every person that donated and shared our fundraiser for HunterSeven Multi Cancer Screening Kits. Because of each and every one of you a veteran will receive the possibility for early cancer detection. Thank you!!!

This week we welcome Kevin Bloom, founder of the Optimal Warrior. Kevin identifies the Optimal Warrior as individuals dedicated to identifying their inner fears, facing them head on, and taking action to become the best version of themselves. They are men and women of strong will and deep inner purpose. They understand that life is never complete and the challenges will never end. They have fallen in love with the process of growth, vibrancy, and LIVING. Instead of letting the outside world overcome them, they look within, they take each day as if it were their last, and they fight for what they believe in. Kevin decided to dedicate himself to helping the Optimal Warriors continue their missions and tackle their next objectives. We discuss the four pillars of his Optimal Warrior Approach, what it means to be a modern-day warrior, and the importance of mindfulness throughout our lives. Kevin talks about the challenges of starting his business while deployed, and the reaction from his unit when he implemented some of these techniques while overseas. We also discuss starting a podcast, and how it is the perfect tool for reaching out and growing an audience. So whether you are a boot getting to your first duty assignment, or the saltiest veteran on the block, this is the episode for you. For more information about the Optimal Warrior go to https://theoptimalwarrior.com. Please join our efforts in raising money to provide multi-cancer screening for at risk veterans. We have set up a fundraiser with Fund the First, all proceeds will go to the HunterSeven Foundation to purchase Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for veterans identified as high risk through their Immediate Needs Program. To make a donation or to find out more about our fundraiser go to https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/multi-cancer-screening-kits-for-veterans-3eiblv

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! This week we welcome Will Highland, founder of Caritas Apparel. Caritas in Latin roughly translates to charity or the virtue of universal love. They believe that with great partnerships, unique products, and a little bit of love they can make the world a better place, one pair of socks at a time. Their first sock design is dedicated to ending veteran suicide and homelessness. Each day, more than 17 veterans commit suicide and 40,000 experience homelessness. Returning home, many Veterans experience post-traumatic stress, traumatic injuries, substance use disorder, housing insecurities, employment challenges, and more. War doesn’t end on the battlefield, and Veterans need the help of businesses like Caritas Apparel. Will has partnered with the Veterans Community Project and Mission 22, giving back 20% of his companies earnings. Veterans Community Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving homeless and at-risk Veterans with tiny homes, wrap-around support services and emergency assistance,. Mission 22 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to ending Veteran suicide through programs that treat post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, military sexual trauma, and more. So take a moment over the Holiday weekend to give thanks for all of our blessings, and recognize those that are out there helping the veteran community. Crack open that old school can of cranberry, pile a mountain of mashed potatoes on your plate, and enjoy this week's interview. For more information about Caritas Apparel and to purchase their bamboo socks go to https://www.caritasapparel.com. For more information about the Veterans Community Project go to https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org. For more information about Mission 22 go to https://mission22.com. Please join our efforts in raising money to provide multi-cancer screening for at risk veterans. We have set up a fundraiser with Fund the First, all proceeds will go to the HunterSeven Foundation to purchase Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for veterans identified as high risk through their Immediate Needs Program. To make a donation or to find out more about our fundraiser go to https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/multi-cancer-screening-kits-for-veterans-3eiblv

This week we welcome Brian Wadtke, Founder and President of The Veteran Hunter. Brian's mission is to organize hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational activities for our nation's veterans. The Veteran Hunter was born out of a love of nature and an understanding of the healing power of the outdoors. Whether you are climbing a tree stand looking for that perfect buck, trekking miles into the Wyoming wilderness to bag your first elk, or making a pilgrimage to Alaska to cast into traveling salmon nature provides a soul cleansing experience. We discuss why veterans gravitate to the outdoors, specifically the parallels between hunting and military operations. Brian goes over what to focus on as a beginning hunter. We talk about how to spend your hard-earned dollars when looking at gear as a new hunter and outdoorsman. Brian also describes some of The Veteran Hunter's events, including the most recent Gold Star Dad Wyoming Elk Hunt (trust me you are going to want to hear this story!). So spread that grease paint under your eyes, spray your pants down with deer urine, and tell your significant other to hold dinner for you while you enjoy this week's interview. For more information about The Veteran Hunter go to https://theveteranhunter.org. For more information about Brian's firearms training and media production company Triple Feed go to https://www.triple-feed.com. Please join our efforts in raising money to provide multi-cancer screening for at risk veterans. We have set up a fundraiser with Fund the First, all proceeds will go to the HunterSeven Foundation to purchase Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for veterans identified as high risk through their Immediate Needs Program. To make a donation or to find out more about our fundraiser go to https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/multi-cancer-screening-kits-for-veterans-3eiblv

This week we welcome Dale Jenkins, Author of DIPLOMATS AND ADMIRALS: From Failed Negotiations and Tragic Misjudgments to Powerful Leaders and Historic Deeds, the Untold Story of the U.S. Navy’s Victories at Coral sea and Midway. Diplomats and Admirals argues that the war in the Pacific was the result of internal divisions in both the United States and Japan, and possible duplicity within the Roosevelt administration. After continued Japanese expansion in the Pacific in 1941 and the total oil embargo imposed by Dean Acheson, the threat of war escalated. Japanese Prime Minister Konoe realized war with the United States would be disastrous for Japan. He made strenuous attempts to arrange a summit meeting with President Roosevelt but was continually rebuffed by Secretary of State Cordell Hull and his pro-China advisors Stanley Hornbeck and Alger Hiss. Roosevelt’s War Council, oblivious to the power of the Japanese Navy, believed the oil embargo would force Japan to withdraw from southern Indo-China. An agreement with Japan was within reach at the end of November 1941, but Chiang Kai-Shek and Madame Chiang exerted powerful lobbying pressure to prevent an agreement – they wanted the United States in the war to aid China. In response, Hull delivered a demanding diplomatic note, known forever as the Hull Note of November 26, which the Japanese viewed as an ultimatum. The result was Pearl Harbor. Diplomats and Admirals' penetrating historical descriptions and insights before and during WWII and across continents and oceans, culminates at the Battle of Midway, where U.S. Navy carrier pilots snatched victory from defeat in the last possible moments– a decisive victory that stopped further Japanese expansion and turned the momentum of the Pacific War from Japan to the United States. We discuss the parallels between that time, and our current geo-political climate, specifically Russia and China. Dale analyzes why if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. The greatest generation is front and center in this week's interview. For more information about Dale Jenkins and his book Diplomats and Admirals go to https://daleajenkins.com Please join our efforts in raising money to provide multi-cancer screening for at risk veterans. We have set up a fundraiser with Fund the First, all proceeds will go to the HunterSeven Foundation to purchase Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for veterans identified as high risk through their Immediate Needs Program. To make a donation or to find out more about our fundraiser go to https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/multi-cancer-screening-kits-for-veterans-3eiblv

This week we welcome Robyn Grable, founder of Talents Ascend. Talents Ascend is an AI-powered talent sourcing website that matches job-seekers with employers, using skill profiles rather than traditional resumes. Starting with Veterans Ascend, Robyn set out to not only simplify the veteran hiring process, but also to improve the process of matching veterans with employers. She has since expanded this goal to disabled job-seekers, individuals with criminal records, and now the general public. Her inspiration for the company was born out of her own difficulty to find a job after retiring from her military career despite her impressive skillset. One of the problems with today’s hiring process is the requirement for resumes and direct task experience. Enter the Talents Ascend job match tool changing the face of hiring. This AI-Powered talent sourcing algorithm doesn’t require a resume to find jobs. It translates military and civilian occupations into a skillset that is marketed to the specific needs of employers using soft skills like loyalty, teamwork, and dedication. We discuss the challenges veteran, and military spouses, face when trying to find employment; with 37% of veterans underemployed or underpaid, a military spouse unemployment rate of 24%, and 66% of military families on government assistance because of spouse unemployment. Talents Ascend looks to change all of that, and help military and veteran families find not only a "job" but a career. So throw away that old resume that still has a paper route under work experience, and enjoy this week's interview. For more information about Talents Ascend go to https://talentsascend.com. Please join our efforts in raising money to provide multi-cancer screening for at risk veterans. We have set up a fundraiser with Fund the First, all proceeds will go to the HunterSeven Foundation to purchase Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for veterans identified as high risk through their Immediate Needs Program. To make a donation or to find out more about our fundraiser go to https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/multi-cancer-screening-kits-for-veterans-3eiblv

This week we welcome Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America's Warrior Partnership. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force as a Flight Nurse with nine combat deployments and retired as the Deputy Command Surgeon for the United States Special Operations Command after 22 years of service. After serving as the founding director of the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition and as a Special Assistant for Warrior and Family Support to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Jim has stepped up to lead America's Warrior Partnership. AWP partners with communities to prevent veteran suicide. Their programs accomplish this by starting at the community level and understanding the unique situations of veterans and their families. They utilize an upstream approach to veteran empowerment by connecting, educating, advocating for, and collaborating with veterans, their families, caregivers, and the communities that support them. AWP provides veteran-serving organizations with the tools to implement a customized program that is responsive to local veterans, families, and caregivers. At the same time, they provide VSOs with a connection to national resources when a veteran’s request cannot be met locally. This episode is all about fixing a national problem from the community level up, so sit back relax an enjoy this week's interview. For more information about America's Warrior Partnership go to https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org. Please join our efforts in raising money to provide multi-cancer screening for at risk veterans. We have set up a fundraiser with Fund the First, all proceeds will go to the HunterSeven Foundation to purchase Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for veterans identified as high risk through their Immediate Needs Program. To make a donation or to find out more about our fundraiser go to https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/multi-cancer-screening-kits-for-veterans-3eiblv

This week we welcome Ray Murphy, founder of Warriors Healing Network. The Warriors Healing Network was founded to help facilitate psychedelic treatments to combat veterans and police officers who have been diagnosed with PTSD, and require financial assistance to get the help they need to fight for their lives. Ray, and his team, are here to support those members of our community who have tried to address symptoms thru various other more traditional modalities with little to no success. They have been where so many are, and understand the frustration of feeling like you have no other options. Ray describes the healing power of Ayahuasca, and how it changed his life, when all else had failed. He talks about how plant medicine, and Ayahuasca ceremonies in particular, can be very difficult and uncomfortable. Participants will have to step out of their comfort zones and be vulnerable and willing to go “all in” to get the best results. This means sharing traumatic events with others, sharing space with others trying to heal themselves, and holding themselves accountable to making positive changes. Ray explains the importance of surrendering to the process, and understanding the medicine alone will not “cure” you of anything. This program is to help those who are willing to do the work to save their own lives. So shed your preconceived notions of psychedelic medicine, and enjoy this weeks episode. For more information about Warriors Healing Network go to https://warriorshealingnetwork.org. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome John H. Davis, author of Combat to College. John served multiple combat tours as a Infantry Squad Leader in the 101st Airborne Division. After the military, he earned his bachelor’s in history from St. Joseph’s College and his master’s in education from Harvard. Using that experience, John started coaching student veterans, and writing his college success playbook. Combat to College is the guide for student veterans who want to win the college battle. Utilizing the unique skills and discipline you gained in the military, John outlines how to succeed in higher education. In ten straightforward lessons designed by a veteran for veterans, Combat to College teaches you how to navigate the transition to civilian life, build your team and resume, deal with political professors, and endure to graduation. We discuss the importance of a continued mission, and how education can be the next chapter that so many veterans are trying to identify. If you have been staring at the GI Bill eligibility page for the past couple years, but don't know how to get started, this is the episode for you! So break out that VHS tape of Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School", and enjoy this week's interview. For more information about John and Combat to College go to https://www.johnhdaviswriter.com. We are switching it up this week and rather than highlighting a veteran owned business we highlight a veteran author and book... Under My Skin by Omar "Crispy" Avila. Omar Avila has had a life of service dedicated to his country and his fellow veterans. Under My Skin chronicles Crispy's life from his injuries in Iraq, his recover, to being a constant reminder for all of us to get after life everyday that we are here. This is a must read!!! Go to https://www.amazon.com/Under-My-Skin-Omar-Avila/dp/173678725X to get your copy today. Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Ellen Gustafson and Ben Keiser of Vet the Vote. Vet the Vote is a national campaign to recruit veterans and military family members to become the next generation of poll workers. According to Vet the Vote, in the past 3 years alone we have lost over 130,000 poll workers. This has created a crisis for state voting organizations, with 66% of election officials reporting an issue with poll worker recruiting. There are 17 million+ veterans and millions more military family members committed to serving our country. This group is ready to serve again. Ellen and Ben outline why veterans are the perfect candidates to ensure orderly and secure elections. We discuss how Vet the Vote is working with their growing coalition of marquee VSO/MSO coalition partners and through a multimedia awareness and recruitment campaign. We also outline how their organization is working with Power the Polls to make it seamless for veterans and military families to sign up to staff their local polling location and receive all of the information they need to serve. So if you have been looking for your next chapter of service, sit back and enjoy this week's interview. For more information about Vet the Vote, and to sign up to become a poll worker go to https://vetthe.vote or find them on your favorite social media platform. This week's highlighted veteran owned business is DownRange Supplements. DownRange Supplements was founded by two combat veterans with one mission in mind; they wanted to develop a line of fitness and active lifestyle supplements that was quality enough to meet the standards of our country's top operators, and were also available to anyone trying to live a fit and active lifestyle. They took it a step further by adding DownRange Excursions, a Non-Profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor activities, gym memberships and nutritional education to our nations veterans and service members. For more information about their products go to https://downrangesupplements.com and for more information about their non-profit work go to https://www.downrangeexcursions.org Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

This week we welcome Hendrik VanderBellen, Canadian Infantry Officer. Hendrik graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada, and is currently serving as a Platoon Commander in the Canadian Van Doos Mountain Division. We discuss the challenges of entering the military during the onset of the COVID pandemic, and the unique leadership tactics that were deployed while the Canadian military was dispersed. Hendrik talks about the struggle to maintain readiness during a time of reduced conflict, relying on the knowledge of his non-commissioned officers and enlisted corp to pass down lessons-learned. We examine the shared concern for recruiting, and retention, in both the Canadian and American militaries. Hendrik outlines the reasons he believes there is a cyclical issue in the Canadian military when talking about recruiting and retention. Most importantly, we discuss leadership. We look at the principles of good leadership, and how being a young leader in the military is a challenge, but a vital skill for the next generation of warfighters. So pour yourself a Molson Ice and raise a glass to our neighbors to the North, and enjoy this week's episode. This week's highlighted Veteran Owned business is the Drinkin Bros Podcast. Leading the way for veteran podcasts, Drinkin Bros continues to be a voice for the slightly deranged and always interesting veteran community. Their news, sports, and interview shows are the best around. Drinkin Bros has been ensuring you never drink alone for years. Make sure to check out Fake News, Drinkin Bros Sports, and The Citizen Podcast with Dan Holloway. Go to https://drinkinbros.com for more information and make sure to check out https://shop.drinkinbros.com for the best apparel around.

This week we welcome Cole Lyle, Executive Director of Mission Roll Call. Prior to Mission Roll Call, Cole worked as an advisor to senior leadership at the VA and on veteran policy in the United States Senate. As a veteran and advocate, Cole uses his experience in both fields to highlight the voices of 1.4 million members in MRC's network to advocate for veteran's issues across the United States. Cole is uniquely positioned to lead MRC as he knows personally the struggles of military members and veterans. From fighting on the ground in Afghanistan to battling PTSD, and then helping write the PAWs Act after his life was changed thanks to his service dog, Kaya - Cole knows the ups and downs of veteran life. Traditional advocacy groups require veterans to voice their opinions through layers of bureaucracy at their local, state, and national levels, where veterans lose their voice. Using modern technology, Mission Roll Call hears the unfiltered voice of veterans across America and tells their collective story directly to lawmakers and interest groups. Roughly half of veterans are unaffiliated with the VA or any veteran service organization. Mission Roll Call is the first of its kind: a movement that gives every veteran a voice on the issues that are most important to them. It is a community where veterans and their families share stories, voice concerns, and present solutions for their benefit. So if you are ready to have your voice heard from Main Street to Washington...this is the episode for you. For more information about Mission Roll Call go to https://www.missionrollcall.org. This week's highlighted veteran owned business is Thigh Huggers. If you believe in great thighs then show yours off in the industries best "Ranger Panties". So many designs to choose from you just have to head over to thighhuggers.com to see which pair of short shorts fits your personality! Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.