The American Heroes Network Podcast

Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.   Gentlemen thank you for joining today for this special episode.     American Heroes Network President, Jim Klug shares the desire of our network and podcast to promote and preserve this very special day and to reflect upon the supreme sacrifice of the millions of patriots that have perished to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy today.   Topics   In our youth, was  Memorial Day, any different than any other federal holiday to you?   What do you think when you hear or someone says, “Happy Memorial Day?”   What types of activities did your family observe as a tradition, if any?   What influences in our upbringing guided us towards honoring those that gave the last full measure?   As military service Veterans, what do we desire our Nation to understand and do on Memorial Day?   As military service Veterans, discuss the meaning and importance of memorial Day to us.   Thank you for listening!   Jim Klug - President of American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-klug-90b66480/   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network and a Navy and Marine Veteran https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/   Steve Deaton - Co-Host and Interview Scout for American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/

Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard. You can follow Erik here Websites The U.S. Army Center of Military History: www.history.army.mil (Erik created the WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War commemorative sections. Korea is coming in a few weeks)   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erikvillard/   Facebook- Erik's Digital Military Historian group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/290634177756425/ Facebook- Erik's Vietnam War History Org group (over 36,000 members and a non-profit behind it): https://www.facebook.com/groups/431374360216330/   Twitter: @Erikhistorian   Erik also has a bunch of videos on YouTube from various events where he spoke at the National Archives and elsewhere. Here are four videos on CSPAN: https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard   Erik good afternoon and how are you doing today?   Erik I wanted to start off today by telling you why I think this episode is so important. Jim the President of American Heroes Network and the rest of his team feel as strongly about preserving history as you do! Jim often says that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history and he wants to make sure that doesn't happen. He was also a previous National Historian for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. So we believe in the preservation of history and we believe in your mission and wanted to be sure we share it with as many people as we can. Jim was also in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice, received a Purple Heart, and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive.   So Erik tell us about your earlier years, where you grew up, and what first made you interested in military history.   Where does the Doctor come in?   What made you focus so much interest specifically on the Vietnam War era?   You have been involved as a historical consultant in supporting several efforts specifically related to the Vietnam War such as the TV documentary "Raw War: The Lost Film of Dak To", the New York Historical Society's exhibit on the Vietnam War, and the TV documentary "The Vietnam War". Can you tell us about each of these projects? Are there any others projects you have worked on that you would like to mention like your Google Earth project?   Tell us about the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which you created and manage in your spare time. You have written a couple of books, can you tell us about each of them:   The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue   Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War   Erik tell us about your current job with the Army, what you do, how you enjoy it, and about the websites you are currently producing for the Army about WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War as well as the others you are planning to create to span the entire Army history.   How do you connect with the community and share history? How can understanding history help veterans and others?   Tell us your theory on Dungeons and Dragons.   What message would you like to give directly to transitioning military personnel and veterans?   Summary A graduate of Occidental College and the University of Washington, Erik has worked at the U.S. Army Center of Military History since 2000 as a specialist in the Vietnam War. He is the world’s leading expert on the 1968 Tet Offensive and has written two books on the Vietnam War: "The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue" and "Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War". In his personal time he manages the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which has grown to nearly 36,000 members since its inception in 2014. His passion for history and specifically military history has lead him to develop an online visual database of the Vietnam War using Google Earth-based 4-D GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. The Google Earth project will layer (South) Vietnam with Photoshop-enhanced military maps, custom icons, contemporary photos, and colored shapes to identify all of the units, installations, lines of communication, terrain features, engagements, administrative boundaries, and any other information that a researcher might want to view. One of his many goals is to develop a free, crowd-sourced database that will integrate all publicly available information about the Vietnam War for the benefit of veterans, active duty military personnel, simulation experts, educators, students, media organizations, travel groups, and the video gaming community. Erik just loves to help people.   Here is a link to his books: https://www.amazon.com/Military-Erik-Villard-History/s?rh=n%3A5011%2Cp_27%3AErik+Villard   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Chaplain Candidate, Tampa Chapter Leader, & Expansion Team at Veterans For Worship http://veteransforworship.net/ Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood. You can follow Michael here   Websites: www.NeverForgottenMedia.com LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw   Michael thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   Michael before we just jump right into it I wanted to say I loved something personal I saw in your bio description that shows me you're enjoying life and you have a sense of humor. You said "when you're not knee-deep in pre-production you enjoy unicorn pony puppet shows with your three little princesses and your wife". That was really great so please tell us about your family and life at home right now. It sounds like you're loving it.   Tell us about when you joined the military, your rank and what job you did while you served Michael.   What was life like in the military for you? Mixed  - good and bad but for the most part 15 years of services that I miss. Close friends even when we hated each other and a struggle as a leader in combat with two little boys at home.   Was transition from the military easy or hard for you? I transitioned twice, once from active duty then again after reserve duty back on active orders. Change is never easy, I don’t have it all figured out. But I find my best work helping others in their success.   Tell us... your story. I grew up on the run as a kid, always finding new ways of problem solving. Served me very well in the Marine Corps and further refined my passion for helping other succeed. When I saw firsthand how storytelling can save a Marine, a veteran, and a future I jumped in with both feet. Switched my degree path and set out on a mission to help more veterans transition with learning the media arts as an employable skillset.   Tell us about your personal or company's mission. Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets as stepping stones in the forward movement of life.     A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.   Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world? For the most past I would say yes. I think it is a combination of my childhood, growing up in the military, and living life.   Do you feel like you fit in? Not really but that has been my whole life.   What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life? Trying to fit in. Trying to start a corporate career.   How do you connect with the community? Various veteran organizations, church, and just helping people.   What are you doing to help other Veterans? June 7 2020, LCA San Diego Career Exploration summit for Veterans with a disability, spouses and caregivers. I have partnered with a program called Light! Camera! Access! that has been campaigning inclusion and producing events for individuals with disabilities in the media industry for the last 10 years to focus on veterans. Calling all Veterans with disabilities who are aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and media professionals. We salute you and encourage you to apply to LCA Virtual Career Exploration Summit on Sunday, June 7th. Thanks to LCA Producers Steven Allen, President of PolicyWorks and Michael Wood, CEO of @NeverForgottenMedia - both disabled veterans. Check it out. Application deadline is May 21, at 8pm PT. Picture of cast and crew of the CBS TV series Seal Team, films a scene at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels. https://forms.gle/UwPHPGxMJbkMSzQa8   What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful? Find a mentor and find another one.    What if any significant military history fact or event would you like to share with us? Success is superficial and the day we take things for granted, we lose another veteran. “Chesty” Puller’s son, a decorated Marine Corps officer, Pulitzer prize winner, and created a life with his wife and two children after Vietnam; Lewis Puller Jr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot. “He suffered terrible wounds that never really healed" – Toddy Puller   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?   Summary Born in Colorado, grew up in Louisiana, and landed in California with the Marine Corps.   He got to see the world, continually develop doing more with less, and refined his passion for helping others achieve their success.   After returning from Iraq, Michael pivoted as a single dad of two boys to finish a degree he never planned to start: even with combat injuries and learning disabilities. Then after experiencing the cathartic power of storytelling while with wounded warriors, he took on a new mission.   Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets that opens new doors that could not be see before.   A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.   When Michael is not knee-deep in pre-production or the edit bay, Michael now enjoys unicorn pony puppet shows with his three little princesses and his wife.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.   You can follow Dan here Websites: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ and http://www.dannevins.com/ and https://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/   LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wounded-warrior-project/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannevins/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwp and https://www.facebook.com/thedannevins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwp/ and https://www.instagram.com/dannevins/ Twitter: @wwp   Dan thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   So both you and I have a passion for helping veterans!   Dan lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury and the emotional wounds of war.  Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor.   Topics   Tell us about joining and what you did in the military Dan. I joined out of high school and started as a paratrooper. February 2004 when Dan deployed to Balad, Iraq, as a squad leader. Later that year, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After several years of recurring infections and countless surgeries, Dan chose to surgically remove his right leg as well, making him a bilateral amputee.   Transition from the military for you was unexpected and must have been incredibly hard for you, can you tell us about that time? Dan spent 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in recovery. In his first days there, he received a backpack from Wounded Warrior Project, a care package that would greatly impact his personal and professional life. Following medical retirement in 2006, Dan relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he joined the staff of the PGA TOUR.   What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life and how did you end up working for the PGA Tour?   Tell us about Wounded Warrior Project and how you personally got involved with them, what was in that backpack they gave you at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.   I am a huge fan of Wounded Warrior Project and I know several people that work there in Florida, either at the headquarters in Jacksonville or the office in Tampa, which I was able to visit when they hosted IVMF's Onward To Opportunity program that I was part of. You must be a big fan as well as you eventually joined their team and have worked in several positions, but before that you received their highest award, the George C. Lang Award for Courage. Tell us about that.   So Dan I think everyone knows about how Wounded Warrior Project gets Wounded Warriors out of the house and into the community where they can interact with each other at amazing events, but there is so much more to what they do at Wounded Warrior Project. First tell us what are the requirements to be part of the program?   Now let's talk about the rest of the amazing programs that Wounded Warrior Project has that people don't know about since they don't get the same visibility as the others. Let's start with the well know Veteran Outreach Program where veterans meet at events and enjoy some great activities. Combat Stress Recovery Program, Project Odyssey, and the Warrior Care Network Independence Program Physical Health and Wellness Warriors to Work Soldier Ride WWP Talk Benefits   Dan aside from everything you do with WWP you also started in yoga and now teach yoga, tell us about that   Also tell us about Warrior Spirit Retreat Set on a serene organic family farm in St. Augustine, Florida, the holistic retreat will offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and will be free of charge to veterans and their families.   What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?   Summary Dan Nevins is a professional speaker who has been inspiring audiences around the world with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope for more than a decade, and has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, Fox News, CBS News and ABC News among others. A highly decorated soldier, Dan was severely injured during combat in Iraq in 2004 after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle. He lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the emotional wounds of war. Dan credits Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) with his successful rehabilitation, which instilled a “can-do” attitude, positive outlook, and passion for helping his fellow wounded warriors in him. He quickly became an advocate for the organization, inspiring both his peers and the public to create positive change for themselves and those around them, simply by sharing his powerful story. Dan’s charismatic personality and relatable, lively approach resonated with audiences of all shapes and sizes, and he soon found himself sharing his story with hundreds of thousands of people around the world. In 2008, Dan received WWP’s highest honor, the George C. Lang Award for Courage, for his efforts on behalf of the organization. He went on to become the director of WWP’s Warriors Speak program, where he taught other wounded warriors and their caregivers how to share their stories with the public and serve as spokespeople for the organization, much like he had. In 2014, Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga and meditation, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor. Dan began teaching yoga in 2015 and is now a Tier 3 Certified Baptiste Yoga Influencer. Dan incorporates the notion of “yoga for every-body” into his speeches and classes, encouraging people from all walks of life – and veterans in particular – to take up the practice. Word of Dan’s efforts spread quickly, and he has been invited to teach yoga throughout the world, from the White House in Washington, DC to deployed service members in the Middle East as well as Africa Yoga Project in Nairobi, Kenya. Nowadays, when he’s not leading classes for hundreds of participants, Dan can usually be found sharing his passion for life, WWP, yoga and his fellow wounded warriors with the attendees of major events ranging from the Bank of America 500 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and  Stadium of Fire at BYU Stadium to the Wisdom 2.0 Summit in San Francisco. Dan is continuously searching for new ways to help other veterans. He is passionate about his work with Wounded Warrior Project and Warrior Spirit Retreat, a non-profit that he founded, which empowers warriors to greater possibilities by providing them with new tools for healing from the invisible wounds of war. The holistic retreats offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and are free of charge to veterans. Dan is an incredible storyteller who integrates his own powerful and impactful story into a customized keynote or workshop that will inspire your organization with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope.   Dan’s Speaker Reel   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.   You can follow Jon here   Website: www.westpointband.com and https://www.westpointband.com/westpointmusicresearchcenter.html LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-crane-3b851a145/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/westpointband Instagram: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47 Twitter: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47 https://www.americansforthearts.org/users/20525     Jon thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   So Jon, you talk about working at the intersection of music, science, and media. I think we both feel that music is therapeutic and beneficial to health, happiness, ad healing. But you're on a mission to prove it. I look forward to talking about this today but first, we would like to get to know about you…   Topics   Tell us about your military career so far. Where are you from, when did you join, why did you join, and what did you do in the Army before you became part of the band. Did you already have a personal love for music before joining the Army Band?   Tell me about the Army Bands Program focused on how music affects people across all domains.   I am stationed at West Point, NY where we have an Analytics Team and a Music Research Center. How do you quantify and articulate music’s effects on Soldiers and its ability to connect those Soldiers to the public they defend?   Let's talk about music therapy, what it really means, and how it works.   Many who come back from ware are impacted for the rest of their life. Has your research shown that music has a health impact on veterans, especially for PTSD, TBI, and everyday stress relief?   In your article "Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military" you talk about the functional use of music in the military as well as traditional songs in the military for comfort and camaraderie. Can you explain how those shared musical experiences are vital to psychological and emotional recovery after war.   I know Military Musicians were recently awarded the National Medal of the Arts by the President. Can you tell us about that?   You wrote another article called "Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum". Can you talk about how sound could influence the mind, body, and spirit and how early in military history music would bring comfort to soldiers who had been injured?   How are you currently impacting the active-duty military with your research and have you also been able to make an impact in the community of post-service veterans and their families?   You talked about the increased need for creative arts therapies. With the pandemic we are currently facing do you think these things can help now with all the anxiety in the nation?   How can someone get started?   What advice do you have for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families when it comes to music or other forms of therapy and how they can make an impact in lives at a time when everyone is home together, schools are shut down, and life is anything but normal?   Cadet rock band, starting a band? How would you like to be contacted if people want to reach out?   Jon's articles and other links Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/26/music-engagement-for-health-and-wellness-across-the-military-continuum   Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/08/music-bonds-veterans-across-generations-the-essential-role-of-music-in-the-military   Recent Article Jon wrote for the AGCRA https://www.agcra.com/army-bands-keep-us-connected/   NEA Creative Forces Initiative- https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/creative-forces   SoundHealth- https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/sound-health/   Italians Singing during Lockdown- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shows-quarantined-italians-singing-together-from-their-windows-while-country-is-on-lockdown/   Institute for Music and Neurologic Function- https://www.imnf.org/     Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a retired Army Colonel who has led a 5,000 person Infantry Brigade. He understands people and his passion is to make a difference in the lives of others through optimistic leadership. He is the author of "It's Personal, not Personnel, Leadership Lessons for the Battlefield and the Boardroom", Founder & CEO of Investing in People Consulting and Coaching, and the Executive Director of VetToCEO. I would like to welcome Rob Campbell. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is a retired Army Colonel who has led a 5,000 person Infantry Brigade. He understands people and his passion is to make a difference in the lives of others through optimistic leadership. He is the author of "It's Personal, not Personnel, Leadership Lessons for the Battlefield and the Boardroom", Founder & CEO of Investing in People Consulting and Coaching, and the Executive Director of VetToCEO. I would like to welcome Rob Campbell. You can follow Rob here Website: https://www.robcampbellleadership.com/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcampbellleadership/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robcampbellleadership/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/robcampbell_leadership   Rob thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   So Rob, over and over again I see your message of Investing in People. And with everything you do you make that part of it, whether that is consulting, coaching, or being a public speaker. I think that is a powerful and positive message and I want to make that a big part of what we talk about today. But first…   Topics Tell us about your military career. I know you started out as an infantry officer and have served in Iraq and Afghanistan but there is so much more.   Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?   What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?   Tell us about your company, Investing in People Consulting and Coaching and why you are so driven to help people.   Tell us about your book, "It's Personal, not Personnel, Leadership Lessons for the Battlefield and the Boardroom". "Investing is giving" and "Know yourself and know your people".   Rob do you feel like your military experience helped you survive or succeed in the civilian world?   How do you connect with the community?   Tell us all about VetToCEO and how it is helping Veterans?   Aside from participating in the VetToCEO program what action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?   Do you have any advice to give people or companies based on our current situation with everyone having to stay home and companies having to lay off employees? This seems to be an important time to not forget about people and their value.   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?   VetToCEO https://www.linkedin.com/company/vettoceo/ https://www.vettoceo.org/   We are a community of veterans who connect through entrepreneurship and military training. We offer an online, 7-course entrepreneurship program featuring industry guest speakers and interactive modules. Our exclusive program is designed by veteran/entrepreneurs to educate transitioning warriors on the path to entrepreneurship as a business model. FREE to all veterans and military.    We offer the program free of charge to qualified/verified members of the military and veterans. We fund our programs through the generosity of leading corporations, grants, and individuals who have a passion for helping veterans.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

I originally met today's guest at a veteran event where I was speaking on a panel about Veterans in transition. I learned how since moving to Tampa he jumped right into engaging with the startup community to help Tampa grow and be even better. He is a serial entrepreneur, an Air Force Veteran, and the Education Director for Catapult Lakeland. I would like to welcome Robert Blacklidge. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family. I originally met today's guest at a veteran event where I was speaking on a panel about Veterans in transition. I learned how since moving to Tampa he jumped right into engaging with the startup community to help Tampa grow and be even better. He is a serial entrepreneur, an Air Force Veteran, and the Education Director for Catapult Lakeland. I would like to welcome Robert Blacklidge.   You can follow Robert here   LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmblacklidge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMBlacklidge Twitter: @RMBlacklidge   Robert thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   So Robert we have a lot to talk about with you being involved in so many things that Veterans need to know about. You seem to be all about reinventing yourself and taking a leap of faith in a new direction so I am really going to enjoy hearing your perspective today. There is Operation Startup and Biz Sprint, the Startup Bus, Tampa Bay Startup Week, and more.   Topics First tell me a little bit about what you did in the military. Was transition from the military (or military life) easy or hard for you?   What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?   Talk about climbing the mountain.   So you’re a serial entrepreneur and you love education. One of the businesses you started was Course Align and now you are the Education Director for Catapult Lakeland. Tell us why education is so important to you. Let's talk about some of the other things that you have been involved in. I know the knowledge you have could benefit Veterans. Some of these are Veteran specific and some are not but I think the more information people have on what is out there the better.   Operation Startup- where we first met.   Biz Sprint   The Startup Bus   Tampa Bay Startup Week   The Startup Santa   Wasn’t there even a Startup Cruise?   1 Million Cups   Startup Grind   Techstars Startup Weekend   Action Zone- Effectuation Camp Creator   CO.STARTERS- Action Zone and Catapult Lakeland   Has your military experience helped you in the civilian world?   How do you connect with the community outside of the startup world?   What else are you doing to help other Veterans?   For transitioning Veterans, what action items list would you give them?   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?   Robert Blacklidge is fondly known as Startup Santa. USAF Veteran and serial entrepreneur. His work building the Lakeland Ecosystem has had and continues to have a significant impact. Robert has worked to bring several international programs to the Lakeland community. (1 Million Cups, Startup Grind, and Techstars Startup Weekend.) Additionally, he facilitates CO.STARTERS. It is through these efforts and the efforts of others that Lakeland has garnished national recognition. Highlighted in Inc Magazine as one of the nation's best cities to start a company. These current efforts are built on his past experience creating and running Hackathons including Office Depots, IEEE, Code Tampa, Startup Bus, and Biz Sprint. Robert volunteers running programs for several organizations to include Action Zone a veteran-focused business accelerator and Techstars Startup Weekend.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

I met today's guest while volunteering at Project Transition USA. He dedicates time to taking professional headshots of Veterans for free so they can have a great photo for their LinkedIn profile. He is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who flew 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross 7 times. He served a total of 22 years in the Air Force. He is now the Founder and photographer of Pics In The Glenn, I would like to welcome Glenn Nielsen. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family. I met today's guest while volunteering at Project Transition USA. He dedicates time to taking professional headshots of Veterans for free so they can have a great photo for their LinkedIn profile. He is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who flew 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross 7 times. He served a total of 22 years in the Air Force. He is now the Founder and photographer of Pics In The Glenn, I would like to welcome Glenn Nielsen. You can follow Glenn here Website: http://tampabeginnings.com/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-nielsen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TampaBeginnings/ Twitter: @GlennPics Glenn thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   Topics Tell us about what you did in the military. Transition from the military (easy or hard)? What was it that caused you to start your business? Tell us about your company's mission. What were the steps you took to get your business up and running? Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner? What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started? What is the key to the success of your business? Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business? Are you going to use your business in some way to either help or hire other Veterans? What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with future Veteran business owners? For transitioning Veterans what action items list would you give them?   Summary In this episode with Glenn we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own journey! Learn to show emotion Join groups to help you discover your passion and get used to talking to groups of people. Examples would be Meetup.com, toastmasters, and the local rotary club Learn how to talk about yourself Find a mentor or trainer Here is a quote from Glenn, "The best athletes in the world have trainers, and if you think you are better than they are and you don't need a trainer then I think your cheating yourself"   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a funny guy that loves to put a smile on people's faces. He loves family and kids and has a passion for teaching kids of all ages how they can learn something fun and become successful. He is an Army Veteran and the Co-Founder & Executive Producer of Real Life Productions which produces Youth Center Stage, Unscripted DC, Mystery Theater, and more. I would like to welcome Darren Council. ----more----   Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is a funny guy that loves to put a smile on people's faces. He loves family and kids and has a passion for teaching kids of all ages how they can learn something fun and become successful. He is an Army Veteran and the Co-Founder & Executive Producer of Real Life Productions which produces Youth Center Stage, Unscripted DC, Mystery Theater, and more. I would like to welcome Darren Council.     You can follow Darren here   Website: www.reallifeproductionsllc.com and https://www.youthcenterstage.com LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-council-854a114/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rlpevents/ and https://www.facebook.com/youthcenterstage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlpllc/ and https://www.instagram.com/youthcenterstage Twitter: @RLP_Events and @youthcenterstag       Darren thank you for serving and how are you doing today?     Topics     So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military.   Transition from the military (easy or hard)   You went through several jobs after getting out   Now for the daycare you and your wife started were you right in the middle of it taking care of the kids or were you doing something else?   What was it that caused you to start your business?   Tell us about your company's mission Real Life Productions (Unscripted DC, The Game Show- Mystery dinner theater)   Now Youth Center Stage is something else you started that is a branch off of RLP   I like how it is broken down into different things you can learn for different age groups. I also like how one of those has to do with becoming an author. I am actually writing a book and started out with no experience so I see the value in teaching that.   What were the steps you took to get your business up and running?   Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?   What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?   What is the key to the success of your business?   Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business?   Are you going to use your business in some way to either help or hire other Veterans?   What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with Veterans?   For transitioning Veterans what action items list would you give them?     Where do you think you will find yourself in 3 to 5 years?   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?     Summary   In this episode with Darren we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own journey!     Always keep your goal or vision in mind so you don’t get off track   Figure out your purpose, your why for starting a business   Create a business plan, figuring out the demographic, who are you selling to, and more helps you focus, which helps sales   Make sure to have a wow statement, you never know when you will be speaking to an investor   Be sure to network, network, network- relationships in business are important   Get a team of advisors for feedback and motivation   Attend a local 1 Million Cups event to get feedback from other business owners   Be on the same page with your spouse, your business will run much smoother   Thank you for listening!     Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/     Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an acclaimed filmmaker & documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires, and heals. He is a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient and has created and produced two films for Veterans. He is a compassionate man with Godly values who never stops helping others to begin the journey of healing. He is Founder & Owner of EC Productions. I would like to welcome Eric Christiansen. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an acclaimed filmmaker & documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires, and heals. He is a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient and has created and produced two films for Veterans. He is a compassionate man with Godly values who never stops helping others to begin the journey of healing. He is Founder & Owner of EC Productions. I would like to welcome Eric Christiansen. You can follow Eric here   Websites http://www.unmaskinghopethemovie.com http://www.ecproductions.com/ http://www.searchingforhomethemovie.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-christiansen-b8338a7/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Searchingforhome/ https://www.facebook.com/unmaskinghope Twitter https://twitter.com/unmaskinghope YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpNvbex7REI&feature=youtu.be   Eric good evening and how are you doing today?   I wanted to start sharing a little bit about you with everyone so they understand how you got to the point of helping Veterans, and others dealing with trauma. So you had a love of filmmaking from an early age and turned that into a career. And during that time you became a trauma survivor yourself as a result of the Painted Cave Fire in California. I know you had to deal with the loss of your home and possessions and you turned that experience into something that would help others. Today we are going to share your story and your passion for making a difference in the world through film.   So Eric tell us about your early years in film and then about the fire 2nd grade 8-12 years old wanting to make films Professionally since 13 The fire on June 27th, 1990 took his house and possessions   How did the fire change your life Anger after the fire, lost everything material Drinking problem Got some spiritual help Jan 13, 1991, stopped drinking   Tell us your story I have worked in trauma recovery-related films for over 25 years and with veterans in the last 18 years. I have produced and directed to films about the truth, the healing and hopes of our veterans. “Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey” and “Searching for Home Coming back from War.” Run for the Wall – The motorcycle pilgrimage across the country to the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C.   The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico.   First film: Faces In the Fire Used by the national institute of mental health Huge clinical value   Tell us about your personal & company mission since finding God and a calling to help others EC Manifesto/Personal Mission: To create socially conscious, God-honoring films. To present non-partial, non-political and judgment-free portrayals of the human journey. To promote tolerance, understanding and above all empathy. To tell the unmitigated truth of life and the subsequent journey to healing (in some cases) and to always uncover and display the hope in any situation. To fearlessly become aware of and to work outside "the box" and the normal channels as they are opened up by the ultimate producer, God.   Allowing God to direct him in his day, things start to happen and grow Prayer is great but God is waiting for us on the other end of action he is waiting for us to show up Belief in higher power and letting go Do his work and he will help you, it's a working relationship   How do you connect with the community? I am intrinsically linked through friends and past subjects in my films.   How are your films helping Veterans? The two levels of connection and healing the films deliver are creating awareness and identification for our audiences. Giving Hope.   Eric let's talk about your latest project unMASKing HOPE and why it is so important in today's world.   Please tell us all about that and when we can look forward to seeing it. No set date yet, about to go into post-production.   What action items would you give transitioning military or Veterans in order to be successful? Find others like you! You are not alone!   Thank you!     About Eric   Eric Christiansen is an acclaimed documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires and heals. Christiansen, a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient, explores the impact of trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and how a powerful platform for hope can be built to help trauma survivors begin the vigilant journey of healing. A trauma survivor himself, Christiansen worked through the loss of his home and possessions in the Painted Cave Fire by creating his first film Faces in the Fire 25 years ago.   All of his films (Faces in the Fire, Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, Searching for Home: Coming Back from War) have been transformative in the recovery process for thousands of people whose lives have been compromised mentally, spiritually and physically by trauma. Leveraged as educational tools by top mental health institutions, Christiansen's films migrate from the entertainment arena into environments that help additional audiences navigate the profound collateral damage trauma creates not only on the individual but the family and community as well.    "Searching for Home" is strikingly photographed by Mr. Christiansen and is sure to give comfort and support to countless veterans and their families.” the New York Times said prophetically of Eric's most recent work, "Searching for Home: Coming Back from War", a critical, audience and social success.   Eric directed, photographed and edited this film that brought the message of truth, healing and hope to millions. The film was first released theatrically then went on to public television with over 2300 airings in less than three years.   Anita Gates of the New York Times called Eric Christiansen’s documentary "Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, “a surpassingly worthy…touching film.”  Eric’s other independent documentary, about grief recovery following a natural disaster, “Faces in the Fire” garnered critical acclaim including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement Documentary. The film is still being used today by the National Institute of Mental Health for training counselors and comforting survivors.   Throughout his career, Christiansen has also created content for major networks including Discovery, TLC, PBS, MTV, and an Imax film.   I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Searching for Home: Coming Back from War is available on: iTunes • Amazon Prime • Vudu • Google Play • YouTube • TubiTV • Pluto TV • Gravitas Pictures   His new film UnMASKing HOPE follows a disparate group of people whose extraordinary stories of survival most of us have heard only in snippets on the news. Having lived through mass shootings, terror attacks, combat and sexual assaults, these brave trauma survivors don “masks” to hide their pain and suffering as they navigate their new existence that is often stymied by PTSD, physical injury and emotional turmoil. In order to heal, they must confront what’s happened to them and begin their journey from seclusion to inclusion. And as we follow their moving stories, we are all inspired to find hope again and be who we were born to be.   I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a horse riding, gun-toting, veteran loving cowgirl. She runs a horse ranch that helps veterans and is the mom of a veteran. She is CEO & Founder of Crusaders Valor for Veterans. I would like to welcome Tracey Nazarenus. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is a horse riding, gun-toting, veteran loving cowgirl. She runs a horse ranch that helps veterans and is the mom of a veteran. She is CEO & Founder of Crusaders Valor for Veterans. I would like to welcome Tracey Nazarenus. You can follow Tracey here   Website: https://valorforveterans.us/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-ann-nazarenus-85628b68/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valorforveterans/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrusadersCowgirls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.nazarenus   Tracey good evening and how are you doing today?   So you and your team of cowgirls are doing everything you can to help veterans and you are waking America up to the fact that veterans are out there and they need our support. Tell us what ties your heart to the military, was it your son joining and serving in the military or is it more than that?   My dad is a veteran and my son after coming back from Afghanistan was not the same boy as when he left. Watching him suffer made me realize someone had to be their voice and help them.   What branch did your son serve in, what did he do, what rank was he while in, and what does he do now?   My son served in the Army for four years, in the Navy for four years. He was an E-4 and he served in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009.   You found out after he served in Afghanistan that he was struggling with what he had experienced. I'm sure that broke your heart as a mother. Is this what made you take action to help Veterans?   There are no real words for how I felt after seeing and continuing to see my son suffer daily for serving our country. Our veterans deserve far more than this country gives them in return for their sacrifice.   Tell us the story of how it all started with Chuck and the horses to you starting the Second Chance Ranch.   The story about Chuck.   This led to the creation of the Rodeo Royalty Veterans Horse Program. Tell us all about that and what exactly they do.   We currently have two different teams the Older team Cowgirl4veterans, The VALOR SQUAD and the Rodeo Royalty THE CRUSADERS SQUAD. We promote veterans and the military across Colorado and the United States. If you're in Colorado you can come and ride a horse otherwise we have the triage program where we pay rent utilities and food for veterans in emergency situations the request for help form is on our website. So now tell me all about the Crusaders Valor For Veterans.   We are a 501 C3 nonprofit veterans organization we are 100% transparent all information is on our website we are at triage program we help veterans in emergency situations with rent utilities and food. We are one of the only organization that helps all veterans you do not have to be post 911 to get assistance, the requirements are Must be on a be discharged honorably signed up and serve the time you agreed to and have a plan moving forward after we help you.   Tracey how does your Christianity play a part in everything you do?   God guides my heart my soul and my gut and everything that I do from Veteran to family and every aspect of my life.   How do you connect with the community?   Crusaders Valor for Veterans is involved in our community-related military or veterans causes or events and Live in Colorado you can come out to that second chance ranch and spend time with the horses and the dogs and the Rodeo Royalty team. What is your call to action for Americans?   Americans need to wake up and realize our veterans served for our safety and freedom and it is now time that we help them back, stop thinking everyone else is doing it. They served for you Start looking for the veterans in your community and see what you can do for them. What action items would you give transitioning military or Veterans in order to be successful in life?   If you were in the military and about to be done with your time you need to sign up for every single program the VA offers. Do not wait until you need their help because you will not get it right away. It will take years to get help so sign up for it all and get a rating.   So you and your team of cowgirls are doing everything you can to help veterans and you are waking America up to the fact that veterans are out there and they need our support.   Ride into the sunset! I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army combat disabled veteran that served in Iraq. He has received the Bronze Star and been awarded the Veterans Voices Award. He even rejoined the military and is the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. As a member of the DAV, he has held several positions and is now the current National Commander of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Stephen “Butch” Whitehead. ----more----   Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.     Today's guest is an Army combat disabled veteran that served in Iraq. He has received the Bronze Star and been awarded the Veterans Voices Award. He even rejoined the military and is the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. As a member of the DAV, he has held several positions and is now the current National Commander of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Stephen “Butch” Whitehead.   You can follow Butch here   Website: www.dav.org LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/davhq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAV/ Twitter: @DAVHQ Instagram: @DAVHQ   Butch thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   So Butch my last three interviews were Vietnam Veterans who were all previous National Commanders of the DAV. One of the reasons for that is that this month is the anniversary of the Vietnam Tet Offensive and at American Heroes Network we are remembering what those serving in the U.S. military went through over there. The other reason was to share these stories of survival and to show how faith, hope, and a little determination can result in happiness and success no matter what you have been through. As they all told their stories we can see how the DAV helped them and then how they thrived as part of the DAV family It really seems like the DAV is a great asset for the veteran community so I would like to talk about that today. But first, let's start at the beginning with you.   Topics   When did you join the Army and what job did you do in the Army?   You fought in Iraq and received a head injury. Can you tell us about that?   Was the recovery time hard?   Tell us about your Bronze Star for service in Iraq and about receiving the Veterans Voices Award.   How did you become part of the DAV?   What roles did you server in before becoming a National Commander?   Tell us about rejoining the military and becoming the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. And why they are called the "Red Bulls".   Tell us about the DAV's programs and initiatives available to help veterans today.   What action items would you give to our transitioning military or to those veterans already out who may be in need?   I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/     Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. While flying a helicopter and attempting to save troops in Vietnam he was shot down but he survived. As a member of the DAV he has spent a lifelong career serving other veterans. He is also a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Ron Hope. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. While flying a helicopter and attempting to save troops in Vietnam he was shot down but he survived. As a member of the DAV he has spent a lifelong career serving other veterans. He is also a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Ron Hope. Ron thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   Ron it's an honor to have you on today to talk about your story. I know you didn't serve an entire career on active duty but you have spent a lifetime with the DAV serving and helping other Veterans and that mission is just as important.   Topics So let's start at the beginning did you always want to be a pilot and how did you end up joining the Army? What types of aircraft did you fly?   So tell us about that day in Vietnam when you were shot down?   Was the recovery time hard?   So after the military you returned to Texas and got a degree in Business Administration, what did you do after that? Did you go into the DAV right away or did that come a bit later?   What made you decide to join the DAV?   Tell us about the DAV "Alive Day" and where that started, and then tell us about your Alive Day.   Ron as an expert in veterans benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs programs for injured and ill veterans what advice can you give to us or what programs should we be aware of that we may not know about? Tell us about the World War II Navy veteran you helped. I think it is a great example of the needs that other Veterans have but they don't realize they can get.   So you eventually became a DAV National Commander. Tell us about that.   Ron I read that you got to team up with the HISTORY® Channel and American Pickers® for a once-in-a-lifetime pick-along and you got to spend the day with Mike Wolfe uncovering Army aviation items for the Vietnam era. Tell us about that.   What would you say directly to others who are facing mental and physical challenges right now? I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/   Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. A year into his service, he stepped on a landmine, immediately losing both legs and an arm. He survived and went on to achieve success as a father, a business owner and, as a national commander of the DAV. I would like to welcome Jim Sursely. ----more----   Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. A year into his service, he stepped on a landmine, immediately losing both legs and an arm. He survived and went on to achieve success as a father, a business owner and, as a national commander of the DAV. I would like to welcome Jim Sursely.   Jim thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   I appreciate you coming on today t tell us about what you have been through and how you survived. I am grateful for that and for how you now take that suffering and that experience and use it to help other Veterans survive as well. You teach others that there is hope no matter how dark the moment might seem.   Topics   What did you do in the Army?   So after boot camp and training for your job sent to Germany, but you didn’t like it there a so you volunteered for duty in Vietnam, tell us about Germany and why you wanted to leave.   Jim was injured by a landmine. The force of the blast and the accompanying fireball saved his life, cauterizing his wounds nearly as fast as they removed his limbs.   Jim talks about when he totally and completely realized what he had lost.   First, you went back home and attended college, tell us about that.   Jim talks about moving to Florida and went into real estate. To date, he is the top active seller of homes in the Apopka community, which he calls home.   He talks about being married, though his first marriage ended in divorce. He was confident. He’d grown and evolved. He remarried and he and second wife Jeannie run their business. He has four children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.   So you joined the DAV in 1970 and became the national commander in 2004. Tell me what the DAV did for you and what you were able to accomplish for others after becoming the national commander.   I read you had met a president, which one?   Jim talks about how he connects with and mentors younger veterans returning from the current wars who are going through challenges he’s faced over the last five decades.   “Look, I’ve been in the chair now for more than 30 years,” he recalls telling the younger veteran. “Believe me, if you want a whole and interesting life, you can still have that. I’m living proof that it’s possible, and I’m no different than you are.”   So you like hunting?   What would you say directly to others who have gone through the same thing as you and maybe struggling or to those who are facing it right now?     I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/   Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. Six weeks into his service, he was wounded by a 500-pound bomb that exploded under his truck. He was Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1997 . He is a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Bobby Barrera. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family. Today's guest is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. Six weeks into his service, he was wounded by a 500-pound bomb that exploded under his truck. He was Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1997. He is a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Bobby Barrera. Bobby thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   One of the reasons I am so grateful for having you on today is that what you have been through is far greater than most of have ever had to deal with, and you survived. I am grateful for that and for how you now take that suffering and that experience and use it to help other Veterans survive as well. You teach others that there is hope no matter how dark the moment might seem.   Topics Bobby enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1969.   Marine Vietnam Veteran who was seriously burned when enemy forces exploded a 500-pound bomb rigged as a land mine beneath the armored personnel carrier he was traveling in.    Eight Marines were severely burned as the resulting fuel tanks created a tremendous fireball.   Bobby talks about asking his father to shoot him. “I’m glad he didn’t,” he added. “I would never follow through with suicide, because of my relationship with God, but it’s scary to think about it.”   According to Bobby, the physical recovery was easy compared to learning to live as a double amputee. The biggest struggle, though, was finding a reason to live.   The turning point, he said, was on April 27, 1974, the day he married his wife, Maricelia.   “My real ‘Alive Day’ is when I married her,” he recalled. “That’s when I started doing things I never thought I could do.”   Despite a career helping veterans cope with their experiences of war, Bobby was facing his own internal struggle. “Even though I told people I was counseling that it was alright to get help, I didn’t think it was for me,” Bobby said.   As his pain worsened, suicide again began to creep into his thoughts. His wife Maricelia convinced him to get the help he needed.   He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Education degree in guidance and counseling. He was a high school teacher, and he counseled Veterans for 40 years but still struggled himself. He was finally diagnosed with PTSD.   Bobby said "Because of my disability, just like those many strangers who visited me at the hospital many years ago, I was able to share my belief that there is hope.  I feel it was God using me to accomplish His mission".   Bobby was asked to add a quote to a memorial in Washington D.C. that reads, “I have a purpose in life, and that’s been to help other military families through some of what I had to go through. If what I went through will help other military families, then I’m okay with that.”    I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Corps Veteran and security professional turned entrepreneur. He has served at U.S. Embassies in Yemen, Japan, and India. He is CEO & Co-Founder of Veterati. I would like to welcome Daniel Rau. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is a Marine Corps Veteran and security professional turned entrepreneur. He has served at U.S. Embassies in Yemen, Japan, and India. He is CEO & Co-Founder of Veterati. I would like to welcome Daniel Rau.   You can follow Daniel here   Website: http://veterati.com/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielprau/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VETERATI/ Twitter: @VETERATI   Daniel thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   Topics   So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military   Transition from the military (easy or hard)   What was it that caused you to start your business?   Tell us about your company's mission   What were the steps you took to get your business up and running?   Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?   What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?   What is the key to the success of your business?   Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business?   What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with Veterans?   For transitioning Veterans what action items list would you give them?   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?   I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!     Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/   Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Corps combat Veteran that has dealt with TBI and PTSD so he understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. He is the Co-Founder of Operation: Art of Valor helping other Veterans heal. I would like to welcome Chris Stowe. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family. Today's guest is a Marine Corps combat Veteran that has dealt with TBI and PTSD so he understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. He is the Co-Founder of Operation: Art of Valor helping other Veterans heal. I would like to welcome Chris Stowe. You can follow Chris here Website: https://www.moreanartscenter.org/operation-art-of-valor/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnstowe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OperationAOV/ Chris thank you for serving and how are you doing today? Topics What was life like in the military for you?   Tell us more about being an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, what you do, how you do it.   Being deployed 6 times and spending time in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations what have you had to dispose of and have you had to do that while under fire?   Was transition from the military (or military life) easy or hard for you?   You spent some time as part of the House Committee for Veterans Affairs, tell me about that. Tell us about the Morean Arts Education Center, the Morean Hot Glass studio, and Operation: Art of Valor What is the mission of Operation: Art of Valor   Tell us about your recent visit from Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world? Do you feel like you fit in? What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life? How do you connect with the community? What else are you doing to help other Veterans?   Talk about creative writing classes and workshops through Operation: Art of Valor For transitioning Veterans, what action items list would you give them? Where can people find you if they want to reach out? Summary In this episode with Chris we heard some great advice and even learned about some other helpful resources: National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) https://tricare.mil/mtf/WalterReed/Health-Services/M_S/NICoE Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/creative-forces Veterans Writing Project https://veteranswriting.org/ The Boot Campaign https://bootcampaign.org/ Here are the links to books that Chris mentioned where he is an author O dark thirty (Chris's story is “One Summer Night”) https://www.google.com/amp/s/veteranswriting.org/2015/12/01/2016-pushcart-prize-nominations/amp/ Retire the Colors https://www.amazon.com/Retire-Colors-Veterans-Civilians-Afghanistan/dp/1944079076 More about the visit from the Second Lady, Mrs. Karen Pence The Second Lady, Mrs. Karen Pence visits the Operation: Art of Valor workshop for veterans battling PTSD in St. Petersburg to see the program in action and have a round table discussion with Chris Stowe and some of the program participants and their spouses. https://www.fox13news.com/news/second-lady-attends-art-workshop-for-veterans-battling-ptsd-in-st-petersburg?fbclid=IwAR3TnUgtxgNPld4zME6HCY24-dcp3T4SmQMYXeE7w8fc7GHft1MXniTK3rI   More about Chris Stowe Chris Stowe is a retired USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant. The majority of his career he was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, deploying 6 times in that capacity to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations in support of the War on Terror. Chris also completed a Congressional Fellowship that allowed him to be a voice for military and veterans while working as a professional staff member on the House Committee for Veterans Affairs. Multiple blast exposures in combat caused several issues, TBI and PTSD being chief among them. While participating in treatment at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in 2013, Chris was exposed to Creative Arts Therapies, and learned oil painting, creative writing, and to play the ukulele. Chris’s response to creative arts therapies blossomed into a creative outlet that included published military non-fiction stories and a lifelong pursuit of glassblowing. Chris co-founded Operation: Art of Valor in late 2017 in co-operation with the nonprofit Morean Arts Education Center, and was the first community-based network to provide no cost classes in glassblowing to referrals from the James A. Haley VA in Tampa. Chris has been married to Brandy Stowe for the past 20 years, and they have two children. Chris and his family enjoy the outdoors, zoos, and aquariums, and both children are at the competitive level in lacrosse and horse riding. Chris works full time as the director of safety and security for a school district, and volunteers his time every Sunday to teach veterans glassblowing. Chris recently was accepted into a MFA program for Creative Writing, and his intent will be to offer CW classes and workshops through Operation: Art of Valor once completed. I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us. Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a chaplain with a goal of improving Veterans lives. She is an Army Veteran so she understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. She leads a team that provides the spiritual guidance Veterans still need after the military. She is the Founder of Veterans For Worship. I would like to welcome Debbie Maund. ----more----   Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.     Today's guest is a chaplain with a goal of improving Veterans lives. She is an Army Veteran so she understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. She leads a team that provides the spiritual guidance Veterans still need after the military. She is the Founder of Veterans For Worship. I would like to welcome Debbie Maund.   You can follow Debbie here   Website: http://veteransforworship.net LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-maund-64383617/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeteransForWorship/ Twitter: @Vets4Worship   Debbie thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   Topics   So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military.   Transition from the military (easy or hard)   What was it that caused you to go in that direction and start your own business?   Tell us about your company's mission   Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?   What is the key to the success of your business?   What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with others?   For transitioning Veterans, what action items list would you give them?   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?   Summary   In this episode with Debbie we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own journey!   Networking is critical to success   Get involved with the community   Make prayer part of your plan   Make sure you purpose is helping people   You have to believe in your vision and be sure you put people first     I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/   Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is Ben Peterson. Ben is the CEO & Founder at Engage Your Destiny, a ministry that inspires young people to engage with God and find their purpose. Ben is also an Army veteran who had the unique job of being the Chaplain's assistant during the Iraq war. Ben believes in the power of telling stories to help people through their own struggle. He also brings this message to Veterans about sharing their story, healing, and finding their freedom. ----more---- Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family. Today's guest is Ben Peterson. Ben is the CEO & Founder at Engage Your Destiny, a ministry that inspires young people to engage with God and find their purpose. Ben is also an Army veteran who had the unique job of being the Chaplain's assistant during the Iraq war. Ben believes in the power of telling stories to help people through their own struggle. He also brings this message to Veterans about sharing their story, healing, and finding their freedom.   You can follow Ben here Website: https://engageyourdestiny.com/for-military/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-peterson-6509254a Twitter: @thebenpeterson   Today Ben will talk to us about his journey and what he has learned along the way, and share some guidance on healing your spirit and finding your purpose.   Ben thank you for serving and how are you doing today?   I have to ask, at one point you were volunteering as an electric guitar player and worship team leader. That sounds awesome. Do you still get to do any of that?   I volunteer time as an IT guy for the church since that is what I do but I'm sure that is nowhere near as exciting as being on stage.   I also saw one of the things you like to do in your spare time is rally car race driving. You were tagged in a video with a yellow car starting a race at the Nemadji Trail Rally. Tell me about that.   Questions   So transition from the military, was that a hard or easy road for you and why?   In one of your videos I loved what you said about God having a sense of humor when you were telling your story about going into the Army so that you could be in Special Forces but then found out you were color blind so you ended up being the Chaplains assistant/body guard. I have thought God has a sense of humor many times. What was it like having that kind of role in the Army?   Tell us a little more about Engage Your Destiny and what it is doing for people and Veterans   What steps did you take to start your business?   Did your military experience and training help prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?   What were some of your concerns when starting your business?   What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?   Ben I generally ask what is the key to the success of your business. In this case I think the answer is that God has your back! Other than that what would you say is the key to the success of your business?   Do you think your military experience is responsible for the success in your business or are there other things you had to apply and learn along the way?   What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with other Veteran business owners?   A quote from Ben: Advancement in life, of any kind comes from favor with God and man. This favor is created through real, authentic relationships. Relationships with people that are genuine, selfless and heartfelt are possible because from the inside out, your relationship with God is saturating everything and everyone you come in contact with.   Ben I appreciate your time today. I think this interview has been the perfect one to start off the new year considering what you are doing is for the Kingdom of God and to help people find their purpose, their destiny, and their freedom.   Summary   In this episode with Ben we heard some great advice:   Find a great guide or mentor from the business world   Have a business plan and financial forecast   Check out SBA.gov for information on writing a business plan: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan   Surround yourself with good people and community   When creating relationships or partnerships find out what you can do for them as well   Get out of your comfort zone   I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/ Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army Veteran that served as a Ranger. He transitioned and is now the President & Founder of Black Dog Merchant Solutions. I would like to welcome Nick Ford. ----more----   Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.   Today's guest is an Army Veteran that served as a Ranger. He transitioned and is now the President & Founder of Black Dog Merchant Solutions. I would like to welcome Nick Ford.   You can follow Nick here   Website: http://www.blackdogatm.com/ LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwford/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackdogatm Twitter: @blackdogatm     Nick thank you for serving and how are you doing today?     Topics   So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military   Looks like you moved into IT after the military before starting your own business   Transition from the military (easy or hard)   What was it that caused you to start your business?   I like the name, why did you choose that? Black Dog Merchant Solutions   I also like the American flag on the ATM   Tell us about your company's mission   I really like Your ATM machine will automatically donate a portion of the profits to a veteran charity of your choice.   What were the steps you took to get your business up and running?   Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?   What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?   What is the key to the success of your business?   Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business?   Are you going to use your business in some way to either help or hire other Veterans?   What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with future Veteran business owners?   For transitioning Veterans wanting to start their own business what action items list would you give them?   Where do you think you will find yourself in 3 to 5 years?   Where can people find you if they want to reach out?     Summary   In this episode with Nick we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own vetrepreneur journey!   Register your business as a legal entity, this takes it from an idea to a reality   Create your webiste so people have a place to find you   Learn to let go of money to pay for needed things like a lawyer where you don't get an immediate payoff for the money spent   Learn Time management   Attend a Veteran entrepreneur program like Vet2Ceo   Do your research before you get started   Don’t take shortcuts, do it right   https://armyranger.com/     I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.   Thank you for listening!   Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/   Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian   Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA Associate Instructor at FourBlock Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets Mentor at Veterati Speaker at Onward to Opportunity Speaker at Operation Startup Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay Speaker at Veteran Connections Day American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79