In this weeks episode I had the privilege to interview COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs, CEO of Victory for Veterans, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing veteran suicides. Mikel discusses the various programs and initiatives offered by Victory for Veterans, including the Warriors for Life program, which provides peer-to-peer support for veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues. He tells us about how they have started to use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Additionally, he emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for men to open up and show emotion, as well as the need for self-esteem and self-love in building healthy relationships. Mikel and I discuss the importance of building relationships, sharing vulnerabilities, and finding true friendship. He informs us of the challenges of transitioning from active duty and the impact it can have on mental health. COL Burroughs shares his experiences and offers advice on navigating the civilian world. He highlights the work of Warriors for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, and provide information on how to connect with Victory for Veterans. Definitely is a priceless episode to share so we can better understand and know how to support our vets.

Colonel Mikel J. Burroughs (retired) as the Brigade Commander for the 89 th Sustainment Brigade. Colonel Burroughs served 9 years enlisted service to the grade of E-6/SSG and 29 years of commissioned service culminating in the end of his (37) years of continuous service in the United States Army, Illinois National Guard, and United States Army Reserves on February 1st, 2012. He is a graduate of Illinois State University with a BS degree in Management and received his Master’s in Strategic Studies through the Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal w/silver oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal (Mississippi Flood of 1993). Colonel Mikel J. Burroughs (retired) now resides with his wife Bella, His Mother Wanda in The Woodlands, TX, is the current Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of the Board for Victory for Veterans, Inc, Member, Board of Directors for the National Veterans Transition Service Inc., AKA REBOOT, and Senior Director, Military/Civilian Debt Acquisition & Relief for RIP Medical Debt (501c3) nonprofit. He volunteers his time with “Warriors for Life” weekly over the last 7 years.

How to connect with Mikel:

https://www.facebook.com/mikel.burroughs.9/
https://www.facebook.com/VFVets/
https://www.facebook.com/WFLVirtualgroup/
https://www.instagram.com/victoryforveteransinc/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/17915860/admin/feed/posts/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikel-burroughs-3343589/