Simply put, Boone Cutler, was one of the most influential veterans of the post 9/11 era. His recent passing comes too soon but reminds us to remember the alarms he sounded for improving VA care and properly addressing mental health. Cutler called out Congress, DoD and VA for overloading vets with prescription meds while holding an outdated stance on cannabis. And he worked to save countless veterans from the suicide epidemic, through The Spartan Pledge. In this episode we hear rare conversations recorded in 2019, where we discussed his life, combat in Sadr City, Psy Op (Psychological Operations) tactics and the gripping origin story of his advocacy. We began at a saloon in Nevada, where Boone shared his family’s rich military tradition. Later we heard Boone’s miraculous, autobiographical story, recorded at his kitchen table, where we truly got to know the man behind those distinctive black sunglasses. The experiences he shared, would eventually be heard by Congress, and trigger the VA to address the over-prescribing of pills- an issue Cutler dubbed, “The Combat Cocktail”. He powerfully described the pharmaceutical link to the suicide epidemic and illustrated through his own difficult memories, how veterans can consider ending their life. Cutler’s story also revealed how he was one of the first vets to reveal the second order effects that stem from TBIs and blast injuries. He further shared fierce advocacy for cannabis, and offered vivid examples of how it effectively replaced the pain killers and heavy psychoactive drugs, which are still prescribed too often today. We finally dove into his love for his wife, family, veteran brothers and sisters, and how The Spartan Pledge, was forged as a battle plan to save veteran lives. There will never be another vet like Boone Cutler. I am honored to have known Boone and called him a friend. Till Valhalla my brother. More on Boone Cutler- his advocacy, and award winning books here: https://boonecutler.com/home/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger ... So how should we be saving and what makes a good plan? CDs, 401K vs. Roth, and college funds for our kids? We asked Sarah Sealey, a Navy Federal Credit Union, Manager and Certified Financial Planner, who shared what veterans should consider for a healthy financial future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we talk about Team Red White and Blue! We hear how this organization helps veterans nationwide find warrior fellowship through running, hiking, rucking, premiere national race events and even obstacle challenges like Spartan Races and the Tough Mudder. Army Intel Officer and outgoing Team RWB founder, Lt. Col. Mike Erwin and Special Forces Col. (Ret.) Mike Sullivan discuss Team RWB’s mission and their fascinating careers. Colonel “Sully” shares the athletic events planned in the coming year and we examine how these workouts replace the shallow digital connection with real life connections through running hiking and other national events. We also examine why physical training with buddies is crucial as veterans age. Find your fellow workout warriors with Team Red White and Blue and start training today: https://teamrwb.org/ SPECIAL VETERAN TRIBUTE: We recently learned of the passing of Army veteran Boone Cutler. Cutler was one of the most influential veteran authors and activists of our time. As a team leader with a Psychological Operations combat team on the deadly streets of Sadr City, Iraq, Cutler documented his experience and the associated trauma in the bestselling book “Voodoo in Sadr City”. After a mortar blast resulting in a TBI and other physical injuries sent him to Walter Reed he began the fight of his life. Based on his personal experience being overprescribed medications (to the point of overdose) Cutler shined a light on the VA’s “Combat Cocktail” scandal in ’07. He lobbied and forced a change in treatment which benefitted a generation of veterans. As GWOT combat vets revealed a troubling national suicide epidemic, Cutler again advocated for his fellow warfighters and founded the Spartan Pledge. This simple commitment helped prevent countless vets from taking their own life. We share audio from Cutler’s gripping interviews we recorded over the years, and we salute this inspirational veteran warfighter, Boone Cutler. Till Valhalla, brother See more on Boone Cutler here To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re talking about a free resource that helps veterans meet hiring managers before they even apply. More than just a job board, 7 Eagle Group founder Jordie Kern created an online community where job seekers jump on Zoom calls directly with executives seeking veteran talent. We discuss how like a career matchmaker, multiple daily Zoom sessions allow vets to interact with hiring executives, hear their personal stories, and even access training sessions. We also hear how 7 Eagle utilizes the DoD Skill Bridge program that allows service members to work with companies for a short time, like a career test drive before leaving the military. And we explore why veterans should seriously consider careers outside of their military occupational specialty, like trades, business ownership and more. Check out 7 Eagle Group’s daily Zoom sessions, online training and career contacts here: https://7eagle.com/ CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Navy veteran Manuel Gomez has an awe-inspiring comeback story! In this episode he describes his unlikely journey and how he became the founder of Vet Phoenix, a nonprofit which helps incarcerated veterans recover, rehabilitate and create a bright future. For Manny, this struggle is personal- as he endured time in prison. From addiction, to crime, to living alongside LA gang members in solitary confinement, he transformed his life. He would eventually become a social worker, doctoral scholar and founder of an organization that transforms lives. We begin with a look back at his Navy service, and how prescribed medications sent him down a dark path. Gomez described how his addiction to prescribed meds fueled a darker addiction and eventually spiraled into crime, and being sentenced to prison. He shared vivid descriptions of prison life, solitary confinement, and how a Catholic radio station and hardened gang members inspired him to pursue a better path. He also recalled the emotional family moment when he dedicated his life to Christ, social work and a mission to mend spiritual wounds. Gomez describes his incredible rise after being released. He attended college earning a master’s degree, became an LA County executive and led programs for incarcerated vets, entered a Doctoral program and most recently launched Vet Phoenix. He shares how this innovative program helps justice-involved veterans get back on track and live a new life of meaning and purpose. He credits God for his success and is dedicated to sharing the unconditional love that inspired him to transform his life. Discover more and support Vet Phoenix here: https://vetphoenix.org/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re discussing veterans, cannabis, incarceration and a story brought to us from The Last Prisoner Project. Alicia Deals tracks the story of her father, Air Force veteran Robert Deals, who was arrested, convicted and sentenced on cannabis related charges in Arizona, over a decade ago. In 2020 Arizona residents voted to legalize cannabis. (Now legal for both medical and recreational use). In an ironic twist, Alicia Deals was awarded a state license to operate a dispensary in Tempe, AZ. Yet her father remains behind bars. Deals shares more details of her father’s case and describes where cannabis tax dollars are currently being spent. The Last Prisoner Project’s Executive Director, Sarah Gersten describes other veteran cannabis cases from around the country and highlights their work to reform drug policy on both the state and federal level. We also discuss Deals’ current plea for clemency and share the response we received from the Arizona Governor’s office. See more from The Last Prisoner Project here: https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s National Service Dog Month and we’re honoring the dogs from Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). We talked with two veterans whose stories demonstrate how these dogs truly save lives. We begin with a look at the military service of Marine Corps Sgt Major John Ploskonka and Army Cavalry veteran and Purple Heart recipient Phil Bauer. Bauer shared memories of the Chinook helicopter crash which resulted in the loss of his leg and Ploskonka shares how life after the military became a struggle, as he grappled with suppressed childhood trauma. Both offered a glimpse of what it’s like living with anger, paranoia and constant anxiety. Until the dogs entered their life. They each described how these dogs respond to their unique needs and the astounding ways they can read their minds. We also hear a fascinating scientific theory about they’re capable of doing it. Check out Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities and donate to support programs like Project HEAL here: https://www.ecad1.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re talking about Ibogaine Psychedelic Therapy with former Army Paratrooper, decorated combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Clayton Smith. We discussed his experience with ibogaine treatment which he reluctantly did, just so he could say he "tried everything" before ending his life. Instead, it completely transformed him and gave him a new mission- healing fellow veterans through the nonprofit “Beond Service” which helps fellow vets gain access to this life-changing, and remarkable treatment. We begin by unpacking common myths about psychedelics. We also hear descriptions of his combat deployments and the uncomfortable truth about how trauma is not always related to war, but equally from events like military sexual assault or even childhood. Not all trauma is the same, but all are equal. Smith explained, “… one thing I want to share with the veteran community is that we don’t compare trauma.” We talked about how despite VA therapy, Smith always felt like he was still broken and shared details of the plan he devised to end his life. Inspired to try one last treatment, Smith shares vivid memories from his Ibogaine therapy session, and the life-changing lessons he learned from the experience. We also hear stunning results for other vets who attended Beond therapy sessions. We wrap our discussion with details about the non-profit “Beond Service” which is changing the lives of veterans and their spouses. And we learn how anyone struggling with PTSD, depression or anxiety can find relief through the “Beond Ibogaine” treatment center in Mexico. Find out more about Beond Service for veterans and the Beond Ibogaine therapy program at their campus in Cancun, Mexico: https://beondibogaine.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking all about Cybersecurity with Dr. Calvin Nobles, (Ret.) U.S. Navy Cryptologic Warfare Officer and Dean of Cybersecurity & Information Technology at University of Maryland Global Campus. We unpack the threats that exist all around us including how the military is defending against rogue nations, evolving AI, and drone technology. Nobles shared the threats he witnessed while commanding Cyber Operations for the US Navy and his time at the National Security Agency. We also learned about cyber security education pathways and the certifications required for jobs in this rapidly growing field, which is actively recruiting veterans. For more on cybersecurity opportunities, connect with Dr Calvin Nobles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinnobles/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Navy SEAL veteran Chief Anthony Rivera shares an inside look at Vetavize, the digital platform he founded to navigate the complex and frustrating VA Disability Benefit process. Powered by artificial intelligence, it guides veterans through filing their claim while helping them identify conditions and gather medical evidence needed to get their claims approved. Rivera shared how after leaving the Navy he took a tactical approach and successfully managed his own VA claim, and then began personally assisting other veterans while working at Amazon. Rivera shares how Vetavize is being used by local governments and law enforcement agencies to help their veteran employees. We also discuss how Rivera has hope that the VA and Congress will start using this highly effective program to help all vets receive the benefits they earned. And, how he has some powerful, combat-tested allies in Congress- former Navy SEALs! Find out more about Vetavize to get your correct disability rating and the benefits you’ve earned here: https://vetavize.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re talking with Army Cavalry Scout veteran, and Medal of Honor recipient SSGT Clint Romesha, who continues to serve his fellow vets though America’s Warrior Partnership. We begin with a look at his service and a fascinating look into the reconnaissance missions of the elite US Army Cavalry Scouts. Known as the “eyes and ears of the battlefield” he shares a vivid, behind the scenes look at combat operations. We discussed the day that changed his life forever. It was 2009 in Afghanistan, when Clint defended the remote Combat Outpost Keating when it was almost overrun by 300+ Taliban terrorist forces. He was repeatedly exposed to enemy fire, devised a counterattack, provided cover for fellow soldiers to retrieve the fallen and kill the enemy’s surge. For his actions that day, Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013. Romesha shared the challenges he and many other veterans experienced after war, and how his initial career plans fell apart. He would eventually pursue hard and physical work in the oil fields of North Dakota. Leaning on his military training he also found success, and years after combat, received a mysterious phone from Pentagon. We wrap our conversation with how he continues to serve his fellow vets through his work with America’s Warrior Partnership. He describes their mission to end veteran suicide by AWP’s ability to deliver mental health care, assist with financial issues, transportation and even help vets live better lives through better employment. AWP and warriors like Romesha are always there their fellow vets and always have their six. For more on Clint Romesha's inspiring life: https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/romesha/ See how America's Warrior Partnership assists veterans in need and make a donation to this worthy organization here: https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re with Navy veteran Matt Thompson who built an incredible post-military career in the skilled trades … and how his use of Tik Tok has made his heating and air conditioning business wildly successful in Southern California. His story began with a love of auto mechanics, which included building a car that ran on airplane fuel. His knack for fixing engines helped him consistently advance though the ranks. Thompson shared how his military experience and credentials put him on the fast track to getting a contractor’s license in California, but it was his interest in social media that helped his business experience explosive growth. He shared how he used YouTube, Facebook and Tik Tok to promote his business through a mix of HVAC related videos and glimpses into his hobbies. He also described how his videos became popular, and how today, he receives sales leads and even gets paid by social platforms for his content and HVAC product demos. However Thompson is not pushing people to become an “influencer”. Rather, he calls for more veterans (and our kids) to consider careers in the skilled trades and use social to help build a thriving business. Find Matt Thompson on Tik Tok and other social @Matts_Crafty https://www.tiktok.com/@matts_crafty See more of Thompson’s thriving heating and air conditioning business, EMT HVAC here: https://emthvacs.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re talking about the new book, “Forged in Chaos: A Warrior’s Origin Story” by Army Special Operations veteran Tyler Grey. Tyler was the epitome of the modern warrior, a Delta Force operator, master of counterterrorism. He hunted the worst bullies on the world’s playground—high-value targets, bomb makers, warlords—executing covert missions that never made the news- until one mission in Sadr City, Iraq changed everything.” On what should’ve been a routine raid, an explosion ripped through the home shattering his arm and worse; it fractured his identity. Grey describes “chaos addiction” and how most combat veterans share a similar past, which support his groundbreaking LTSD theory, “Lack of Traumatic Stress Disorder”. We hear how this theory explains why Grey managed his mental health crisis with drugs, sex and toxic relationships. We also examine two traits common among combat vets, which he calls “The Warrior and Destroyer”. Grey also revealed serious flaws behind modern medicine’s current PTSD diagnosis, and how anyone who has experienced trauma can learn from his fight to conquer the battle within. This book doesn’t challenge the narrative; it destroys it, laying bare the cost of being forged in chaos. Check out “Forged in Chaos: A Warrior’s Origin Story” here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Forged-in-Chaos/Tyler-Grey/9798895652626 Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans Host and Navy veteran, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re firing up the grill and talking killer BBQ with Blazing Star BBQ, Founder and Air Force veteran Michael Starr. We start with his Air Force days, where he was a satellite communications specialist aboard The National Airborne Operations Center, commonly known as “The Doomsday Plane”. These classified 747s are the nations’ mobile command center for The President, Pentagon and Joint Chiefs. Capable of withstanding the effects of nuclear and electromagnetic attacks, it follows the President everywhere and ensures the government and military can continue even amidst catastrophic attacks against our nation. Starr, who grew up in North Carolina, shared how his global travels ignited a passion for food, flavors and great BBQ … despite being raised on “salt, pepper, butter and bacon grease.” He shared how he first began making sauces for local restaurants and revealed some of the special ingredients in his Blazing Star BBQ recipe. We discussed his rise during the pandemic, and how his social media earned Starr recognition from some of the top BBQ Pitmaster Champions in the country. We also heard more about Blazing Star seasonings, and how his products would eventually get picked up by some of America’s largest retailers like; Home Dept, Ace Hardware and more. Get some Blazing Star BBQ essentials here: https://www.blazingstarbbq.com/ Special Shout out … Thanks to our delicious new sponsor “Eggland’s Best”. From their unique hen feed and strict quality standards to a network of USDA-inspected local farms all over the United States, you can be confident that a classic, organic, or cage-free egg with the EB stamp on the shell is a superior egg that delivers farm-fresh taste. https://www.egglandsbest.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re talking about veteran business success and the best steaks for your backyard BBQ, with Army Ranger veteran Patrick Montgomery. He shared his journey from warrior to rancher to founder of Valor Provisions, an innovative e-commerce site where consumers can get prime cuts of steak, burgers, and world-famous hot dogs delivered right to their door. We start with his transition from the military to a career in the cattle industry. Montgomery shared how his first attempt in the beef business almost failed. But his dedication to small ethical ranchers resulted in a break that would elevate his small business to a national brand. After his first taste of success, Montgomery shared how rising prices, the corporate-owned beef industry and other factors almost crushed his business. He outlined his innovative e-commerce membership model, and how being open and honest with customers was the real key to Valor Provisions’ success. Montgomery also talked about the premium meats Valor Provisions offers and new additions like grass fed beef and pasture raised chicken. We also learn the real origin story behind the wildly popular Wagyu beef. Check out the great steaks and unique Valor Provisions Co-Op membership here: https://valorprovisions.us/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we hear from Dr. Will Van Derveer about about the proven benefits of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Dr. Van Derveer shared how after working with veterans he became discouraged by the conventional treatments like talk therapy and endless medications which often fail to treat the root cause of conditions like anxiety, bi-polar, depression and PTSD. After two decades of developing innovative approaches to address the root causes of symptoms, in 2018 he co-founded the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. A leader on a mission to transform mental healthcare, VanDerveer set a goal to train 10,000 providers in psychedelic-assisted therapy. We started with a discussion about the failures of standard mental health treatment protocols. Dr. Van Derveer shared data on the effectiveness of psychedelics, and updates on current VA, FDA trials, including MDMA, and Psilocybin. And how many vets are forced to “free-lance their own care” by going to Mexico to gain access to Ibogaine therapy. Dr Van Derveer also shared the vicious mental cycle a PTSD patient endures, what a psychedelic treatment session is like, and how psychedelics are proving effective at helping veterans heal. For more on psychedelic-assisted therapy, resources and training programs for mental care providers, check out The Integrative Psychiatry Institute: https://psychiatryinstitute.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re hearing how veterans are being healed by the power of music, and collaborations with the organization “Songwriting with Soldiers”. Air Force veteran Bruce Anderson, his wife Lesley and SW:S Music Director Jay Clementi share how these weekend retreats pair award-winning songwriters with veterans to create songs that help them tell their story and bring them closure. (Clementi’s credits include hit songs with Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, and more) We start with a look at Anderson’s deployments during the Global War on Terror. Anderson and his wife Lesley brilliantly recall the troubles he experienced after returning from war, and how they took a chance on attending a SW:S weekend retreat. The Andersons describe the origin of their song, “The Man You Used to Know,” and how writing it with hit songwriter Trent Willmon, was more powerful than any medicine. Jay Clementi describes the “Songwriting with Soldiers” writing process and a new music initiative where select songs from these powerful retreats are fully produced by award-winning Nashville producers and now available on all major streaming platforms. Check more from “Songwriting with Soldiers”, Hear the latest songs, Donate or Register for upcoming retreats here: https://songwritingwithsoldiers.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we talk with Marine Corps veteran and acclaimed journalist Chas Henry about his dramatic new book, “Fuji Fire, Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy”. It's the story of how in 1979 the largest typhoon ever recorded hit Camp Fuji, Japan, ruptured a fuel tank, sending 5000 gallons of fuel into huts where Marines were staying, eventually engulfing the camp in walls of fire after the fuel was ignited by kerosene heaters. Henry recalls the origin of the project was when he posted photos from his deployment there (before the fire), and how it inspired a multi-year investigation to finally tell their story. In our detailed interview Henry shares first-hand accounts he gathered from veterans who lived through the tragedy. He also shares how Japanese forces assisted Marine forces despite strained relations with the US Government. We also hear gripping stories about the crews who helped save Marines, a brave military doctor, advancements in emergency medicine and burn care and a Marine who inspired his fellow survivors. Plus how the work of legendary Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke helped some Marines survive. Get a copy of “Fuji Fire: Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy” here: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640126459/fuji-fire/ More on Marine Corps veteran, acclaimed journalist, and creator of CBS Eye on Veterans syndicated radio show and podcast, Chas Henry here: https://chashenry.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recently heard about the “Unite 4 Veterans” rally, June 6th in Washington DC, where vets from around the country will make their voices heard in the loudest way possible … with the legendary Irish punk band The Dropkick Murphys. We spoke with Unite4Vets coalition members Army veterans Will Attig and Chris Purdy. Together they sounded the alarm about recent VA cuts without regard to the second order effects on veterans who rely on these programs. In a recent statement, Unite 4 Veterans said, “The Unite 4 Veterans Coalition stands in firm opposition to recent actions and proposals from the White House that amount to political theater at the direct expense of our nation’s veterans … The administration’s proposal to eliminate more than 80,000 positions from the VA and terminate thousands of jobs held by veterans and their families in the federal workforce is a betrayal. Veterans make up more than a third of the federal workforce. Cutting their positions while simultaneously gutting the VA staff that manages transition programs like the G.I. Bill and VA vocational rehabilitation is not about efficiency, it’s neglect! This administration’s priorities could not be clearer: spend over $50 million on a military parade while slashing programs like the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program—a proven resource that kept over 17,000 vulnerable veteran families housed. This is not sound policy; it is political optics at the expense of those who’ve sacrificed the most.” We also discuss the combat connection veterans have to Boston’s legendary punk band The Dropkick Murphys, and how they've always been huge supporters of first responders, veterans and America’s often ignored working class. More on “Unite 4 Veterans” Rally on The National Mall in DC, here: https://www.unite4veterans.org/ Read: Unite 4 Veterans Coalition Statement, “Stop Dishonoring Veterans with Broken Promises and Empty Gestures” here: https://www.unite4veterans.org/press/statement-stop-dishonoring-veterans To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking for something to lift your spirits? This episode is for you! This week we discuss the podcast, “Medal of Honor, Stories of Courage” Season 2, with Host, Army combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, actor and best selling-author J.R. Martinez. Before we dove into the podcast, JR offered a closer look at his amazing life. We heard how he went from surviving an IED explosion and severe burns, to winning “Dancing with The Stars” and a role on the daytime TV drama “All My Children”. With his great sense of humor, JR also shared hilarious moments, like how he’s frequently mistaken for the famous musician Seal. We also examined the inspiring stories behind recipients of the Medal of Honor as told in the podcast. From stories of valor and truth from a WWI veteran to a teacher who saved a student’s life amidst a school shooting attempt, each story from the podcast will definitely lift your spirits. We also examined what makes a hero, and how we can all do it … if we just “show up” for someone else. Check out the inspiring podcast series “Medal of Honor, Stories of Courage” here: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/medal-of-honor-stories-of-courage And check out Army combat veteran, actor, author and Master Motivator J.R. Martinez here: https://jrmartinez.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices