Navy Hospital Corpsman are revered among the infantry as the medics who rush into combat to treat the wounded. However not all Navy Corpsman pursue a career in healthcare or the medical field after their military service. Navy Corpsman veteran Vaughn Sullenberger went from serving with Marines to serving all veterans as a Mortgage Loan Manager for Navy Federal Credit Union. He shares the specific steps he took that led to his post military success. But like qualifying for a loan, making a successful transition relies on several factors. Sullenberger offers a detailed look at many of these factors and gives an easy to follow, multi-step plan for financial and personal success. His journey proves that like the Marine Corps, his career and his love for the veteran community is Semper Fi. For more on how Navy Federal Credit Union can help with banking, business, home loans, investing for retirement, or even your next career, check out: https://www.navyfederal.org/ Check out Connecting Vets for more military news and veteran stories: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

Many Americans just assume vets always vote for the candidate who talks toughest about national defense, or offers strong positions on policies related to terrorism. While in some cases that may be true, the biggest question this year is still quite simple- Do vets favor Trump or Harris? A recent survey of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) members, offers an interesting glimpse at where this group stands, just days before the election. IAVA, CEO, and Army veteran Allison Jaslow reveals the survey results and shares how the survey breaks across categories like gender. The survey also tells a unique story about IAVA members, who are younger than other veteran groups, and after their service in Iraq/Afghanistan have often done the heaviest lifting during the Global War on Terrorism. More from IAVA here: https://iava.org/ Check out Connecting Vets for more military news and veteran stories: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

We’re taking a deep look into one of the most the significant elections of our lifetime with the nonpartisan, veteran-led group, “Vet the Vote” who recently recruited over 163K vets to volunteer at election sites nationwide.  Army veteran, VTV Deputy Director Loren Westerfield and Navy helicopter pilot veteran, Julie Hendricks share the impact veterans make while serving at election sites. And as social media explodes (again) with; allegations of voter fraud, social users posting evidence through short video clips with minimal context and a rising sense of skepticism, we take a detailed look at their personal experiences serving as poll workers. Plus we hear what they kind of safeguards and methods they witnessed. Ultimately, we seek to answer one of the biggest questions today, “Are these elections safe, accurate and reliable?” Our veteran guests deliver fascinating and powerful answers. More on Vet The Vote, and how to serve as an election volunteer here: https://vetthe.vote/   Check out Connecting Vets for more military news and veteran stories: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

We talk with Army veteran, Infantry Officer and former West Point hockey player Matt Schachman, who works on a unique team of veterans (and partners with Special Operations backgrounds) to lead mid-level businesses to massive growth. It was a big departure from leading platoons in Iraq and Afghanistan, so we begin with the lessons he learned leading troops in combat. But more than the usual war stories- Schachman reflects on a pivotal moment with an Iraqi police chief, and how he learned a vital lesson in leadership from working with those who hold a drastically different world view. Schachman shares more about his transition from the military to investment banking and the advice he received about ways to operate “at the tip of spear” in finance. We also learn how Cold Bore Capital is able to effectively take companies from mid-level revenue to multi million dollar earnings through their expertise in capital investment, business management and mergers-acquisitions. For any veteran considering scaling their business, or a career in finance, Matt is great resource. Find out more about Cold Bore Capital here: https://coldborecapital.com/our-story/ Reach Matt Schachman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schachman-55719423/ Check out Connecting Vets for more military news and veteran stories: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

For many veterans, mental health challenges can appear after their service. So imagine if depression, anxiety or even diseases that result in cognitive decline could be detected from just the sound of our voice. And, all of this it could be easily accessed through your phone. Well, it’s happening- within the new, AI-powered, voice analysis app, Canary Speech. We talked about it's benefits for veterans with co-founder and acclaimed scientist Henry O’Connell. He described how together with Jeff Adams, a leader in speech and language technology, they combined expertise in neurology and speech technology (Henry at the National Institutes of Health, and Jeff leading Amazon Alexa’s speech AI team) to explore how this type of speech technology could be used in medicine. We took a deep dive into how Canary Speech works- analyzing the vocal tones far beneath the actual words we speak. And we learned how this app can serve as a useful tool to track our mental health. We even learned how the classic cartoon, “Winnie the Pooh” helped in the process of creating this innovative app. For more on the Canary Speech app and to try it yourself, check out: https://canaryspeech.com/   Contact Canary Speech co-founder Henry O’Connell here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryjoconnell/   For more veteran stories and military news check out: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets   To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

In the days (and weeks) since Hurricane Helene ravaged western North Carolina, veterans serving with Team Rubicon moved into action.   We spoke with Army paratrooper veteran, Drew Hanna, who described what he witnessed and his team’s mission to restore the Veteran’s Restoration Quarters, a transitional housing facility that assists veterans in need. Hanna also offered a behind the scenes look at how volunteers live while deployed to disaster areas and he spoke about other relief organizations that help make their work possible. While the road to recovery may take the entire next year, the veterans with Team Rubicon will not stop until the job is done. And with "no turning back", Team Rubicon lives up to the famous Roman tale, from which they get their name. Follow their stories, discover volunteer opportunities and donate to Team Rubicon here:  https://teamrubiconusa.org/ Find more veteran news and updates from Connecting Vets here: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets   Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow Eye on Veterans on social: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets 

This week we’re highlighting veteran-led disaster relief groups currently working to help those devastated by two recent hurricanes.  In the hours prior to Hurricane Milton crushing Florida’s Gulf Coast, we spoke with Special Operations veteran and former Intelligence Officer Bryan Stern, Founder of Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. Over the past 2 weeks, he and his team at Grey Bull have helped rescue disaster victims from Florida to NC. Beyond the recent hurricanes, he and his military veteran team have conducted dangerous ops to save Americans stuck in war zones like, Lebanon, Haiti and Russia. We heard vivid details about some of these missions, and how his team is uniquely qualified to execute them in ways the US government is not. We also hear his eye-opening take on the recent divisive, disaster relief stories, which claim the government is actively disrupting rescue efforts for political gain. (Spoiler alert: He's not a fan of conspiracy theorists or whiners!) For information and to donate, follow Grey Bull Rescue Foundation on social media and online here: https://greybullrescue.org/ Find more veteran news and updates from Connecting Vets here: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets   Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow Eye on Veterans on social: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets 

Today we’re talking with Army veteran, entrepreneur Trace Miller, about his revolutionary fast food franchise "Konala Protein Bowls and Salads". We’ll hear how it combines incredibly healthy food with the traditional drive thru, which is a staple of the American diet … yet slowly poisons us. Trace’s inspiration for using whole foods as a cure for disease was not born in the gym. Food was an essential part of how he defeated Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy as a child.  His toddler days were filled with seizures, even having to wear a helmet for protection against his bodies violent reaction to a parasite. American doctors offered no hope. Desperate for a cure, his family traveled outside the US for a rare treatment. However it came with a lifelong commitment to a pure and healthy diet. Trace describes the journey through his teenage years, which eventually led him to operating missile systems in the Army. Ironically, his time in the Army would inspire him to pursue personal passions like; scuba diving, stock investing and eventually business ownership. Miller describes how he (and his wife Jammie) initially founded a food truck and bar. But they had even bigger dreams. So building on their life experiences, they designed an alternative to unhealthy fast food franchises …, and Konala Protein Bowls and Salads was born. Hear how soon Konala will be coming to a town near you. Check out the fresh menu and franchise opportunities with Konala Protein Bowls and Salads here: https://konala.com/   To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

Retired Lt Colonel Rob Schroder has gone from flying Harrier jets in combat to founding the hi-tech solutions company, SteerBridge. Their work supports everything from projects that modernize VA systems to designing data driven solutions for our nation’s defense and other major clients. Over the years SteerBridge has relied on exceptional talent, including former Baltimore Raven’s offensive lineman, Jason Thomas, now a Project Manager and leads their Veteran Affairs. Throughout this interview we discuss; Schroder's experiences flying Harrier jets in combat, how he managed his own transition after military service and how he used his experiences to build a thriving company that has successfully designed solutions to VA problems which directly benefit our veterans. Baltimore Raven offensive lineman Jason Thomas shows how the veteran transition is quite similar to those of elite NFL players. From head injuries to finding a new purpose, Thomas talks about his experiences both on the and off the field. (Fun Facts too! We hear about legendary Ravens like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and get a look behind the curtain at life as an NFL player.) For more information on SteerBridge and veteran career opportunities, check out: https://www.steerbridge.com/about-us#company-snapshot Link up with former Baltimore Raven Jason Thomas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-thomas6565/ Reach CBS Eye on Veterans host Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

Today we’re talking with Marine Corps combat veteran and award winning truck driver, Jesus Davila about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept 15 thru 21st. During our conversation Jesus shared what the industry is like, stories from the road including delivery of one of the nation’s most important trees, and we hear how the trucking industry is a perfect fit for veterans. But long before Jesus joined the trucking industry, he was a Marine in Iraq … and he explained how being in a truck was not always the safest place to be. However, after leaving the military, Jesus decided to get his CDL and follow a family tradition of driving trucks. Davila shared his experiences; from getting his license to what it's like being behind the wheel on some of the busiest highways in America. He also describes some incredible moments like; delivery the nation's Christmas Tree and meeting President Biden. He also explains programs from the American Trucking Associations, which offer an affordable pathway to getting a career in this essential industry. See more about USMC veteran Jesus Davila here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-davila-907627239 Find out how to get a great career in trucking through the American Trucking Associations' Workforce Heroes Program: https://www.trucking.org/workforce-heroes Contact: CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com

Whether it's about Walz or Vance, Infantry vs. Admin, the current political climate is charged with toxic rhetoric. Social media has erupted with veterans dismissing the National Guard service of Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz, while others are claiming that Republican VP candidate Sen JD Vance was merely a photographer while he served in Iraq. The effect of this politically inspired mud slinging divides a community who would normally have each other’s back. So, we turn to Retired US Army Col. Kenneth Allard, a former West Point professor and Dean of the National War College for some perspective. We begin our conversation with Allard’s memories of his days leading troops in war torn Kosovo. Allard then dives into some poignant analysis; How The National Guard has been misused since 9/11, How most media critics (of either VP candidate) have never even served in the military, and why veterans slamming each other over combat experience only weakens our nation and demoralizes many who have served. In this politically neutral conversation, Colonel Allard frequently offers sage advice for all Americans, ... and especially for those who have served. Check out Retired US Army Colonel Ken Allard's column, and his recent article "The Most Wretched Veepstakes" here: https://www.mikehuckabee.com/latest-news?id=A67FB09C-773C-4BDF-9A9D-C7C952822C23 Contact: Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

The events surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August '21 (and our overall strategy) have had a huge impact on the veteran community, both physically and mentally. So, this week we’re sharing the words of our most insightful guests. We begin with Army veteran and DoD Intelligence Contractor Pete Turner. His interview was both an analysis of the situation he witnessed, and an indictment of the DoD’s failed strategy. This is easily one of our favorite interviews and one listeners will remember for a long time.  Next we examine the bonds made with Afghans with USMC (Ret.) Maj. Tom Schueman and discuss his book, “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter”. It’s the story of his interpreter Zak, and his harrowing escape before the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban. Finally Army paratrooper and combat veteran William Yeske’s talks about his book, “Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley” which was one of the deadliest areas of operation. He recalls the harshness of war, but also shared a touching moment of validation he received after the book was published. More from Army veteran, Intelligence Expert Pete Turner: "Why our plan in Afghanistan failed" https://www.audacy.com/podcast/eye-on-veterans-10fe9/episodes/why-our-plan-failed-in-afghanistan-af213 Pete Turner's podcast "The Break it Down Show" https://www.breakitdownshow.com/ Maj. Tom Schueman's book, “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter” https://www.harpercollins.com/products/always-faithful-thomas-schuemanzainullah-zaki?variant=40966079086626 Army combat veteran Willaim Yeske's book "Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan" https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657 CBS Eye on Veterans Phil Briggs, Host phil@connectingvets.com

Today we’re talking about the bright future of Navy veteran Jason Stucky, thanks to his decision to pursue business ownership and open a Color Me Mine pottery painting franchise in the suburbs of Chicago.  We begin with the story of his time in the Navy. As an “AZ” Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist aboard the carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Jason was responsible for the readiness of combat aircraft and the lives of the pilots.  He was on a path to a stellar future, until it was ended by the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy during the Clinton Administration, which ultimately ruined promising careers for many talented, gay Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.  Jason went on to have a successful career transition (for a time he worked in PetCo's corporate office) but after taking some out to focus on home life, opportunity came knocking. He describes how painting with his kids led him to a "Color Me Mine" pottery painting studio and it re-ignited his passion for pottery. (Something he was initially introduced to while on a military base.)  Jason describes his trajectory from working in the pottery studio, to making the decision to purchase it from the corporate owner. He also shares how they were able to use a ROBS (Roll over as Business Start Up) to convert their existing 401K into the capital needed to purchase the business. Jason offers encouragement for veterans considering opening their own franchise business and shares how he has no regrets. For more on Jason Stucky and Color Me Mine pottery painting studios: https://www.colormemine.com/ Contact: Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

Today we’re hearing from two combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients about how the Purple Heart Foundation stepped up and helped them with financial assistance when they needed it most. After deployments to Kosovo and Iraq, Army veteran Michael Lipari was wounded in Afghanistan. He offers a vivid look at life during combat, how our military mishandled PTSD, and how the Purple Heart Foundation helped him through the storms he faced long after his service. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. John Nash was wounded in Beirut Lebanon in 1983 during the time period when the US embassy was attacked by terrorists, and many of his fellow Marines were killed. He describes that deployment and how decades later, it was the Purple Heart Foundation that came to his rescue with financial assistance.  PHF, CEO, Steven Ruckman ends with an overview of the veteran services they offer and how they deliver when the government does not.  Find out more about Purple Heart Foundation programs or make your donation here: https://purpleheartfoundation.org/ Contact: Phil Briggs, CBS Eye on Veterans Host and Navy veteran phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

As we enter the Dog Days of Summer, it’s only appropriate that we highlight a veteran support organization that connects veterans and children with autism with amazing service dogs. Brandon Butler, CEO of Retrieving Freedom describes their service dog training and placement program.  To demonstrate the huge impact these amazing dogs make, Air Force veteran and Chaplain, (Ret.) Lt. Colonel Patrick Genseal, shares his emotional story of the trauma he experienced while deployed in Iraq. He offers a detailed account of what it's like to minister to troops during the hell of combat, and the emotional scars he carried during the years that followed. However his invisible wounds were eventually healed by his beloved service dog, "June" and Col. Genseal shares the miraculous abilities she has. Brandon Butler, Retrieving Freedom CEO, expands on how their elite service dogs are fully accredited and shares the ripple effect that occurs helping both the veteran owner and their extended family. He also describes how their specialized training make them ideal for children with autism. Learn more or donate to Retrieving Freedom's here: https://www.retrievingfreedom.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy veteran, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

Air Force veteran and successful entrepreneur Jessie Tait founded "Enspra" a national company specializing in environmental testing, commercial cleaning auditing and consumer pet product testing. Her inspiration to develop more effective cleaning methods for large public spaces came after she contracted a bacterial infection from her seat, during a flight to Florida.  Shortly afterward, the country locked down due to the global pandemic. Tait began experimenting with Ozone generators to kill contaminants in the air and on surfaces. She describes how she initially did her research work for free, testing new methods on police and fire departments vehicles and a fleet of city buses in Pittsburgh, PA. After her experiments proved effective, Enspra was born and soon experienced rapid growth. Tait describes how she eventually pivoted her focus to ensuring major public spaces like airports and commercial buildings were cleaned well enough to prevent major public health problems. She also shared her expansion into pet product testing, after shopping for a high-tech litter box for her cats.  See more about Enspra here: https://www.enspra.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

We talk with former Army Master Sergeant Paul Holt about going from military intelligence to owning an incredibly successful home inspection franchise, Pillar to Post. He shares how his approach to a new career resulted in exceeding revenue goals for the past six years! Our conversation begins with his fascinating background as a satellite imagery analyst and how he worked with Task Force ODIN, a covert and crucial team which the US military employed to eliminate insurgents and IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan.   We also dive deep into his decision to make a radical change. Rather than continue down a path full of careers within DoD intelligence, he chose the entrepreneur path so he could stay close to home and reclaim life with his family. Holt details his transition, how he discovered his inherent skills (outside of the military) and explains why he chose to take the leap into the home inspection industry with a Pillar to Post franchise in Fayetteville, NC. He also shares the exact steps he took, and the support the franchise model offered, in order to build a highly profitable business. Check out Army veteran Paul Holt, and The Holt Group, Pillar to Post Home Inspections here: https://holtgroup.pillartopost.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

Former Green Beret Officer Matt Bowman talks about the innovative new app Autobiographer. After the loss of a friend he wanted to share their incredible memories and preserve them forever. After going from the military to Facebook, he worked with other co-founders to bring this incredible technology to life. Autobiographer allows users to simply speak about their life, and an AI powered interviewer helps convert these spoken memories into incredible content which can be converted into letters for loved ones, a full autobiography and stored forever. We begin our conversation with his service as a Special Forces Officer. Bowman unpacks how generative AI works, how we interact with an AI interviewer and the powerful content it can create.  Bowman also explains how using this AI powered app is safe, and users have full control over their content. We also examine how users can dive deeper into their own lived experiences through AI, and how the process of documenting the most powerful moments in our life and can help users discover gratitude, joy and a deeper understanding of their own lived experiences … and all from conversations with AI on your phone.  Discover, Preserve and Share your life story with the autobiographer app here: https://www.autobiographer.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

As Israel continues to be locked in war with terrorist organizations, there are predictions of a severe escalation with Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Special Operations veteran Bryan Stern, hostage rescue expert, and founder of the veteran-led organization Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, discusses the situation, and why his team is already staged in Beirut.  Plus, Stern also shares; How this rescue op is even more complex than those he conducted in AfghanistanWhy he believes another 9/11 event is not just plausible, but imminent- based on current intelligence threat assessments. And why he believes Ukraine may not be able to continue their fight against Russia. For Rescue Assistance or to support Grey Bull Rescue Foundation: https://greybullrescue.org/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

Today we’ll meet world-renowned yoga master Daniel Hickman … but what I initially found interesting is that he’s not a Buddhist monk, or a ninja Sensei from Japan. He's a dude I grew up with in suburban Maryland, and we actually went to high school together in the 80s. Dan’s journey began with studying martial arts and then working in professional theater. He later became an expert rock climber, but eventually pursued even deeper enlightenment by studying with monks to become an accomplished expert in yoga and meditation. However his karma was ultimately an invitation to work with traumatically injured troops at Walter Reed NMMC, where he served for over a decade. The relationships he forged with our wounded warfighters are truly inspiring and demonstrate how effective yoga and meditation can be. They also demonstrate the incredible power of human connection between a gifted yoga master and the soldiers who miraculously survived IED explosions and enemy attacks. His vivid stories reveal the fluid, and often untapped bond between our mind and body. Hickman also shares some basic yoga poses and meditation techniques that can help alleviate the anxiety, stress and depression that we all experience from time to time. For more on multi-disciplinary yoga and meditation with Daniel Hickman, check out: https://danielofthesun.com/ Go Walter Johnson Wildcats and WJHS Class of 89! (and proud legacy of the Spartans!) https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/wjhs/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

Today we dive into an incredible new book “Damn The Valley" by Army veteran and former paratrooper William Yeske. Like many books about the war in Afghanistan this one is a gritty, vivid look at what a deployment to the deadly Arghandab River Valley was really like for the enlisted troops on the ground. We begin with stories from Yeske’s initial days in Basic Training and Airborne School, which include the humorous moments every vet can appreciate. Yeske skillfully combines personal memories of 82nd Airborne’s 1st Platoon Bravo Company, known as "Two Fury" with the perspectives of his fellow soldiers. We hear detailed accounts of the fierce fighting in the Arghandab River Valley, the the heavy price paid by the men he served alongside and the questionable cultural practices among those they were sent to defend. He also shares a moment of validation he received after the book was published and the importance of staying connected with fellow veterans.  Check out "Damn The Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan" here: https://damnthevalleybook.com/ Find out more about William Yeske's marketing consulting services and No Limits Marketing Group here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamyeske/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

Today we’re talking with combat veteran, Army Ranger, Master Sergeant Cedric King. Wounded in Afghanistan he survived a traumatic IED blast, that resulted in losing both his legs.  But the experience and his faith in God, made him even stronger. Today he empowers thousands of people through speaking engagements for clients that include NFL, NBA and Major League baseball teams, and other organizations who need help overcoming their challenges to become champions. We start with his early days in the Army and his search for a greater calling. King later describes the IED blast and how his faith in God played a pivotal role in his survival. And explains the spirit heard in the timeless military mantra "there are no atheist's in a foxhole". King also shares the story behind his first motivational speech, and some of inspiring exchanges he's had with NFL and MLB legends like Raven's Ray Lewis and LA Dodger Mookie Betts. We also hear how the Semper Fi and America's Fund, has been with him every step of the way, ensuring his story continues and his inspiration is shared. Get involved and support Semper Fi & America's Fund here: https://thefund.org/ Find more from Cedric King here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedrickingmsg/ Reach Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow @philbriggsvet @connectingvets

Today we’re talking with (Ret.) Army Lt. Colonel Jim Whaley, CEO of the veteran organization, Mission Roll Call. Every year they continually survey the veteran community with thought provoking polls about a wide variety of issues. Then apply pressure to law makers to ensure their needs are met. We begin with stories from Whaley’s Army aviation days, as a combat helicopter in Germany during the height of the Cold War. From the ominous threat of Russia in the 80’s to the complex terrorism threats we face today; Whaley describes how underserving generations of war fighters has profoundly negative affects our national security. Whaley also describes the top veteran issues today- suicide prevention, access to health care and post military transition … and he says there are obvious ways to solve these complex problems. Whaley discusses where the VA needs to improve, and why the suicide crisis demands our government start researching and using more alternative medical treatments, including psychedelics. And why our government needs to look beyond its past reputation. Join Mission Roll Call's movement and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill Sign up here: https://www.missionrollcall.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re honoring Memorial Day with a tribute to 1st Lt Nainoa Hoe, a Hawaiian soldier who became an inspiring Army Officer bravely leading his men in Mosul, Iraq. But his story begins with an American family who, like many Hawaiians, bravely serve in the military for generations. His father Allen Hoe, a former Army combat medic in Vietnam, begins this incredible tribute with memories of his service in Vietnam during the late 1960s. Hoe eventually returned to his native Hawaii and settled into family life raising two wonderful sons. He shares how they were inspired by visits from Dad's Vietnam buddies and stories from their deployments. In a touching comparison to his own combat experiences, Hoe shares how his brave son, 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe was killed during combat Operation Iraqi Freedom, the deep impact he had on his men and how his legacy lives on today. Watch Allen Hoe and the story of 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe during the National Memorial Day Concert Sunday May 26, 2024 8p on PBS https://www.pbs.org/show/national-memorial-day-concert/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans  

Today we’re talking with Tim Jensen, Marine Corps combat vet and outspoken leader of “Grunt Style” apparel. Grunt Style T-shirts are loved by military vets and easy to spot with the infantry battle flag and crossed rifles on the sleeves. Jensen shared how this multi-million-dollar apparel company started with the founder selling shirts out of his car. More than just apparel with massive veteran appeal, Grunt Style often steps up and becomes a loud voice supporting important veteran causes. (Like investing several years fighting Congress to pass Toxic Exposure legislation.) Jensen shared more on their latest cause- calling out the city of Chicago (and Marine Corps) for closing a Marine Corps monument in front of a building that has become housing for immigrants.  Jensen also shared strong feelings about VA managed veteran health care and a lack of transparency on the heavy amounts of prescription meds they still doll out to vets. We also hear how the Grunt Style Foundation is giving vets access to alternative treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which the VA still refuses to utilize for treatment of TBI, PTSD, etc. We also discussed some of the hilarious shirt designs just released for Summer. Jensen, the "1st Sgt of Fashion" explains how GS shirts are more than just patriotic, but they actually help build a community among vets, patriots and anyone who loves whiskey, bacon and freedom! Check out Grunt Style apparel and the Grunt Style Foundation here: https://www.gruntstyle.com To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans