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  

Today we’re talking with the founder of Go Daddy dot com, PXG Golf clubs and Marine Corps combat veteran Bob Parsons about his new book, “Fire in The Hole! The Untold Story of my Traumatic Life and Explosive Success”. While he is best known for being an icon of the Internet age, in the late 1960’s he was a tough kid from Baltimore, who fought for his life in Vietnam. Parsons shares vivid (and at times hilarious) stories from his days on "Hill 190" in Vietnam. Later, Parsons tracks his career through the early 1980’s when he was an accountant and self-taught computer programmer, who eventually earned a small fortune by selling a computer software program he wrote from his small home-based business. He also describes the early days of his Internet domain name company, and the events that would change his life, and the Internet, forever. Parsons offers details about the tumultuous journey building GoDaddy dot com, the dot Com bust of the early 2000’s and the path that would eventually make him a billionaire. Through it all, Parsons maintains "everything I've ever accomplished, I owe to the Marine Corps." Check out his exciting new memoir, "Fire in Hole: The Untold Story of my Traumatic Life and Explosive Success" https://bobparsons.com/fire-in-the-hole/ Launches May 7, 2024 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans  

On Monday Apr 22 we remembered the anniversary of the death of Army Ranger Pat Tillman who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. A unique Ranger in that he left a pro football career with The NFL’s Phoenix Cardinals to join the Army shortly after 9/11, along with his brother. On the evening of April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged, canyon terrain of eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers led to his tragic death. Today we’re not only honoring his memory, but also hearing how his incredible legacy lives on through the Pat Tillman Foundation. We’re joined by Tillman Foundation CEO Dr. Katherine Steele, and scholar recipient, Army veteran Maj. Bernard Toney Jr. Steele shares unique memories of Pat and how the Tillman Foundation grew from donations to his alma mater Arizona State University to helping elite veteran students complete college and become the leaders of tomorrow. Army veteran Bernard Toney Jr. shares how he went from the Special Forces community (serving in the same area as Tillman, just 4 months after his death) to serving in The White House. And, how he hopes his impact in Public Health can improve the lives of Americans from all socio-economic backgrounds. See more about The Pat Tillman Foundation here: https://pattillmanfoundation.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans   

Army veteran and Senior Tech recruiter Norm Workman describes the urgent need for cyber warriors at Intelligent Waves, secure IT solutions company. He shares the qualifications they’re looking for and the certifications veterans need right now. Check out careers at Intelligent Waves here: https://intelligentwaves.com Reach Army veteran Norm Workman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normworkman/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

This week we’re talking with Molly Brooks and retired Coast Guard Officer Sean Hagerty from the veteran support organization Hero’s Bridge. They work to help aging veterans find affordable housing, healthcare, and even coordinate rides to and from appointments. Their recent attempt to build a village of small homes for veterans on the grounds of a church in Warrenton, VA sounded like a simple request. But when they announced their project, they were met with fierce opposition and zoning red tape.   Brooks and Hagerty describe the negative reactions many residents had to building homes for low-income elderly veterans in their neighborhood. They were especially surprised to see that some of the residents in opposition were also veterans themselves. They also shared more about the work of Hero’s Bridge and how they will continue fighting to build the village. See more about Hero's Bridge and their plans for the village here: https://herosbridge.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Nick Lambie found success in auto detailing and restoration by opening a "Ziebart" franchise in Morgantown, West Virginia. But before he took the brave step into business, he was an Air Force Master Sergeant who helped protect the skies above combat zones and the Super Bowl. Lambie shares more about his Air Force career and his time at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He also shares his thoughts on rogue Chinese weather balloons. Lambie shares more about his Ziebart franchise, what it takes to open a successful franchise, how to hire a great team, and the key factors to being a successful boss.  See Nick's Ziebart franchise here: https://www.ziebart.com/find-my-ziebart/location/wv90-wv-morgantown To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Matt Baker is the voice of TV promos, national commercials and Discovery Network's thrilling "Shark Week". But, before he was a celebrity voice actor, he was an enlisted Marine. We talked with him about his unlikely entrance into the world of celebrity voice over, his work on Shark Week and the art of making a script come to life. We also hear how his love of reading (while on Navy ships as a Marine) inspired him to become an author. Baker shares details from his latest novel "Strange Circles". It's a crime thriller with a supernatural twist featuring an ex-Force Recon Marine turned detective, who searches for a killer and ultimately must stop a bomb plot in Washington DC. Baker shares some interesting details about his writing process and what it's like living in the nation's Capitol. Check out the killer new book "Strange Circles" here More about celebrity voice actor Matt Baker here: https://www.mattspeaking.com/home/ Or follow him @BigBaldVO To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Marine Corps and Army veteran Jason Nelson talks about his veteran-owned business Prepper Beef dot com, which supplies high-quality cooked and freeze-dried beef for long-term storage. Before his survival food success story, Jason learned many lessons from his experience as a Psychological Operations Officer within US Army Special Operations. He shares how he worked to assist the locals, and guide military ops, which often did not fully consider what life was like on the ground.  After the military, he ran for Congress and along the way discovered the challenges many Texas cattle ranchers were facing. Using his ability to understand economic factors that affect the beef market, he embarked on a business venture to capitalize on these factors and began creating freeze dried steaks and selling them online. More than just a product desired by those who fear doomsday scenarios (or a zombie apocalypse) Jason explains how Prepper beef products can help millions of Americans "sur-thrive" during power outages and other catastrophes we witness in the US every year. With the success of Prepper Beef dot com, Jason shares how this venture not only helps Americans stay prepared, but could also be part of a solution to addressing global hunger. Check out Prepper Beef products here: https://prepperbeef.com/ Follow Jason "Storm Chaser" Nelson on X @RealJasonNelson To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re hearing from a kind of military vet so rare, most people will never meet one. Adam Gamal, an Egyptian, Muslim immigrant, served on the most classified anti-terrorism unit in America. We hear about his fascinating life as we discuss his new book “The Unit: My life fighting terrorists as one of America’s most secret military operatives.” From his life in Egypt, to the twisted ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, we follow Adam’s journey to NYC. And his path to the Army. Adam shares vivid details about his undercover missions, how he figured out where Saddam Hussein was hiding, and the ways our counter insurgent strategy actually broke Iraq beyond repair.  He also recalls tracking the major source of terrorism to Africa, how he survived being shot at point blank range, and examines how Islam was hijacked by hate ... and if there is truly anything we can do to stop it. Check out this phenomenal book “The Unit: My life fighting terrorists as one of America’s most secret military operatives.” And follow acclaimed journalist, co-author, Army vet, Kidney donor and Combat ballerina Kelly Kennedy on X @KellySKennedy Co-Author: The Unit. Queen of Cuba. Fight Like a Girl. Author: They Fought for Each Other. To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we talk with a Spec Ops vet whose team rushes behind enemy lines to save American lives. Army/Navy and covert ops veteran Bryan Stern leads the non-profit organization Project Dynamo. He shared vivid details about their recent mission to rescue American missionaries who found themselves trapped within a violent and gang-controlled area of Haiti.  Stern outlines how his organization effectively operates in the unfortunate void between the US military and the key decision makers inside our own State Department. And how over the past two years they have conducted ops which rescued thousands of Americans caught inside enemy controlled areas within Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia and Gaza. Stern shared powerful thoughts on why Dynamo can succeed and why our government, with vastly superior resources, often does not. "They're the ones that have to make tough decisions. If they don't have the right cerebral attitude or testicular fortitude to make the right decisions ... when you're dealing with American lives, seconds count, days are a lifetime." We also get a rare glimpse into the tactical operation within Haiti including; the secret low altitude flight, transport by boat and bus and the eventual arrival in the Dominican Republic. Stern shares how they're able to construct a network of allies, safehouses and logistics all while immersed inside hostile territory. More about Project Dynamo and ways to support their missions here: https://www.projectdynamo.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re hearing about a dramatic story of Russian espionage, US government denial and how the experience inspired Naval Intelligence veteran Jack Daly to write the book “Laugh Out Loud: Your Personal Prescription for the Best Medicine on Earth”. The book reveals the power of humor but, Daly’s story is far from comedy.  He was wounded by a Russian laser while photographing a Russian merchant ship believed to be spying on US Naval operations. Daly shares vivid details about this rare espionage event in the Strait of Juan De Fuca (just a few miles off the coast of Washington State). He also shares his thoughts on why the US Government denied it ever happened. After dealing with pain for decades, and a deep concern over the rising suicide crisis among vets, he was inspired to write a book that shows veterans how to overcome problems using the only thing that worked for him- laughter. Check out Jack Daly's new book "Laugh Out Loud" here For more on the 1997 Russian laser attack: Washington Post article Wikipedia article on The Strait of Juan de Fuca Special Thanks to comedians Dan Soder, Jim Gaffigan, and Russell Peters. Check out their hilarious Russian jokes here And this hilarious sketch from the legendary Jerry Seinfeld From Seinfeld Season 5 Episode 16 "The Stand-In" To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans