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

Will Google searches soon become a thing of the past? Will apps become extinct? Decades ago, Tim Kitchens served in the Air Force as a Russian intel analyst, but after the military he trained to become a Senior Software Engineer and expert programmer. We sat down with him to get an in depth look at how the explosive growth of AI technology is poised to revolutionize the way we work and interact with the Internet. Kitchens begins by explaining the basics of AI technology; What is it? How does it work, etc. He later expands on how ChatGPT can be incorporated into our daily lives and how other AI driven tech is transforming online content and digital video.   He reflects on the dark side of AI too, ie; the dangers it presents when used to promote greed, misinformation and other dark desires. But it’s not all dark. He shares how the traditional Internet search will eventually be replaced by “Prompt” technology, allowing for AI to perform search, research and other mundane tasks within minutes. He also sheds light on how AI is responsible for light-speed advances in medicine; the COVID vaccine and hopefully someday for diseases like cancer.     We also discussed how to “future proof” your career with “prompt skills”, and the surprising places to find training.  Check out Tim Kitchen’s article “Embrace AI or Fall Behind: Yes, Resistance IS Futile” here: www.linkedin.com/in/timkitchens To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today, we’re talking about a groundbreaking new book, “The Unit” by Adam Gamal and Kelly Kennedy. It delivers a look inside the military’s most secretive special missions unit, which is so covert that even its name is classified. Our book reviewer is National Security reporter Jack Murphy who served as an Army Ranger, Sniper, and Special Forces operator within Joint Special Operations Command. He describes some stories inside the book, and shares personal anecdotes about the rare occasion when he encountered this covert team in the field. We are currently working our back channel communications to land interviews with authors Adam Gamal and Kelly Kennedy ... but the book is so damn intriguing, we couldn't wait to discuss it! Check out "The Unit" here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250278180/theunit Follow SF veteran and journalist Jack Murphy on X @JackMurphyRGR To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

We’re talking with Navy veteran Jenna Carlton, who founded the massively popular Facebook group “The Millennial Veterans.” Between Facebook and Instagram, Millennial Veterans has amassed millions of views, and their content reaches thousands of vets every week. We jump right into her recent spicy article that tells VA why many younger vets do not recommend joining the military. She talked about her days aboard the carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and like her Millennial Vet followers have come to appreciate, she didn't shy away from sharing personal experiences and the uncomfortable reality of military sexual trauma. Carlton also shared how she was inspired to create a Facebook group to connect with other millennial vets, after her internship with the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill. It was front row seat to the frustration many feel after watching Congress put politics before the immediate needs of our vets. She also delivers fascinating observations on whether the military truly helps younger service members prepare for life after the military. And a great take on whether that's the role of DoD, VA or millennial veterans themselves. We also examine her latest book, "The Veteran Workbook" and learn how veterans from all eras can benefit from putting their thoughts in a journal. And may be surprised by the benefits of looking in the rear view mirror. With one scroll through the MV page, the sense of community found within her audience is apparent, and in this episode she shares exactly how many of them feel. Check out The Millennial Veterans Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/themillennialveterans Follow Jenna on Instagram @themillennialveteran https://www.instagram.com/themillennialveteran/ And even if you're too tough to journal ... check out "The Veteran Workbook" here: https://www.amazon.com/Veteran-Workbook-Jenna-Carlton/dp/B0C6W1GB96 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Whether you're starting college after the military, finishing a degree or just looking for skills to advance your career, we discover the innovative ways University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) delivers. UMGC President, Dr. Gregory Fowler describes their "student-centric" approach. More than just a catch phrase, he shares an in-depth look at things like:Helping deployed students from Forward Operating Bases to AntarcticaUnderstanding the specific needs of veteran students from all racial and cultural backgroundsHow their process uses a "Sherpa" approach to ensure all students reach the topEmployer verified certifications for cyber, business, IT and human resources Dr. Fowler also describes the way UMGC programs use AI technology to; prompt students when they need it most; identify when life factors may be getting in the way and how instructors can see student performance in real-time, which allows them to assist every student on a personal level. We also examine how students looking to launch their own business can benefit from a focused delivery of the specific skills related to business. Whether it's fundamentals or advanced accounting, this streamlined approach gives veteran small business owners exactly what they need to succeed. Want more on UMGC's 125 degree programs? Check out their bachelor's, master's, doctoral and targeted certificate programs here: https://www.umgc.edu/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re discussing the new book “Dead Man’s Hand” with author, Army veteran Brad Taylor, former member of the highly classified 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Delta Force). This high adrenaline novel tracks: a plot to kill Vladimir Putin; a fight between Putin’s brutal National Guard henchmen, the GRU- a Russian Intelligence unit and a Ukrainian hit squad; and ultimately the dangerous work of American commandos led by veteran Pike Logan. It’s a twisted plot that takes us to the brink of nuclear war. As we discussed the players in the book (based on actual military/intelligence units) I asked Brad if the details come from his experiences while serving with Delta Force? Taylor also describes the brutality of Russian Intelligence forces and shares behind the scenes look at locations in Sweden and Denmark.   We dive deeper into tradecraft used by military and spies around the world. And in one of the most revealing parts of our interview, we consider what these missions look like in real-life, as the President and Congress deal with deadly Islamic terror groups and the ominous situation developing with Iran. More on Dead Man's Hand and Spec Ops vet Brad Taylor here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

We're talking with vets in Vegas at Super Bowl LVIII about their NFL partnership, and how they're looking for fellow vets to tackle a mission vital to our democracy. Marine Corps veteran Ben Keiser and Air Force veteran Anil Nathan share how the organization We The Veterans recently launched the “Vet The Vote” campaign, with a goal of recruiting over 100K veterans to serve as election poll workers in upcoming elections. They describe how the veteran community can play a crucial role in this year’s elections. And how their presence can help rebuild trust in a process that's been marred by political division and conspiracy theories. Both Keiser and Nathan share their personal experiences serving as poll workers, and describe what they saw firsthand as they answer the important question, "Are elections really safe?" And of course we also talk football, and what the vibe is like in Vegas, during the biggest sports week of the year. For more on Vet The Vote and how you can get involved check out: Vet The Vote To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re talking with Navy SEAL veteran and marketing mogul John Timar. During his post military career, he achieved success bringing Kill Cliff energy drinks to the forefront of the highly competitive US energy drink market and established partnerships with podcast giant Joe Rogan, the mixed martial arts community and raised millions for the Navy SEAL Foundation. But his latest venture steps outside of the energy drink business and introduces us to "Grapple Science" a new nutritional supplement targeting Jiu Jitsu athletes and other forms of mixed martial arts, wrestling, etc. Timar offers an in-depth look at the supplement industry, and explains the science behind terms like "nutraceutical". We also examine their new supplement “Cognition” which claims to enhance cognitive function, learning, memory, and mental stamina.  So, does it really work? Timar, who claimed even he feared supplements in his early days, offered a closer look at Grapple Science's rare ingredients like; Lion’s Mane, Alpha GPC and nooLVL. And he shared how some of their ingredients are currently being used within the medical community to treat diseases like Parkinson's. For more on Grapple Science nutritional supplements: https://grapplescience.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

This week we’re talking with Dr. Robert Beckman, Executive Director of Treat Now dot org. He’s one of the premiere experts in the treatment of brain wounds with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Although this technology is FDA approved for things like burns and diabetic foot ulcers, Beckman says the VA ignores proof that it's effective for treating brain wounds, TBI’s, concussions and depression which has fueled the suicide epidemic in America.  While ending suicide remains a top priority for VA , DoD, Beckman slams their decision to pump millions of mental health dollars into psychedelic research to merely treat symptoms. He offers several real-world examples of HBOT effectively treating the root cause and thus eliminating symptoms in ways current VA strategies do not. In one powerful segment he shares how over the years the VA has amputated hundreds of thousands of feet, due to diabetic foot ulcers. Beckman claims most of which could have been avoided if HBOT was introduced earlier in their care. He also shares vivid examples; NFL players treating concussions, combat veterans' fighting effects of toxic exposures and many clinics who are currently embracing HBOT therapy for treatment of brain wounds, PTSD and MS. For more on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy including powerful research data and published studies, see TreatNow.org's website: https://treatnow.org/ Read the latest newsletter "VA Continues to Avoid Treating and Healing Brain Wounds" here: https://treatnow.org/va-continues-to-avoid-treating-and-healing-brain-wounds/ VIDEO: MSG Scott Rossler's HBOT testimony https://youtu.be/N-CkR5shqEM?si=UmUhF_jKxPHjjzkq VIDEO: NFL great Joe Namath shares how HBOT changed his life: https://youtu.be/s7nxU3QadIA To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re talking with former student veterans who testified before the US Dept. of Education in Washington DC, regarding for-profit colleges that failed to provide the useful degrees they promised, all while burning through the GI Bill funding they earned and even their private student loans. We start with Air Force veteran Stephanie Pollay who shared her experience getting a degree from ITT Tech, the $200K debt she incurred, and the harsh reality she faced after trying to apply it to the real world. We also hear from Navy veteran Angela McMillen, who describes how her college merged with Ashford University, and although she paid for post graduate studies intended for a PhD in Clinical Psychology Research, the school was never accredited.  Marine Corps vet Will Hubbard describes what Veteran Education Success is doing in DC to ensure proper oversight and laws to protect student veterans from for profit schools targeting military vets and other low-income students.    If you're a veteran who was scammed by a college or online degree program, contact Veterans for Education Success https://vetsedsuccess.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we learn how Marine Corps Spec Ops vet Derek Herrera has built a business around a digital skin inspection tool, known as the "Habit Camera" thanks to a partnership with VA’s Technology Transfer Program. We begin with his journey into the elite Marine Corps unit known as, MARSOC aka Marine Corps “Raiders”. Herrera shares the dramatic story of the firefight with Taliban forces in Afghanistan, the shot that wounded his spine and the heroism of his fellow Marines.   After a tough recovery, Herrera described the cutting-edge VA medical technology he discovered, including a device that allowed him to stand tall during his retirement ceremony. We also learn about the Habit Camera, which will do amazing things for those with spinal cord injuries, diabetes and assist others in the early detection of skin cancer. Dr. John Kaplan, VA Technology Transfer Program Director, describes other medical device technology currently available for licensing and the opportunities this incredible program creates for small businesses. Check out more from Marine Corps vet Derek Herrera and make skin inspection a regular habit, with the Habit Camera. https://habitcamera.com/ For more information about medical technology available for licensing to small businesses, check out the VA Technology Transfer Program here: https://www.research.va.gov/programs/tech_transfer/default.cfm See all the cutting-edge tech at VA's Tech Link here https://techlinkcenter.org/va-technologies/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans  

We’re talking with Joan Lynch, Chief Content Officer at WorkingNation.com about companies desperate to hire veterans right now. We examine the certifications required for hot jobs in Cyber, and Lynch shares insight from recent conversations with veteran hiring officers for companies like Space X. We also talk about the huge growth in trucking, and healthcare plus how within every category, there are tons of high-paying roles on the back end. Lynch also maps out an effective strategy for finding these growing companies.  We also look at how AI and ChatGPT are changing the American workforce, and Lynch reveals how this tech is actually opening new doors for veterans. For more on the hottest trends in employment check out Working Nation here https://workingnation.com To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Social @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans And find more great stories at Connecting Vets dot com https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

British paratrooper veteran James Thornett tells the epic story of smuggling a truckload of liquor down the deadliest road in Iraq. This epic Christmas Eve story was the start of the legendary bar known as "The Baghdad Country Club”. For more about James Thornett and pics from “The World’s Most Dangerous Bar” check out: https://www.baghdadcountryclub.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

We’re doing some last-minute Christmas shopping and highlighting veteran-made products that make great stocking stuffers. Triangle Fragrance: Army veteran Magda Khalifa, launched Triangle Fragrance, a scent line for men and women that draws its inspiration from her own transition and the self-help book she wrote. She also shares the meaning behind these luxurious scents and how one cologne was inspired by the classic military movie, "Apocalypse Now". Check out Triangle Fragrance here https://trianglefragrance.com/ Tiny Human Skin Care: After the military, former Army Captain Liz Reid struggled to help her son effectively treat his eczema. Mainstream soaps and moisturizers only seemed to aggravate his skin, so she decided to create the solution herself. Armed with skin care knowledge as a licensed esthetician, she began experiments that lead to founding Tiny Human Skin Care, an entire line of all-natural skin care products.  For healthy skin, check out Tiny Human Skin Care here https://www.tinyhumanskincare.com/ Retro Warrior Coffee Retro Warrior Coffee is a military spouse owned coffee company that offers more than just eye-opening coffee. Lisa Johansen explains how each bag is a tribute to vintage military ad campaigns and a salute to great moments in US military history. We also discuss how one blend pays homage to The Ghost Army unit that helped make a crucial difference in WWII. Follow link below and subscribe to Retro Warrior Coffee. You can support their "Thank a Hero" program, which provides free coffee for law enforcement, Fire-Rescue, First Responders and other vital workers who could always use a cup of joe! https://retrowarrior.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Social @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans And find more great stories at Connecting Vets dot com https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

In this episode we’ll go from the jungles of Vietnam to a small-town diner in Illinois! Mr. Lynn Lowder is a Vietnam veteran and former Marine Corps Force Recon Team Leader who in his seventies, founded Rosie's Home Cooking. This classic diner builds off the famous portrait of Rosie the Riveter and delivers the vintage 1950's experience. But his impact is felt far beyond his small town in Illinois. He's also the co-founder of The Veterans Business Project, a non-profit organization that has helped thousands of vets start their own business.  We open the show with his memories from Vietnam.  Few people can say they were part of a team who invented something that has saved countless lives in combat. Lynn Lowder recalls how members of his Marine Force Recon unit invented the "SPIE" rig (Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction) a strap that’s used to deploy and extract combat forces and is still being used by Special Operations teams today.  After the military, Lowder founded the Veteran Business Project. This non-profit organization has helped many veterans become business owners, through mentorship and a unique way of pairing aspiring veteran entrepreneurs with successful founders who wish to sell their business to a skilled vet. Lowder concludes our conversation with the inspiring story of Rosie’s Home Cooking. And how it's become so successful paying homage to our nation’s heroes while serving up American diner classics.  For veterans dreaming of owning their own business, check out Veteran Business Project here: https://veteranbusinessproject.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on Social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans For more veteran news and stories check out: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

This week we discuss an epic short film “The Metal Detector”. It's a WWII veteran story with a modern twist. The film documents how Georg, an Austrian retiree whose mother witnessed the crash of an Allied B-17 during World War II, takes up metal detecting to find the wreckage.  His fascination (and sheer determination) lead him on a heartfelt mission, to not only research the backgrounds of the American crewmembers who parachuted off the plane into enemy territory, but also locate their descendants, and bring them to his Austrian town for the 75th anniversary of the crash. Our guests; Filmmaker Brendan Patrick Hughes and documentary subject Mick Berry, an actor, musician and gifted playwright, discuss the trip to Austria where they met the townspeople who helped their fathers, other descendants of the crew, and discover pieces of the wreckage. We also discuss the lives of these brave men, and are offered a glimpse into how they dealt with their PTSD after the war, as told through Berry’s one-man play “My father fought Hitler, the bottle and me”. It's a fascinating story of empathy, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. See The Metal Detector trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5nQe52xqAk Watch the film on PBS here (or stream on the PBS app): https://www.pbs.org/show/the-metal-detector/ More from Mick Berry here: https://www.mick-berry.com/index.html   Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on Social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans For more veteran news and interesting stories check out: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets