Thanksgiving week has us in the mood for food, so we’re talking about how a former Apache helicopter pilot launched Arbo’s Cheese Dip into a huge success. Andrew Arbogast opens our interview with some memories about his days in the cockpit of world's most advanced attack helicopter. Arbogast shares memories of meats and cheeses on a Forward Operating base in Afghanistan, and the early days of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. He also explains how Bunker Labs played a pivotal role in the explosive growth of the company and how it gave him the connections he needed to scale from a home-based business to a cheese dip that’s now available in 20 states, over 1000 grocery stores ... and will soon be available nationwide! Plus, we hear about his appearance on the CMA Awards and his encounter with Country superstar Jelly Roll. To order Arbo's Cheese Dip, check out: https://www.arboscheesedip.com/ Veterans ready to start or scale their business, check out Bunker Labs: https://bunkerlabs.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re talking about how a Special Forces veteran met a Hollywood actor on a career website and the result was a groundbreaking new video game “With Them: Frontlines” where players experience combat ops in the places where US forces actually fought.  Army Special Forces vet Shawn Piatz received creative help from Hollywood Actor/Producer Devin Reeve when they met on the veteran career site Heroes Linked. We start with some fascinating stories about Shawn’s experiences as a Green Beret in Afghanistan.  Shawn also talks about his career transition and the unlikely path from Spec Ops to becoming Chief Operating Officer of a video game studio. We also discuss how it includes in-game applications that assist veterans’ mental health and hearing.  Shawn and Devin also share how this game will continue to expand by openly inviting veterans to become game characters, tell their story, and possibly revolutionize the ways we treat PTSD. For more on the game “With Them: Frontlines: check out https://withthem.co/ For more on career mentors from Heroes Linked https://heroeslinked.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

On Veterans Day, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will grapple, choke and arm bar each other to determine which branch has the ultimate fighter. Although it sounds brutal, off the mat it’s a brotherhood and the story of how Air Force veteran Pow Srikachorn founded a martial arts training facility that is helping his community and vets thrive through their love of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Pow’s journey into martial arts began in Afghanistan, where he worked on some of the most important missions of the Iraq War. (He shared some epic stories of hostage rescues and a behind the scenes look at the mission that took down Osama Bin Laden). He shared how he started Jiu Jitsu training on base and many returned home “addicted” to the thrill this combat martial art provides. Eventually Pow and other veteran partners founded “The Compound” a martial arts training facility to give back to his community in Silver Spring, Maryland. We also hear about the unique Veterans Day match called “The Battle of Branches” which will highlights incredible fighters from every branch of the military. In Pow’s words, “…whether it’s the physical or mental aspect of it or just the tribe you develop, training with each other and trying to kill each other … it’s such a beautiful thing to see.” For more on Air Force vet, Pow Srikachorn Check out The Compound here: https://www.thecompoundsilverspring.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Social @philbriggsVet @eyeonveterans

We look at the recent survey of “The Best Places for Veterans to Live” with Cassie Happe from Wallet Hub dot com. Their recent survey analyzed the top 100 US cities and looked at where veterans are finding employment, great health care and the best quality of life. (Hello Florida and Texas) We also looked closely at additional metrics used to rank US cities, including growing economies and places where veterans are likely to find jobs based on their military experience. Find why vets are loving; Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, Nevada and Idaho. See WalletHub’s entire survey of 100 cities here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans/8156   To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs   phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on Social   @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Today we’re talking with Cal Thomas, about his latest book, “A Watchman in the night: What I’ve seen over 50 years reporting on America”. Thomas is a Vietnam era veteran who served as a radio broadcaster on Armed Forces Radio and then went on to become a legendary conservative journalist and Fox News broadcaster.  We discuss what inspired his thoughts on American culture and conversations with Presidents, politicians, and world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Thomas reflected on the way news is reported and consumed today, and offered some advice for the way all Americans should pursue the truth in today’s ratings-driven media landscape. He also shares how lunch meetings he had with President Ronald Reagan shaped his conservative ideals. Thomas also discussed his Christian faith- and how it has been received as a journalist in the national media, his thoughts on the current Israel-Hamas War, and why he does not believe in a two-state solution. Find more from Cal Thomas here: https://calthomas.com/ Check out his book “A Watchman in the night: What I’ve seen over 50 years reporting on America” https://www.amazon.com/Watchman-Night-Years-Reporting-America/dp/1630062375 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

We investigate another side of the Israel-Hamas War raging in Gaza through the eye of a veteran who was an advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Iraq War.  In a recent op-ed, Dennis Fritz (Ret.) Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, Pentagon Senior Enlisted Advisor called out those in Congress who favor an escalation of fighting in Gaza, and even call for attacks on Iran. He calls for; the US to be a formidable peace broker in the region, lead efforts for real negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people and explains why US leaders should not be looking to take this fight directly to Iran. We also address the most vexing question regarding peace negotiations - Who represents peaceful Palestinians when their elected government is Hamas, a barbaric terrorist organization? Find more from USAF veteran Dennis Fritz, Director of The Eisenhower Media Network here: https://eisenhowermedianetwork.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs:  phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer among cancer-afflicted Veterans.  In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, VA is proud to participate in the second annual National Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) Day.  This significant day coincides with Veterans Day (November 11) emphasizing VA's commitment to our Veterans.   We spoke with Dr. Chris Slatore, Chief Consultant, National Center for Lung Cancer Screening for the Veterans Health Administration, about the importance of this cancer screening awareness campaign and why for veterans from all eras, being screened is vital.

We take a deep look into the Israel-Hamas war through the eyes of a combat veteran and author with decades of experience fighting terrorism.  Brad Taylor is a former Special Forces Lt. Colonel, who served in the Army’s most elite unit, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta … aka Delta Force. But more than just a Tier 1 Operator with vast tactical experience, Taylor’s knowledge of Hamas, Hezbollah and other Islamic terror groups stems from years of research as the best-selling author of the Pike Logan action-adventure series. His best sellers like “Hunter Killer, American Traitor, End of Days” weave together plots featuring actual Islamic Terrorist cells, intelligence tradecraft, covert ops and real world events. In this episode Taylor explains:The complicated backstory to this violent conflictConnections between Iran and militant groups like Hamas, HezbollahWhy Palestinians in Gaza elected a known terrorist organization for their leadership. Taylor also sheds light on Israeli Defense Force (IDF) capabilities, the grim chances for hostage rescue, and whether this is likely to erupt into a larger regional or even global conflict with Iran. Find more on Special Forces veteran, author Brad Taylor here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

MDMA, commonly known as “Ecstasy” offers way more than its psychedelic, glow stick and rave reputation lead us to believe. Marine Corps veteran Juliana Mercer, Policy Director for Healing Breakthrough, a nonprofit organization leading the charge to get the VA to begin using MDMA Assisted Therapy, shares the incredible results of a Phase 3 clinical trial. We take a detailed look at the trials, where 67% of veterans who underwent MDMA Assisted Therapy were completely healed and examine how these studies are conducted. And despite the drug receiving “breakthrough” status from the FDA, and poised for FDA approval soon, Mercer describes the challenges MDMA still faces before veterans will be able to get this treatment through the VA. For more on how MDMA Assisted Therapy is helping vets connect, transform and thrive, check out Healing Breakthrough: https://www.healingbreakthrough.org/ For more on clinical trials of MDMA and psilocybin, check out The Multi-Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): https://maps.org/about-maps/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and his wife Lauren Monroe, a musician and holistic wellness expert, founded Raven Drum Foundation to help veterans, first responders and other trauma survivors heal. They recently hosted Mountain Rhythm reset, a weekend retreat in Jackson Hole Wyoming. The weekend included rock star friends (like Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Guns and Roses drummer Matt Sorum) but the real stars of the retreat were the veterans, first responders and trauma survivors who engaged with them in a variety of ways. We talked about the healing power of meditation and mindfulness techniques with Lauren, and they both shared powerful moments forged at the drum circle. We also dive into Lauren Monroes latest single “Brave” and discover an incredible message, and Rick shared stories about a recent portrait he painted inspired by the late Eddie Van Halen. See more from the Raven Drum Foundation’s Mountain Rhythm Reset here: https://ravendrumfoundation.org/mrr/ https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/get-help/mental-health/raven-drum-foundation-uses-drums-to-promote-healing And more on Rick Allen and Lauren Monroe here: https://rickallen.com/ https://laurenmonroe.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

We talked with Heather Prill, Senior Director of Strategy and Partnerships at The Home Dept Foundation about a recent multi-million-dollar grant and partnership with Bunker Labs which aims to help vets find jobs in the skilled trades and launch their own business in the trades. The partnership is part of the Foundation’s latest $6 million investment in skilled trades training through its “Path to Pro Program”, which aims to bridge the skilled labor gap by providing free, skilled trades training and scholarships to veterans, military families, separating service members and high school students. This eight week entrepreneurship program is designed to introduce U.S. military veterans and military spouses to the process of establishing a successful business foundation. Participants will gain industry-specific mentorship, learn about customer profiles, and market segmentation and design a business plan for launch. See more on the Path to Pro program here: https://www.pathtopro.com/foundation/ More on Bunker Labs small business programs for vets here: https://bunkerlabs.org/ And more on skilled trades training for vets here: https://hbi.org/military/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Army Public Affairs Officer, Danielle Smith shares how she found financial and personal success after opening a Perspire Sauna Studio franchise. However, it was her military experience that played a huge role in her story. She describes how the intensity of her job at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay changed her perspective on life.  But it also armed her with everything she needed to invest in her own business. Smith explained that the sauna business was not her first choice considering she lived in “Hot-Lanta”.  But as a military veteran, her attention to detail helped her find tremendous success, and she now has locations from Atlanta to Charlotte, NC. Smith also offers some great advice for any veteran who is dissatisfied with their current job or have dreams of business ownership. Check out Danielle Smith and Perspire Sauna Studio here: https://www.facebook.com/PerspireProvidencePark/posts/273168311409240/ https://www.perspiresaunastudio.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Today we look at how Navy veteran Alejandra Ameigan built the incredibly successful Vive Yoga and Jacksonville Natural Healing Wellness Center.  She launched during the height of the pandemic and was on a crash course before attending a “business boot camp” which taught her how to scale her holistic health empire. Her journey began as a Respiratory Therapist in a hospital during the deadliest days of COVID.  She describes how the toll of being on the front lines forced her to change direction. She recalled how the idea for her business came from those heart-breaking days working in the ICU. Ameigan also describes the mistakes she made during the early startup days, and how the Institute for Veterans Military and Families’ “Entrepreneurial Boot Camp for Veterans” equipped her for success. She also shares how her business has multiplied, changed directions and now improves the Black and Latino communities of Jacksonville, Fla. Check out Jacksonville Natural Healing here: https://www.jacksonvillenaturalhealing.com/vive-yoga-jax To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Toby Harnden, Royal Navy veteran, and award-winning author talks about his best-selling book “First Casualty: The CIA’s mission to avenge 9/11”. It follows the thrilling story of Team Alpha, an eclectic band of linguists, tribal experts, and elite warriors, who were the first Americans to operate behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. The veteran author offers vivid details about how CIA Officers and Special Forces soldiers were dropped into the mountains of northern Afghanistan on October 17, 2001 with limited resources, even riding on horseback into remote areas to start our attack on those who attacked us. Harnden also reveals the political infighting in Washington and how the Secretary of Defense was angry that the CIA had taken the lead on the mission.  And we hear details about the extraordinary members of Team Alpha, and the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice defending all Americans, still reeling from the attack on our nation. Harnden also shares details about an interesting and blood thirsty warlord the US teamed up with, in order to crush Al Qaeda. The bitter irony is that the US initially had success eliminating Al Qaeda and Taliban forces this way … One can only imagine how different things would be today if we had continued their mission, instead of moving the fight to Iraq. Get this book and more about Toby Harnden here: https://tobyharnden.com/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans Note: This episode originally aired in February 2023.

There is a tremendous focus on mental health in America today.  But what are the real sources of pain for many vets? Making enough money to pay the bills. Air Force veteran and America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP), President, Jim Lorraine shows how this issue is the driving force behind anxiety, depression and even the suicide epidemic. However, help is available.  We look at how AWP helps vets with emergency finances through local resources.  And ways veterans can connect with AWP partners who are actively training/hiring veterans for great careers right now. Lorraine also shares why vets often choose college degree programs over apprenticeships, even though skilled trade jobs are in high demand and often pay more. The cycle of financial hardship leading to mental health issues is real, but AWP offers a way to break this trend. For more info check out: www.americaswarriorpartnership.org To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Special Forces veteran and Connecting Vets.com Investigative Reporter, Jack Murphy, describes how a recently unsealed grand jury indictment is shedding light on murders that occurred on Ft. Bragg in 2020.  When the bodies of an Army Delta Operator, William "Billy" Lavigne, 37, and U.S. Army veteran Timothy Dumas, 44, were found shot to death on the base there were instantly many unanswered questions. Murphy has tracked the investigation over the years and spoken with law enforcement officials and other sources close to the investigation.   The recently unsealed indictment reveals a case that includes murder, drugs, firearms, a cop turned smuggler and obstruction. We also discuss the events surrounding the recent arrest of former Navy SEAL, Rob O’Neill, the self-proclaimed shooter of Osama Bin Laden, who was allegedly drunk at a Dallas hotel, and got into an altercation with a security guard. Later, we take a closer look at the issue of drinking and drug use among the elite Special Operations and veteran communities.   More on the Ft Bragg murder story here: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/news/arrest-made-in-connection-to-2020-fort-bragg-murders More on the arrest of Navy SEAL veteran Rob O’Neill here: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2023/08/29/former-navy-seal-who-said-he-killed-osama-bin-laden-arrested-in-frisco/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Veterans are creating a groundswell of support for federal marijuana legislation.  Marine Special Operations (MARSOC) combat veteran Bryan Buckley is the co-founder of the Helmand Valley Growers Company, a retail cannabis company in California, talks about his own experience treating war wounds with medical marijuana, his foundation’s clinical research trials, and his meetings with politicians during a trip to Capitol Hill. We also talk with Marine Corps Major (Ret.) Tom Schueman about his new 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 from Afghanistan in the final hours before the US military evacuated. Check out Helmand Valley Growers Company here: https://hvgcompany.com/ Find Major 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” here: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Faithful-Afghanistan-Unshakable-Interpreter/dp/0063260611 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

We hear a detailed update on what is being done to help residents of Maui, who saw their town burned to the ground during the recent wildfires. Earlier this week we spoke with Cajun Navy Ground Force Founder, Rob Gaudet who described what it was like on the ground when he arrived last week. Gaudet also describes the search for survivors, what they are calling a slow federal government response, and what we can all do to help residents struggling.  You want to help a local charity doing great things? Check out Grace Bible Church: https://www.gracebiblemaui.org/ You can also support the work of Cajun Navy Ground Force here: https://gocajunnavy.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Today we have 2 incredible stories! They highlight how Building Homes for Heroes helps combat veterans overcome traumatic injuries, with the gift of a free home. We start with the story of Army Special Forces, Master Sergeant (Ret.) George Vera. He shares the gripping story of his “Alive Day” after being shot during a vicious firefight in Afghanistan that left him paralyzed. Next, BHH founder Andy Pujol describes how the idea of helping his fellow Americans was born while volunteering at ground zero in NYC, immediately after the 9/11 attack. Pujol describes the dystopian landscape he saw in NYC that day, the start of Building Homes for Heroes, and the first veteran that received a free home. He also shares how they have delivered 340+ free homes since then, and the countless other ways they help our veterans. You want to help a veteran charity that truly changes lives? Check out Building Homes for Heroes: https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet @eyeonveterans

Navy SEAL veteran Remi Adeleke is truly one-of-a-kind!  Born the son of an African tribal Chief, his family wealth was stripped by a corrupt government, his father tragically died, and he eventually landed on the dangerous streets of The Bronx.  He beat all odds and became a SEAL, then went on to star in blockbuster films and became a best-selling author. In this episode we follow his journey from Africa to NYC, hear details about his adolescent life of crime and the faithful military recruiter who saved him from the streets.  We also hear how Adeleke eventually became a SEAL- an unbelievable story considering when he first joined the Navy, he didn’t know how to swim. And we discuss his pulse pounding new book “Chameleon”, what the moral of the story says about life in America, and the how the story draws inspiration from the real-world missions of the CIA and DoD Special Operations. Check out Chameleon here: https://www.amazon.com/Chameleon-Black-Thriller-Remi-Adeleke/dp/0063238837 To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

We take a deep dive into a Navy SEAL’s Journey with psychedelics and how it inspired him to create a wellness software program that is having incredible success. After years of covert special operations missions and deadly combat, former SEAL Jonathan Wilson found himself with a great job at Goldman Sachs. On paper everything was great. But like many combat veterans understand, life would soon get out of control. Wilson describes his post-military pain in vivid detail, and how taking the psychedelic plant Ibogaine changed his life. After his life altering trip to Mexico, he teamed up with researchers from Oxford University and developed a new web-based, wearable technology solution called INVI Mindhealth. We talked about how exactly INVI Mindhealth works. And we explore how it is changing the lives of many of his fellow veterans. For more information on INVI Mindhealth: https://www.invimh.com/ For more info psychedelic therapy research check out MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies): https://maps.org/  See also Heroic Hearts Project – Ayahuasca and Psychedelic Therapy https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/ Psychedelic Therapy for Caregivers and Spouses https://thehope-project.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Special Forces veteran, Delta Force Team Leader and bestselling author Brad Taylor is back with “The Devil’s Ransom”. This high-octane combat adventure is the latest in the Pike Logan series, where Logan, (a fictional Spec Ops vet whose team conducts the highest classified missions) is tracking down cyber terrorists who attacked a commercial spacecraft in flight, all while trying to avoid being taken out by Taliban and Russian mercenaries searching for an ancient treasure stolen from Afghanistan. In our interview, Taylor describes his location research in Croatia. He also shares the connection between sites in the book and the HBO original series Game of Thrones. We also hear Taylor describe fighting terrorism and avoiding mercenaries with vivid detail, like only an elite Spec Ops veteran can. And we learn about some real-world tools used in the field by US Special Operations. Taylor also answers an important question regarding our desire for commercial space travel.  Is it the opening terrorists are looking for to launch the next horrific attack against the US? See more about Brad Taylor and “The Devil’s Ransom” here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

This week we hear what it’s like to climb Mt. Everest … with only one leg! After surviving a helicopter crash while deployed in Afghanistan, Marine Corps veteran (Ret) Sgt. Kirstie Ennis endured a grueling recovery. But she went on to accomplish huge goals. From snowboarding champion to acclaimed mountaineer, she has used her athleticism and sheer determination to help her fellow vets live their best life. During our conversation she shared her story, and details about her second attempt to conquer Everest. She describes what it’s like to be only 200m from the peak of Mt. Everest and the circumstances that led her to call it off.  We also hear about the deadly man-made situation atop the world’s highest peak. For more on Kirstie Ennis check out: https://kirstieennisfoundation.com/ Follow her on social @KirstieEnnis @thekirstiennisfoundation And see more from Building Homes for Heroes https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/ To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Can an energy drink be good for you? Former Special Forces combat medic Mike Chesne believes he and his team have developed one. Tecton Ketone Hydration is an energy drink that relies on the power of ketones, a chemical our body uses for energy when our liver burns fat, typically while fasting. We discussed how his idea was born after surviving many combat deployments and a career ending IED explosion. Struggling with constant brain fog and an endless list of VA prescribed drugs, Chesne describes his challenging transition and how ketones helped his recovery.   He also shares how a rare DoD research project revealed the power of exogenous ketones. Chesne makes the science easy to understand.  And we also hear about the rare veteran connection he shares with his business partner, a former Coca Cola executive, burned out by launching beverages loaded with sugar and caffeine.   Check out more of Tecton Ketone Hydration Drink here: https://tectonlife.com/ To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Maddie Smith is a Spec Ops spouse, and her story is one that will inspire even the most hardened vets.  She battled out of control drinking, postpartum depression, and crippling anxiety.  We hear how her struggle with the bottle began, and how it almost drove her family apart. Maddie shares how she struggled to kick the habit, and how traditional recovery methods created other nightmare situations.  After realizing Alcoholics Anonymous was not the right fit, Maddie was desperate.  Then she discovered a community that changed her life. Now 5 years sober, her elite level of fitness has her in the running to be “Ms. Health and Fitness 2023” and possibly on the cover of Muscle and Fitness magazine.  She shares the evolution of her work outs, and life advice for anyone struggling with addiction, depression, and a fear of failure. Check out Maddie’s journey and incredible physique here: https://www.thepilot.com/maddie-smith-crossfit/image_e9da9072-ee5f-11ed-b26a-1f36b4cf6b9c.html To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans