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

This week we focus on an incredible story of fatherhood, and its connection to veterans, PTSD, and mental health. Patrick Smithwick is a devoted father and author of the new book “War’s Over Come Home”. It’s the story of the ongoing quest to find his Marine Corps, combat veteran son, Andrew, who is currently roaming the country, homeless and fighting severe mental illness. We’ll hear how his son’s transition slowly went off the rails. And how his combat related PTSD may have played a pivotal part in his son’s decision to leave reality behind and live life on the streets. Smithwick also shares where he believes Andrew is living now, and offers hope that they will eventually find him and get him the support he needs to heal his invisible wounds. To support the search for Andrew check out the Facebook page, “Find Andrew Smithwick”: https://www.facebook.com/findandrewsmithwick (443) 756-7119 FindAndrewSmithwick@gmail.com To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

On today’s show we remember and honor the combat veteran, hip hop artist Doc Todd, whose life was cut short after a heart attack last month. George Michael Todd went by “Mik” but he was known to the rap world as “Doc Todd”. (Doc, a nickname for all Navy Corpsman, who are the first to respond to Marines and soldiers injured on the battlefield.) He was a big bear of a guy, who instantly made you feel good. Our friendship lasted several years, and over the course of several interviews he shared the combat and post military experiences that shaped his acclaimed album “Combat Medicine”. Doc was the kind of guy I knew I could ask anything and get a real answer. In one of our interviews, we talked about how his service-related injuries sent him down the dark road to addiction … something he shared openly on his first hit single, “Not Alone”. IN one interview from 2019 he talked more about his single, “Not Alone” and how it drew interest from Diet Coke who made him a central part of their promotional campaign focused on mental health. Doc Todd’s 2019 album Strange Pictures took another angle at improving our collective mental health though art, photography and music. But rather than focusing on just those struggling, his follow up hit single “Feels Good” was a summer anthem, that reminded vets and non-vets alike, to seek joy in our daily lives. Doc Todd shared his talents and his struggles. He made people smile, groove and his gifted soul touched millions. RIP my brother. Find Doc Todd’s music on YouTube and everywhere you get music. https://www.youtube.com/@doctodd9285/videos To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

On June 3, thousands will gather in DC and walk the city streets all night, to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  Among those walking in the “Out of the Darkness; Overnight Walk” will be Air Force veteran Joan Pauling who shares how this all-night event was the first step on her journey to healing.  Pauling offers a detailed discussion about how AFSP helps veterans, plus, how even people who appear to have it all together may be silently dealing with a mental health issue. More from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the “Out of the Darkness, Overnight Walk” here: https://www.theovernight.org/ Can addictions, depression and the suicide epidemic be solved at the beach? Army vet and clinical therapist Tamara Evans talks about Transformation Treatment Centers in Delray Beach, Fl., and their new program designed to help vets, cops, firefighters, and nurses overcome alcohol/drug addictions, PTSD and other factors that contribute to the suicide crisis in America. Evans shares how the program differs from traditional recovery programs and how at its core, it’s way beyond traditional talk based therapy. More on Transformation Treatment Centers here: https://www.transformationstreatment.center/our-facilities/transformations-treatment-center-delray-beach/ To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

He’s best known for his role as “Lt. Dan” in the film Forrest Gump, but for years acclaimed actor and veteran philanthropist Gary Sinise has been the host of the National Memorial Day concert.  We talked about the concert and the incredible projects he's working on to support our wounded vets. Plus, the story behind his portrayal of Lt. Dan in the award-winning film.  Watch the The National Memorial Day concert on PBS, Sun May 28, 8pm: https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/ Carry the Load is a national relay to raise awareness for our fallen heroes and features teams who walk across 48 states and cover 20,000 miles.  We talked about it with Navy SEAL veteran and co-founder Stephen Holley and Army veteran, Mark Elliott, Director of JP Morgan Chase Military and Veteran Affairs. They share tales from the walk, advice on how to deal with the suicide epidemic and personal memories from their deployments. Support Carry the Load here: https://www.carrytheload.org/ And we discuss the special ways three veterans honor their fallen brothers and sisters.  Guests; Navy SEAL veteran Jonathan Wilson, Army combat veteran and Military Matters podcast host, Rod Rodriguez, and Army veteran and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Allison Jaslow. To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Sgt. Reckless is more than just a horse. Carrying ammo through explosive battlefields, she saved thousands of Marines during the Korean War in the early 1950s. In a research paper, Marine Corps veteran Dylan Clark documented her case and why she legally has the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His paper inspired animal and environmental attorney Jamie McLaughlin to create the current Change.org petition and push the DoD to give this Marine veteran the honors she earned. Sign the petition here https://www.change.org/p/give-decorated-u-s-war-horse-the-burial-she-deserves For more on SSgt Reckless https://sgtreckless.com/ VA UPDATE: PACT Act Claims deadline Many veterans have heard the window for filing their toxic exposure claims is closing soon.  We talked about it with Army combat veteran and VA Press Secretary, Terrence Hayes who shared how vets will always be entitled to their service-related care and benefits, but vets who file now may be able to receive more money. More on PACT Act, VA toxic exposure claims here https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ Best Cities for Veterans Most veterans have spent time all over the world. But where is the best place for them to live after the military?  WalletHub dot com recently analyzed the largest US cities on several key metrics and created “The Best Cities for Veterans” list.  Jill Gonzalez breaks down the numbers and reveals which cities rise to the top.  See the full report here https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans/8156 To reach Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

He heard from God as a child, saved his father from assassination, survived multiple IED explosions and now guards clients from hidden threats around the world. Today we’ll meet Marine Corps combat veteran Byron Rodgers and hear how he became one of the most elite Executive Protection Specialists in the country.  More than just bodyguards for high-net-worth individuals like Hollywood celebrities and corporate execs, Rodger’s company has worked across the globe to provide complex security details in the most threatening environments. Many veterans find their faith as they reconcile their time in war. But in this beautiful story Byron Rodgers shares how he believes his call to become a protector came directly from God … when he was only 5 years old. Rodgers shares how the Holy Spirit came to him again during combat operations in Iraq, and he describes in vivid detail an out of body experience he had moments after being blown up by an IED. After surviving certain death, he again heard a calling from God, and dedicated his life to being a professional protector, Rodgers shares what being an Executive Protection Specialist is really like, and we’ll learn security tips that everyone can use in our daily life. See more about Bravo Research Group (Executive Protection): https://bravoresearchgroup.com/ More on Executive Protection Training and The League of Executive Protection Specialists: https://bravoresearchgroup.com/ More on Byron Rodgers, podcasts, and tactical review videos here: https://byronrodgersmotivation.com/ To reach Phil Briggs, CBS Eye on Veterans Host: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans