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

Army combat veteran and journalist Matt Saintsing recently revealed on social media that he has been diagnosed with bi-polar depression.  As a good friend and former colleague of Eye on Veterans host, Phil Briggs, the news came as a huge surprise.  After working together for years, Saintsing’s struggle was never clearly visible … not even to himself.  In this fun conversation, Saintsing shares how he discovered his condition, how he’s treating it, does cannabis help and can he still drink beer? We also hear an important update on the medical malpractice case of Special Forces Master Sgt. Richard Stayskal. After our recent podcast episode aired (“Bad Medicine”) where he talked about his cancer diagnosis and his denied claim, we reached out to the US Army for comment. Here we share the Army’s response to our follow up questions. And we talked with Dr. Shauna Springer, one of the nation’s top authorities on overcoming mental trauma and working with military vets. Her book, “Warrior,” calls out the mental health industry and reveals surprising new ways to look at treating depression, PTSD, and the mental health crisis in America. To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

This week we’re talking with veterans who are seriously helping others live their best life!  Eric Brew, Military Outreach Manager at American Corporate Partners is both a Marine Corps and Army veteran.  He’s currently helping veterans receive year-long mentorships from some of America’s most talented corporate executives. These mentors offer advice and strategies for success, and they often become lifelong friends. We also meet Dr. Xavier Bruce, a former Air Force Lt. Colonel who created a powerful program to uplift veterans and help them overcome the stress, depression and anxiety associated with life transitions. We dig deeper into his mantra “Uplift your damn self!” and examine how his coaching empowers black and other veterans of color. And we talk with Marine Corps veteran Kimberly Blanke, Project Manager of Veterans Curation Program from New South Associates, who offers fascinating jobs preparing and researching historical artifacts.  She shared how this work can open doors to careers in archeology, anthropology, and education.  To reach our guests: Eric Brew: American Corporate Partners and mentorships: https://www.acp-usa.org/ Dr. X: Uplift your Damn Self! Powerful coaching for vets, plus VA assistance and more: https://www.upliftnrgcoaching.com/about-drx Kimberly Blankey: Veterans Curation Program, historical artifacts: https://newsouthassoc.com/?page_id=3546 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

When Service members retire from the military, they are entitled to both retirement pay from the Department of Defense and if they were injured, disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unfortunately, due to current law, over 42,000 veterans are unable to fully collect both benefits at the same time. USMC combat vet Cole Lyle, Executive Director of Mission Roll Call is fighting to change that. Also, this week Revolutionary War soldiers, our nation’s very first heroes, were honored in South Carolina. Discovered amidst the tall pines of Camden Battlefield, these soldier’s remains were carefully unearthed, researched and as we’ll hear from historian Doug Bostick, it’s a fascinating story of the young men who fought to establish the United States of America almost 250 years ago. Links: Mission Roll Call and their work to pass the Maj. Richard Star Act: https://www.missionrollcall.org For more on the Revolutionary War soldiers honored in South Carolina check out: https://www.scbattlegroundtrust.org/camden-burials To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Today we’re examining a landmark medical malpractice case. Army Master Sgt. Richard Stayskal was diagnosed with lung cancer by a civilian doctor, but he shares how the Army saw a mass in his lung first but did not notify him or immediately start treatment.  We hear how together with powerhouse attorney Natalie Khawam, they first had to overcome the “Feres Doctrine,” a 70-year-old legal precedent which prevented service members from filing malpractice claims against the DoD. Although they succeeded in forcing Congress to pass a bill that eventually would include malpractice reform in the Defense budget, his struggle continued. Despite having the opportunity to file a malpractice claim regarding his cancer diagnosis, Stayskal and Khawam describe the shocking truth behind the current claims process.  Lastly, we hear the statement provided by a US Army spokesperson after declining our request for an interview. To be continued. Richard Stayskal Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2228680044041086 For more on attorney Natalie Khawam, check out Whisleblower Law Firm https://www.khawamlaw.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Marine Corps combat veteran Jake Edwards learned the value of training from his experience in Fallujah, Iraq. He’s now a security expert who has developed active shooter training programs for military and civilian organizations. Edwards founded Threat Response Training, specifically to train school systems on active shooter events. Each week he trains educators and students from K-12.  We discuss how he applies this training to our youth, and he shares how he can even teach out youngest students effective lessons, without creating more fear. For more information on Threat Response Training: https://threatresponsetraining.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

After another tragic school shooting recently made the news, we’re talking with combat veterans who are actively working to make schools safe.  We begin with Tod Langley, a former Special Operations and Special Missions Unit Intelligence Officer. He has two decades of experience working on Top Secret missions with our military’s Tier 1 operators. Many of them are so sensitive, they will never be publicized. After the military he consulted law enforcement and quickly saw how many of their challenges resembled the “friction points” he experienced with elite military teams in combat. Together with computer experts and talented video game designers he developed Crisis Response Leadership Training. In our interview he explains how these video game style simulations help law enforcement and school districts create detailed plans and effectively train for active shooter events. For more information on Crisis Response Leadership Training: https://crisisresponse.tech/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans email 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 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 in vivid detail, his pain and how 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 SEAL teammates. 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

During the initial surge of US forces during Desert Storm, Army veteran Chris Jones was firing missiles and artillery to push Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. Under the red skies and oil fires, he was finding his flair for graphic design.  A skill that would eventually take him around the world. Jones shares how founding MOS apparel, custom T-Shirts that tell the story of a veterans Military Occupational Specialty, started as something between a father and son … who followed his footsteps in the Army. Jones would eventually expand his talents from apparel to founding Adaptiv Design Concepts, a contracting firm that builds some of the most exclusive and luxurious kid’s rooms in the world. Whether it’s a house that looks like Disneyland on acid, or a championship man cave for a former pro baseball player, Adaptiv DC has built it. Jones also offers home improvement projects that add incredible form and function to any home. More information on MOS apparel: https://www.facebook.com/MOSApparelUSA/ See Adpativ DC custom renovation projects here: https://adaptivdesignconcepts.com/gallery/  Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Former Army Capt. Allison Jaslow, new CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America deployed multiple times to Iraq where she sharpened her leadership in a tough combat environment. We talked about her military career, her years of pushing for greater equality, and how she has never backed down from tackling the thorny issues that active-duty and former service members face. Jaslow recognized that for decades, the VA motto excluded the contributions of female service members. We discussed how she became the voice of the #SheWhoBorneTheBattle” campaign and she explained why changing the VA motto needs to happen, in order to truly serve the needs of female veterans. She also shared the goals of IAVA in 2023, which includes a powerful push for Congress to finally change its stance on cannabis and psychedelic therapies that are proving to have incredible benefits for veterans suffering from PTSD and chronic pain. We also welcomed a chat with Army Reserve Lt. Col. Lisa Jaster, who was one of the first women to complete the grueling combat training course and become an elite Army Ranger. She shared how it shaped her leadership today. And she offered some important messages from her book, “Delete the Adjective: A soldier's adventure in Ranger school”. More information on Allison Jaslow and IAVA here: https://iava.org/people/allison-jaslow/ Find Army veteran Lisa Jaster’s new book “Delete the Adjective: A Soldier's Adventure in Ranger School” here: https://deletetheadjective.com/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Scientific experts agree, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) yields incredible results when treating wounds … yet the VA does not offer it to veterans who suffered TBIs, blast injuries or are currently dealing with PTSD and chronic pain. Dr Robert Beckman, Exec Director of TreatNow.org is one of the nation’s fiercest promoters of this FDA approved wound treatment. In this episode we’ll hear how HBOT plays a crucial role in healing brain injuries and ultimately reducing veteran suicide. Dr. Beckman details the ineffective way the VA currently treats veterans, and how their reasons for dismissing HBOT are based on flawed science. Dr Beckman also shares how a similar situation is unfolding among pro football players and the NFL. From flawed scientific studies to the economic impact of healing brain injuries with HBOT, Dr Beckman explains the wide-ranging benefits of using HBOT for veterans and non-veterans alike. For more information on HBOT, resources and to reach Dr. Robert Beckman: https://treatnow.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

The storytelling is intense in the new podcast “City of Tents Veterans Row”. We talk with host, producer Anna Scott, an investigative reporter with KCRW in Los Angeles.  She has covered LA’s homelessness for years and in this series, she documented a veteran homeless encampment directly across the street from the wealthy Brentwood neighborhood, and shockingly right outside the fence of a massive VA Health care facility. Scott offers a deep look at the vets living in Veterans Row and the revolving door of VA services. Including why one vet suffering from PTSD was denied shelter because of his fully licensed service dog. She also reveals an ugly truth about the sprawling 400 acre VA campus, which sits partially vacant while vets lived on the street outside. (The truth is that the land was donated for veterans to have a place to live.) In our interview, Scott also examines the first of two murders that occurred at the homeless veteran encampment, and shares promises the VA Secretary made during their interview. (Which today remain unfulfilled). Listen to “City of Tents, Veterans Row” here: https://www.kcrw.com/news/city-of-tents-veterans-row “City of Tents, Veterans Row” is a production of KCRW, Los Angeles, a National Public Radio member station.  Contact CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Toby Harnden is Royal Navy veteran, global journalist, and award-winning author. We discuss his book “First Casualty: The CIA’s mission to avenge 9/11” and hear how CIA and Special Forces were dropped into the mountains of northern Afghanistan on October 17, 2001. This is the thrilling story of Team Alpha, an eclectic band of linguists, tribal experts, and elite warriors, who were the first Americans to operate inside Taliban territory. Harnden reveals how the Secretary of Defense was angry that CIA had taken the lead on the mission to kill Al Qaeda.  And we hear details about the lives of Team Alpha members. Harnden also shares details about an interesting and blood thirsty warlord the US paired with in order to crush the Taliban. The irony of this story is that the US actually had success eliminating Taliban forces this way … One can only imagine how different things would be today if we had continued, rather than 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

Dr. Gregory Fowler, President, University of Maryland Global Campus discusses his recent article “The Power of Education in Black America and Beyond” and how UMGC honors military experience to put veterans on the fast track to receiving a college degree. Read the full article here: https://www.umgc.edu/blog/power-education-black-america-beyond Contact CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Hazard Ground is one of the most popular military podcasts in America. Each week veterans share military experiences where you can feel their tension and triumph.  This week, we focus on the man behind the mic, Mark Zinno a combat veteran, Army Reserve Officer, and podcast founder. He tells the story of how he went from running convoys in Iraq to hosting a sports talk show to sports betting analyst. Zinno reveals how his life was saved by the Iraqi forces he trained, and we examine why the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan had such radically different outcomes. We also hear about life before the Army, where Zinno was a cheerleader in college, and went on to perform in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Check out the Hazard Ground podcast here: https://hazardground.com/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

After US military pilots shot down a Chinese spy balloon debates started over Biden’s reaction, and the overall capability of our nation’s intelligence community. We reached out to Rod Rodriguez, an Army veteran, and former Intelligence Officer with 20+ years of experience and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He shares his experience and makes a surprising point that is never mentioned on the major news networks. Check out Rod weekly on “Military Matters” podcast by Stars and Stripes: https://www.stripes.com/multimedia/podcasts/military_matters/ Also check out Rod on “The Back Brief” podcast by ConnectingVets.com: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/podcasts/the-back-brief-33713 New Book: “From Lawyer to Warrior” Marine Corps veteran Chris Pavlak discusses his new book “From Lawyer to Warrior, Failing the bar, becoming a Marine and finding meaning”. He shares how the Marine Corps helped him find his true calling, after failing to reach his biggest goal. Pavlak also shares how ‘toxic shame’ can affect anyone struggling and what everyone should know as they experience setbacks in life. Pick up the book “From Lawyer to Warrior” here: https://lawyertowarrior.com/ Black History Month Salute In honor of Black History Month, we revisit our conversation with Army veteran Vernon Hood Taylor. Despite entering the military in the 1970’s with a sub-standard, racially-divided education rooted in the deep south, he went on graduate from University of Maryland Global Campus and eventually developed military programs that benefitted vets for generations.   Contact CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Special Forces veteran, Delta 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 how Taylor depicts fighting terrorists and avoiding mercenaries with vivid details, like only an elite military operator can. And we discuss the real-world tools and technology used in the field by US Special Operations. Taylor also takes on an important questions regarding our desire for commercial space travel.  Is it the opening terrorists are looking for to launch the next horrific attack against the US? And what are the dangers we face in the real world? 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

How do we combat disinformation from violent extremists and terrorists in today’s media? We asked Navy veteran, journalist and co-founder of Military Veterans in Journalism, Zack Baddorf.  He was a Navy journalist who worked on countering recruitment campaigns for groups like ISIS, and the Taliban. This year MVJ is seeking veterans for investigative reporter positions that will uncover dangerous disinformation campaigns in American media. We also discuss how Russian disinformation has had devastating effects and how domestic extremist groups are actively trying to recruit active military and veterans for violence here at home. For more on the investigative reporter job openings contact Military Veterans in Journalism here: https://bit.ly/401hcsa Contact CBS Eye on Veterans: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

The US Small Business Administration has many programs to help veterans start their own business. We talk with SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman (Gooze’mon) about how veteran business owners can secure funding and government contracts to make their business dreams a reality. Check out SBA programs for veterans here: https://www.sba.gov/. Army Special Forces veteran and investigative reporter Jack Murphy recently broke a story about how a recent bust led authorities to discover an alleged drug and human trafficking operation among Special Forces and Delta Force team members at Ft. Bragg, NC.  Murphy shares details he learned from soldiers within 3rd Special Forces Group. We also discuss how drugs use and sex crimes among these elite military soldiers is a symptom of a larger cultural issue related to the twenty-year Global War on Terrorism. Read the latest from Jack Murphy: “Panic grips Special Forces amid investigation into drugs, human trafficking” https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/news/fear-grips-special-ops-amidst-human-trafficking-drug-arrests Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

What happens when veterans pair up with legendary Nashville songwriters? They produce songs more powerful than prescription drugs or therapy. We learned about Operation Song from Executive Director and Army combat veteran Mike Byer. Byer shares how he went from program participant to Executive Director, and shares a powerful story about how the songwriting process helped save his life.  We go behind the music and examine the songs like “Good Co-Pilot.” Created by a WWII veteran who recalls landing a jet on a carrier during a Hurricane, it’s a powerful testimony of his faith. And we unpack the story behind “Machine Gunner” which is an anthem about a Marine Corps veteran’s memories of being on patrol in Afghanistan.   Check out more incredible songs and how to get your memories made into music by Operation Song https://www.operationsong.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans