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

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