Every week thousands of listeners check out the hilarious military podcast “Zero Blog 30,” from sports entertainment giant Barstool Sports. We talked with the show host, Marine Corps combat vet Uncle Chaps. Before podcast fame, he was Staff Sergeant Matthew Cothron (Cah-thron) We heard about his combat deployments, fierce fighting in Fallujah, Iraq and the day he was shot. Chaps also shared his personal battle to keep VA benefits and offers sage advice for all veterans seeking VA benefits. Chaps also shared a few stories from his weekly show and proves why ZB30 is one of the funniest military vet podcasts out there. Check out the Zero Blog Thirty podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zero-blog-thirty/id1151856991 Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

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

This week the VA launched “Action Week” to push veterans to get their benefits related to the recently passed PACT Act. VA Press Secretary and Army combat veteran Terrence Hayes explained how vets who served near toxic burn pits are essentially pre-approved for benefits and he outlined the process, the timeline and may other free resources. Get your benefits claims started here: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ Every year Wreaths Across America honors fallen veterans by placing wreaths on headstones across the country. Communications Director, Amber Caron explains how this year it’s bigger than ever- over 2.5M wreaths! Plus we hear about the personal connections families have with this annual tradition, and how every wreath is actually a fundraising tool for thousands of local programs. For more info on Wreaths Across America check out: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org  Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

A recent report published by Majority Staff of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs claims veterans are “more likely to be involved in right-wing domestic violent extremism”. Cole Lyle, Marine Corps combat vet and policy advisor, has strong words for the members of the committee and pushes back against their report. See the House report here: https://veterans.house.gov/imo/media/doc/report_on_peer_support_in_preventing_domestic_violent_extremism.pdf (Helpful or partisan politics? … you can see for yourself) For more info on how Mission Roll Call is helping get veteran voices heard on Capitol Hill check out https://www.missionrollcall.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Kristopher Goldsmith is an Army combat veteran, acclaimed writer and investigator who has fought for veterans’ rights for years. He founded Task Force Butler Institute to expose disinformation and bring down the hate groups lurking online and behind some of the anti-government militias we saw attack the US Capitol, on January 6th. We discussed the connection between these groups and why they’re actively targeting military veterans. Goldsmith also described how he infiltrated a militia meeting and revealed the white supremacist leaders. He also shared how social media, message apps, and troubled celebrities like Kanye West, help these extremists promote their agenda in the mainstream news. More information and donation for Task Force Butler Institute here https://taskforcebutler.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

Retired Air Force veteran Barry Williams went from serving his country to serving as manager for his son’s band.  Little did he know, his son would become country superstar Jason Aldean. We talked about his service, fatherhood and what it was like before fame. Williams also shared the story of how Jason Aldean got his big break in Nashville and how Macon Georgia is home to many music legends. We also talk with Army veteran Vernon Hood Taylor, who graduated from University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) in 1981. But his accomplishments didn’t stop there.  His work in education paved the way for all service members to receive college credits for their military training and education https://www.umgc.edu/

Nate Boyer went from Special Forces to play in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. After separating from two high octane careers, Boyer knows firsthand the struggle many veterans have with transition. He talked about his new film “MVP” which documents the origin story of Merging Vets and Players, an organization that helps combat vets and pro athletes overcome depression in order to find a new purpose driven life. This powerful film also features cameos from NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, Michael Strahan, Howie Long and an incredible performance by Mo McCrae. Watch it now on iTunes Prime Video, Verizon, Google Play, DirecTV, Microsoft Movies, and more! https://filmrise.com/film/mvp Vets and Bourbon Retired Army Captain Mary Tobin is being recognized by Evan Williams bourbon as an American-Made Hero. We talked with her about her time in combat and how the organization she now leads makes a difference in cities around the country. https://american-madeheroes.com/ From the Army to College Professor Army veteran Dr. James Wyatt is a University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) English professor living in Japan. He shares his journey from serving during the Vietnam era to helping service members pursue their college degree. https://www.umgc.edu/

Before he was the legendary guitarist for The Eagles, Joe Walsh lost his father who served as an Air Force pilot. That’s one of the reasons he founded “VetsAid” the annual concert that raises millions for vets and veteran services.  This year’s VetsAid salutes Ohio vets with bands from there. Featured guests include a reunion of Walsh’s former band The James Gang plus Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys, Dave Grohl and The Breeders.  We also talked about his memories of Ohio and his time at Kent State University. To stream the show and make a donation check out VetsAid 2022 here: https://www.vetsaid.org/vetsaid-ohio The Best Cities for Veterans Wallet Hub dot com recently ranked the Best Cities in America for Veterans to live, and analyst Jill Gonzalez shared details about the best and worst on the list. See the full report here https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans/8156 The Best College Majors for Veterans For many military veterans, starting a new career often begins with pursuing a college degree. Air Force veteran Will Stevens has been there.  And now he’s the Associate Director of Enrollment for UMGC in Asia and he has some great advice for vets.  Check out everything UMGC has to offer here: https://www.umgc.edu/ https://workingnation.com/ https://www.jdogjunkremoval.com/ https://www.sba.gov/

Every November we recognize National Veteran Small Business Week, So we talked with three experts about how to turn your business dreams into reality. Joan Lynch, former ESPN executive and Head of Working Nation.com talks about hot job categories and vets who have found success. Army veteran and founder of J-Dog Junk removal, Jerry Flanagan, shares how he went from a Jeep and a trailer to franchises nationwide. Army veteran Larry Stubblefield, Head Veteran Development for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) explains how the SBA can help veterans with business plans, expert guidance and getting the funds needed to go from brainstorming to starting a successful business. Check out our guests at the following links: https://workingnation.com/ https://www.jdogjunkremoval.com/ https://www.sba.gov/

Rod Rodriguez is an Army veteran and host of the podcast “Military Matters” for Stars and Stripes military news. He recently documented vets trying to rebuild their lives after being ravaged by Hurricane Ian.  The audio clips he shares capture their raw emotions and vivid descriptions of being inside a mobile home as it was severed in half. Also, we examine the similarity for veterans between war zones and volunteering. And what all of us can do to help make a difference. Hear the Military Matters podcast here:   https://www.stripes.com/multimedia/podcasts/military_matters/

Right now, there are literally thousands of job openings for veterans!  We talked with former Army Secretary and Task Force Movement, Chairman, Patrick J Murphy about a new partnership with Military Hire dot com.  This public-private partnership looks to solve America’s supply chain problem with free CDL scholarships and cyber security jobs for vets. We also talked about his interesting history with Philly sports...Let’s go birds! Find out more about these high paying jobs at https://www.militaryhire.com/.

At the height of the Vietnam War, John "Chick" Donohue snuck into combat zones, just to bring his buddies beer! This insane but true story is captured in the book "The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty & War" and we had the honor of talking with the Marine Corps veteran, merchant marine and beer run legend himself.  https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Beer-Run-Ever-Friendship/dp/0062995464 

“The Greatest Beer Run Ever” is the story of how Marine Corps veteran and merchant marine John “Chick” Donahue smuggled beers into Vietnam, just to show his buddies in combat, that his friends back home still care. Retired Special Forces veteran Col. Hans Bush was the film’s military technical advisor and he shared how they worked to make every detail accurate. He also shared some behind the scenes stories of actors Zac Efron (John Donahue) and Russell Crowe. The film is currently streaming on Apple TV+ Check out the book that inspired it all here https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Beer-Run-Ever-Friendship/dp/0062995464 

Host of ABC TV's business start-up show "Shark Tank" Barbara Corcoran wants to help military and veteran small businesses as they enter this year's crucial fourth quarter. We talked about her upcoming free webinar “Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran, presented by AT&T Business” which airs on Wed Oct 12.   Register for free at 888Barbara.com

For some veterans, getting busted is just part of a much bigger problem. Independent veteran advocate, Josh Marks, reveals how many counties in Maryland are not properly addressing the trauma, substance use, and mental health disorders of vets caught in the legal system. Chris Deutsch from Justice for Vets dot org shares how Veteran Treatment Courts across the country are helping them get their life back on track.

We talk with former Navy officer Thibaut Delloue about his new book “The Wardroom: An Officer's Tour at Sea and the Crisis of the US Navy” where he cites examples of this culture and a dangerous lack of training.  He also examines how current conditions may impact our ability to handle the next global crisis. Find the book and more about veteran author Thibaut Delloue here https://thibautdelloue.com/

This weekend some people will be surprised to see more than 20 veterans riding horses down the middle of New York City streets. These vets, along with mounted divisions of NYPD are riding in support of the 7th annual “Ride to Zero”. We talked with Meggan Hill-Mcqueeny about the goal of ending veteran suicide and the incredible programs from Braveheart Equine Therapy. Plus, powerful examples of vets who overcame PTSD, Depression, and other post-war conditions through horse training therapy on their horse farm in Illinois. For more about BraveHeart, Horse Therapy programs check out their website http://www.braveheartriding.org/

We talk with Marine Corps Major 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 a dual memoir told by both Maj. Schueman and his interpreter Zainullah Zaki. It covers some of the fiercest combat of the war in Afghanistan, and Zak's harrowing escape before the US evacuated and the country fell back into the deadly hands of the Taliban. Get the book here

Veterans are creating a groundswell of support for federal medical marijuana legislation. (Which is frankly long overdue) Marine Special Operations (MARSOC) veteran Bryan Buckley is the co-founder of the Helmand Valley Growers Company, a cannabis company in California, and from his own experience to his foundation’s clinical research trials, he talks about his recent trip to Capitol Hill. He shares updates on pending marijuana legislation and how with the assistance of conservative Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Republicans seem ready to take over this issue. For more information on Helmand Valley Growers Company and to support the Battle Brothers Foundation check out https://hvgcompany.com/

What can we do to end the suicide epidemic in the US? Former SEAL Dave Berkenfield offers some cool life experiences and highlights the principles of American Legion’s “Be the One" suicide prevention campaign. For more on the great things American Legion offers vets and how we can all "Be the One" for somebody right now, check out https://www.legion.org/betheone

America’s Warrior Partnership believes that ending veteran suicide is not a program, it is an outcome. AWP employs a holistic approach to veteran care, such as helping veterans find a job, buy a home, repair their family relationships, etc. We talked with AWP, President, and Air Force veteran Jim Lorraine.

Vet Centers provide a wide range of counseling services to veterans, and their families, which is especially important to discuss during Suicide Prevention Month. We learned more from Michael Fisher, VHA’s Chief Officer of Readjustment Counseling Service.

Army veteran Mark Jackson is sick from diseases related to his time at a remote US military base in Uzbekistan. The VA has denied his claim, and The PACT Act, which was recently signed into law by President Biden, does not cover the osteoporosis (and other conditions) he is suffering from. His private insurance (Blue Cross Blue Sheild) also denied coverage for another year of the medication he desperately needs. Without insurance, the monthly bill for these meds is almost $5K per month. We talked at length about his story, the toxic base known as K2, and how he continues to fight for the medical care and benefits he and many other veterans deserve. Veterans dealing with toxic exposure-related illnesses who served at K2 (and other areas) can get support by contacting The Stronghold Freedom Foundation https://strongholdfreedomfoundation.org/

Attention student veterans- Do some homework before you enroll in school. USMC veteran Will Hubbard, Vice President for Veterans & Military Policy for Veterans Education Success explains how colleges like Westwood and ITT Tech were ripping off vets with useless degrees. He also explains the impact on student veterans' federal loans and GI Bill. For more on what Veteran Education Success can do for you check out https://vetsedsuccess.org

We discuss the anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan with Army combat veteran, Intelligence Officer, and fierce Afghanistan activist Matt Zeller. He cites specific examples of how the US State Dept officials on-site knowingly stranded thousands of interpreters and shares some stunning data from The Association of Wartime Allies.  Zeller also discussed how this botched evacuation process, can lead to suicide among veterans who are now suffering the moral injury of being unable to assist those who fought to save their life. Here are some key takeaways from our interview, and the ways Zeller offers everyone to get involved:Hammer your Senator and/or Representatives to Pass The Afghan Adjustment Act now! If we can get 100K Ukranains here to safety, we can do it for allies who fought with us. Join and/or support IAVA, Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America https://iava.org/Donate to the Association of Wartime Allies https://www.wartimeallies.co/projects-3Get involved with any of the organizations currently helping Afghanistan refugees resettle in the US. See groups like; HIAS https://www.hias.org/afghan-refugee-crisis-how-you-can-help, Catholic CharitiesLutheran Immigration and Refugee Services https://www.lirs.org/The Jewish Federations of North America https://www.jewishfederations.org/ Follow Matt Zeller for more information @mattczeller