USMC vet Sgt. Major Mario Marquez shares how American Legion has veteran’s back. Special Forces vet Jack Murphy explains why Signal scandal is truly a big deal.

American Military University (APUS) President Nuno Fernandes shares his humble background, and how AMU understands what veterans need to succeed.

Two enlisted vets, now senior executives, share how American Military University puts cutting-edge degree programs within reach for military, veterans and the whole family.

How does the VA plan on taking care of vets while slashing budgets and firing staff? VA Sec Collins says it will happen. DAV says they have not been shown how.

Amidst many recent layoffs, Sec. Tony Woods reveals how Maryland Department of Veterans, Military and Families helps with VA benefits, small business and more

Army veteran Luke Graziani, former public affairs officer for Bronx VA Hospital shares the story behind his recent termination.

Army veteran shares how they helped her when she needed it most

A social post sparked outrage after a Suicide Crisis Line Responder was allegedly fired. VA statement claims no crisis staff were affected by layoffs, but GSF reveals even more disturbing trends in VA data.

Jenna Carlton, DoD employee and founder of The Millennial Veterans Facebook group talks about her order to return to the office, for a job that was designed to be remote, and if she will stay or go.

Let’s talk about love! Andrew Carroll, Director of The Center for American Letters, returns with some of the most romantic words ever written, by service members fighting wars around the world.

This episode is the first of a 2-part series where we hear a powerful interview with Army combat vet, Purple Heart recipient turned software developer Lukas Simianer- who fights the VA for vets, and wins. Wounded in Afghanistan at the age of 19, Lukas left the military with only a few hundred bucks in his pocket and started the difficult transition from enlisted soldier to civilian life. He struggled with his own mental health, isolation, lack of any meaningful DoD support and eventually endured being so poor that he lived in a rat infested trailer. But rather than accepting a tragic defeat, he made a bold commitment to change his life and taught himself computer programming. Lukas shares his dramatic story, exposes how the DoD still fails to properly support enlisted veterans after their service and how he became a pioneering tech entrepreneur. We conclude this episode with the story behind his first success as a software developer, creating Clusiv- the world’s first online learning platform built for people who are blind. But that was just one step toward founding a revolutionary company that unleashes the power of AI to help his veteran brothers and sisters. Many of whom are currently battling the VA to get the support and benefits they rightfully earned. If you are struggling to get your VA benefits or correct disability rating, check out: https://vetclaims.ai/  For more on Lukas Simianer, VetClaims Founder and 82nd Airborne veteran: https://vetclaims.ai/founder-story/  Contact Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on X: @philbriggsVet @EyeonVeterans @connectingvets

Thinking you might need to stop drinking? This episode is for you. As we kick off the New Year, many folks attempt to give up alcohol in what’s commonly called “Dry January”. But for many veterans, drinking becomes more than just a social vice … it can have dangerous, criminal and even deadly consequences. We talked with former Navy Destroyer Commanding Officer, Jay Wylie, who shared his battle with booze, and how drinking went from a coping mechanism, to collapsing his military career. Tracing the origins of his drinking to college, Wylie described a military culture that appeared to embrace it. He shared a remorseful look at his drinking problem, “I ended up getting so drunk and stupid on liberty with a couple of female crew members, that I broke every rule in the Captain’s book.”     His booze-fueled behavior eventually led to conviction on sexual assault charges, which resulted in; being relieved of command of USS Momsen (DDG-92), court martialed, and sentenced to 42 months. In hindsight Wylie revealed, “as painful as that was… that’s what it took to get me sober.” He also shared the steps he personally took to end the destructive pattern caused by his out of control drinking. Now with 13 years of sobriety, he’s dedicated to helping other veterans quit drugs and alcohol. Wylie also shared how his work with Confidential Recovery, in San Diego, helps guide clients through the 12-Step process, and works with VA recovery services to help vets get the treatment they need, before suffering severe alcohol related consequences. He also offers insight on whether cannabis is helpful, or just another vice. As veterans (and even non-veterans) look to goals of self-improvement in the new year, Wylie’s story reveals there is hope and resources for veterans searching for a way to break the cycle and begin a better life. Learn more about Confidential Recovery here: https://www.confidentialrecovery.com/   For more resources check out Veteran Navigation Center here: https://veteransnavigationcenter.org/   Contact Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on X: @philbriggsVet @EyeonVeterans @connectingvets

We’re keeping the Christmas spirit alive, by sharing incredible letters written by service members deployed long ago. The letters come to us from Andrew Carroll, Founder of The Center for American War Letters, who has archived and preserved over 200K letters- some dating back to the Revolutionary War. We discussed several pieces from the collection, including; a letter from an Army nurse, expressing her condolences to the family of a soldier she cared for at the end of the war, and who didn’t pass from combat injuries, but rather from influenza. Like the era we experienced during the global pandemic in 2020, the letter shows an empathy and compassion we wish we could see more often today. Carroll also shares letters from the Pacific during WWII, a snow covered Germany during WWII, and a Christmas themed letter that offers an inspiring look at post WWII Europe. Together, these letters portray how previous generations beautifully captured the human spirit in a writing style that sounds like classic Hemmingway. Check out more of these incredible letters or preserve your own famliy mementos, see Chapman University's Center for American War Letters here: https://www.chapman.edu/research/institutes-and-centers/cawl/index.aspx Contact CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans @connectingvets

It’s a week after the thrilling 125th Army-Navy Game, but even after the game, we still love hearing stories from our fellow Soldiers and Sailors.   During our time on USAA’s Media Row, we had fascinating conversations with military vets and senior military leaders. We start with Maj. General Brett Sylvia, Commanding General of the Army’s mighty 101st Airborne (Air Assault). He shared some history from this legendary unit and offered a glimpse at the lethal capability they're bringing into the future. We also had a good time talking with Army Special Forces veteran, football player and filmmaker Nate Boyer. He discussed his "late bloomer" path to the Army and football, and how his organization “Merging Vets and Players” brings vets together with former NFL athletes. He was joined by American Legion, Executive Director of Government Affairs Director and Marine Corps veteran Mario Marquez. who shared how The American Legion is not your grandfathers pub, but remains an awesome organization for veterans from every generation. We wrap our time on Media Row, with two vets and Senior Executives from the Army Navy Game's proud sponsor, USAA. Former Army Major Rob Braggs shared how service has become a family tradition and former Navy Captain Bill White shares some of his favorite military memories, including how we actually served on the same ship back in the 90s. Plus how USAA offers services that can truly help our nation’s veterans live their best life. For more on the Screaming Eagles of 101st Airborne (Air Assault): https://www.army.mil/101stAirborne   For more on a great organization for veterans, check out The American Legion: https://www.legion.org/   See Special Forces vet Nate Boyer’s organization MVP, a collaboration with FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer here: https://vetsandplayers.org/   Follow Nate @NateBoyer37   Contact CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans @connectingvets

On this episode we talk with best-selling veteran authors about their fascinating books. We start with a brand-new release, “We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History” from Special Forces veteran, journalist and author Jack Murphy, who takes a deep dive into historical events that have never been written about before. Murphy describes his interviews with veterans who conducted ops you'll never read about in the history books ... like the time a team parachuted into position with a nuclear bomb in a backpack! Get “We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History” here: https://www.amazon.com/We-Defy-Chapters-Special-History-ebook/dp/B0DCGC1N1N We also revisit our conversation with covert DoD Task Force and Special Operations veteran Adam Gamal, who authored “The Unit: My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America's Most Secret Military Operatives”. (See Eye on Veterans March 29 episode). This personal memoir recounts his time on the military’s most covert unit … a team so classified that even its actual name cannot be released. Comprised of elite Special Operations soldiers, deep cover Intelligence assets and others with unique skills, The Unit, offers us a rare glimpse at what it takes to fight terrorists around the world.  Get “The Unit: My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America's Most Secret Military Operatives” here: https://www.amazon.com/Unit-Inside-Americas-Secret-Military-ebook/dp/B09Y457JN5 Finally, we talk with Brad Taylor, a former commander of the Army’s elite team Delta Force. Now a best-selling, action-adventure novelist, he describes his latest book “Dead Man’s Hand”. Although this story of a pending nuclear attack by Russia is fictional, Taylor’s exceptional writing fuses together historical events, insight into Putin's regime and terror groups that really exist in today’s modern world. Get “Dead Man’s Hand” here: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Logan-Novel-ebook/dp/B0C2Q5TJB2 Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans @connectingvets  

This is the story of Army veteran and former Apache helicopter pilot Kevin Byrne, and his unstoppable mission to fight Multiple Sclerosis (MS).   Initially diagnosed while leading a squadron in Korea, he has since become a staunch supporter of his fellow MS patients and the National MS Society, through his non-profit organization “Never Stop Never Quit”. Through his website he offers books, blogs, recipes other ways people living with MS can still thrive. As this holiday season serves as a reminder that we should always give more than we receive, consider making a contribution to Never Stop Never Quit .com and support all those living with MS. More about MS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord:  Symptoms MS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including vision loss, pain, fatigue, impaired coordination, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty with mobility. Symptoms can vary from person to person and can change over time.  Causes MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the central nervous system. This damage to the protective coating of nerve cells, called demyelination, can lead to paralysis.  Treatment There is no cure for MS, but medications and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Early treatment can lead to better outcomes.  Prognosis Most people with MS have a normal life expectancy, however end up dealing with degrading physical abilities and chronic symptoms over time . Learn more about Never Stop, Never Quit and Donate here: https://neverstopneverquit.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Marines are once again helping make Christmas wishes come true through the annual “Toys for Tots” gift donation campaign . We spoke with (Ret.) Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Simon Hebert about this awesome program. Herbert has unique experience as a Louisiana native who came from humble roots, and was once a recipient of gifts from Toys for Tots.  Today he enjoys being able to give back and continues the tradition near Quantico, VA. We also hear about the powerful ways Navy Federal Credit Union is giving back from Brandi Gomez, Navy Federal Assistant Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility and a Marine Corps spouse. To make a donation at NFCU locations or support online, check out: https://www.navyfederal.org/campaigns/branch-ops/toys-for-tots.html To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Thanksgiving gatherings and football games have us in the mood for food! So, we’re serving up the story of Army veteran Andrew Arbogast, who went from flying combat missions to building Arbo’s Cheese Dip into a national success.  We start with some epic memories from inside the Apache cockpit- the world’s most advanced attack helicopter. Arbogast also recalls enjoying care packages filled with meats and cheeses on a Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan, and how those moments eventually inspired him to take a chance on creating a business. He also explains how Bunker Labs, veteran business development programs, played a pivotal role in the explosive growth of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. He shares how they provided the training and connections he needed to expand his home-based business into a cheese dip brand that’s now available nationwide! Plus, we hear about his appearance at the 2023 CMA Awards, and his encounter with Country superstar Jelly Roll.   Find Arbo's Cheese Dip at a retailer near you: https://www.arboscheesedip.com/ Are you a veteran looking to start a business? Check out the programs from Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Bunker Labs: https://bunkerlabs.org/   To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

We talk with Army combat veteran, and former Special Forces Public Affairs specialist, Aaron Knowles about “Shred the Stress” an organization he founded to bring the therapeutic benefits of the “Onewheel” electric skateboard, to veterans everywhere.  We begin by tracking his days in Iraq and the events that nearly cost him his life. After surviving IED explosions and multiple life-changing moments, Knowles shared his transition from heavy vehicle operator to managing public affairs for units within the Special Operations community. But the joy of sharing our warfighter’s stories, was complicated by his own war wounds. Knowles reveals the after-effects of traumatic brain injuries and describes living with PTSD. After trying to manage his mental health with the usual recommendations, he discovered an alternative tool that delivered powerful results- the Onewheel, electric skateboard. Knowles described how surfing the earth on this unique board made him stoked in ways medication could not. Realizing his immediate improvement, he founded a riding group for all veterans, “Shred the Stress”. Now based in Brooklyn, NY. we learn more about the group, its future, and how veterans across the country can get involved. For more, check out Shred the Stress: https://www.shredthestress.org/   Discover the Onewheel here: https://onewheel.com/ For more military news and veteran stories see Connecting Vets here: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

Former Navy SEAL Marcus Capone and his wife Amber share their emotional story about how a medically assisted Ibogaine treatment session saved their family, and this combat veteran’s life. We begin by looking at how life as a Navy SEAL “breacher” and explosives expert, left Marcus with what seemed like untreatable PTSD and brain injuries. We learn how Marcus, once full of life and drive, was quickly slipping into the depression and anger often associated with these injuries. While war fighters receive the initial impact of combat related injuries, they are not the only ones who suffer. Amber Capone describes how life after Marcus’ SEAL days, became extremely difficult for her and their children, threatening their marriage and overall family mental health. Facing their breaking point, Marcus and Amber took one last chance on psychedelic therapy. Marcus shares vivid details from his medically assisted Ibogaine session. We hear how the experience differs from the stereo-typical “psychedelic trip” and how he confronted the dark images buried deep beneath the surface. Our interview tracks life after the Ibogaine session too. From their heartfelt reunion to the many ways, they recognize the true healing that came from this complex and mysterious psychedelic compound.   We also look at the non-profit foundation they founded, Vets Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) which has helped over one thousand veterans gain access to psychedelic therapy, develops world class research and works to move VA, DoD and Congress to implement this therapy for veterans.  And, we conclude with a most surprising discovery- the incredible connection between psychedelic therapy and God. For more on VETS grants for veterans to access psychedelic therapy, new research and advocacy check out: https://vetsolutions.org/ For more military news and veteran stories check out Connecting Vets: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow: @philbriggsVet @connectingvets

How the Purple Heart Foundation gives veterans the type of assistance they need most