The Common Veterans

The Common Veterans explores the seven most dangerous words in the world. In this episode, we dive deep into the promises, pitfalls, and realities of government systems affecting Veterans’ lives—blending candid discussions, expert insights, and real-life experiences. Sponsors Winter Oak Studios Mission: Communicate Setting the Stage Government programs have long been touted as a safety net for Vet...

Through music, the Common Veterans reflect on the songs that helped them survive the suck… and maybe even dance in the rain with a poncho and an MRE. I. Introduction In this episode, we dive into how music shaped our military experiences—from boot camp blues to barracks karaoke. Shoutout to our sponsors: FreedomSystem.org, your go-to for veteran support, and whoever left that Bluetooth speaker in...

Episode 5: Hollywood In this episode of The Common Veterans , we take on Hollywood and its portrayal of the military. What’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what just makes us laugh? Before we roll, check out FreedomSystem.org for upcoming events, including our charity poker night and cook-off fundraiser. Call to Action: Subscribe, rate, and share. Support Veterans by spreading the word. Sponsored b...

Honky Tonk Bar Associations – The Common Veterans Podcast Honky Tonk Bar Associations – The Common Veterans Podcast Don't worry—we aren’t showing up in boots to ruin their black-tie affairs. But we do see these organizations for what they are, and in this episode, we break down the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and even our own FreedomSystem.org. What do they do well? Where do they fall short? And mo...

Intro & Banter Before we dive into the madness, a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Winter Oak Studio . If you’re looking for high-quality custom woodwork, whether it’s for your home, office, or something special, check them out! Now, let’s talk about why we’re here: Phreaks on a Leash . Yeah, it’s a nod to Korn, but more importantly, it describes the absolute circus that our military has become unde...

Breaking the Wall: Veterans and Career Transitions By The Common Veterans Reintegration into civilian careers can feel like slamming your head against a brick wall. For many veterans, translating military experience into civilian job qualifications is an uphill battle. Resumes get overlooked, HR departments misunderstand skill sets, and the struggle to fit into the civilian workforce becomes a fru...

The Common Veterans Podcast: Season 3, Episode 1 The Common Veterans Podcast: Season 3, Episode 1 – The Reintroductions January 27, 2025 The Common Veterans Podcast is back for Season 3! In The Reintroductions , the hosts reintroduce themselves and discuss their mission alongside the work of FreedomSystem.org . Meet the Hosts Kenny Holmes: Medically retired Army veteran (Iraq 07-08), President of...

Common Veterans: Episode 15 - Let’s Talk Politics Common Veterans: Season 2 Addendum Episode 15: Let’s Talk Series: Politics In this episode of The Common Veterans podcast, part of the "Let's Talk About" series, we break the rule: “Never talk politics, religion, or money at the dinner table.” We’ll dive into politics, its intersection with military life, and a political card game for a bit of fun...

Welcome back to The Common Veterans podcast! We’re excited to bring you another episode in our "Let's Talk About" series, where we dig deep into issues that impact Veterans and service members. Today, we’re taking on the complex topic of Ethics and Morality —a subject that touches every part of life, but one that takes on unique meanings in the military and Veteran communities. Understanding Ethic...

In this episode of The Common Veterans podcast, we continue our "Let's Talk About" series by diving into the topic of religion . We explore what religion means, its role within the military, and how it impacts the lives of Veterans. Whether deeply religious or not, we open the floor for a thoughtful discussion on how faith and spirituality intersect with military life. Introduction to the “Let’s T...

Welcome back to The Common Veterans ! In this special edition of the blog, we’re introducing a new segment: The Burn Bit. This is where things get wild and we let the conversation flow, no script, no agenda—just pure, unfiltered thoughts on everything from politics to what made us laugh so hard we spilled our coffee this morning. If you tuned in to our latest podcast, you probably heard us go from...

Season 2: Episode 11 of the Common Veterans Podcast brings a new level of fun and unpredictability! In this episode, titled “Bunker Banter: The Common Veterans Game Night” , our hosts take a break from their usual deep-dive discussions to bring listeners into the world of Game Night . But this isn't just any game night—this time, AI joins the party, and things take an unexpected turn. In this...

In this episode of The Common Veterans , the hosts dive deep into "the truth" about military life, veteran experiences, and how these realities are often misunderstood by the public. This episode aims to debunk myths, confront negativity in the media, and provide insights into what it truly means to be a service member. Here’s a summary for those who prefer reading over listening: The ep...

The military has a unique culture and language, with acronyms being a significant part of it. These abbreviations are essential for communicating complex information quickly and effectively. For those outside the military, this can seem confusing. Here’s a brief look at why acronyms are so important in the military and some of the most common and humorous ones used. Why Are Acronyms Important? Acr...

In this episode of The Common Veterans, the hosts dive into the world of memes, exploring how humor plays a crucial role in the lives of veterans. “Meme Me: What’s Your Favorite Meme?”, this episode promises a blend of laughter, nostalgia, and insightful discussions about the unique sense of humor within the military community. I. Favorite Memes The episode starts with each host sharing their favo...

Welcome back to another episode of Common Veterans , where we delve into the diverse and often untold stories of those who have served our country. In this seventh installment of Season 2, titled "You Got More of Those Deployments," we explore a theme that resonates deeply within the veteran community: the complexities of multiple deployments. For many veterans, the question "You go...

The Common Veteran’s Season 2 Episode 5: Proud to be an American The Common Veterans are all United States Military Veterans. Pride in the country is pride in their service because they were willing to write a blank check to include up to their lives. The life of a Veteran often revolves around their service and how much they love their country. The Common Veterans discuss their love for God and c...

The Common Veteran’s Season 2 Episode 4: Let’s Talk About War “War, huh, yeah… What is it good for?” The Common Veterans take on war – the amount of Veterans that have fought in combat – or been to a combat zone, and why it is so hard to transition back into a noncombatant once back home… I) Defining War and Combat Experiences a. What is war? i. Is it just a state of mind or an actual state of bei...

The Common Veteran’s Season 2 Episode 3: Free Lunch Day The Common Veterans discuss Free Lunch Day. Free Lunch Day is and was Veteran’s Day. The Common Veterans talk about their favorite meals and why it is now been adopted by this pet name. The dangers of it and the gratitude that comes with getting a free meal, or are they free? I) Free Lunch Day? a. Discuss the historical significance of Vetera...

A Veteran who needs to navigate the VA is frequently turned off by the lengthy process that is sometimes experienced. The Common Veterans discusses best practices on how to get started with the process and how to be your own best advocate.

The Common Veterans take on the stories that Veterans tell – are they real or lies? Do the fish get bigger by the year, or does the memory of the storyteller seem to tell some tales? The Common Veterans bring a fresh perspective on the whopper that got away…

Common Veterans Podcast SEASON 1 ADDENDUM Episode 12: TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT From getting out of the military to new jobs as civilians, the transition inevitably feels like it was forced! The Common Veterans take a stab at why everything seems so difficult to do in a civilian job. I. Introduction a. Welcome to the addendum to Season 2 i. Why we do what we do ii. Brief introduction to being a m...

Understanding Military Traditions: Exploring the Why Behind the What Introduction Welcome readers to the "Common Veterans Podcast: Season 1 Addendum," where we delve into the rich tapestry of military traditions, unraveling their deeper meanings and historical significance. We'll uncover why these practices endure, shedding light on the unique mindset and sense of humor prevalent among military me...

Common Veterans Podcast Episode 10: Friends in Low Places VFW, DAV, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and other fraternal organizations are there for Veterans. This breakdown of the organizations talks to members about the benefits of these program's camaraderie. The Common Veterans represent FreedomSystem.org’s martial arts and mountain bike association.   I.                    Introducti...

Common Veterans Podcast Episode 9: Valhalla The belief that dying in battle brings soldiers to the table of Odin. The Common Veterans take on the sensitive topic of suicide and PTSD. ** WARNING ** This episode discusses a very sensitive subject with Common Veterans. This episode discusses suicide, religion, the different beliefs of certain religions, and triggers that could be hard to handle. I. I...