Operation Onward

Marine Corps combat veteran and CEO of Project Recover, Dr. Derek Abbey joins Operation Onward to discuss the 81,000 American service members still missing in action, and the mission to bring them home. Project Recover conducts historical research, underwater and jungle recovery missions, and works alongside the Department of Defense to locate and repatriate fallen heroes from previous wars. From...

Actor and comedian Thom Tran Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient joins Operation Onward to talk about getting shot on his fourth day in Iraq April 3 2003 losing his roommate SPC Charles Edward Bush and the reality of transition after coming home. Thom shares how fast life moves after out processing why so many veterans isolate how his VA claim took 20 years to settle and what he is buil...

Army Green Beret Nick Lavery joins Operation Onward to share his journey from combat injury to resilience, leadership, and purpose. After losing his leg in Afghanistan, Nick fought to remain on active duty and became the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. This episode explores sacrifice, discipline, identity after trauma, and the mindset required to kee...

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Patrick Flood, former Green Beret and founder of Owners & Honor, joins Operation Onward to share his incredible journey from combat to entrepreneurship. Patrick discusses his time in Special Forces, being bitten by a cobra in Afghanistan, and how his organization now helps veterans buy, grow, and sell small businesses. This conversation dives into leadership, resilien...

Gold Star Sister Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, joins Operation Onward to share the powerful story of her brother, 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, whose mantra “If Not Me, Then Who?” became a national call to service. Ryan opens up about Travis’s legacy, the founding of the Travis Manion Foundation, and how programs like Character Does Matter are helping veterans and Gold Star famili...

In this episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Ronnie Atkins — Army veteran, Intel specialist, and VP of Funker 530 — to talk about war, resilience, and the mission behind American Marksman. Ronnie shares powerful stories from Afghanistan, life working alongside JSOC, how Funker 530 became the “archive of modern warfare,” and how he’s helping veterans rediscover community and purpose throug...

Blown up in Baghdad. Flatlined twice. Saved when a doctor held his heart in his hands. Air Force EOD Tech and Purple Heart recipient Daniel Acosta—The Brown Baron—opens up about the IED blast that changed his life, the brotherhood that kept him alive, and how he rebuilt his purpose through faith, music, and service.

Marine and Purple Heart recipient Tyler Vargas-Andrews survived Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal and carries forward one powerful mantra: “NOT A VICTIM.” In this episode, Tyler shares his story of survival, resilience, and purpose — from the events at Abbey Gate, to his long recovery, testifying before Congress, and building a new path as a bladesmith and entrepreneur. He speaks honest...

In Part II of this gripping two-part series, Operation Onward continues the conversation with Scott Gatto — Marine Combat Veteran and founder of Reunite The Fight. After surviving the brutal Battle of Fallujah, Scott faced a different kind of war: the transition out of the Marine Corps and back into civilian life. In this episode, Scott opens up about the identity crisis, emotional toll, and isola...

In this powerful episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Scott Gatto — a Marine Combat Veteran and founder of Reunite The Fight, a nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting Veterans and reigniting their sense of purpose. In Part I, Scott opens up about his early life, the events that led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and his harrowing firsthand account of the first 48 hours duri...

In this inspiring episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Alyssa Michelle — known online as Little Fit Patriot — a former U.S. Army officer, competitive bodybuilder, single mom, and founder of LFP Creative. Alyssa opens up about her journey from a small town in New York to serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, navigating the challenges of motherhood in uniform, and facing the difficult deci...

In this powerful episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Scott DeLuzio, a U.S. Army combat Veteran and Gold Star brother whose story will move and inspire you. While serving in Afghanistan, Scott and his brother were both deployed when tragedy struck — a moment that would change his life forever. Scott shares his raw and personal journey through grief, PTSD, and healing, while keeping his br...

Presented by REE Medical, Operation Onward is your companion for navigating life after military service.  Hosted by Retd. USCG Veteran, Nick (Nicholas Todd), and Veteran Outreach Specialist, Nic (Nicola Wales-Wong), this podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and stories that define the journey beyond the uniform.  Each episode, your hosts connect with fellow Veterans, experts, and community l...