VET S.O.S. Podcast

Most veterans don’t hit crisis all at once. Problems stack up until purpose disappears. What happens when a veteran loses purpose after service—and what does it take to find it again? Nick Cannon shares a brutally honest look at his own transition from Air Force veteran to unemployed civilian struggling with identity, purpose, and direction. He also explains how Wounded Veteran Relief Fund is step...

Most veterans don’t struggle because they lack skills—they struggle because they choose the wrong civilian career. The military teaches mission focus, leadership, and resilience. What it doesn’t always teach is how to identify a career you’ll genuinely enjoy after service. In this episode, Jordie Kern explains why so many veterans settle for the first opportunity available and how that decision ca...

Most veterans prepare for a new job. Few prepare for losing their identity. Episode Description When Gabriel Axtell medically retired from the Marine Corps during COVID, he expected transition to be challenging. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the loss of mission, brotherhood, and purpose would push him into crisis. This conversation reveals the life-changing text message that saved his life...

Description: Maria Cherjovsky joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran mental health challenges and share insights on transition, family reintegration, and community support systems. In this episode, we explore: • The hidden impact of mental health struggles on veterans and their families• How the Comaraderie Foundation provides counseling, mentorship, and connection• Why early interventi...

Description: Matthew Wee joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran transition challenges and share insights on leadership, collaboration, and building meaningful support systems for veterans and their families. In this episode, we explore:• Transitioning from the Marine Corps during COVID and adapting to uncertainty• How volunteering can open doors to long-term career opportunities• The mi...

Description: Evan Guzman joins VET S.O.S. to dive into the power of mentorship in military transition and share insights on career development, leadership, and veteran success strategies. In this episode, we explore:• How mentorship accelerates transition success• The role of Post-Veterati in connecting veterans to opportunity• Key challenges veterans face entering the civilian workforce• How to b...

Aleks Morosky, Regional Director of Grassroots (West) for Wounded Warrior Project , joins the VET S.O.S. Network to break down how veterans can turn their lived experience into real legislative impact. In this episode, we explore: • Life after combat and navigating military transition • How the PACT Act became a reality for post-9/11 veterans • The role of grassroots advocacy in shaping veteran po...

Joey Carzoli, Physical Health & Wellness Coach with Wounded Warrior Project , joins VET S.O.S. to dive into what sustainable health really looks like for veterans after service. From chronic pain and weight gain to mental health, identity, and purpose, this episode explores how physical wellness can become a powerful anchor during military transition. In this episode, we explore: • Why purpose...

Description: Ashish Bajaj and Michael Lorey join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into two of the most pressing challenges veterans face during transition: VA disability claims and financial stability . In this episode, we explore: • The step-by-step VA claims process and how case management works• The 3 required elements every successful claim must include• How to avoid predatory claims companies•...

Fitha Dahana-Ellis joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how the Warrior Care Network provides accelerated, evidence-based mental health treatment for veterans and military families through top academic medical centers. In this episode, we explore: • Why traditional PTSD therapy often falls short for veterans • How two weeks of intensive treatment can equal months of care • What makes academic...

On this Memorial Day episode of the VET S.O.S. Network , Crystal Serrano-Hairston and Jennifer Land break down how Wounded Warrior Project delivers critical mental health support through triage services, complex case coordination, and the nationwide Check-In Program. In this conversation, we explore:• How veterans access mental health care through WWP• What happens when a veteran calls for help• H...

Description:Tim Admire and Fitha Dahana-Ellis join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how Wounded Warrior Project connects veterans and families to life-changing mental health care and support services. In this episode, we explore:• What happens when a veteran calls the WWP Resource Center• How Warrior Care Network delivers accelerated trauma treatment• The critical role spouses and family advoca...

Description: Jonny Ball joins VET S.O.S. to dive into veteran transition in the UK and share insights on mental health recovery, leadership, and global veteran support. In this episode, we explore: • The differences between UK and U.S. transition systems• Turning personal struggle into national policy impact• Building the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community• How industry partnerships are creating ca...

Description: William “Stevo” Stephens joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming trauma, navigating military transition, and using storytelling as a tool for healing and impact. In this episode, we explore:• The challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life• The role of trauma, identity, and mental health in that journey• How writing, podcasting, and service can crea...

Description: Randy McElwee joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran entrepreneurship and share how military leadership systems can be applied to build successful businesses. In this episode, we explore: • The challenges of transitioning without a clear plan• How military skills translate into entrepreneurship success• Building structure, systems, and teams using Special Forces principles...

Description: Kerry Steuart joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming PTSD, chronic pain, and loss of identity through yoga, mindfulness, and intentional living. In this episode, we explore: • How veterans can process trauma and rebuild their identity after service• The power of breathwork, meditation, and yoga for mental clarity and healing• How Live Bliss is helping veterans and commun...

Description: Wilson Bautista Jr. joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how veterans can successfully transition into cybersecurity careers and share insights on mentorship, career alignment, and overcoming transition challenges. In this episode, we explore:• The hidden challenges of military transition and mental health• Why traditional cybersecurity training often fails veterans• How the Cybe...

E.J. O’Brien joins the VET S.O.S. Network as part of the Military Effect Campaign to discuss career readiness, mentorship, and finding purpose after military service through FourBlock . In this episode, we explore:• Why military transition is a lifelong journey• How veterans can translate experience into civilian value• The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and community• Why purpose matters more...

Description: Pedro Zambrano joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the power of authentic conversation, mentorship, and community through his initiative Veteran Coffee Connection . After serving 23 years in the Marine Corps , Pedro recognized how difficult military transition can be—even for those who think they’re prepared. Through weekly virtual gatherings, he now brings veterans together to...

Rich Possert, U.S. Navy veteran and Program Manager at Operation New Uniform , joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military transition, mindset, and building meaningful post-service careers. In this episode, we explore:• Why mindset determines transition success• How veterans reclaim confidence after service• The power of networking and self-translation• Building careers and legacy beyond th...

Description: Matt Quick , retired Sergeant Major and military outreach leader for the Project Management Institute (PMI) , joins the VET S.O.S. Network to discuss how service members can translate military leadership experience into civilian career success through project management. Drawing from 25 years of service across the Marine Corps and Army, Matt shares his personal transition journey and...

COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran peer support, leadership beyond the uniform, and the mission to reduce veteran suicide through connection and purpose. In this episode, we explore:• The power of peer support and veteran camaraderie • How Warriors for Life creates safe spaces for healing• Why transition struggles impact mental health• How veterans can cont...

Description: Derik Board joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the healing power of music and how creative storytelling can help veterans process their experiences and share their stories with the world. As the founder of Commemorate Through Chords , Derik helps veterans transform their military journeys into original songs that preserve their legacy and provide an outlet for healing. In this...

Christian Meza joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into legacy, loss, faith, and continued service through The Military Effect campaign . As a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient and Regional Impact Officer, Christian shares how personal grief became a lifelong mission to support military families. In this episode, we explore:• How military service impacts families long after the uniform comes o...

Description: Jane Babcock joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into one of the most critical topics for veterans and their families: understanding VA benefits that are often overlooked . A U.S. Army veteran and former County Veteran Service Officer , Jane spent more than a decade helping veterans successfully file VA claims and access the benefits they earned. Today, she continues educating the ve...