VET S.O.S. Podcast

In this episode of VET S.O.S., we are honored to host Dr. Moriah Thomas, a Marine Corps veteran and expert in industrial and organizational psychology, to delve into the challenges veterans face during their transition from military to civilian life. Dr. Thomas shares insights into her groundbreaking The-Alpha Arc program, a six-session, one-on-one coaching initiative tailored to help veterans und...

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we are joined by Dr. Destinee Prete, a military veteran, industrial-organizational psychologist, and the founder of We2AreVets, a nonprofit on a mission to honor, empower, and recognize women veterans. Dr. Prete takes us on a journey through her incredible transition from military service to civilian life, earning her PhD, and creating a supportive community...

In this compelling episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn and Mark dive deep into the world of military career transitions with Bill Kieffer, an Army veteran with over 23 years of experience as a senior HR executive and the President of Kieffer and Associates. Bill’s expertise lies in helping veterans navigate the often-challenging journey from military service to civilian careers through career transition...

🎙️ Join hosts Shawn Welsh and Mark Elder as they welcome Dr. Vincent Soto, a career workforce strategist, master facilitator, and dedicated advocate for veterans, military spouses, and first responders. In this episode, Dr. Soto shares his expertise on transition assistance, resilience-building, and career development. With years of experience working with the Department of Labor’s Transition Assi...

In this heartfelt episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn and Mark sit down with Chris Chun, Vice President of Programs at Soldiers' Angels, to explore how this extraordinary nonprofit organization is making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans, service members, and their families. Chris, a second-generation American and veteran, shares his inspiring journey from serving in the military to dedicati...

Welcome to another impactful episode of VET S.O.S.! This week, Shawn and Mark are joined by Brian Niswander, a 27-year Air Force veteran and the founder of Military Transition.org, an organization dedicated to using data analytics to transform the way veterans transition from military to civilian life. Brian dives into the creation of Military-Transition.org and its mission to provide service memb...

In this must-listen episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, Shawn and Mark are joined by Will Gibson, a 22-year Navy veteran and the visionary founder of VETS on T.A.P. Will shares the incredible journey of how he built VETS on T.A.P., a thriving networking organization that has grown to over 4,000 members and hosts an impressive 138 events annually. Inspired by the Veterans Beer Club in San Diego, Wil...

In this insightful episode of VET S.O.S., we welcome Delaina Morse, a dedicated military spouse and veteran transition specialist who has helped over 1,000 veterans take their next steps into the civilian workforce. With over 15 years of experience as a military spouse and a passion for empowering veterans, Delaina shares invaluable advice on how to navigate the often-intimidating world of resumes...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., where we connect veterans, military spouses, and their families with the resources and insights needed for successful transitions. In this episode, we are honored to host Jeremy "Monte" Montgomery, a 23-year Air Force veteran and Director of Business Development at Fusion Cell, who shares his powerful journey from military service to becoming a l...

Discover how Cedars Sinai is leading the charge in veteran employment and community impact in this episode of VET S.O.S. Jennifer Delatte, a dedicated advocate for veterans, shares her impactful role in supporting military personnel transitioning to civilian careers. Gain actionable advice on interview preparation, including handling mock questions, avoiding common mistakes, and presenting your sk...

Welcome to Episode 21 of VET S.O.S.! In this insightful episode, Shawn and Mark are joined by Jennifer Delatte, Veteran Program Administrator at Cedars Sinai and a former IT Specialist in the US Army Reserve. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a passionate advocate for veterans and transitioning service members seeking employment. Jennifer dives d...

In this impactful episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, hosts Shawn and Mark are joined by Tim Fedrick, a former Navy SEAL, veteran advocate, and executive producer of the TV series "Veterans in Transition." With a distinguished military career, including deployments to Ramadi, Fallujah, Baghdad, Haditha, and Al Asad, Tim brings a wealth of experience and insight into the unique challenges veterans f...

In this engaging episode of VET S.O.S., we are joined once again by Mark Overberg, Director of Army Retirement Services, for a deep dive into the critical resources and strategies that support soldiers transitioning from military service to retirement. Mark highlights how retired soldiers continue to play a vital role in the Army's mission, embodying the Soldier for Life mindset to "hire and inspi...

In this episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn and Mark sit down with Mark Overberg, Director of Army Retirement Services, to discuss everything you need to know about planning for military retirement. With over 30 years of military experience, Mark provides valuable insights into retirement planning timelines, key policy changes, and the financial tools available to soldiers. Highlights: - Retirement Stati...

This episode dives deep into the importance of mentorship in a veteran’s journey to civilian life. We’re joined by Eric Brew, Manager of Military Engagement at American Corporate Partners (ACP), who shares his inspiring story of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of community. Eric reflects on his transition from the Marine Corps, which he joined in 1996, to the Army, his post-9/11 s...

In this powerful episode, Joelle Rabow Maletis, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and PTSD expert, shares her expertise on supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through the challenges of trauma and transition. With a clinical PhD and years of experience, Joelle brings both professional insights and personal experience with PTSD to the conversation. 🧠 What You’ll Learn i...

In this insightful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn and Mark sit down with Kimberly Hessler, a dedicated Training Manager with over 30 years of experience supporting the military and veteran community. Kimberly is a military spouse, career coach, and founder of the First Family Support Center in Colorado Springs, where she facilitated the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for 20 years. Her mis...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Charlie Hall, a West Point graduate, former Marine, and the visionary leader behind Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS). With a passion for community engagement and veteran advocacy, Charlie shares his transition journey from active duty to heading a nonprofit that makes a real difference in the lives of veterans across South Carolina. Join us as we explore:...

In this impactful episode, we’re honored to host Bruce Thompson, a retired Marine Corps veteran with an unwavering commitment to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. With decades of experience and a relentless drive to help others, Bruce sheds light on the critical steps, tools, and resources needed to succeed in life after military service. 🌟 Key Topics Cover...

In this episode of VET S.O.S., we are joined by Matt Wood, founder of Suiting Green Consulting, to explore the critical issues surrounding veterans' transition to civilian careers. Drawing from his own journey from military service to a corporate role at Disney—and ultimately to founding his own consulting firm—Matt offers invaluable insights on bridging the gap between military skills and corpora...

In this exciting episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Trevor Houston, host of the Who Ya Know job networking show, to explore how networking can transform your career journey. Trevor shares his inspiring story of transitioning from the auto industry to financial services and how a pivotal networking event led him to help job seekers create meaningful connections and achieve success. Trevor’s Wh...

In this inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., we are honored to host Marina Rabinek, a trailblazer for women veterans and founder of the Military Women's Collective. With 24 years of service in the US Navy, Marina shares her personal journey of transitioning to civilian life during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it sparked her passion for helping other women veterans thrive beyond the military. Marina s...

In this enlightening episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn and Mark sit down with Jane Babcock, a highly experienced veteran advocate with over two decades of dedication to helping veterans and military members navigate the complexities of VA benefits. Jane shares invaluable insights and actionable advice to ensure veterans maximize the benefits they have earned through their service. Key Topics Cove...

In this compelling episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Brian Arrington, a retired Air Force veteran who turned his frustration with the lack of transition resources into a game-changing organization: Vets2Industry. Brian's journey from discovering LinkedIn and the Veterans Mentor Network to founding an organization that serves nearly 75,000 members is a testament to the power of determination...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Joe Gionti, founder of K9Heroes4Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of veterans and first responders by providing expertly trained service dogs. Whether it’s helping with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or other service-related disabilities, K9Heroes4Heroes is making a profound impact through compassionate car...