VET S.O.S. Podcast

Host Dr. Hira welcomes Kittie Clark, Military Services Coordinator at Augusta Technical College, to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight. With a background in process improvement and a passion for military student success, Kittie shares how Augusta Tech supports over 700 military-affiliated students each semester through: A Military Service Center offering VA benefits assistance...

In this episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh talks with outgoing VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt and incoming Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore about their personal military transition experiences, the evolving role of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and their shared commitment to advocacy and veteran support. They discuss the importance of programs like “Still Serving,” combat-tested gaming, and...

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Scoop, Kings sits down with Navy veteran and leadership coach David Kiwimagi, also known as “Kiwi.” Together, they explore what it really takes to succeed after the military—from saving a marriage on the rocks to launching a thriving coaching business. David dives into: How to turn unspoken expectations into real agreements Why controlling your control...

In this VET S.O.S. Transition Podcast episode, we welcome Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, for a compelling conversation on post-military purpose and recovery. Ryan opens up about his challenging transition from Marine infantryman to civilian, his battle with alcoholism, and the profound transformation he experienced through service dog programs. Now leading Clear Path’s multifaceted...

This episode dives deep into post-transition career success with Army veteran and author Bill Kieffer, who returns to discuss his latest book focused on what to do after you land the job. With decades of experience in HR and talent management, Bill reveals practical strategies veterans can use to thrive in the civilian workforce using his Landing → Integrating → Thriving model.🎙️ In this episode:...

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, Dr. Hira speaks with Edward Lewis, Vice President of Operations at the Maritime Institute and retired U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief. Edward explains how veterans with maritime backgrounds can move directly into well-paying civilian roles without starting over—thanks to gap training programs, funding options, and strong indu...

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Military Transition Resources Show, Shawn and Keith welcome Michelle Keller, Senior Director of Development for Farm2Veteran. This innovative nonprofit is tackling veteran food insecurity by delivering fresh, locally-sourced meals to those who need it most—all at no cost to the veteran. Michelle discusses the powerful mission behind Farm2Veteran, their national ex...

What if the next chapter of your military transition wasn’t about struggle—but breakthrough? In this episode of VET S.O.S. “The Scoop,” host Kings welcomes Matt Zemon, a leading voice in the growing field of psychedelic therapy for veterans. Matt shares the insights behind his groundbreaking book The Veterans Guide to Psychedelics and reveals why more and more veterans are turning to psychedelic-a...

Mary Fisk, Marine Corps veteran and Student Veteran Career Counselor at Penn State University, joins us to talk about proactive veteran career support and how higher education can be a powerful anchor in the military-to-civilian transition. Mary shares how Penn State offers one-on-one advising, career fairs, lunch & learns, and hybrid-access workshops to support more than 3,000 military-connec...

In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Military Transition Podcast, we speak with Ashley Sard, an Air Force veteran and Community Partnership Specialist at Empath Health. Ashley shares her deeply personal military transition story, from medical retirement and career uncertainty to championing hospice and palliative care for veterans in Florida. We explore: The impact of medical retirement on m...

After decades of service, what comes next? For many veterans, the answer lies in rediscovering who they are without the uniform—and reclaiming their mission in life. In this powerful episode of The Scoop, part of the VET S.O.S. Podcast series, host Kings speaks with Steven Eugene Kuhn, a Bronze Star recipient turned business strategist, international advisor, and co-author of Unleash Your Humble A...

Scott DeLuzio shares a deeply emotional story of loss, leadership, and healing in this episode of The Scoop. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 alongside his younger brother, Scott’s world was forever changed when Stephen was killed in action during the final stretch of their deployment. In a moment that defines veteran resilience, Scott had to push down unimaginable grief and continue leading his sq...

Christian Echeverri, Navy veteran and outreach lead at Best Military Resume and Hire Valor, joins the VET S.O.S. Podcast to share how cutting-edge AI is helping veterans bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment. He dives into the challenges of rediscovering identity after retirement, adjusting post-COVID, and how his journey led him to help others find meaningful careers. Ch...

What if your next mission was to serve those who never came home? In this compelling episode of The Scoop on the VET S.O.S. podcast, Colonel PJ Dermer shares how his journey didn’t end with retirement—it just transformed. As the founder of TerraSearch Promise, PJ now leads veteran-powered recovery missions that bring closure to families of missing U.S. service members. We dive into PJ’s post-servi...

Marine Corps veteran and resiliency coach Garret Biss joins us on the VET S.O.S. podcast to share his journey through anxiety, addiction, and identity loss—and how those experiences led to the creation of Valiant Path, a revolutionary program in Veteran Resilience Training. Garret explains how most veterans lose more than just a job when they leave the military—they lose connection, meaning, and i...

“Don’t just get a job—find your calling.”In this episode of The Scoop on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Louis, veteran and author of Mission Transition. He walks us through his strategic blueprint for exiting the military with confidence—and entering the civilian world with clarity.🔹 How to define your personal “True North”🔹 Resume translation, branding, and communication tips🔹...

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, hosts Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant talk with Katie Helbling, content creator at ClearanceJobs and host of the Security Clearance Careers podcast. Katie brings her trademark humor and honesty as she discusses how veterans can successfully navigate the security clearance job search after leaving the military. Katie offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Cl...

In this powerful episode of The Scoop, host Kingsley sits down with Air Force veteran and emotional intelligence expert Mary Polanco, founder of Lead and Lead Well, LLC and author of Your Final Debrief. Mary shares her deeply personal story of transitioning from the military, overcoming anxiety and depression, and rediscovering her identity outside the uniform. We explore the emotional and psychol...

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Erick Saks joins VET S.O.S. to discuss Operation Lifeline, a nonprofit empowering veterans through housing, SkillBridge internships, and hands-on job training. Discover how Veteran Workforce Development is at the heart of this growing grassroots movement reshaping what veteran support can be.🎙 Hosted by Shawn Welsh & Keith Cassant 🌐 Learn more at opLifeline.org#Vete...

In this inspiring episode of the Military Transition Resources Show, we sit down with Brian Cain, Director of Development at Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit putting guitars—and hope—into the hands of America’s veterans. Brian opens up about his personal battle with PTSD and brain injury following service in the Marine Corps and law enforcement. He shares how music, Boulder Crest’s Warrior PATHH, and...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Scoop, a new series from the VET S.O.S. Podcast Network! Host Kingsley Scott sits down with veteran, author, and coach Bill Kieffer to break down the realities of career transition after military service. Bill shares real-world advice on how to close the culture gap, reframe your military experience for civilian employers, and succeed in your post-military c...

This week on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we speak with Shannon Huffman Polson—veteran Apache pilot, leadership expert, and founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon opens up about her military service, her unexpected pivot into corporate life, and the mindset and values that helped her lead with purpose through it all. Shannon introduces us to her powerful Grit Triad model—Commit, Learn, Launch—and share...

In this dynamic episode of the VET S.O.S., we're joined by returning guest Peter Cline, founder of Boots to Books and co-founder of the new MilMentor platform. Peter shares: His authentic and humbling military transition story. How MilMentor is filling the void left by Veterati. The importance of fast feedback and one-on-one calls for career clarity. His advice for young veterans on taking smart r...

Lacey Craig of T-Mobile joins VET S.O.S. to spotlight how the company is leading the way in veteran hiring, retention, and military family support. As Senior Program Manager for Military and Partnership Recruiting, Lacey discusses the importance of long-term success for veterans and military spouses in the civilian workforce. You’ll hear about T-Mobile’s industry-leading initiatives including: PCS...

Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Tony Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and current CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER). In this VET S.O.S. episode, Tony talks about his transition from military leadership to nonprofit CEO, shares valuable advice for separating service members, and details the many ways AER supports soldiers and families. We dive deep into: Tony’s...