Acknowledge 2 Action

Join host Matthew Benko in episode 21 of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast as he sits down with Mike Barnum to discuss his military journey and life after service. They explore the importance of personal branding, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and how to build unity in a politically polarized world.

Mike reflects on mental health challenges, the significance of acknowledgment, and the role of community support in empowering veterans. From generational challenges to the lessons sports teach about resilience, this episode offers candid insights on growth, transition, and the power of authenticity.

Key Topics:

• Military journey & transition to civilian life
• Building a personal brand on LinkedIn
• The role of kindness in today’s society
• Political polarization & community collaboration
• Mental health struggles faced by veterans
• The importance of community support and acknowledgment
• Finding your tribe to thrive

In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, host Matthew Benko sits down with Nick Lavery, a Green Beret and motivational speaker, to explore a journey defined by resilience, motivation, and the transformative power of humility and teamwork. Nick shares intimate details about his time in the military, the life-changing moment he lost his leg, and how he reshaped his life through emotional awareness and personal growth.

The conversation dives deep into the importance of owning one's path, the role community plays in success, and the impact of making small, incremental changes to fuel long-term personal development.Memorable Quotes:"I'm just getting warmed up.""A warrior acknowledges emotion.""Humility is an offensive weapon."

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that growth is an ongoing process, and by embracing humility, emotional awareness, and community, individuals can achieve remarkable personal transformation.

Weblinks

https://teammchn.com/

https://teammchn.com/forge

https://teammchn.com/objective-secure

In this special re-release, we take a look back at a pivotal episode that played a key role in inspiring the creation of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast. Originally recorded on February 11, 2022, during the Veteran Power Hour on Montco Radio, this conversation features host Matthew Benko and guest JT Frank, founder of Consequence of Habit Inc.

Together, they explore the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, with JT sharing his personal journey and insights into the power of mindfulness and the importance of addressing trauma.

This episode sheds light on the critical need for support within the veteran community and emphasizes the shared responsibility we have in helping veterans and first responders heal.

While the episode was recorded nearly two and a half years ago, its message remains timeless and continues to influence the direction of Acknowledge 2 Action. Tune in to this impactful discussion that laid the foundation for the podcast’s mission.

In this episode, Angel Munoz shares her inspiring journey of joining the Army and the deep military roots of her family. She opens up about the profound support they received from their community after the tragic loss of her brothers—Robert Arsiaga, US Army, KIA on April 4, 2004, and Jeremy Arsiaga, US Marine Corps, who passed away on September 4, 2015, after losing his battle with PTSD. Angel reflects on her initial struggles with accepting recognition for her service, feeling as though she had fallen short of her calling. Over time, however, she came to realize that her true duty was to share her family's story and advocate for her fellow veterans. Now, she is on a mission to start a nonprofit in her community to further support veterans. During this heartfelt conversation with Matthew Benko, Angel also explores the healing power of animals—particularly horses—in processing grief and trauma. She shares her personal experience with equine therapy, which helped her overcome resistance and find peace. Together, they highlight the importance of having a strong support system and the transformative impact of sharing one's story. Angel encourages others to reach out for help and embrace grief as a profound expression of love. Additionally, Robert’s story is featured in the National Geographic miniseries, based on Martha Raddatz's bestselling book, which recounts the harrowing eight-hour battle in Sadr City, Iraq on April 4, 2004, as experienced through the eyes of soldiers and their families. This episode concludes with a powerful song titled "Jeremy," dedicated to Angel’s brother who died by suicide. The song, available through Songwriting With Soldiers, serves as a tribute to his memory.

In Episode 17 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, Brandon Guingrich shares his compelling journey into the military, highlighting his experiences as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the Air Force. Sparked by the events of 9/11, Brandon chose a career path in EOD, where he faced intense training and honed his problem-solving skills. He delves into the technological advancements in EOD equipment and the adaptability of the EOD community in responding to evolving threats. Brandon also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and teamwork within the EOD mission, drawing from his experiences working with various military branches and the seamless integration of EOD teams. Additionally, Brandon reflects on the challenges and risks associated with EOD operations and the need for resilience and focus in high-pressure environments.

As he transitions to civilian life, he offers invaluable advice to veterans on building a strong foundation, setting clear goals, and embracing personal growth. This episode is a deep dive into the life of an EOD technician, the importance of mentorship, and the journey of transitioning from military service to civilian life.

Join us in our latest episode, "Feed the Fire," where Ben Monnette shares his military journey and personal transformation. Ben opens up about his struggles with alcoholism and the profound impact it had on his life. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and building a support system to overcome addiction.

Discover the power of the mind in shifting perceptions and finding small victories to foster growth and positive change. In this episode, Ben and I explore themes of self-discovery, community, and accountability, highlighting the courage it takes to ask for help and the significance of empathy and understanding.

Listen in to learn about the art of anticipation and how to navigate personal growth through change and the support of diverse networks. We also discuss and highlight the incredible work of Nick Lavery and JT Frank, along with their organizations—The Forge and Consequence of Habit. Links to these valuable resources are provided below.

Key Topics: 

• Overcoming Addiction: The Power of Seeking Help and Building a Support System
• Harnessing the Mind: Shifting Perceptions and Finding Personal Growth

• Embracing Change: The Journey from Acknowledgment to Action

Website 🔗 Access Points:

• Resilience Recon (Ben’s Life Coaching Service) - https://resiliencerecon.com/ 
• TREE HOUSE RECOVERY ® TN- https://treehouserecoverytn.com/  
• The Forge- https://teammchn.com/forge 
• Consequence of Habit- https://www.consequenceofhabit.org/ 
• Operation Song- https://www.operationsong.org/ 

Episode Chapters:

00:00- Introduction and Background

02:55- Struggle with Alcoholism

08:08- Seeking Help and Finding Recovery

27:14- Coping with Failure and Embracing Growth

31:58- Building a Support System and Making Positive Changes

45:00- Finding and Creating Oneself

46:42- The Power of Community and Support Networks

49:16- The Importance of Diverse Communities

01:05:24- It's Okay to Ask for Help

01:19:26- The Difficulty of Change

01:22:44- The Art of Anticipation and Change

In this episode, Heriberto "Eddie" Arambula, PhD, recounts his military journey and the profound impact it had on his life. Enlisting in the US Army in 2002, Eddie was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and deployed to Iraq in 2004, where he experienced intense combat. He was part of the unit featured in the National Geographic series "The Long Road Home,", https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210820/ based on Martha Raddatz's acclaimed book, https://www.amazon.com/Long-Road-Home-Story-Family/dp/B0016493S4 Eddie reflects on the challenges and transformations he faced, particularly during the 48 hour battle in Sadr City on April 4, 2004. Eddie emphasizes the importance of storytelling and sharing experiences to help veterans heal and find support. He discusses the significance of connecting with other veterans and Gold Star families, overcoming fears and barriers, and finding support through therapy and education. Eddie highlights the need for inclusive spaces in higher education for veterans and the role of community engagement in a successful transition. The conversation explores how acknowledging and taking action on personal situations can help achieve goals. It also underscores the power of storytelling in addressing mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. Eddie shares insights on his current projects, including a book compiling stories from USC alumni and a journal for veteran students, concluding with a powerful message about the importance of community and sharing stories. Chapters 00:00- Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:01- Eddie Arambula's Military Journey: From Enlistment to Deployment 08:00- The Intense Combat Experience: Eddie Arambula's Deployment to Iraq 11:52- The Long Road Home: The Power of Storytelling 24:26- Healing and Connecting with Veterans and Gold Star Families 31:19- Overcoming Fears and Barriers in the Healing Journey 35:09- The Need for Inclusive Spaces in Higher Education for Veterans 39:23- The Power of Storytelling in Bridging the Gap 46:20- Community Engagement: A Key to Successful Transition 53:07- Acknowledge to Action 55:29- Addressing Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Well-being 57:28- Current Projects and Future Plans 59:42- Owning and Sharing Your Story 01:07:45- The Power of Community and Engagement 01:09:28- Leaning on Community and Sharing Stories 01:11:14- Moving Forward as a Community 01:17:34- The Power of Community and Keeping Veterans Alive 01:21:01- Who's Next?

Join Matthew Benko and Shane Smith as they share their experiences as C-130 Crew members in the Marine Corps and Air Force. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the unique aspects of their training, the diverse missions they undertake, and the camaraderie that defines their roles. The discussion covers the cultural experiences gained, the pursuit of better lives for their families, and the differences between Marine Corps and Air Force C-130 operations. Shane Smith highlights the development of the Harvest Hawk, a modified C-130 for close air support, created in collaboration with Skunk Works at Lockheed Martin. He recounts his combat experiences flying the Harvest Hawk and the Marine Corps' initiative to develop their own platform.

Matthew and Shane also discuss the importance of embracing discomfort and change, the necessity of discipline and determination, and the role of core values in overcoming challenges. They conclude with reflections on the current state of the world and the need for strong leaders to guide us into a better future. Tune in for insights into C-130 aviation and the enduring spirit of service members. Chapters

00:00- Introduction and Background

02:52- Training Paths and Roles of C-130 Loadmasters

11:34- The Versatility of C-130 Operations in the Marine Corps

15:31- Experiencing Different Cultures Through Military Deployments

29:03- Introduction to the Harvest Hawk

31:30- Success in Combat

36:18- Adaptability of the C-130

43:45- The Tip of the Spear

58:50- Overcoming Challenges

01:01:39- The Role of Discipline and Determination

01:04:31- Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success

01:07:23- The Importance of Core Values

01:09:12- Being Smart and Adapting to Change

01:21:24- The Need for Strong Individuals to Lead

01:27:55- Conclusion

Join us in this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast as Adam Peters shares his incredible military journey, starting with his decision to join the Army at 17. Adam recounts his experiences in basic training and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, his transition to civilian life after being medically retired, and his struggles with heavy drinking. Adam's story highlights the importance of self-examination and acknowledging the impact of past experiences. He discusses his shift from being an infantry soldier to selling insurance, the frustrations in the insurance industry, and his eventual decision to explore online business opportunities. Despite setbacks, including the loss of his flight logbook, Adam pursued his passion for flying and found fulfillment in helping veterans through his podcast and coaching business. Adam emphasizes resilience, determination, and the power of mindset. He encourages veterans to have honest conversations with themselves, believe in their potential, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories. Until next time, keep pushing forward and believing in yourself. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Connection 08:17 - Adam's Military Journey 35:00 - The Importance of Self-Examination and Finding the Right Career Path 37:26 - Challenges and Frustrations in the Insurance Industry 45:11 - Exploring Opportunities in Online Business 53:08 - Leaving the Insurance Industry and Pursuing a Passion 01:09:09 - Pursuing a Dream: Setbacks and Resilience in Flight School 01:13:07 - Finding Alternative Work and Creating a Path 01:14:01 - The Search for Purpose and Entrepreneurial Exploration 01:15:47 - Struggles, Defeat, and the Ayahuasca Journey 01:19:11 - Transformation and Finding Purpose 01:22:16 - The Power of Mindset and Taking Action 01:30:40 - Overcoming Obstacles and Helping Others 01:35:04 - Believing in Yourself and Embracing Failure 01:44:48 - Conclusion and Dedication

In this episode, Matthew and Chris continue their conversation on transition and readjustment from episode 7. They explore various topics, including leadership, their military experiences, and the decision to actively transition from active service to the civilian way of life. Emphasizing the importance of building rapport, asking open-ended questions, and listening to understand, they also discuss balancing family life with military service. The conversation highlights effective communication, consistency, and self-reflection in navigating the transition process. Chris and Matt share their experiences transitioning to their first duty stations and the evolution of technology during their military careers. They stress meeting ourselves where we are and creating a transition plan, discussing the implementation of artificial intelligence and the power of open-ended questions. Maintaining mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being during the transition process is also highlighted. They offer advice for transitioning veterans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a routine and prioritizing physical and mental health. The importance of finding support and connection during the transition from military to civilian life is discussed, along with the need to belong to a group or find a battle buddy for support. Acknowledgment and its impact on mental health and readjustment are highlighted, along with embracing the journey and finding purpose and connection post-military. The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolution of the podcast and the potential for future growth and connection. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on transition and readjustment!