Behind the Warrior

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Our interview with  USMC Veteran Nate McDonald  and the  VP & COO,  of a unique non-profit organization,  Irreverent Warriors. Nate is also joined by the Director of Merchandise, Anna (USMC) and they both do a great job of telling the mission and vision of Irreverent Warriors and why it is so important to our veteran community.  The MISSION of Irreverent Warriors is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.  Tune in to learn more about Irreverent Warriors, how you can connect with veterans and become involved with this awesome organization!

Resources:
Irreverent Warriors - www.irreverentwarriors.com

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Project ; Felix is a new peer to peer initiative started by a few Air Force EOD techs who found strength in connecting with their EOD brothers and sisters. Our conversation with the co-founders and presenters Mario Kovach (ret) and Brad Kline (active duty) was insightful and fun. At this time, Project ; Felix has their own You Tube channel and Facebook page to reach their audience. The conversation is open and honest and the main goal of Project ; Felix is to  “strengthen dialogue within the military community and beyond.” Listen and subscribe! 

Resources:

You Tube - Project ; Felix
Facebook - Project ; Felix
Tribe - On Homecoming and Belonging author Sebastian Junger

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Adam talks about growing up, joining the Air Force and becoming an EOD Technician. While conducting combat operations on December 7, 2007, his life changed. He speaks about the incident, the loss of his right leg above the knee, rehabilitation, and all of the support he received that gave him hope and  inspiration.  Facing and overcoming challenges is hard. He redirected his focus on habits to improve his physical and mental health and found a great passion for running.  He speaks candidly about his experiences and strives to live life to the fullest each day.  Adam continues to give back. He serves as a board member for the EOD Warrior Foundation and is a peer mentor for the Amputee Coalition. 

Resources:

EOD Warrior Foundation  - www.eodwarriorfoundation.org
Amputee Coalition  - https://www.amputee-coalition.org/

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Mike and I were honored to interview our new Chairman of the Board, Greg Mittelman. Greg talks about his Air Force career as an EOD Officer, his influences and leadership style. We learned about his transition after the military and how he never lost sight of the importance of serving. Greg has been a positive influence for various EOD organizations and countinues to advocate for the EOD career field in Congress; all done with passion and dedication.  We are pleased to have Greg at the helm of the EOD Warrior Foundation as our new Chairman of the Board.  Thank you Greg!

Resources:
EOD Warrior Foundation - www.eodwarriorfoundation.org

Books:
Five Years to Freedom - by authorJames N. Rowe
Asian Saga - by author James Clavell 

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Navy EOD Couple Heath & Elaine Brewer share their story with Mike and Sherri. This candid conversation is about their journey together in the military,  how they overcame challenges and found their way to balance in their lives. Heath describes his career as an EOD tech,  Elaine shares her experience as a spouse, their journey through NICOE (National Intrepid Center of Excellence) and how it led them to their own philanthropic purpose of Humble Warrior Wellness Center in Colorado Springs, CO.  It was such a pleasure to interview this awesome couple.

Resources:
Humble Warrior Wellness Center - www.humblewarriorwellnesscenter.org
National Intrepid Center of Excellence - (NICoE)  https://tricare.mil/mtf/WalterReed/Health-Services/M_S/NICoE

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Mike and Sherri had a great discussion with the CVSO/Division Director Veterans Service Officer,  Beatrice Love-Moore. Beatrice is located in Okaloosa County here in the Panhandle of Florida. She talks about being a Navy Veteran, the importance of getting established with the VA prior to discharge or retirement. She encourages everyone to exercise patience, and also speaks about navigating the VA benefits process. We hope you find this interview helpful. 

Resources: 

Veterans Affairs - www.va.gov 
(At this website, you can enter the name of your county, state and find your local Veteran Service Officer to help you navigate the VA system,  prepare your claim, following up and much more) 

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Our conversation with  SGM US Army (Ret) Mike Vining was awesome. We enjoyed learning about his career,  love for adventure, traveling with his wife Donna, and  his dedication in being a  key contributor to preserving  EOD History.  Mike talks about his early days in EOD, his assignment to Delta Force, and what Veteran's Day means to him . 

Books:
Annapurna: The First Conquest of an 8,000 - Meter Peak - author, Maurice Herzog
Camping Utah  - author, Donna Ikenberry 

Resources:
National EOD Association -  https://www.nateoda.com/
National EOD Association - Vietnam Chapter - https://www.nateoda.com/VietnamEODVets/index.html
www.eodwarriorfoundation.org

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Join us for our conversation with Jeff Truex , Chairman of After the Long Walk, an online EOD peer to peer support group. Jeff is retired Army EOD and this all volunteer organization  has been instrumental in reducing suicide within the EOD community. These volunteers answer the call 24/7 and provide a much needed voice  on the other end of the line.   You will learn why the organization got started, how it has evolved and where it is headed.

Resources:

Website: www.afterthelongwalk.com

After the Long Walk 24/7 Hotline - 1-888-412-0470

Facebook - After the Long Walk

Book recommendations:
Battle Cry   - author Leon Uris
Secret Warriors: A Men at War Novel  author - W.E.B. Griffin 

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Join us for an informative interview with Col (ret) Mike Evans  and Major Aaron Foist, both US Army EOD.  They share insight on  the  Brain Blast Injury Prevention Initiative; this initiative involves  EOD leadership, EOD Caucus, DOD, Congress and Scientific Researchers.  They are collaborating to gain a better understanding of the effects on the brain after blast exposure(s). Their  important work is to put  policies, procedures and equipment in place to help minimize the  short and long term effects of brain blast exposure.  Due to the dangerous nature of their job,  EOD Technicians are inherently involved in blast exposure.. Learn more about what is being explored about brain health for our warriors.

Resources:
www.eodwarriorfoundation.org

Article: Protecting Warfighers from Blast Injury - Lauren Fish & Paul Scharre - 
https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/protecting-warfighters-from-blast-injury

Center for Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine - https://www.researchbraininjury.org/

Brain Repository Registry - https://www.researchbraininjury.org/registry/

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Join us for a fun interview with Melanie Moore, Education Director of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation located in Destin, Florida.  Melanie  shares her passion for art by connecting with the local Veteran community. She talks about the meditative practice of Zentangle Art and various health benefits that art can bring to your life.  Art is good for the Heart! 

Resources: 
www.zentangle.com 
www.MKAF.org (Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation) 

Books: 
Zentangle Primer
Yoga for your Brain
Totally Tangled 

Support the show

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