Eye on Veterans

Retired Lt Colonel Rob Schroder has gone from flying Harrier jets in combat to founding the hi-tech solutions company, SteerBridge. Their work supports everything from projects that modernize VA systems to designing data driven solutions for our nation’s defense and other major clients.

Over the years SteerBridge has relied on exceptional talent, including former Baltimore Raven’s offensive lineman, Jason Thomas, now a Project Manager and leads their Veteran Affairs.

Throughout this interview we discuss; Schroder's experiences flying Harrier jets in combat, how he managed his own transition after military service and how he used his experiences to build a thriving company that has successfully designed solutions to VA problems which directly benefit our veterans.

Baltimore Raven offensive lineman Jason Thomas shows how the veteran transition is quite similar to those of elite NFL players. From head injuries to finding a new purpose, Thomas talks about his experiences both on the and off the field. (Fun Facts too! We hear about legendary Ravens like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and get a look behind the curtain at life as an NFL player.)

For more information on SteerBridge and veteran career opportunities, check out:

https://www.steerbridge.com/about-us#company-snapshot

Link up with former Baltimore Raven Jason Thomas here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-thomas6565/

Reach CBS Eye on Veterans host Phil Briggs

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Today we’re talking with Marine Corps combat veteran and award winning truck driver, Jesus Davila about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept 15 thru 21st.

During our conversation Jesus shared what the industry is like, stories from the road including delivery of one of the nation’s most important trees, and we hear how the trucking industry is a perfect fit for veterans.

But long before Jesus joined the trucking industry, he was a Marine in Iraq … and he explained how being in a truck was not always the safest place to be.

However, after leaving the military, Jesus decided to get his CDL and follow a family tradition of driving trucks.

Davila shared his experiences; from getting his license to what it's like being behind the wheel on some of the busiest highways in America. He also describes some incredible moments like; delivery the nation's Christmas Tree and meeting President Biden.

He also explains programs from the American Trucking Associations, which offer an affordable pathway to getting a career in this essential industry.

See more about USMC veteran Jesus Davila here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-davila-907627239

Find out how to get a great career in trucking through the American Trucking Associations' Workforce Heroes Program:

https://www.trucking.org/workforce-heroes

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CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs

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Whether it's about Walz or Vance, Infantry vs. Admin, the current political climate is charged with toxic rhetoric.

Social media has erupted with veterans dismissing the National Guard service of Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz, while others are claiming that Republican VP candidate Sen JD Vance was merely a photographer while he served in Iraq.

The effect of this politically inspired mud slinging divides a community who would normally have each other’s back.

So, we turn to Retired US Army Col. Kenneth Allard, a former West Point professor and Dean of the National War College for some perspective.

We begin our conversation with Allard’s memories of his days leading troops in war torn Kosovo.

Allard then dives into some poignant analysis; How The National Guard has been misused since 9/11, How most media critics (of either VP candidate) have never even served in the military, and why veterans slamming each other over combat experience only weakens our nation and demoralizes many who have served.

In this politically neutral conversation, Colonel Allard frequently offers sage advice for all Americans, ... and especially for those who have served.

Check out Retired US Army Colonel Ken Allard's column, and his recent article "The Most Wretched Veepstakes" here:

https://www.mikehuckabee.com/latest-news?id=A67FB09C-773C-4BDF-9A9D-C7C952822C23

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Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans

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The events surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August '21 (and our overall strategy) have had a huge impact on the veteran community, both physically and mentally. So, this week we’re sharing the words of our most insightful guests.

We begin with Army veteran and DoD Intelligence Contractor Pete Turner. His interview was both an analysis of the situation he witnessed, and an indictment of the DoD’s failed strategy. This is easily one of our favorite interviews and one listeners will remember for a long time. 

Next we examine the bonds made with Afghans with USMC (Ret.) Maj. Tom Schueman and discuss his book, “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter”. It’s the story of his interpreter Zak, and his harrowing escape before the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban.

Finally Army paratrooper and combat veteran William Yeske’s talks about his book, “Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley” which was one of the deadliest areas of operation. He recalls the harshness of war, but also shared a touching moment of validation he received after the book was published.

More from Army veteran, Intelligence Expert Pete Turner:

"Why our plan in Afghanistan failed"

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/eye-on-veterans-10fe9/episodes/why-our-plan-failed-in-afghanistan-af213

Pete Turner's podcast "The Break it Down Show"

https://www.breakitdownshow.com/

Maj. Tom Schueman's book, “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter”

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/always-faithful-thomas-schuemanzainullah-zaki?variant=40966079086626

Army combat veteran Willaim Yeske's book "Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan"

https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657

CBS Eye on Veterans

Phil Briggs, Host

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Today we’re talking about the bright future of Navy veteran Jason Stucky, thanks to his decision to pursue business ownership and open a Color Me Mine pottery painting franchise in the suburbs of Chicago. 

We begin with the story of his time in the Navy. As an “AZ” Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist aboard the carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Jason was responsible for the readiness of combat aircraft and the lives of the pilots. 

He was on a path to a stellar future, until it was ended by the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy during the Clinton Administration, which ultimately ruined promising careers for many talented, gay Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. 

Jason went on to have a successful career transition (for a time he worked in PetCo's corporate office) but after taking some out to focus on home life, opportunity came knocking. He describes how painting with his kids led him to a "Color Me Mine" pottery painting studio and it re-ignited his passion for pottery. (Something he was initially introduced to while on a military base.) 

Jason describes his trajectory from working in the pottery studio, to making the decision to purchase it from the corporate owner. He also shares how they were able to use a ROBS (Roll over as Business Start Up) to convert their existing 401K into the capital needed to purchase the business.

Jason offers encouragement for veterans considering opening their own franchise business and shares how he has no regrets.

For more on Jason Stucky and Color Me Mine pottery painting studios:

https://www.colormemine.com/

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Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans

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Today we’re hearing from two combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients about how the Purple Heart Foundation stepped up and helped them with financial assistance when they needed it most.

After deployments to Kosovo and Iraq, Army veteran Michael Lipari was wounded in Afghanistan. He offers a vivid look at life during combat, how our military mishandled PTSD, and how the Purple Heart Foundation helped him through the storms he faced long after his service.

Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. John Nash was wounded in Beirut Lebanon in 1983 during the time period when the US embassy was attacked by terrorists, and many of his fellow Marines were killed. He describes that deployment and how decades later, it was the Purple Heart Foundation that came to his rescue with financial assistance. 

PHF, CEO, Steven Ruckman ends with an overview of the veteran services they offer and how they deliver when the government does not. 

Find out more about Purple Heart Foundation programs or make your donation here:

https://purpleheartfoundation.org/

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Phil Briggs, CBS Eye on Veterans Host and Navy veteran

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As we enter the Dog Days of Summer, it’s only appropriate that we highlight a veteran support organization that connects veterans and children with autism with amazing service dogs. Brandon Butler, CEO of Retrieving Freedom describes their service dog training and placement program. 

To demonstrate the huge impact these amazing dogs make, Air Force veteran and Chaplain, (Ret.) Lt. Colonel Patrick Genseal, shares his emotional story of the trauma he experienced while deployed in Iraq. He offers a detailed account of what it's like to minister to troops during the hell of combat, and the emotional scars he carried during the years that followed.

However his invisible wounds were eventually healed by his beloved service dog, "June" and Col. Genseal shares the miraculous abilities she has.

Brandon Butler, Retrieving Freedom CEO, expands on how their elite service dogs are fully accredited and shares the ripple effect that occurs helping both the veteran owner and their extended family. He also describes how their specialized training make them ideal for children with autism.

Learn more or donate to Retrieving Freedom's here:

https://www.retrievingfreedom.org/

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CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy veteran, Phil Briggs

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Air Force veteran and successful entrepreneur Jessie Tait founded "Enspra" a national company specializing in environmental testing, commercial cleaning auditing and consumer pet product testing. Her inspiration to develop more effective cleaning methods for large public spaces came after she contracted a bacterial infection from her seat, during a flight to Florida. 

Shortly afterward, the country locked down due to the global pandemic. Tait began experimenting with Ozone generators to kill contaminants in the air and on surfaces. She describes how she initially did her research work for free, testing new methods on police and fire departments vehicles and a fleet of city buses in Pittsburgh, PA.

After her experiments proved effective, Enspra was born and soon experienced rapid growth. Tait describes how she eventually pivoted her focus to ensuring major public spaces like airports and commercial buildings were cleaned well enough to prevent major public health problems.

She also shared her expansion into pet product testing, after shopping for a high-tech litter box for her cats. 

See more about Enspra here:

https://www.enspra.com/

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

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We talk with former Army Master Sergeant Paul Holt about going from military intelligence to owning an incredibly successful home inspection franchise, Pillar to Post. He shares how his approach to a new career resulted in exceeding revenue goals for the past six years!

Our conversation begins with his fascinating background as a satellite imagery analyst and how he worked with Task Force ODIN, a covert and crucial team which the US military employed to eliminate insurgents and IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

We also dive deep into his decision to make a radical change. Rather than continue down a path full of careers within DoD intelligence, he chose the entrepreneur path so he could stay close to home and reclaim life with his family.

Holt details his transition, how he discovered his inherent skills (outside of the military) and explains why he chose to take the leap into the home inspection industry with a Pillar to Post franchise in Fayetteville, NC.

He also shares the exact steps he took, and the support the franchise model offered, in order to build a highly profitable business.

Check out Army veteran Paul Holt, and The Holt Group, Pillar to Post Home Inspections here:

https://holtgroup.pillartopost.com/

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

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Former Green Beret Officer Matt Bowman talks about the innovative new app Autobiographer. After the loss of a friend he wanted to share their incredible memories and preserve them forever. After going from the military to Facebook, he worked with other co-founders to bring this incredible technology to life.

Autobiographer allows users to simply speak about their life, and an AI powered interviewer helps convert these spoken memories into incredible content which can be converted into letters for loved ones, a full autobiography and stored forever. We begin our conversation with his service as a Special Forces Officer.

Bowman unpacks how generative AI works, how we interact with an AI interviewer and the powerful content it can create.  Bowman also explains how using this AI powered app is safe, and users have full control over their content.

We also examine how users can dive deeper into their own lived experiences through AI, and how the process of documenting the most powerful moments in our life and can help users discover gratitude, joy and a deeper understanding of their own lived experiences … and all from conversations with AI on your phone. 

Discover, Preserve and Share your life story with the autobiographer app here:

https://www.autobiographer.com/

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

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