Ted "Doc" Snyder pulls a shift as co-host today and he brings 24yrs of service with him. As the title eludes, Ted brings a valuable perspective to take in regards to YOUR mission. Bringing the focus off of the military idea of the mission and focusing on the mission of building yourself up, your family, friends, community and onward if you so desire. Without a doubt we all have struggled with figuring out what do do next, this is human, which is a good thing. Ted talks about his military career and you can hear and almost see the mission focused mentality that he, like so many of us, held and the problems that come with keeping that personal energy directed in a direct that runs counter to the new mission, You. It's not selfish to look after yourself, but if you think of it in terms of being the best you can be for those you love, well then you do what you have to do. Ted is focused on himself and through that process he finds new energy to help others. 

Stay safe this weekend and keep drinking water cause its still hot. Florida, be careful down there. Be blessed everyone and we'll talk with ya again.

 

HOV©2019

New episode layout for today, working on testing the ability to bring on multiple Veteran co-hosts and be able to have a good convo. Today we sat back and just let the conversation roll and came up with why cannabis is still so frowned upon. To wade in we had Byran Tashima and Duane O'Keefe back on the podcast to talk about the stigma and the uses that cannabis has in their recovery programs. Compassionate care requires us to look into the idea that we are holding people in terrible positions by not allowing them to have unobstructed access to cannabis and its many benefits. Reduction of SSRI and pain medication has been a big thing, not to forget the benefits of natural sleep versus walking around eating a bag of dog food. The list goes on, most Veterans aren't getting younger, but still workout, CBD might be the thing to help reduce recovery, or extend recovery further into your day. 

 

HOV©2019

Pat Russell returns to the show, go check him out on this episode, and discusses his journey through the PTSD Treatment known as "SGB" or Stellate Ganglion Block. Pat lets us into his world for a bit, one that is rich in description as to how the procedure has effected his life and that of those around him. This was his second injection, he fills us in on his experience as the first started to wear off, reminding us that using the treatment in conjunction with a good counseling/therapy program can help maintain control when the symptoms return. Pat will be back on to talk about Resilency Outreach and how they are helping Veterans overcome obstacles and get back into the game. Solid American that is getting taken care of as all Veterans should be. Continue to fight for your health care, it could be your life in the end!

 

HOV©2019

Evan McDonald assumed duties as co-host today and talked to us about part of his military transition that how one day can change the course of ones history. With a "No shit there I was" start, 2004 in Iraq for a young PFC was truly just like that. PFC McDonald spent three short months in Iraq before an EFP (Explosively Formed Projectile) faded his memory to black. One could say that having your vehicle attacked and blown up would be the highlight, but try having your MEDVAC helicopter shot down. Listen to Evan talk about the "Mad Max Patrols" and try not to let hindsight effect the emotions of mounted patrols during that time period. We are going to have Evan back on as a co-host, he has lived an amazing life, one that he has thought about and can talk about with full knowledge of how he feels about it and largely..how it effects him and his life. There are a lot of lessons learned in just this story alone. Stay tuned for more of Evan McDonald, great American!

 

HOV©2019

Tyson Bostelman assumes co-hosting duties for todays episode and he brings the excitement right from the beginning. His message is very clear, play your game, don't let those around you slow you down or run counter to what you know inside is right for "you". Also, don't work to long at a place that cans beans or corned beef hash, get a sweet gig as a State Farm Agent and have a boss named "Jared", who happens to be a really cool dude. This great work environment allows for Tyson to engaging in his passion, Golf. One of Tyson's strategies for a successful occupation of Veteranland was to get back to what he knew and golf was it. He worked things out swinging the sticks, but along the way his passion attracted like minded individuals and he stayed connected and didn't withdraw. Great time catching up with Tyson and we'll have him back on to chat again.

During Veterans Business today Tyson talked about the young man who was killed in Afghanistan, PFC Brandon Kreischer. July 29, 2019, PFC Kreischer and SPC Michael Nance were killed when Afghan Soldiers opened fire on them. Tyson is asking if you'd like to help his young pregnant fiancé out, then send your assistance to: Farmers and Merchants State Bank, C/O Brandon Kreischer Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 216, Archbold, OH 43502.

Have a wonderful weekend and get out there to SSG Aaron Butler Purple Heart Memorial Run in Eagle, Idaho (if you close by at this point) or anywhere there's a trail and get after it with some folks. Be safe and blessings.

 

HOV©2019

Carl McBride joined us today from Edinburgh, Scotland to talk about the Bagpipe World Championships that are going on this coming weekend and the North Berwick Highland Games. Carl is the "Pipe Sergeant" in the "High Desert Pipe and Drum" team, in 1999 they were the Bagpipe World Champs, so we hope for a great performance this year to reignite that fire. If you've ever wanted to get into being a piper then you need to reach out to Carl and get some "free chicken". We are going to have Carl back on to co-host again, looking forward to it too.

Get back into school folks. You can't go wrong with getting smart, open new doors and your mind with knowledge. In case you didn't know, the reality you live in is driven by those that know, if you don't know, well your reality is being made for you. Get the knowledge, know yourself and take it to the next level. Blessings and catch ya Friday!

 

HOV©2019

Duane O'Keefe assumes co-host duties today and unpackages his life and the struggles that he has overcome to become that husband, father and Veteran that he is today. The life we lead isn't an easy one, sometimes we start the game off at what would seem a disadvantage, only to find that it is our strength - One that has to be managed and controlled. Duane talks about his love for Soldiers and how he is on the path of reconnecting and adding them back into his life post-Army. The struggle to find a job that fit his skillset and where he can grow was real, but having taken advantage of the VA Voc. Rehab program and only a handful of credits left to graduate. (Get on this folks, college isn't a joke!) Pushing through the issues, joining the podcast and social media for starters, that was holding him back. Think on his perspective towards transition and living life. Very gracious Veteran and a friend to all. Enjoy the episode and blessings.

 

HOV©2019

Great weekend ahead everyone, get on out there and enjoy it. The Wounded Veterans of Oklahoma is having it's 4th Annual Veterans Homecoming Celebration on 10 Aug in Mannford, OK. This is being held at the Keystone Harbor Marina. Fishing, bike and car show, food, music and fireworks. Sounds like a party!! I'll be there come say hello.

Yarmony Grass Music Fest is happing August 8-10th. Get on out there and see "Buffalo Commons" and have a great time. What a great venue to have this at too. Bond, CO on the Rancho Del Rio River, beautiful. Enjoy!

Don't forget about the "SSG Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run", this is the trail run we've been talking bout for a few weeks now. Derek Knapp, from Saga Ep.021, will be there. Go link up with him, great American and always fun to chat with. Enjoy the time folks, Eagle Idaho is beautiful this time of year. But don't just take my word for it, see it for yourself.

We, you and I, are the company we keep. In this episode we talk about thinking critically about those that we associate with when we are trying to recover and get back to normal. These patterns should be addressed and corrected. These toxic relationships have lasting effects on you and those that love you. Listen to the episode and reach out, lets talk about what your take is. Not recorded, just an open dialogue to help me see something I wasn't seeing before. Working together to get it right, its what we do taking care of Veterans.

 

Blessings.

 

Heart of a Volunteer©2019

Luke Davis assumes duties as co-host today on the podcast and we had a great time talking about his journey. Luke is a very good communicator and he takes on a trip through his Saga, starting on graduating from AIT on Sept. 11, 2001, he almost got stuck. Fast forward and Luke, a 92Y-Supply Specialist, is in Hawaii training and building friendships that will last a lifetime. A situation like Bill Brodie's Saga from Vietnam, Luke operated as an Infantryman during a large portion of his Afghanistan deployment. But once the Battalion made manning adjustments, Luke turned in his M14 and went back to supporting his friends and comrades in another way. Luke's transition was an up and down process, having it all, family, Crossfit gym and money rolling it, but like a house of cards it all came tumbling down. Luke shares his struggles with transitioning and taking care of past issues to heal. Being faced with the loss of his marriage, Luke has been leaning forward to gain control of his mental health. You are listening to an amazing American ladies and gents. Luke will be back on, he has some amazing info for Veterans who are ready to level up. Thank you Luke for coming on, sharing your Saga and struggles with us. Blessings brother!

Continue to stick with us folks, we are working on the series: "PTSD: Roadmap to Healing". This is going to be an amazing series that is being developed to highlight the "Process" by the numbers. Less guess work for Veterans out there was weren't given the new information that is available. Giving ever Veteran, no matter the generation, an idea of the resources to help them. 

SHARE and SPREAD the WORD!!!

 

HOV©2019

Talked today about getting on over the "Yarmonygrass Music Fest" in Ranch Del Rio, CO and getting some amazing soul and heart healing music from "Buffalo Commons" and Tyree Woods. I will be working on getting to this next year and doing a few episodes from there. Be a great time.

Nick Sterling & The Nomads, working with  Nick to have him co-host and chat with us, they have new music coming out, so in the studio! Check them out!

Fifty Cal Fishing w/ Kyle White, going to have Kyle on and talk about his efforts to help Veterans to over come PTSD.

For the divers out there, "Circle of Heroes" Veteran Memorial off of Veterans Reef there in Clearwater, FL. 12 concrete statues were sunk there, going to be an amazing dive spot. Have to get C.J. Gates to check it out and come on, or what ever Veteran that makes it first maybe!

"PTSD: Roadmap to Healing" Series w/ Ted "Doc" Snyder. Not going to want to miss this folks, amazing information from Veterans that are working in the Mental Health Community and only want to help Veterans! We live in an amazing place were we can draw upon that knowledge.

Female Veterans are considering coming on the podcast. Very happy about this and ready to address the issues, resources and experiences. The podcast is finally getting out there.

Veterans have taken on a mentality, one of the "Outsider" this mentality leaves Veterans feeling as if they do not belong and this plays into the loneliness that invites PTSD to take hold. Think on this and contact me if you want to have a chat.

Education, time to think about getting that brain some training. Fall Semester is about to start, think on it and get smart.

Thank you for all the SHARE's and as a thank you I have filled the "MRE BOX SURPRISE" box up with some amazing "stuff". I have some awesome stuff to give away, listen to the episodes to hear clues.

Heart of a Volunteer©2019