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What if military transition isn’t about the next job, but about laying down the "rucksack" you’ve carried for years? Lori speaks with Marine Corps and Army veteran Eric Brew, now Georgia Director for Warriors Set Free, to unpack this organization's candid blueprint for healing from the past, building honest relationships and choosing a purpose that fits. Eric’s story cuts through the noise. He isn't known for using buzzwords, there is no posturing, just his authenticity sharing his hard-won lessons on how to own your narrative and connect without pretending.

We dig into Warriors Set Free’s origins under Set Free Ministries and the heart of their work: a peer-led, faith-centered approach that meets veterans where they are. Eric explains the Freedom Appointment, a one-day spiritual “house cleaning” that compresses months of inner work into focused time, and why virtual options make it accessible across the country. He also highlights immersive gatherings like The Warrior’s Battle for men and the new Heroes Reflect for women and family members, designed to help people put down guilt, shame and the silent weight of service.

At the core is the TRIP framework: 

Truth as a filter for life’s grit

Relationships in the right order

Identity that reframes strength without shrinking

Purpose you can pursue in any field with integrity. 

Eric offers practical guidance for both extroverts and introverts such as become “bilingual” in civilianese when needed, honor what charges your social battery and lead with authenticity because veterans can spot pretense a mile away. 

The deeper insight Eric shares is both sobering and hopeful, transition never ends. From empty nests to career shifts and grief, change keeps coming. With truth, relationships, identity and purpose in place, each new chapter becomes navigable.

Ready to rethink what comes next and set down what no longer serves you? Listen, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more veterans find this conversation. Subscribe for more real stories and actionable tools for every chapter after service.

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Your federal resume just shrank and if you are looking to work for the federal government you have 2 pages to convey your qualifications for these roles. In this solo episode, resume writer and federal employment specialist Lori Norris walks you through the new two-page limit, the shift to merit-based hiring processes, skills-first hiring and the rise of assessments that can land in your inbox with a 24-hour clock. If you’re a transitioning service member or a veteran already navigating USAJOBS, this is your field guide to staying eligible, standing out and moving fast without missing critical details.

We start by decoding what actually changed: how agencies will certify smaller pools of qualified applicants, why keywords now matter more and what it means when occupational questionnaires disappear in favor of USA Hire or technical tests. We explain how to read “Who may apply,” how veterans’ preference points and CPS status still work and why some announcements may close early once they hit a candidate limit. Then we drill into the resume itself, covering exact fields you must include, what to cut to fit in two pages and formatting moves that keep you compliant and visible. Think months and years for every role, hours per week, recent measurable achievements and a clean sans serif format that keeps your resume file under 5MB.

You’ll also get a clear approach to the 4 optional 200-word essays that hiring managers, not HR, will read. We share prompts, strategy and structure, how to connect your commitment to the Constitution to the job’s mission, how to quantify efficiency gains you’ve driven, how to reference relevant executive orders responsibly and how to tell a concise work-ethic story with outcomes. We wrap with a practical application plan to tailor fast, apply early, track documents, watch your spam folder for assessment links and call the agency contact when in doubt.

If this helped you get clarity or momentum, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a veteran who’s applying soon. Your support helps more service members translate their skills into roles that matter.

Learn more about Lori's resume and LinkedIn services, where she specializes in helping translate military terminology at www.getresultsresumes.com

Connect with Lori Norris on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinorris

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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For the first military transition Q&A of the season, Lori speaks with Ryan Griffiths, an Air Force leader 9 months from retirement, to translate a First Sergeant’s responsibilities that include pay issues, emergency leave, recognition and crisis calls, into relevant HR and employee relations skills that land interviews. We dig into how to rename military titles for the market, how to build keyword-rich resumes that pass ATS filters and how to lead with outcomes instead of military jargon.

Ryan’s path spans munitions, recruiting, first sergeant duty, and a first-of-its-kind candidate outreach team inside AF Special Operations Command. That outreach work becomes a blueprint for civilian talent acquisition: launching a program from zero, marketing the value proposition, sourcing in nontraditional places (think CrossFit competitions and large events), and converting interest into qualified pipelines. Lori explains the power of swapping terms, such as FMLA-equivalent instead of military leave or executive leadership instead of command, and shows how a few precise keywords can unlock the right searches without stretching the truth.

We also tackle a growing hazard for transitioning service members, job search scams. We go through some tell-tale signs such as LinkedIn DMs from “recruiters” who can’t name the role, push for phone numbers and use Gmail addresses while claiming big-brand employers. Learn a simple verification process of checking their profile activity, connections, company domains and public job links before you engage. Don't fall for high-pressure deadlines, pay-to-play promises and off-platform chats without clarity.

If you’re aiming at HR, talent acquisition, or operations, this conversation gives you a clear translation guide, a resume tuning checklist, and practical guardrails for vetting opportunities. Subscribe, share with a veteran who needs a boost, and leave a quick review to help more service members find their footing. 

If you have an idea for an opportunity that matches Ryan's background, you can connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-griffiths1/

Learn more about Lori's resume and LinkedIn services, where she specializes in helping translate military terminology at www.getresultsresumes.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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Transitioning from military to civilian life is a complex journey that requires strategic planning well before your final out date. Starting 18-24 months ahead isn't excessive. It's necessary to build the infrastructure for a successful transition while still fulfilling your military obligations.

We start by discussing what do and plan for in the 12-24 months before your military transition. The foundation of any successful transition begins with determining your career focus. Unlike in the military where your path was often managed for you, civilian success requires taking charge of your own career development. Start by creating a comprehensive inventory of your skills, marking those you enjoy using and those you'd prefer to leave behind. Consider fundamental questions about your work preferences: inside or outside? With people or technology? What salary requirements will support your lifestyle? This self-assessment helps narrow your focus to careers that will truly satisfy you rather than just leveraging existing skills.

Once you've identified potential career paths, conduct thorough labor market research through resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Understanding where opportunities exist geographically and what qualifications they require allows you to prepare accordingly. Connect with veterans in your target industries for informational interviews that provide real-world insights beyond what job descriptions reveal. These conversations are invaluable for understanding how military experience translates to specific civilian roles.

As you move into the 6–12-month window, develop your professional job search marketing materials including your resume and LinkedIn profile. Ensure that you learn how to effectively translate military skills into civilian terminology. Practice interview storytelling that demonstrates your relevant capabilities without military jargon. 

In the final 3 months, execute your carefully crafted plan by targeting applications to organizations you've researched, understanding that hiring timelines typically extend one week for every $10,000 in salary you're seeking.

Remember that transition continues beyond securing that first position. The first 90 days in your new role are critical for establishing yourself in the civilian workforce. Focus on learning the organizational culture and building relationships rather than immediately implementing changes. Just as you wouldn't execute a military mission without thorough planning, approach your transition with the same strategic mindset—assessing risks, preparing for obstacles, and creating contingency plans for success in your post-military career.

Connect with your host Lori Norris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinorris/

Learn more about Lori's resume and LinkedIn services, where she specializes in helping translate military terminology at www.getresultsresumes.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

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What happens when the military career you've devoted your life to suddenly comes to an end? For Thomas McKenzie, a Marine who reached E9 before his 20-year mark, this question became painfully real when faced with undesirable relocation options. His powerful story reveals that military transition goes far beyond the job hunt. It's a profound journey of rediscovering who you are without the uniform.

McKenzie candidly shares how a chance encounter with the SkillBridge program became "the biggest blessing" during his transition, providing crucial time to process his service while weathering personal tragedies and relationship changes. Through working with thousands of veterans since, he's identified a dangerous "fallacy" that begins at recruitment, This is the misguided belief that military service automatically guarantees civilian success.

"I think transition out of the military is the single hardest thing that any human being that ever serves will do," McKenzie reflects. His analogy comparing transitioning service members to the Little Mermaid perfectly captures the challenge: observing humans from shore while taking advice from birds who've never walked on land.

The most moving moment comes when McKenzie reveals how a therapist's simple question, "What makes you happy outside of the military?," left him in tears, unable to answer. His breakthrough came through imagining his 90-year-old self on his deathbed, considering what he wanted to be remembered for.

Whether you're planning your military exit, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in veteran experiences, this episode provides profound insights into the emotional and psychological journey of military transition. McKenzie's message is clear: success comes with time, support, and the determination to discover your purpose beyond the uniform.

SeekNow and Drive Academy have chosen to sponsor this entire season of the Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast in order to increase awareness of the opportunities their company offers. You can learn more and apply at www.internwithdrive.com.

You can connect with Thomas McKenzie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/repurpose-mac/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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What happens when your VA disability claim gets denied? For many veterans, this rejection feels deeply personal. But as Chris McGhee explains, denial is often just the beginning of a journey toward proper recognition of service-connected conditions.

In this informative conversation, Chris McGhee, a retired Air Force veteran who transformed from aircraft maintainer to VA disability attorney, shares insights from both sides of the claims process. Having navigated his own disability claim with limited success initially, Chris now helps fellow veterans secure the benefits they've earned through his practice, Falcon Forward Law Group.

Chris demystifies the appeals process by addressing common misconceptions and explaining why claims get denied. From inexperienced examiners to simple bureaucratic errors, he reveals how the system sometimes fails veterans despite their legitimate conditions. Rather than accepting these denials, veterans should understand their appeal rights and the immense difference proper representation can make.

We cover the significant differences between disability rating levels. Beyond just monthly compensation, McGhee explains how crossing certain thresholds (especially 50% and 100%) unlocks life-changing benefits including concurrent receipt for retirees, healthcare for non-service-connected conditions, education benefits for family members and state-level tax exemptions. His breakdown of "VA math" helps veterans understand why their multiple ratings don't simply add up as expected.

Perhaps most valuable is Chris' advice about medical documentation while in service. Drawing from his own experience of rarely seeking treatment for migraines throughout his career, he emphasizes how even a single documented medical visit can establish that crucial in-service event needed for future claims. This perspective highlights the delicate balance service members face between protecting their careers and creating evidence for future disability claims.

If you're navigating the complex VA disability system, considering an appeal, or preparing to transition from military service, this episode provides essential guidance from someone who truly understands the journey. Subscribe to Lessons Learned for Vets for more insights that can help smooth your military transition journey.

You can connect with Chris McGhee on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmcghee358/

You can learn more about Chris McGhee's legal practice at https://www.fafo-law.com/

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When Master Sergeant Aaris Whitman received her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis after 23 years in the Air Force, her carefully laid military career plans crumbled. Instead of serving 26-28 years as intended, she faced sudden medical retirement and an unexpected civilian transition that left her feeling lost and adrift.

"Change is the only thing you can really count on to be consistent," Aaris explains, sharing how she allowed herself to feel her emotions before getting to work on her transition. Recognizing the limited time available, she secured a Hiring Our Heroes fellowship at Allegiant Airlines to gain crucial corporate experience while still on active duty.

The podcast delves into the challenges veterans face when translating military skills for civilian employers. Aaris discovered that despite her extensive leadership experience as a First Sergeant, employers didn't automatically recognize her value. Through persistence, networking and learning to "speak corporate," she eventually landed positions at Amazon and later Credit One Bank.

Her five years as a First Sergeant proved invaluable in her current role as a Talent Management Partner. Aaris now teaches leadership principles that transcend both military and corporate worlds in subjects such as emotional intelligence, trust-building, effective feedback and above all, servant leadership. She shares the quote, "If serving is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you," emphasizing that true leadership centers on understanding people.

Perhaps most compelling is Aaris' work creating community for fellow veterans. Recognizing the isolation many veterans feel after transition, she founded "VET as One" (Value and Empower Together), a veteran and ally resource group at Credit One Bank. This initiative provides crucial connection points for veterans while educating allies about military experience.

For veterans struggling with transition, Aaris offers practical advice about seeking community intentionally through organizations like Merging Vets and Players. Her story demonstrates how military experiences, even difficult ones like unexpected retirement, can become powerful foundations for civilian success when paired with adaptability, community and compassionate leadership.

You can connect with Aaris Whitman on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaris-p-morris/

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Mark Ardecki's military transition story will resonate with anyone who's faced the uncertainty of post-service life. After nine years as a Marine with a special forces background, Mark found himself asking the same question most veterans do: "What's next?"

Following brief stints as a lineman and arborist, Mark discovered an unexpected career path with Seek Now as a field inspector. What makes his story remarkable isn't just the career change itself, but the dramatic improvement in his work-life balance and compensation. He went from grueling 14-hour workdays to earning comparable pay in just a couple of hours of inspection work.

The skills that propelled Mark's success aren't technical construction knowledge, which he freely admits he lacked. However, the core competencies most veterans already possess such as punctuality, accountability, integrity and human connection, were the key to his success. As a field inspector documenting property damage for insurance claims, Mark found himself uniquely positioned to help people during difficult times while maintaining the objectivity his role requires.

Now serving as the East Coast Lead Inspector, Mark has mentored over 20 transitioning service members through Seek Now's Drive Academy SkillBridge program. His pride in watching these veterans succeed mirrors the satisfaction he feels in his own career journey. Even more impressive, every one of his mentees has successfully placed into permanent roles with the company, with some now crossing the six-figure income threshold.

The comprehensive training program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on mentorship and certification provides veterans with everything they need to succeed, regardless of prior experience. In fact, Mark prefers training those with no construction background so they can "start with a clean slate."

For veterans considering their next move, Mark offers this perspective: "Everybody asks me what the catch is. I have yet to find it." With opportunities in 47 states and flexible work arrangements, Seek Now represents the kind of opportunity many transitioning service members are searching for but don't know exists.

Curious about starting your own post-military success story? Visit internwithdrive.com to explore how your military skills might translate into an unexpected and rewarding new career path.

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What happens when the skills that kept you alive in combat become the very things holding you back in civilian life? Former Marine Ryan Woodruff's powerful journey reveals how purpose can emerge from our darkest struggles.

After two deployments to Iraq and losing 14 fellow Marines, Ryan's transition to civilian life spiraled into PTS, alcoholism, and isolation. The brotherhood, mission, and structure that defined his military service vanished overnight. "I wasn't ready to acknowledge I was dealing with mental health issues," Ryan reveals. "My way of coping with all of this was alcohol."

Everything changed when Ryan found Clear Path for Veterans and was matched with a service dog. In an extraordinary insight, Ryan discovered his dog had begun mirroring his own anxiety and hypervigilance. This wake-up call became his catalyst for seeking help. He discovered that service dogs reflect the best and worst parts about our character, and he set out on a mission to improve himself and focus on his mental health.

Ryan takes us inside the remarkable world of service dogs for veterans, explaining how these animals are trained to respond to specific symptoms of PTS and TBI. From recognizing when a veteran is anxiously twisting their wedding band to providing grounding techniques during moments of distress, these canine companions offer both practical support and profound connection.

Most powerfully, Ryan challenges the "sliding scale" mentality that keeps many veterans from seeking help. "It's not a competition," he insists, urging listeners to reach out regardless of how they perceive their struggles compared to others. His journey from program recipient to CEO of Clear Path demonstrates how our darkest challenges can transform into our greatest purpose when we embrace connection and vulnerability.

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran struggling with mental health issues or simply someone interested in the healing power of human-animal bonds, this episode offers both practical resources and the inspiration to take that first step toward healing.

If you're struggling with PTSD, alcoholism, or other mental health challenges, reach out to Clear Path for Veterans at 315-687-3300 or explore resources like the Crisis Line (988), Vet Centers (VetCenter.VA.gov), or Assistance Dogs International.

You can connect with Ryan Woodruff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-woodruff-290514195/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

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Struggling to translate your military experience into civilian success? Dan Goldenberg's journey from Naval officer to leading the Call of Duty Endowment offers a masterclass in veteran career transition done right.

When Dan took over the Call of Duty Endowment in 2013, he transformed it from a traditional "big check and handshake" foundation into a powerhouse of veteran employment support. By implementing accountability measures and focusing on quality outcomes, the Call of Duty Endowment has helped place over 150,000 veterans in meaningful jobs at just 1/15th the cost of government programs. "The fundamental thing that differentiates us from other approaches is accountability," Dan explains, describing their quarterly performance reviews and commitment to continuous improvement.

The conversation tackles a critical misconception head-on: veteran hiring isn't charity, it's simply smart business. Data from Fortune 500 executives shows veterans are 3% more productive and 3% more likely to stay with companies throughout their careers. Yet many companies miss this opportunity, while many veterans struggle with underemployment because they leap at the first job offer rather than finding the right fit.

Perhaps the most valuable advice comes when discussing job search strategy: "I'd rather invest in 100 conversations than sending 100 resumes." This networking-focused approach not only builds connections but provides critical self-discovery. Dan also highlights the current crisis facing veterans cut from federal positions, who receive none of the transition support offered to military members, underscoring the urgent need for specialized employment assistance. You can find the article here: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323717975612567554/

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran seeking better employment, or an employer looking to build a stronger workforce, this episode delivers practical wisdom and proven strategies for success. Check out callofdutyendowment.org to connect with their grantees for free employment support or to support their mission financially.

You can connect with Dan Goldenberg on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/dangoldenberg92/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.