Military Retirement Podcast

How do you raise awareness for a serious cause like Veteran Mental Health? https://al2la.org You start at Step 1. That's exactly what retired Chief Petty Officer Robert Luna did when he began his walk across the United States, connecting with communities, veterans, servicemembers and giving out free hugs to anyone that wanted one.

AmaYes, Military Pensions are worth Millions over a lifetime! In this video, I calculate Military Retirement for an E6, E7, E8, CWO2, CWO3, O4 and O5 and reveal the lifetime value of the pension for each of these ranks.

38 CFR discussion with some guest hosts. Really trying something experimental for this episode but I think it will bring some value to all of you.

This is a discussion based on the entire 38 CFR, crafted with some help from AI. If you find anything that sounds crazy let us know, but I reviewed it and everything sounds spot on.

Enjoy

Chapters

(00:00) Understanding VA Disability Ratings

(02:47) The Importance of Functional Impairment

(05:57) Total Disability Ratings Explained

(08:50) Evaluating Specific Conditions: Tuberculosis and Beyond

(12:11) Mental Health and Its Impact on Ratings

(14:50) Complexities of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

(18:10) Muscle and Circulatory Injuries

(21:04) Respiratory Conditions and Their Ratings

Our Book is out now on Amazon! https://amzn.to/3NpLsYw

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosts John McConnell and Victor De La Flor discuss the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. They emphasize the importance of support systems, the mental health impacts of military life, and the significance of mindfulness practices like meditation and writing. The conversation also touches on the decision-making process regarding military retirement and the reflections on life after service. In this conversation, John and Vic discuss various aspects of life after military service, including the cost of living, the importance of volunteering, and the transition to civilian life. They share personal anecdotes about friends and mentors, highlight the significance of community support for veterans, and emphasize the need for resources and preparation for retirement. The discussion also touches on healthcare options and the blended retirement system, providing insights for those navigating life after military service. In this conversation, John and Vic discuss various aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life, focusing on the Blended Retirement System (BRS), survivor benefits, and the importance of accessing VA resources. They emphasize the need for proper planning, understanding financial implications, and the significance of community support for veterans. The discussion also touches on practical steps to take before and after retirement, including managing medical records and engaging with veteran organizations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Military Retirement Podcast

02:59 The Importance of Veteran Support

05:53 Navigating Work Stress After Vacation

09:13 The Impact of Military Life on Mental Health

12:06 Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

19:01 The Role of Writing in Mental Clarity

23:47 Deciding Between Military and Civilian Life

29:53 Reflections on Retirement Decisions

34:22 Cost of Living and Lifestyle Choices

38:10 Volunteering and Community Support

41:41 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

46:31 Resources for Veterans

54:56 Preparing for Retirement

01:07:21 Understanding the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Survivor Benefits

01:14:05 Navigating Post-Retirement Changes and Responsibilities

01:21:19 Accessing VA Benefits and Resources After Retirement

01:29:32 Engaging with the Veteran Community and Support Networks

01:36:45 Final Thoughts on Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

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Brigadier General Lori Sutton shares her journey from military service to retirement, focusing on her experiences with PTSD, the importance of mental health, and the influence of her family on her career. "The Bottom Line Up Front - What You Need To Know Before You Leave The Military" https://amzn.to/3zfMxip

Sutton reflects on her leadership roles, the impact of her work, and the lessons learned throughout her career, emphasizing the need for change and support within the military community. Loree shares her journey from military service to advocating for veterans' mental health. She discusses her transition to Brooklyn, her role in the Veterans Affairs office, and the importance of understanding the unique needs of veterans. The discussion also delves into the emerging field of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the urgent need for change in veteran care.

(04:28) Holistic Approaches to Mental Health Treatment

(05:43) Expectations and Meeting Them in the Army

(07:43) Influences and Passion Projects

(10:22) Finding Passion in Work

(13:49) The Influence of Parents and Grandparents

(18:18) Work Ethic and Dedication

(19:17) The Potential of Psychedelic Therapies for PTSD

(20:31) Family Stories and Lessons Learned

(21:58) The Influence of Loree Sutton's Father

(25:34) Enlisting in the Army and Serving in the Korean War

(28:11) Becoming the Director of the Center of Excellence

(33:59) Policy Changes Needed for Improved Access to Innovative Treatments

(36:31) Brain Health and the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

(40:36) Becoming the Commissioner for the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

(47:08) Understanding Mobbing in the Military

(48:31) Finding Support and Purpose in Post-Military Life

(55:46) Celebrating Service: Retirement Ceremony Reflections

(01:03:06) Continued Dialogue and Collaboration for Advancing Mental Health Care

(1:07:11) Finding Sanctuary in New Mexico Post-Retirement

(1:14:16) Reflections on Becoming Whole and Finding Wisdom

(1:23:22) Book Recommendations for Veterans and Personal Growth

(1:33:15) Exploring Psychedelic Therapies and the VA's Role

(1:40:40) Discussing the Invisible War and Advocacy for Sexual Assault Survivors

(1:51:30) Closing Thoughts: Vet Centers and Community Connection

#Links#

📚Here I Am: The Story of Tim Hetherington, War Photographer - https://amzn.to/4ewcOaW

📚The Denial of Death - Earnest Becker - https://amzn.to/3ZsIE47

📚Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming - Jonathan Shay - https://amzn.to/4eujKp1

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!

"Scan everything, man. Make copies of everything."

Mike McDonald, CEO of Truevana, shares his insights on transitioning out of the military on medical retirement and finding purpose in life. https://www.truevana.com/

Mike emphasizes the importance of taking the time to process the changes and set new patterns and habits. He talks about the surprises and challenges he faced during his military career as an Army Special Forces operator and how he adapted to unexpected circumstances. He also highlights the significance of authentic relationships and networking in both personal and professional life. Mike provides advice on navigating the med board process and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for a successful transition. Truvana is a relocation marketplace that connects service members to the products and services they need during PCS. They aim to make the frequent and disjointed moves easier for service members and help them discover how to build wealth during their time in service. Truvana offers services such as packing and shipping household goods, coordinating with housing requirements, property management, and connecting service members with job opportunities. They provide personalized support based on each service member's needs and offer resources for education and networking. Truvana's goal is to become the first service member support network.

00:00 Processing Changes and Setting New Patterns

18:27 The Power of Authentic Relationships and Networking

30:51 Navigating the Med Board Process and Planning for the Transition

35:06 Making the Most of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

37:02 Surrounding Yourself with People Who Are Better Than You

39:37 Setting Yourself Up for Success in Any Situation

44:06 Identifying and Solving Unresolved Problems

49:36 Reflecting on Past Experiences and Providing Advice to Younger Self

57:01 Delivering a TED Talk to Military Members in Transition

01:05:03 Introducing Truvana and its Services

01:09:49 Understanding the Nuances of Property Management

01:15:39 Wrapping Up the Conversation and Contacting Truvana

############Links###############

🔗 All of my recording/editing equipment can be found here: https://kit.co/Chief_McConnell/john-mcconnell

🔗 @riversidefm - https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-mcconnell

🔗 Truevana FB page - https://www.facebook.com/truevana/

############Books###############

📚 The Bottom Line Up Front - Preorder 4 Oct release - https://amzn.to/3yWSH6Z

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!

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Eric Dominijanni discusses his military career and transition out of the service, his motivation for joining the military, his experiences in the Marine Corps, and the challenges he faced during his transition. Find Eric and his Scotch brand https://www.fiorscotch.com/

He emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and staying busy after leaving the military, as well as maintaining connections with fellow service members. Dominijanni also highlights the need for leaders to use their staff effectively and to consider the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of their team members. During his time in the military, Eric formed strong bonds with his fellow Marines and developed leadership skills. He shares stories of his experiences, including being invited to stay with his translator from Iraq and being welcomed by his translator's wife. Eric emphasized that while he is grateful for the recognition, he doesn't consider himself a hero, but rather someone who did the right thing. He also discussed his passion for cooking and how it led him to start his own scotch company, Fior. With the guidance of his business partner, Eric navigated the challenges of starting a business and found success. In this final part of the conversation, Eric discusses the challenges of working with civilian employees compared to service members. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. John also introduces the SkillBridge program, which allows military service members to apprentice with a company during their last six months of active duty. Eric expresses interest in the program and discusses his desire to have more veterans and minorities involved in his business. He also shares his passion for his Scotch brand and the satisfaction he feels when seeing it in restaurants. The conversation concludes with Eric encouraging retirees to pursue their passions and find fulfillment in their post-military careers.

00:00 Motivations for Joining the Military

05:58 Camaraderie and Challenges in the Marine Corps

23:53 Transitioning Out of the Military

37:26 Reconnecting and Making Memories

43:02 The Impact of Leadership and Relationships

48:05 - Robert Luna Journey

49:51 Reflecting on the Past and Giving Advice

54:49 How I filleted Bobby Flay at 49 Palms

56:06 Pursuing Passion and Finding Fulfillment

01:00:07 Starting a Business: Mentorship and Risk-Taking

01:04:44 Transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship

01:07:05 Communication expectations with employees

01:13:45 Importance of diversity in the workplace

01:18:59 Following your passion and creating opportunities

01:25:34 Memorable moments and achievements

01:31:05 Appreciating the complexity of Scotch

01:33:43 Personal preference for dark red wines

01:37:01 Further exploration of the SkillBridge program

############Links###############

🔗 My exact equipment used to record this podcast - https://amzn.to/3X30pWf

🔗 @riversidefm - https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-mcconnell

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!

some links may result in commissions for the site

John McConnell discusses the importance of expanding the military retirement community and the need for more resources and information. https://militaryretirementpodcast.com/resources

Joey Laswell, a financial social worker, joins the conversation and they discuss the importance of personalized financial counseling and the role of financial therapy in addressing the behavioral side of personal finance. The integration of AI into financial management is a topic of interest. AI can be a strategic tool to help with finances, but there are ethical concerns. The potential for AI in personal finance is still emerging, but it could be used to manage finances better. AI has the potential to provide personalized financial breakdowns and plans. However, there are limitations and privacy concerns that need to be addressed. Having a financial cushion is important during transitions, and managing debt and building an emergency fund can be done simultaneously. Finding one's purpose and passion post-military is crucial for a successful transition. In this conversation, John McConnell and his guest discuss the importance of military content creators and the need for more veteran-produced content to reach a wider audience. They emphasize the value of transparency and open discussions about topics like mental health and substance abuse. They also highlight the importance of giving veterans a voice and creating spaces for dialogue and interaction. The conversation then shifts to the VR&E program, with both speakers sharing their positive experiences and encouraging veterans to explore this resource for education and career support. They discuss the application process, the role of counselors, and the potential benefits of the program. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of supporting and empowering veterans through various platforms and programs.

00:00 Introduction and Book Update

04:41 Expanding the Military Retirement Community

07:04 Introduction of Joey Laswell

11:10 The Role of Personalized Financial Counseling

18:48 Addressing Behavioral Aspects of Personal Finance through Financial Therapy

41:40 Integration of AI into Financial Management

52:46 The Importance of a Financial Cushion during Transition

59:26 Managing Debt and Building an Emergency Fund

01:13:29 The Psychological Aspects of Financial Planning and Finding Purpose

01:23:21 The Impact of Military Content Creators

01:26:11 The Importance of Transparency and Open Discussions

01:30:58 Maximizing the Benefits of the VR&E Program

01:34:57 Opportunities for Education and Career Development

01:57:59 The Power of Support in the Military Community

Colonel (RET) David Grant, former Army SFL Director, who just hung up his boots after 30 years in the Army talks about his transition and a novel he has published post military service. https://amzn.to/4fqoHR9 - What Are We Going To Do With Tyrone Jr.?

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We're diving into his journey, the highs and lows, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Whether you're just starting your military career, approaching retirement, or reflecting on your service, there’s something here for everyone!

0:00 - Introduction and Welcome

1:15 - Meet Colonel (RET) David Grant former SFL Director

1:41 - How David Decided to Join the Military

3:34 - Military Life: Expectations vs. Reality

5:53 - The Military Family and Support System

7:06 - Wrapping Up 30 Years of Service

9:12 - The Transition Out: Conversations and Planning

12:50 - First Weeks After Retirement and the BDD Program

16:31 - Navigating VA Claims

20:09 - Reflecting on Service and Transition Insights

24:26 - Understanding differences between TAP and Soldier for Life

31:11 - The Importance of Personal Branding and Networking

34:40 - Support from Soldier for Life for Veterans

39:37 - Financial Prep for Your Transition

46:47 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

############Links###############

🔗 All of my recording/editing equipment can be found here: https://kit.co/Chief_McConnell/john-mcconnell

🔗 @riversidefm - https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-mcconnell

🔗 Marines for Life - https://usmc-mccs.org

🔗 David's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-grant-dba/

🔗 EFMP - https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/

🔗 David's Bookcase - https://davidsbookcase.com/

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!