Operation Onward

Marine Corps combat veteran and CEO of Project Recover, Dr. Derek Abbey joins Operation Onward to discuss the 81,000 American service members still missing in action, and the mission to bring them home.

Project Recover conducts historical research, underwater and jungle recovery missions, and works alongside the Department of Defense to locate and repatriate fallen heroes from previous wars. From World War II aircraft recovery sites to deep ocean dives in the Pacific, Derek shares what it takes to fulfill America’s promise to never leave a service member behind.

Actor and comedian Thom Tran Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient joins Operation Onward to talk about getting shot on his fourth day in Iraq April 3 2003 losing his roommate SPC Charles Edward Bush and the reality of transition after coming home. Thom shares how fast life moves after out processing why so many veterans isolate how his VA claim took 20 years to settle and what he is building now including his standup tour comedy album and a new podcast focused on cryptids and comedians.

Army Green Beret Nick Lavery joins Operation Onward to share his journey from combat injury to resilience, leadership, and purpose.

After losing his leg in Afghanistan, Nick fought to remain on active duty and became the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. This episode explores sacrifice, discipline, identity after trauma, and the mindset required to keep moving forward.

A must-listen for veterans, leaders, and anyone facing adversity.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Patrick Flood, former Green Beret and founder of Owners & Honor, joins Operation Onward to share his incredible journey from combat to entrepreneurship.

Patrick discusses his time in Special Forces, being bitten by a cobra in Afghanistan, and how his organization now helps veterans buy, grow, and sell small businesses. This conversation dives into leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to find purpose after service.

Learn more: https://www.ownersandhonor.org

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Patrick Flood, former Green Beret and founder of Owners & Honor, joins Operation Onward to share his incredible journey from combat to entrepreneurship.

Patrick discusses his time in Special Forces, being bitten by a cobra in Afghanistan, and how his organization now helps veterans buy, grow, and sell small businesses. This conversation dives into leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to find purpose after service.

Learn more: https://www.ownersandhonor.org

Gold Star Sister Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, joins Operation Onward to share the powerful story of her brother, 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, whose mantra “If Not Me, Then Who?” became a national call to service.

Ryan opens up about Travis’s legacy, the founding of the Travis Manion Foundation, and how programs like Character Does Matter are helping veterans and Gold Star families heal through leadership, mentorship, and purpose.

This episode is a tribute to sacrifice, resilience, and community — reminding us all to live lives worthy of those who gave everything.

In this episode of Operation Onward, we sit down with Ronnie Atkins — Army veteran, Intel specialist, and VP of Funker 530 — to talk about war, resilience, and the mission behind American Marksman. Ronnie shares powerful stories from Afghanistan, life working alongside JSOC, how Funker 530 became the “archive of modern warfare,” and how he’s helping veterans rediscover community and purpose through storytelling, marksmanship, and service.

Blown up in Baghdad. Flatlined twice. Saved when a doctor held his heart in his hands. Air Force EOD Tech and Purple Heart recipient Daniel Acosta—The Brown Baron—opens up about the IED blast that changed his life, the brotherhood that kept him alive, and how he rebuilt his purpose through faith, music, and service.

Marine and Purple Heart recipient Tyler Vargas-Andrews survived Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal and carries forward one powerful mantra: “NOT A VICTIM.”

In this episode, Tyler shares his story of survival, resilience, and purpose — from the events at Abbey Gate, to his long recovery, testifying before Congress, and building a new path as a bladesmith and entrepreneur.

He speaks honestly about sacrifice, community, and the importance of moving forward while honoring those we lost.

Resources Mentioned: Tyrant Design, Black Horse Forge, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Ranger Road, Travis Manion Foundation, REE Medical.

In Part II of this gripping two-part series, Operation Onward continues the conversation with Scott Gatto — Marine Combat Veteran and founder of Reunite The Fight.

After surviving the brutal Battle of Fallujah, Scott faced a different kind of war: the transition out of the Marine Corps and back into civilian life. In this episode, Scott opens up about the identity crisis, emotional toll, and isolation many Veterans experience after service, and how those dark moments eventually led him to launch a nonprofit to bring Veterans back together.

This episode is a message of hope, community, and healing for any Veteran struggling with what comes after the uniform.

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Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Leaving the Marine Corps: the emotional aftermath

• Struggles with identity, purpose, and PTSD

• How Veterans often feel forgotten or lost after service

• The founding of Reunite The Fight and the mission behind it

• Tangible resources and advice for transitioning Veterans

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Resources & Links:

• Reunite The Fight: https://www.reunitethefight.org

• REE Medical – VA Disability Support: https://referrals.reemedical.com/l/OOpodcast

(Use referral code: OOPodcast)

• Operation Onward Episodes: Subscribe and watch more real stories of resilience, transition, and Veteran success