Proud American

It’s rare that we get the opportunity to talk with someone who’s life has taken the full arc of going from a family in need, to leading the very non-profit dedicated to helping those families. In this episode of the Proud American podcast, Marine Corps Veteran and host Johnny Joey Jones introduces us to the CEO of the Independence Fund, Sarah Verardo. After seeing the gaps in care and assistance offered to her husband, a severely wounded soldier, Sarah began as a volunteer for Independence Fund and was eventually selected as its first CEO. Now she works with wounded veterans, caregivers, corporations, communities and Congress to ensure our heroes and their families get the support they need.

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To leave an impact, to make a difference, to build something with your hands, to create a legacy others can enjoy... These may be some of the most rewarding, proud American goals anyone could achieve, and today's guest is doing just that. Tyler Merritt is the CEO and founder of Nine Line Apparel, a military inspired apparel company here in my home state of Georgia. He's a veteran and entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a family man, and today he's our guest.

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This month, November, starts my favorite time of year. The holiday season. And not just because I get to eat all my favorite foods, but because I get to spend time with all my favorite people. For most Americans, this means thanksgiving and Christmas, but for me and those who have served, it starts with Veterans day. So for this podcast, I wanted to bring on someone who’s connected these holidays in a way that’s truly a Proud American tradition. Washington D.C. native and businessman Fletcher Gill is the founder of Luke’s Wings, a nonprofit that provides complimentary travel planning and travel tickets to wounded warriors, special operators, veterans in hospice care, and fallen officers to reunite heroes and their families, especially during the holiday season. Fletcher joins the podcast today.

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Some folks take a little warming up to, others bring you coffee at 4:30 in the morning to warm you the first time you meet them. That’s exactly how I met Country and Rock music star, and all around Proud American, Tim Montana. From his music to his viral social media posts, to his American Threads sporting clay shoot event supporting military veterans, Tim has a ton of energy and puts it all into entertaining his fans and supporting companies and causes he believes in. Tim joins the podcast today.

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At Fox News I get to work with some extraordinary people. Being a talented reporter is impressive, but one of my colleagues has a unique story of perseverance and dedication. I’m excited to welcome Fox News Congressional Correspondent Aishah Hasnie today as my guest. She's every bit an Indiana girl as she is a migrant from halfway around the world, and that is what the American Dream is all about.

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Immediately after 9/11, war correspondent Terry McCarthy went to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he reported on the ousting of the Taliban from Kabul. He continued covering the US invasion of Iraq, and went on to win several Emmy awards for his reporting, including his coverage of my team in Afghanistan in 2010 as we swept for IEDs. Now the CEO of the American Society of Cinematographers, it's Terry's fight to tell the truth that makes him a truly Proud American.

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NASCAR is the top level of auto racing in America, but perhaps more importantly, it may also be the last remaining grassroots sport through and through. Today's guest is a true cross section of the humble roots of American past time and the full embrace of technology to get the fastest time. Kurt Busch is a NASCAR champion who accomplished some of the most significant feats in racing, and after two decades is still competing for the same bragging rights!

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On the Proud American Podcast, we try to bring you stories and perspectives of Americans who are not only proud of their accomplishments, but humble in their work. People who embody selflessness, hard work, dedication, commitment and resilience. Today's guest make these uniquely American traits his everyday routine. Randy Couture is a six-time UFC Champion, Army veteran, actor, writer, and -most importantly- proud American.

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It's a Fox News Podcasts crossover! The Will Cain Podcast host and Fox and Friends Weekend co-host Will Cain joins the Proud American podcast to discuss his experience as a sports commentator at ESPN, his transition to Fox News, the importance of spreading truth no matter what the critics say, why it's so hard to share your political opinions today and much more!

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"After serving 14 years in both the Navy as a chef to the Commander of the US 6th Fleet and then transitioning on to becoming an Army team leader in one of the military’s most dangerous jobs, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Staff Sergeant Aaron Hale was blinded by an IED. Not letting his injuries hold him back, Aaron became an EOD instructor, motivational speaker, mountain climber, white water kayaker, and marathon runner. Four years later tragedy struck again when Aaron contracted bacterial meningitis which robbed him of his hearing leaving him not just 100% blind but completely deaf as well. Never willing to give up, and with the help of a cochlear implant Aaron regained his hearing and again… hit the ground running." People like Aaron exist to remind us how amazing the gift of life is, and how no matter what adversity we face victory is always around the corner. Aaron joins the podcast today.

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