The struggle of our military servicemen returning home to civilian life is well documented. Dealing with the trauma of war is only the beginning. Veterans also have to deal with transitioning to civilian life that might not be looking for the same skills that made them an amazing soldier. 

So many of us want to help veterans but don't understand how. My guest today, Steven Cole, is here to discuss the myriad of ways we can make an impact on the lives of those who risked theirs to give us the freedoms we cherish.

Steven is the Vice President of Advancement at Veterans Bridge Home, where he is responsible for community engagement, communications and development. A retired Army lieutenant colonel, Steven served for more than 20 years in roles including: the public affairs officer in Washington DC, Kabul, Afghanistan, and as the Army's liaison to the film and TV industry in Los Angeles, CA. He'll discuss his work on movies like Godzilla, Superman and Lone Survivor.

Prior to these public relations assignments, Steven taught history at West Point and served in numerous management and staff assignments in armor and cavalry organizations.

On today's podcast...

3:26 - Life at West Point Academy, a unique blend of military and college life

7:08 - Soldiers are no different than any other employee

11:00 - Steven Cole's many West Point assignments....

15:09 - ...lead him into a career in...the movies?

21:44 - Working with Hollywood for accurate portrayals of the U.S. military

24:37 - "If there's giant radioactive lizards, then they're probably going to be better than one tank."

28:14 - Jobs weren't waiting for Steve when he left the army

30:00 - Veterans Bridge Home takes a chance on Steve

34:26 - The veteran struggle is more than just PTSD

38:11 - The story of Veterans Bridge Home

42:25 - The biggest thing you can do right now to help veterans

46:58 - The move to civilian life: lost revenue in translation

50:45 - How smart companies take advantage of the soft skills veterans possess

54:33 - Steven's words for anyone who wants to serve or who are currently serving 

Hidden Stories is a production of the Sell or Die Network, a collection of the best podcasts on sales and personal development on the planet. Check out what else we have to offer:

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