Today’s guest is Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Gretchen Evans, a retired army veteran, author, athlete, speaker, and mentor. CSM Evans is a highly decorated female veteran who began her journey when she entered the United States Army at just 19 years old. 

She worked her way up to CSM, the highest rank an enlisted soldier can achieve. In 2006, CSM Evans’ world changed when she was severely wounded by incoming fire while serving in Afghanistan. The rocket blast caused a traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, and complete hearing loss.

After retiring from service, her transition into civilian life was difficult. But with grit, gumption, resilience, and determination, CSM Evans navigated her changed life and found a new passion and purpose advocating for veterans of all services.

Today, she pays it forward by improving the lives of her fellow veterans by actively serving as a mentor, coach, and community activist. In 2019, CSM Evans assembled a mixed-ability team of disabled combat veterans and civilians to compete in the World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji. Her team was the first totally disabled team to ever compete. 

Team Unbroken inspired millions with their resolve to not let their injuries define who or what they could achieve in life. Listen in for some great takeaways about Gretchen’s journey through the ranks of the United States Military to advocating for veterans and those faced with disabilities. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Learn more about Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans [5:30] 
• CSM Evans shares her experience at the ESPYS [7:36] 
• The similarities between the military and professional sports [10:08] 
• CSM Evans’ connection to the Pat Tillman Memorial USO Center [11:34] 
• What helped CSM Evans through her tours in Afghanistan [12:59]
• What winning the Pat Tillman Award means to CSM Evans [14:44] 
• How Pat has changed her life to honor Pat Tillman’s legacy [19:05] 
• How CSM Evans’ experience with Team Unbroken has transformed her life [23:39] 
• How CSM Evans’ service dogs Rusty and Aurora have impacted her [31:19] 
• Why being the parent of a service member is different than serving [36:14] 
• Why connection is so important for Veterans to experience [38:06]
• CSM Evans’ encouragement for those in a dark place right now [43:25]
• What CSM Evans did today that put her in the right mindset for success [45:15] 

Resources & People Mentioned

• Puppies for a Purpose with John Miller, Episode #22
• World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji

Connect with Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans

• The website
• On Instagram
• On Linkedin

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Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

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