The American Heroes Network Podcast

Today's guest is an acclaimed filmmaker & documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires, and heals. He is a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient and has created and produced two films for Veterans. He is a compassionate man with Godly values who never stops helping others to begin the journey of healing. He is Founder & Owner of EC Productions. I would like to welcome Eric Christiansen.

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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is an acclaimed filmmaker & documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires, and heals. He is a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient and has created and produced two films for Veterans. He is a compassionate man with Godly values who never stops helping others to begin the journey of healing. He is Founder & Owner of EC Productions. I would like to welcome Eric Christiansen.

You can follow Eric here

Websites

http://www.unmaskinghopethemovie.com

http://www.ecproductions.com/

http://www.searchingforhomethemovie.com

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-christiansen-b8338a7/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Searchingforhome/

https://www.facebook.com/unmaskinghope

Twitter

https://twitter.com/unmaskinghope

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpNvbex7REI&feature=youtu.be

Eric good evening and how are you doing today?

I wanted to start sharing a little bit about you with everyone so they understand how you got to the point of helping Veterans, and others dealing with trauma. So you had a love of filmmaking from an early age and turned that into a career. And during that time you became a trauma survivor yourself as a result of the Painted Cave Fire in California. I know you had to deal with the loss of your home and possessions and you turned that experience into something that would help others. Today we are going to share your story and your passion for making a difference in the world through film.

So Eric tell us about your early years in film and then about the fire

2nd grade 8-12 years old wanting to make films

Professionally since 13

The fire on June 27th, 1990 took his house and possessions

How did the fire change your life

Anger after the fire, lost everything material

Drinking problem

Got some spiritual help

Jan 13, 1991, stopped drinking

Tell us your story

I have worked in trauma recovery-related films for over 25 years and with veterans in the last 18 years. I have produced and directed to films about the truth, the healing and hopes of our veterans. “Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey” and “Searching for Home Coming back from War.”

Run for the Wall – The motorcycle pilgrimage across the country to the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico.

First film: Faces In the Fire

Used by the national institute of mental health

Huge clinical value

Tell us about your personal & company mission since finding God and a calling to help others

EC Manifesto/Personal Mission:

To create socially conscious, God-honoring films. To present non-partial, non-political and judgment-free portrayals of the human journey. To promote tolerance, understanding and above all empathy. To tell the unmitigated truth of life and the subsequent journey to healing (in some cases) and to always uncover and display the hope in any situation. To fearlessly become aware of and to work outside "the box" and the normal channels as they are opened up by the ultimate producer, God.

Allowing God to direct him in his day, things start to happen and grow

Prayer is great but God is waiting for us on the other end of action he is waiting for us to show up

Belief in higher power and letting go

Do his work and he will help you, it's a working relationship

How do you connect with the community?

I am intrinsically linked through friends and past subjects in my films.

How are your films helping Veterans?

The two levels of connection and healing the films deliver are creating awareness and identification for our audiences. Giving Hope.

Eric let's talk about your latest project unMASKing HOPE and why it is so important in today's world.

Please tell us all about that and when we can look forward to seeing it.

No set date yet, about to go into post-production.

What action items would you give transitioning military or Veterans in order to be successful?

Find others like you! You are not alone!

Thank you!

About Eric

Eric Christiansen is an acclaimed documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires and heals. Christiansen, a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient, explores the impact of trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and how a powerful platform for hope can be built to help trauma survivors begin the vigilant journey of healing. A trauma survivor himself, Christiansen worked through the loss of his home and possessions in the Painted Cave Fire by creating his first film Faces in the Fire 25 years ago.

All of his films (Faces in the Fire, Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, Searching for Home: Coming Back from War) have been transformative in the recovery process for thousands of people whose lives have been compromised mentally, spiritually and physically by trauma. Leveraged as educational tools by top mental health institutions, Christiansen's films migrate from the entertainment arena into environments that help additional audiences navigate the profound collateral damage trauma creates not only on the individual but the family and community as well. 

"Searching for Home" is strikingly photographed by Mr. Christiansen and is sure to give comfort and support to countless veterans and their families.” the New York Times said prophetically of Eric's most recent work, "Searching for Home: Coming Back from War", a critical, audience and social success.

Eric directed, photographed and edited this film that brought the message of truth, healing and hope to millions. The film was first released theatrically then went on to public television with over 2300 airings in less than three years.

Anita Gates of the New York Times called Eric Christiansen’s documentary "Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, “a surpassingly worthy…touching film.”  Eric’s other independent documentary, about grief recovery following a natural disaster, “Faces in the Fire” garnered critical acclaim including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement Documentary. The film is still being used today by the National Institute of Mental Health for training counselors and comforting survivors.

Throughout his career, Christiansen has also created content for major networks including Discovery, TLC, PBS, MTV, and an Imax film.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Searching for Home: Coming Back from War is available on:

iTunes • Amazon Prime • Vudu • Google Play • YouTube • TubiTV • Pluto TV • Gravitas Pictures

His new film UnMASKing HOPE follows a disparate group of people whose extraordinary stories of survival most of us have heard only in snippets on the news. Having lived through mass shootings, terror attacks, combat and sexual assaults, these brave trauma survivors don “masks” to hide their pain and suffering as they navigate their new existence that is often stymied by PTSD, physical injury and emotional turmoil. In order to heal, they must confront what’s happened to them and begin their journey from seclusion to inclusion. And as we follow their moving stories, we are all inspired to find hope again and be who we were born to be.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a horse riding, gun-toting, veteran loving cowgirl. She runs a horse ranch that helps veterans and is the mom of a veteran. She is CEO & Founder of Crusaders Valor for Veterans. I would like to welcome Tracey Nazarenus.

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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is a horse riding, gun-toting, veteran loving cowgirl. She runs a horse ranch that helps veterans and is the mom of a veteran. She is CEO & Founder of Crusaders Valor for Veterans. I would like to welcome Tracey Nazarenus.

You can follow Tracey here

Website: https://valorforveterans.us/

LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-ann-nazarenus-85628b68/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valorforveterans/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrusadersCowgirls/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.nazarenus

Tracey good evening and how are you doing today?

So you and your team of cowgirls are doing everything you can to help veterans and you are waking America up to the fact that veterans are out there and they need our support.

Tell us what ties your heart to the military, was it your son joining and serving in the military or is it more than that?

My dad is a veteran and my son after coming back from Afghanistan was not the same boy as when he left. Watching him suffer made me realize someone had to be their voice and help them.

What branch did your son serve in, what did he do, what rank was he while in, and what does he do now?

My son served in the Army for four years, in the Navy for four years. He was an E-4 and he served in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009.

You found out after he served in Afghanistan that he was struggling with what he had experienced. I'm sure that broke your heart as a mother. Is this what made you take action to help Veterans?

There are no real words for how I felt after seeing and continuing to see my son suffer daily for serving our country. Our veterans deserve far more than this country gives them in return for their sacrifice.

Tell us the story of how it all started with Chuck and the horses to you starting the Second Chance Ranch.

The story about Chuck.

This led to the creation of the Rodeo Royalty Veterans Horse Program. Tell us all about that and what exactly they do.

We currently have two different teams the Older team Cowgirl4veterans, The VALOR SQUAD and the Rodeo Royalty THE CRUSADERS SQUAD. We promote veterans and the military across Colorado and the United States. If you're in Colorado you can come and ride a horse otherwise we have the triage program where we pay rent utilities and food for veterans in emergency situations the request for help form is on our website.

So now tell me all about the Crusaders Valor For Veterans.

We are a 501 C3 nonprofit veterans organization we are 100% transparent all information is on our website we are at triage program we help veterans in emergency situations with rent utilities and food. We are one of the only organization that helps all veterans you do not have to be post 911 to get assistance, the requirements are Must be on a be discharged honorably signed up and serve the time you agreed to and have a plan moving forward after we help you.

Tracey how does your Christianity play a part in everything you do?

God guides my heart my soul and my gut and everything that I do from Veteran to family and every aspect of my life.

How do you connect with the community?

Crusaders Valor for Veterans is involved in our community-related military or veterans causes or events and Live in Colorado you can come out to that second chance ranch and spend time with the horses and the dogs and the Rodeo Royalty team.

What is your call to action for Americans?

Americans need to wake up and realize our veterans served for our safety and freedom and it is now time that we help them back, stop thinking everyone else is doing it. They served for you Start looking for the veterans in your community and see what you can do for them.

What action items would you give transitioning military or Veterans in order to be successful in life?

If you were in the military and about to be done with your time you need to sign up for every single program the VA offers. Do not wait until you need their help because you will not get it right away. It will take years to get help so sign up for it all and get a rating.

So you and your team of cowgirls are doing everything you can to help veterans and you are waking America up to the fact that veterans are out there and they need our support.

Ride into the sunset!

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army combat disabled veteran that served in Iraq. He has received the Bronze Star and been awarded the Veterans Voices Award. He even rejoined the military and is the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. As a member of the DAV, he has held several positions and is now the current National Commander of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Stephen “Butch” Whitehead.

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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is an Army combat disabled veteran that served in Iraq. He has received the Bronze Star and been awarded the Veterans Voices Award. He even rejoined the military and is the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. As a member of the DAV, he has held several positions and is now the current National Commander of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Stephen “Butch” Whitehead.

You can follow Butch here

Website: www.dav.org

LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/davhq/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAV/

Twitter: @DAVHQ

Instagram: @DAVHQ

Butch thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

So Butch my last three interviews were Vietnam Veterans who were all previous National Commanders of the DAV. One of the reasons for that is that this month is the anniversary of the Vietnam Tet Offensive and at American Heroes Network we are remembering what those serving in the U.S. military went through over there. The other reason was to share these stories of survival and to show how faith, hope, and a little determination can result in happiness and success no matter what you have been through. As they all told their stories we can see how the DAV helped them and then how they thrived as part of the DAV family It really seems like the DAV is a great asset for the veteran community so I would like to talk about that today. But first, let's start at the beginning with you.

Topics

When did you join the Army and what job did you do in the Army?

You fought in Iraq and received a head injury. Can you tell us about that?

Was the recovery time hard?

Tell us about your Bronze Star for service in Iraq and about receiving the Veterans Voices Award.

How did you become part of the DAV?

What roles did you server in before becoming a National Commander?

Tell us about rejoining the military and becoming the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. And why they are called the "Red Bulls".

Tell us about the DAV's programs and initiatives available to help veterans today.

What action items would you give to our transitioning military or to those veterans already out who may be in need?

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. While flying a helicopter and attempting to save troops in Vietnam he was shot down but he survived. As a member of the DAV he has spent a lifelong career serving other veterans. He is also a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Ron Hope.

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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. While flying a helicopter and attempting to save troops in Vietnam he was shot down but he survived. As a member of the DAV he has spent a lifelong career serving other veterans. He is also a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Ron Hope.

Ron thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

Ron it's an honor to have you on today to talk about your story. I know you didn't serve an entire career on active duty but you have spent a lifetime with the DAV serving and helping other Veterans and that mission is just as important.

Topics

So let's start at the beginning did you always want to be a pilot and how did you end up joining the Army?

What types of aircraft did you fly?

So tell us about that day in Vietnam when you were shot down?

Was the recovery time hard?

So after the military you returned to Texas and got a degree in Business Administration, what did you do after that? Did you go into the DAV right away or did that come a bit later?

What made you decide to join the DAV?

Tell us about the DAV "Alive Day" and where that started, and then tell us about your Alive Day.

Ron as an expert in veterans benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs programs for injured and ill veterans what advice can you give to us or what programs should we be aware of that we may not know about?

Tell us about the World War II Navy veteran you helped. I think it is a great example of the needs that other Veterans have but they don't realize they can get.

So you eventually became a DAV National Commander. Tell us about that.

Ron I read that you got to team up with the HISTORY® Channel and American Pickers® for a once-in-a-lifetime pick-along and you got to spend the day with Mike Wolfe uncovering Army aviation items for the Vietnam era. Tell us about that.

What would you say directly to others who are facing mental and physical challenges right now?

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. A year into his service, he stepped on a landmine, immediately losing both legs and an arm. He survived and went on to achieve success as a father, a business owner and, as a national commander of the DAV. I would like to welcome Jim Sursely.

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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. A year into his service, he stepped on a landmine, immediately losing both legs and an arm. He survived and went on to achieve success as a father, a business owner and, as a national commander of the DAV. I would like to welcome Jim Sursely.

Jim thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

I appreciate you coming on today t tell us about what you have been through and how you survived. I am grateful for that and for how you now take that suffering and that experience and use it to help other Veterans survive as well. You teach others that there is hope no matter how dark the moment might seem.

Topics

What did you do in the Army?

So after boot camp and training for your job sent to Germany, but you didn’t like it there a so you volunteered for duty in Vietnam, tell us about Germany and why you wanted to leave.

Jim was injured by a landmine. The force of the blast and the accompanying fireball saved his life, cauterizing his wounds nearly as fast as they removed his limbs.

Jim talks about when he totally and completely realized what he had lost.

First, you went back home and attended college, tell us about that.

Jim talks about moving to Florida and went into real estate. To date, he is the top active seller of homes in the Apopka community, which he calls home.

He talks about being married, though his first marriage ended in divorce. He was confident. He’d grown and evolved. He remarried and he and second wife Jeannie run their business. He has four children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

So you joined the DAV in 1970 and became the national commander in 2004. Tell me what the DAV did for you and what you were able to accomplish for others after becoming the national commander.

I read you had met a president, which one?

Jim talks about how he connects with and mentors younger veterans returning from the current wars who are going through challenges he’s faced over the last five decades.

“Look, I’ve been in the chair now for more than 30 years,” he recalls telling the younger veteran. “Believe me, if you want a whole and interesting life, you can still have that. I’m living proof that it’s possible, and I’m no different than you are.”

So you like hunting?

What would you say directly to others who have gone through the same thing as you and maybe struggling or to those who are facing it right now?

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. Six weeks into his service, he was wounded by a 500-pound bomb that exploded under his truck. He was Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1997 . He is a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Bobby Barrera.

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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. Six weeks into his service, he was wounded by a 500-pound bomb that exploded under his truck. He was Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1997. He is a previous National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I would like to welcome Bobby Barrera.

Bobby thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

One of the reasons I am so grateful for having you on today is that what you have been through is far greater than most of have ever had to deal with, and you survived. I am grateful for that and for how you now take that suffering and that experience and use it to help other Veterans survive as well. You teach others that there is hope no matter how dark the moment might seem.

Topics

Bobby enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1969.

Marine Vietnam Veteran who was seriously burned when enemy forces exploded a 500-pound bomb rigged as a land mine beneath the armored personnel carrier he was traveling in. 

Eight Marines were severely burned as the resulting fuel tanks created a tremendous fireball.

Bobby talks about asking his father to shoot him. “I’m glad he didn’t,” he added. “I would never follow through with suicide, because of my relationship with God, but it’s scary to think about it.”

According to Bobby, the physical recovery was easy compared to learning to live as a double amputee. The biggest struggle, though, was finding a reason to live.

The turning point, he said, was on April 27, 1974, the day he married his wife, Maricelia.

“My real ‘Alive Day’ is when I married her,” he recalled. “That’s when I started doing things I never thought I could do.”

Despite a career helping veterans cope with their experiences of war, Bobby was facing his own internal struggle. “Even though I told people I was counseling that it was alright to get help, I didn’t think it was for me,” Bobby said.

As his pain worsened, suicide again began to creep into his thoughts. His wife Maricelia convinced him to get the help he needed.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Education degree in guidance and counseling. He was a high school teacher, and he counseled Veterans for 40 years but still struggled himself. He was finally diagnosed with PTSD.

Bobby said "Because of my disability, just like those many strangers who visited me at the hospital many years ago, I was able to share my belief that there is hope.  I feel it was God using me to accomplish His mission".

Bobby was asked to add a quote to a memorial in Washington D.C. that reads, “I have a purpose in life, and that’s been to help other military families through some of what I had to go through. If what I went through will help other military families, then I’m okay with that.” 

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Corps Veteran and security professional turned entrepreneur. He has served at U.S. Embassies in Yemen, Japan, and India. He is CEO & Co-Founder of Veterati. I would like to welcome Daniel Rau. ----more----

Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is a Marine Corps Veteran and security professional turned entrepreneur. He has served at U.S. Embassies in Yemen, Japan, and India. He is CEO & Co-Founder of Veterati. I would like to welcome Daniel Rau.

You can follow Daniel here

Website: http://veterati.com/

LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielprau/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VETERATI/

Twitter: @VETERATI

Daniel thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

Topics

So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military

Transition from the military (easy or hard)

What was it that caused you to start your business?

Tell us about your company's mission

What were the steps you took to get your business up and running?

Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?

What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?

What is the key to the success of your business?

Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business?

What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with Veterans?

For transitioning Veterans what action items list would you give them?

Where can people find you if they want to reach out?

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is a Marine Corps combat Veteran that has dealt with TBI and PTSD so he understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. He is the Co-Founder of Operation: Art of Valor helping other Veterans heal. I would like to welcome Chris Stowe.

----more----

Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is a Marine Corps combat Veteran that has dealt with TBI and PTSD so he understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. He is the Co-Founder of Operation: Art of Valor helping other Veterans heal. I would like to welcome Chris Stowe.

Website: https://www.moreanartscenter.org/operation-art-of-valor/

Tell us more about being an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, what you do, how you do it.

Being deployed 6 times and spending time in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations what have you had to dispose of and have you had to do that while under fire?

Was transition from the military (or military life) easy or hard for you?

You spent some time as part of the House Committee for Veterans Affairs, tell me about that.

Tell us about your recent visit from Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence

Talk about creative writing classes and workshops through Operation: Art of Valor

In this episode with Chris we heard some great advice and even learned about some other helpful resources:

National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)

Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network

Veterans Writing Project

The Boot Campaign

https://bootcampaign.org/

O dark thirty (Chris's story is “One Summer Night”)

Retire the Colors

The Second Lady, Mrs. Karen Pence visits the Operation: Art of Valor workshop for veterans battling PTSD in St. Petersburg to see the program in action and have a round table discussion with Chris Stowe and some of the program participants and their spouses.

More about Chris Stowe

Chris Stowe is a retired USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant. The majority of his career he was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, deploying 6 times in that capacity to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations in support of the War on Terror. Chris also completed a Congressional Fellowship that allowed him to be a voice for military and veterans while working as a professional staff member on the House Committee for Veterans Affairs.

Thank you for listening!

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Today's guest is a chaplain with a goal of improving Veterans lives. She is an Army Veteran so she understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. She leads a team that provides the spiritual guidance Veterans still need after the military. She is the Founder of Veterans For Worship. I would like to welcome Debbie Maund. ----more----

Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is a chaplain with a goal of improving Veterans lives. She is an Army Veteran so she understands the physical and mental challenges that other Veterans have been through. She leads a team that provides the spiritual guidance Veterans still need after the military. She is the Founder of Veterans For Worship. I would like to welcome Debbie Maund.

You can follow Debbie here

Website: http://veteransforworship.net

LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-maund-64383617/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeteransForWorship/

Twitter: @Vets4Worship

Debbie thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

Topics

So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military.

Transition from the military (easy or hard)

What was it that caused you to go in that direction and start your own business?

Tell us about your company's mission

Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?

What is the key to the success of your business?

What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with others?

For transitioning Veterans, what action items list would you give them?

Where can people find you if they want to reach out?

Summary

In this episode with Debbie we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own journey!

Networking is critical to success

Get involved with the community

Make prayer part of your plan

Make sure you purpose is helping people

You have to believe in your vision and be sure you put people first

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

Today's guest is Ben Peterson. Ben is the CEO & Founder at Engage Your Destiny, a ministry that inspires young people to engage with God and find their purpose. Ben is also an Army veteran who had the unique job of being the Chaplain's assistant during the Iraq war. Ben believes in the power of telling stories to help people through their own struggle. He also brings this message to Veterans about sharing their story, healing, and finding their freedom.

----more----

Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today's guest is Ben Peterson. Ben is the CEO & Founder at Engage Your Destiny, a ministry that inspires young people to engage with God and find their purpose. Ben is also an Army veteran who had the unique job of being the Chaplain's assistant during the Iraq war. Ben believes in the power of telling stories to help people through their own struggle. He also brings this message to Veterans about sharing their story, healing, and finding their freedom.

You can follow Ben here

Website: https://engageyourdestiny.com/for-military/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/

LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-peterson-6509254a

Twitter: @thebenpeterson

Today Ben will talk to us about his journey and what he has learned along the way, and share some guidance on healing your spirit and finding your purpose.

Ben thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

I have to ask, at one point you were volunteering as an electric guitar player and worship team leader. That sounds awesome. Do you still get to do any of that?

I volunteer time as an IT guy for the church since that is what I do but I'm sure that is nowhere near as exciting as being on stage.

I also saw one of the things you like to do in your spare time is rally car race driving. You were tagged in a video with a yellow car starting a race at the Nemadji Trail Rally. Tell me about that.

Questions

So transition from the military, was that a hard or easy road for you and why?

In one of your videos I loved what you said about God having a sense of humor when you were telling your story about going into the Army so that you could be in Special Forces but then found out you were color blind so you ended up being the Chaplains assistant/body guard. I have thought God has a sense of humor many times. What was it like having that kind of role in the Army?

Tell us a little more about Engage Your Destiny and what it is doing for people and Veterans

What steps did you take to start your business?

Did your military experience and training help prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?

What were some of your concerns when starting your business?

What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?

Ben I generally ask what is the key to the success of your business. In this case I think the answer is that God has your back! Other than that what would you say is the key to the success of your business?

Do you think your military experience is responsible for the success in your business or are there other things you had to apply and learn along the way?

What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with other Veteran business owners?

A quote from Ben:

Advancement in life, of any kind comes from favor with God and man. This favor is created through real, authentic relationships. Relationships with people that are genuine, selfless and heartfelt are possible because from the inside out, your relationship with God is saturating everything and everyone you come in contact with.

Ben I appreciate your time today. I think this interview has been the perfect one to start off the new year considering what you are doing is for the Kingdom of God and to help people find their purpose, their destiny, and their freedom.

Summary

In this episode with Ben we heard some great advice:

Find a great guide or mentor from the business world

Have a business plan and financial forecast

Check out SBA.gov for information on writing a business plan:

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

Surround yourself with good people and community

When creating relationships or partnerships find out what you can do for them as well

Get out of your comfort zone

I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.

Thank you for listening!

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/

Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian

Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA

Associate Instructor at FourBlock

Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa

Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets

Mentor at Veterati

Speaker at Onward to Opportunity

Speaker at Operation Startup

Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay

Speaker at Veteran Connections Day

American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79