The FourBlock Podcast

"Even in my moment of deepest despair, I couldn't quit, because that wasn't who I was. That wasn't how I was wired."

In an incredibly inspiring two-episode series, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson recounts his experience serving our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years; the harrowing injury that nearly took his life and cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand; his remarkable recovery and what got him through it; and his subsequent career as an actor, entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities. Col. Gadson's story serves as inspiration for us all to be a force for positive change in our own communities.

In the two-part interview, Gol. Gadson also discusses his experience and shares insights on issues that are top of mind pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he was one of 12 veterans from exceptionally diverse backgrounds who came together to co-found diversitypop™, a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app and the world's first self-paced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning & engagement application.

After having accomplished so much in his life in so many different realms, Col. Gadson shares why he continues to give back to this day: "There's no more mountains for me to climb, no more dragons for me to slay. So now it's about paying it forward.... It's about preparing the next generation to deal with the problems that they're going to have to deal with."

A Chesapeake, Va. native, Col. Gadson, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.

A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson's life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson's greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial "hail of bullets," he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family.

Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col. Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in various assignments throughout the world and dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups.

In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. He talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion.

Col. Gadson continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He continues acting, currently in The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba.

Col. Gadson serves on the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets' network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans.

Col. Gadson's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Law from Webster University.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"I'm no different than anyone else. When we go through transition, we go through these cycles of grief, self-pity, doubt, confusion, and all these emotions that are normal – that's human. The challenge is understanding them, embodying them, and rapidly turning them into action. How do I devise a plan to act and move forward?"

Hit by a sniper's bullet at the pinnacle of his military career, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Derek Herrera turned misfortune into his life's work when he was paralyzed from the chest down.

His military career came to a halt, but his life did not. He decided to leverage his experience with paralysis in the business world, getting a Master of Business Administration and then launching a medical technology business.

In this two-part series, Derek joins FourBlock Podcast hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams for an inspiring and candid conversation about his service as a Marine Raider, his injury, recovery, and his journey to starting his own medical technology company. We encourage every transitioning service member to listen to Derek's story to understand how he overcame the incredible challenges he faced in his transition and how his positive outlook translated to success.

In the second of two episodes, Derek recounts how he came to start his own medical technology business and shares actionable advice for any veterans who are considering starting their own company. He also discusses his work with MedTechVets, a nonprofit to help transitioning service members and military veterans find meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies.

Derek is the Founder and CTO of UroDev Medical (formerly Spinal Singularity), an early-stage medical device company that designs devices to improve the quality of life for people living with Spinal Injury. He created Spinal Singularity after he was injured while serving as a Marine Raider in Afghanistan. After medically retiring from the Marine Corps, Derek graduated from the Executive MBA program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Derek serves as President & Chairman of MedTechVets (formerly MVPvets), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets' network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans. The organization's programming is offered at no cost to its participants. He is also the Founder of Habit Camera™, the first low-cost, wireless camera purpose-built for skin inspection and telehealth.

Derek currently serves as the Board President of the Marine Raider Foundation and Board Member of the American Technion Society – Western Region. He resides in San Clemente, CA with his wife Maura and their sons Hudson and Hunter.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"The real recovery, mentally and psychologically, was being around the people that I wanted to be around doing something of value and doing something of purpose."

Hit by a sniper's bullet at the pinnacle of his military career, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Derek Herrera turned misfortune into his life's work when he was paralyzed from the chest down.

His military career was over, but his life was not. He decided to leverage his experience with paralysis in the business world, getting a Master of Business Administration and then launching a medical technology business.

In this two-part series, Derek joins FourBlock Podcast hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams for an inspiring and candid conversation about his service as a Marine Raider, his injury, recovery, and his journey to starting his own medical technology company. We encourage every transitioning service member to listen to Derek's story to understand how he overcame the incredible challenges he faced in his transition and how his positive outlook translated to success.

In this first episode, Derek shares details of his service as an elite Marine Raider, his harrowing combat injury and fight to survive, and how he handled the arduous recovery process and overcame the challenges that a service member goes through when faced with a life-changing injury like the one he sustained.

Derek is the Founder and CTO of UroDev Medical (formerly Spinal Singularity), an early-stage medical device company that designs devices to improve the quality of life for people living with Spinal Injury. He created Spinal Singularity after he was injured while serving as a Marine Raider in Afghanistan. After medically retiring from the Marine Corps, Derek graduated from the Executive MBA program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Derek serves as President & Chairman of MedTechVets (formerly MVPvets), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets' network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans. The organization's programming is offered at no cost to its participants. He is also the Founder of Habit Camera™, the first low-cost, wireless camera purpose-built for skin inspection and telehealth.

Derek currently serves as the Board President of the Marine Raider Foundation and Board Member of the American Technion Society – Western Region. He resides in San Clemente, CA with his wife Maura and their sons Hudson and Hunter.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, we're sharing a LinkedIn Live interview that FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams recently did with FourBlock Podcast co-host Lindsey Pollak and Cappfinity's Nicky Garcea, called Future Strong.

Each week, Future Strong co-hosts Nicky and Lindsey host Future Strong, a LinkedIn Live show where they discuss everything to do with careers and early talent career transition. Mike recently joined Lindsey and Nicky for episode 10 to explore the topic of the military-to-civilian transition. In this episode, Mike shares FourBlock's mission & history, explains why FourBlock focuses on relationship-building and not job placement, and how companies can get involved with our mission to help veterans and military spouses find new purpose and successfully transition to meaningful civilian careers.

Nicky Garcea is the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at global strengths and development business Cappfinity. FourBlock Board Member Lindsey Pollak is a Career & Workplace Expert, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Cappfinity VEE Brand Ambassador.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

Now a Data Curator at Tesla Government Inc, U.S. Army Veteran Andrea Castle helps her clients realize the full potential of their data by directing outreach, knowledge management, and training efforts. In conversation with host Mike Abrams, Andrea recalls why she joined the Army, and recounts what it was like to enlist for a "peacetime Army" in a pre- 9/11 world and end up being deployed to a "wartime Army" in a post- 9/11 world.

Andrea describes her unique experience over two deployments to Iraq as an Arabic linguist with the U.S. Army; discusses her transition to the civilian workforce and her current role at Tesla Government; and shares her experience & expertise in data management.

With more than 15 years of experience supporting U.S. Government and military clients, Andrea excels at breaking down information sharing barriers and building collaborative teams.

Before joining Tesla, Andrea served in the U.S. Army as an Arabic linguist from 2001-2008, deploying twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also managed a media monitoring project in Central Asia.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

*Please note - trigger warning: sensitive topics are discussed during this episode, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), addiction, survivor guilt, and suicide.

"I'm not the only person suffering from this. There are many, many people – veterans and non-veterans – who are suffering from this who need to know it's a real thing and that there is hope to get past it."

This week, hosts Mike Abrams and Lindsey Pollak welcome U.S. Marine Corps veteran, award-winning photographer and writer, and licensed (FAA) commercial UAS pilot David Daly to the FourBlock Podcast. Deployed for four combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan for a total of 41 months at war, David candidly recounts his combat experience, the post-traumatic stress he experienced as a result, and how he survived "PTSD hell." He explores the stigma of admitting that you're struggling and shares how he found the strength to turn his life around, who helped him, and how he continues to spread the message of hope to others who may be struggling with their mental health. In this episode, David also talks with Lindsey and Mike about his post-military career, sharing how he got into drone aviation and how he started his company, Vigilante Drones.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer with a B.S. in Oceanography and has earned his MBA from the University of Redlands. Mike and David briefly served together in the Marine Corps during artillery training at Fort Still.

David has worked for Fortune 100 companies and has a background in aerospace, construction, military/defense, real estate, and technology. His work is published in numerous periodicals both in the United States and internationally.

David is the founder and owner of Vigilante Drones, a drone service provider and UAV consultancy company operating worldwide. David is also the deputy editor of Derailed Magazine, which chronicles the experiences of people who have survived the unimaginable and wish to share their stories and messages of hope and strength. He is most passionate about the nonprofit he started, Vigilante Cares, an IRS approved 501 (c) 3 whose mission is to use drones to help military veterans recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In his free time, David enjoys volunteering as a member of Search and Rescue teams and working with Team Rubicon.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, host Mike Abrams welcomes U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, national intelligence professional and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Ellis Craig, who shares how he overcame some of the challenges and uncertainty he faced during his military transition and in his civilian career, how he made his way into the professional intelligence community, and how he worked his way up to his dream career. Ellis also shares expert insights and actionable advice for veterans in transition based on his two-plus decades of federal government experience in military operations, domestic defense, and national security intelligence.

Ellis Craig is a seasoned operations intelligence specialist with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis. In this capacity, he functions as the executive officer for the Policy branch and delivers expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, outreach engagement, and decision-making support to translate the Under Secretary's strategic priorities into policy and planning products that drive operational effectiveness through integration, prioritization, and resource allocation.

Ellis has over two decades of federal government experience in military operations, domestic defense, and national security intelligence spanning across organizational boundaries. He consults on national security threats and provides policy coordination expertise to five threat-focused mission centers that function as the Department's center of gravity for intelligence-driven integration of analysis to counter threats facing the Homeland.

He consults on national security threats and provides policy coordination expertise to five threat-focused mission centers that function as the Department's center of gravity for intelligence-driven integration of analysis to counter threats facing the Homeland.

Ellis served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988-1992. With the 2nd Marine Division, he participated in Operation Desert Storm's ground offensive and the was the recipient of multiple combat decorations. His most crowning achievement included the Navy Achievement Medal with a Valor device for combat heroism and exceptional leadership while in the "heel" of Kuwait.

Ellis has volunteered with FourBlock for a number of years as a coach and lecturer, and now serves as a Career Readiness Instructor for our Washington, D.C. program.

In other activities, Ellis is active in many civic and charitable organizations throughout the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. He is recognized as a man of goodwill and a member of Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity in the District of Columbia. Presently, he serves on the Board of Advisors for Global Inspirational Speakers, LLC. He is an active member of the prestigious Army Navy Club, a private haven for military officers and America's warrior class.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, host Mike Abrams welcomes private sector IT leader and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Bernard Beaullieu to the podcast. In this episode, Bernard shares his expertise about the staffing and recruiting industry, discusses the different approach his company takes when it comes to IT recruitment, and shares invaluable insights from his extensive work and volunteer experience with transitioning service members and veterans. Bernard founded Beaullieu & Associates in 2007 to be the antithesis of today's recruiting practices by offering a unique, high-end approach to IT staffing and recruiting. The vision is to leverage 20-plus years of successfully leading information technology organizations in the San Antonio area and apply this experience directly to identifying and engaging the best IT people. Throughout his career, Bernard has been recognized for his success in leading large information technology teams serving vast geographic areas. Bernard has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston in electronics engineering technology. He started his career as an IT technician and has served the San Antonio area in many leadership roles successfully leading large IT organizations and serving the community. Bernard is well versed in ITSM best practices, certified in ITIL Foundation 2 and 3, and connected to area IT organizations and their strategies. He serves the San Antonio community in a number of volunteer capacities, including as a Career Readiness Instructor for FourBlock.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran, inspirational speaker, and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Jeffrey (Jeff) Lodick to share insights from his life, service, and military transition; discuss the impact sports had on his life and the parallels between sports and military service; and talk about what inspired him to start his own purpose-driven business to pay it forward and help other veterans with their transitions. Jeff shares a personal experience that changed his perspective, and gives advice for other transitioning service members who want to learn about an industry that interests them before they begin the application process.

Born in Buffalo, NY, Jeff joined the U.S. Army in 1997, a year after graduating from high school, and enjoyed a 20-year career. He served as a Squadron Sergeant Major, Operations Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, and Drill Sergeant. He was a paratrooper, master-rated jumpmaster, a Pathfinder, a graduate of the Army Air Assault School, and a graduate of the Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course.

Jeff has continued his service by assisting transitioning service members as a Career Readiness Instructor with FourBlock and as a podcast host of "On the Other Side: Leadership After Transition," a podcast designed specifically to allow experienced veterans and those who truly want to assist veterans the ability to provide insight on leadership and the transition process.

Jeff also founded Change Your Forecast, LLC, an organization that uses organized sports to teach life and leadership lessons to student athletes at both the high school and collegiate levels.

An inspirational speaker, Jeff serves on the Board of Directors for the National Speakers Association Central Florida Chapter and is a member of Toastmasters.

Jeff will be releasing his book, Life's A Game. Who Knew it was Baseball? in 2021. A spinoff podcast, called Life's a Game. Who Knew it was...? which dives into all sports to show how life and leadership lessons have been pulled from players and coaches throughout the history of games at every level. Jeff is married to his wife Alexandria and has four children, three girls and one boy, ages 15, 14, 5, and 2.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"One of the best things that any of us can do in this world is to support others and help them get to where you are, or at least help them be able to shape a vision for themselves, so they can get themselves to where they want to be. "

This week, we welcome Louis Desforges, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and human resources executive. In this episode, Louis shares insights and lessons learned from his own military transition as well as his transition from working in finance to human resources. Louis and host Mike Abrams also discuss the purpose and value of networking, navigating corporate culture as a veteran, and why Louis continues to give back to the veteran community.

Louis served nine and a half years as a U.S. Marine, starting with his first duty station at Marine Barracks 8th and I in Washington, D.C. and later at the Pentagon. Louis then left the East Coast and headed to Camp Pendleton, where he honed his skills as an infantryman in 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. While there, he deployed to Okinawa Japan, completing jungle warfare training and combined arms training with the ROK Marines, who are the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.

Following this deployment, Louis returned to his native New York for his fourth duty station, spending three years recruiting the best and the brightest to the Marine Corps. While a recruiter, Louis was selected by the Meritorious Promotion Boards to Staff Sergeant for outstanding performance.

In April 2003, he returned to Camp Pendleton, deploying within five months of arrival with Dark Horse, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to Fallujah, Iraq. While serving in a forward operating base for his entire deployment, Louis not only led his platoon and attachment of Iraqis and other foreign troops, but he also served as company convoy commander during combat operations.

Rounding out his enlistment, Louis returned to the States to teach a legion of grunts how to engage in modern urban warfare. He completed his military service in 2006 and immediately enrolled at Pace University to pursue his bachelor's degree in Finance, graduating magna cum laude in three years.

After a stint in finance, Louis transitioned careers to human resources. He went back to school for his graduate degree, earning a master's degree in Human Resource Management. Starting as a manager four years ago at global beauty company L'Oréal USA, Louis was promoted three times, serving in four different roles. He currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, focused on building an enriching culture for veterans, reservists, and military spouses.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.