In this episode of the Wake Up with Patti Katter podcast, host Patti Katter sat down with Mike Roger, executive director of the Patriot Chamber, to discuss how this non-profit organization is transforming the lives of veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.

The Patriot Chamber, founded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was created by civilians to address the unique challenges many veterans face when re-entering the job market. Mike, a military veteran himself, explained that the Chamber’s mission is to build a supportive community of businesses eager to welcome veterans and help them thrive as entrepreneurs, executives, or in other leadership roles.

A flagship initiative of the Patriot Chamber is the Veterans Transition and Leadership Conference (VTLC). This full-day event equips senior military leaders with the tools needed to mentally and professionally transition into private-sector leadership roles.

What sets the VTLC apart is its emphasis on civilian-led sessions. Instead of veterans presenting, the conference features civilian speakers who provide insights into what employers expect from veteran hires. According to Mike, this approach is essential because many civilian employers lack experience working with veterans and don’t fully understand the value they bring, such as unmatched leadership and operational efficiency.

The US Patriot Chamber of Commerce offers more than conferences. Veterans, military members, first responders, and other heroes can access free resume review services, helping translate military experience into language that resonates with civilian employers.

Although headquartered in Florida, the Chamber has a national strategic expansion plan.

Mike emphasized that the US Patriot Chamber of Commerce operates with a collaborative spirit, not a competitive one. The organization partners with other veteran-focused groups to share resources and maximize its reach, ensuring more veterans successfully transition into civilian careers.

Those interested in learning more or supporting the Patriot Chamber can visit their website at patriotchamber.org or follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. For additional training and expertise, explore Service Academy, where Christopher Hayes and Patti Katter continue to serve.

The US Patriot Chamber of Commerce, with the help of dedicated individuals, is bridging the gap between the military and civilian worlds. Together, they are creating meaningful opportunities and empowering veterans to thrive in their post-service careers. Their commitment and collaboration are a testament to the strength and potential of our nation’s heroes.

Adam Johnson, Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army and co-host of the "Whiskey and Windage" podcast - Adam shares his journey of joining the Army later in life at age 29 after working as a personal trainer. He discusses the role of a drill sergeant and the unique challenges of training new soldiers. - Adam talks about his passion for the 2nd Amendment and how he co-founded the "Whiskey and Windage" podcast, which covers gun culture, companies, and influencers. The podcast has grown significantly and was nominated for a "Gundy Award" this year (go give him your support!)

Adam opens up about overcoming alcohol addiction and taking personal responsibility for his life, emphasizing that it's crucial not to make excuses or blame others. - Advice for those considering joining the military: Treat it as a serious career choice, not just something to do. Use the benefits like education assistance to set yourself up for success. - Find Adam on Instagram @AdamJ_Official and check out the "Whiskey and Windage" podcast at whiskeyanwindage.com.

In this episode, Patti Katter interviews Gabe Wren, a former Marine, Army, and Air Force veteran. They discuss Gabe's military experiences and the humorous stories that came from his time in service. The conversation then takes a more serious turn as they discuss the topic of suicide, particularly among veterans. Gabe shares his own struggles with suicidal thoughts and the importance of reaching out for help. They emphasize the need for open discussions about mental health and the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. The episode provides a raw and honest look at the challenges faced by those dealing with thoughts of self-harm, and the ways in which community, faith, and support can make a difference.

Key Takeaways: - Gabe's military experiences and the camaraderie he shared with fellow service members - The identity crisis and loss of purpose that can occur when transitioning out of the military - The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and the importance of seeking help - The impact of suicide on families and the need for open conversations - The role of faith, community, and reaching out to others as sources of support This episode touches on sensitive topics related to mental health and suicide. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional help if they or someone they know is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Gabe Wren is an independent filmmaker, producer, and director. He has served in multiple branches of the military, including the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force. After his military service, Wren transitioned into the music industry and eventually found his passion for filmmaking. He is currently working on several projects, including a Christmas rom-com movie and a reality TV show called "Flipping Farms."

Key Takeaways:

- Wren's military background and experiences have influenced his approach to filmmaking and storytelling.

- He discusses the differences between the various military branches and his decision to serve in multiple branches.

- Wren shares how he got into filmmaking and the projects he's currently working on, including a Christmas movie and a reality TV show.

- He emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities, which has been a key to his success.

Where to Find Gabe Wren:

- Instagram: @gabrielrentn

- "Flipping Farms" show Instagram: @flippingfarmsshow

Be sure to tune in next week for part two of the conversation with Gabe Wren, where they'll dive deeper into his military experiences and extreme sports background.

In this episode, Patti Katter interviews Hollywood Heard, an Air Force veteran and film producer, director and actor. They discuss the new TV show "Office Joe," which follows the story of a former Army sergeant, Joe, as he transitions to civilian life and works at a marketing firm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The show aims to provide a realistic portrayal of the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian work, moving away from the common stereotypes of veterans being either superheroes or completely damaged. Hollywood and the show's writer/director, Nick Palmisciano and the Diesel Jack Media Team worked to create a balanced and entertaining show that would resonate with both veteran and civilian audiences. They discuss the show's production, including the challenges of creating a high-quality, low-budget series, and Hollywood's own role in the show as a character.

Join Patti Katter and Patrick Miletich as they talk about Life & Healthy Living. Patrick is a former MMA fighter, podcaster, and entrepreneur who believes everyone should know how to defend themselves and respect others. He discovered the benefits of organics and antioxidants for improving respiratory health and endurance in martial arts. He also discusses the importance of eating organic plants and food for good health and the benefits of minerals like zinc and magnesium for cell function. This is Pat's second time joining us.

We discuss:

Here are the key ideas from the transcript:

1. Pat Miltic's background in solving his own respiratory issues as a child through natural means, which led him to work with athletes, military personnel, and eventually get into soil health.

2. The negative impact of the "green revolution" and the widespread use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers in agriculture, which led to various health issues in Pat's family and community.

3. The observation of the rise of autism and the use of medications (similar to methamphetamines) to treat it, which raised concerns for Pat.

4. The realization that the food system is "poisoned" and the importance of understanding the inputs that go into growing the food we consume.

5. The idea that the environment and toxification of the environment directly impact genetic expression and human health, and the need to fix the environment first or fix the people first.

6. The importance of educating people about the solutions available to reverse DNA damage and restore health through natural means, rather than relying on synthetic chemicals and medications.

7. The importance of growing your own food, creating edible landscapes, and advocating for chemical-free neighborhoods and communities.

8. The specific products and protocols recommended by Pat, such as the mineral king life products, to support human health and regeneration.

9. The impact of synthetic substances and heavy metals on veterans and active-duty military personnel, and the need to address these issues.

Patrick Jay Miletich is a retired American mixed martial artist and former sports commentator. He is known for his fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he became the first UFC Welterweight Champion and UFC 16 Welterweight Tournament Winner. On July 6, 2014, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

In this episode of Wake Up with Patti Katter, Patti talks with Glen Williams, a retired law enforcement officer who opens up about the realities of life on the front lines. Glen shares his personal journey through the highs and lows of his career, including his battle with PTSD. Listen in as Glen discusses the impact of his service, the challenges of managing PTSD, and the resilience needed to move forward after a lifetime of dedication to protecting others.

Film Maker and actor of the new hit, Office Joe, Dan Mercer joins Patti Katter to discuss all things OFFICE JOE.

About Office Joe:

Joe, an Army Infantry Staff Sergeant, gets his DD214 and drives across the country to start a job as a graphic designer, a skill he perfected by drawing in porta potties across multiple combat zones. 

Fresh out of the military and never having had a civilian job, Joe hilariously finds himself on a quest for the two things that every military veteran searches for when they get out: Tribe and Purpose, as well as the one thing every human seeks: Love. 

He also shoots a guy in the junk.  But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…

Nick Palmisciano is a NYT Bestselling author, director, and producer. He's the creator of the new show, Office Joe!

Nick is a Founding Board Member of international rescue non-profit Save Our Allies, and is the CEO of the full service marketing agency Diesel Jack Media. He is a Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and received his MBA from Duke University. He received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Entrepreneur Organization in 2015, the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, and the Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos badges in Cub Scouts. The Wolf Badge was his favorite.
His screen work includes Range 15, which he wrote and produced, and was the first independent film to top the charts at Amazon. Not A War Story, a documentary on the challenges of making a film with an all-veteran team, became the number one documentary in America. Send Me, is a documentary that Palmisciano filmed while joining a team of 12 veterans assisting with the evacuation of Afghanistan in the final days of the war, qualified for Academy Award voting.

Palmisciano loves to tell stories that include veteran characters that do not fit the Hollywood stereotype of what a veteran is supposed to be. Office Joe fits that to a T. That rhymed you see. Tee-hee.

In this episode of "Wake Up With Patti Katter," Patti dives into the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone. Discover why it's essential to take leaps of faith and listen to your gut, both for personal growth and business success. Learn practical strategies to challenge yourself, embrace discomfort, and take risks that lead to innovation and resilience. Tune in to hear real-life stories and gain insights on how to expand your horizons and achieve your true potential.

**Key Points Discussed:**

- Understanding the comfort zone and why we stay in it

- Benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone in personal and business life

- Importance of taking leaps of faith and trusting your gut

- Strategies for setting clear goals, taking small steps, and seeking support

- Real-life examples of growth and success from taking risks

Visit PattiKatter.com for more resources and stay tuned for more empowering episodes this summer!