Christopher Rivers is a former US Army officer and combat veteran who enlisted at 17 and

served in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at

West Point, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a focus on Nuclear Engineering, as

well as master’s degrees in Public Policy and Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Following his military service, Rivers worked as a policy advisor and problem-solver at the US

Department of State and later in the private sector, helping organizations navigate complex

operational and strategic challenges. His career spans national security, diplomacy, corporate

problem-solving, and candidacy for statewide political office—giving him a unique perspective

on how power is exercised across institutions.

You Shouldn’t Have to Kill to Get Ahead is his first book.

Kevin B. Lombardo is a nonprofit leader and co-founder of Boots to Beaches, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing restorative vacations for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star military families. He brings 11 years of experience in the tourism industry, applying that expertise to mission-driven programs that create meaningful and impactful experiences.Kevin is a passionate supporter and advocate for services provided to those who have served, as well as numerous nonprofit organizations and PTSD-focused programs across the services. He remains committed to fostering connection, healing, and renewal for individuals and families who have sacrificed in service to others.

ELIZABETH JOHNSON, Navy Veteran, Honor H.E.R. FoundationOur MissionHonor HER is committed to providing meals, lodging, access to medical care and job placement services for identified women veterans who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. No woman veteran should be homelessOur VisionTo provide shelter and restore hope, honor, and dignity in every female veteran who seeks comfort, support, and assistance through our programs.Our focus is on homeless single women veterans, in the Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.We live out our mission through our service programs, volunteer efforts, and community education of the needs of veterans.

Matthew T. Jablonski brings extensive expertise in mortgage finance and strategic growth, cultivated over a career dedicated to facilitating homeownership and optimizing financial partnerships. His background encompasses a deep understanding of lending operations, client advisory, and business development within the financial services sector. Matthew's current role as Manager, Partnerships & Strategic Growth for the Victor Alpha Team at CrossCountry Mortgage highlights his commitment to innovative growth strategies. This specialized team focuses on empowering military veterans through a dedicated VA Mortgage Academy, transforming them into competent loan officers equipped to serve their communities. This initiative underscores a dedication to professional development and leveraging earned benefits for veterans.

US Army Col(ret) Chris Benson joins the show to share the leadership secrets forged through 15+ years of service in the most demanding environments in the world. From global logistics to local advocacy for military families, [Guest Name] explains why "soft skills" like empathy and humbleness are actually a leader's greatest hard assets.

He came home with everything and felt like he had nothing.The bees gave me what nothing else could: chaos to calmness."Steve Jimenez · Founder · President · USMC Veteran · Texas A&M · Rice MBA · President's Lifetime Achievement AwardSteve deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, built a successful business career, and still found himself battling depression, isolation, and severe PTSD. What changed his life was not just beekeeping. It was the presence, purpose, and community it created. In 2018, he founded Hives for Heroes with a single hive in Houston. Today, Hives for Heroes is the largest beekeeping network in the United States, 10,000+ Heroes strong and active in every state. Steve will tell you the real power of this organization is not his story. It is the thousands of Heroes who now stand shoulder to shoulder, healing together. 

SGM (ret) Bobbie Parks, U.S. Army, Military Police, and Louisiana Sportsman

A native of Vancouver, Washington, Jack was sworn in as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army on June 23, 2000 and served until January 15, 2004. A career soldier, he had held many leadership positions within the Department of the Army and Unified Command environments. As Sergeant Major of the Army, Tilley served as the Army Chief of Staff’s personal advisor on all enlisted-related matters, particularly in areas affecting soldier training and quality of life. He devoted the majority of his time to traveling throughout the Army observing training, and talking to soldiers and their families.He sits on a wide variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families. A Vietnam War veteran, Jack Tilley has held a variety of important leadership positions throughout his 34 year career including tank commander, section leader, drill sergeant, platoon sergeant, senior instructor, operations sergeant, first sergeant and command sergeant major. His military education includes the First Sergeants Course and the Sergeants Major Academy.Among his numerous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star with V Device, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals.After retirement, Jack continued his advocacy for all service members. He is co-chairman of the American Freedom Foundation, a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. The American Freedom Foundation was organized to honor veterans of America’s armed forces, to raise money and awareness for various veterans’ organizations with special emphasis directed to welfare and educational issues facing those wounded in action, and soldiers killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has worked tirelessly with the organization managing the annual fund-raising benefit concerts with top named entertainment.In addition, he is a board member of the Army Retirement Council (ARC) and special advisor for the Wounded Warriors advisory council board. His goal is to raise public awareness and support for military service members and veterans.Jack has also become a successful management consultant, working with top Fortune 500 companies on a variety of projects and programs that are unique to the military community. He is President/CEO of JTilley Inc., and is part-owner of Oakgrove Technologies

Rod Lopez Bio:Born in 1978 in El Campo, TxAdopted a few times from 3 years old to 14 years oldAfter high school graduation in 1998 I joined the Marines3531 Motor T operator then Motor T operations for recovery and reconnaissanceFuel specialist Cert led me to train recon guys on Kawasaki KLR650’sTransitioned out of the Marine Corps in 2003.Enrolled at ITT Tech for Electronics Engineering. Graduated in 2006Career as a seismic field engineer for 15 years (traveled 60+ countries)Created FOB in 2020 (4 months before COVID)Career as a sales engineer til 2021These days I am VP of Surus Solutions Inc. Our Family business est. by my wife in 2018.

Lou Rosado Jr. was born and raised in Southern New Jersey and is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a focus in Logistics and Operations. After nearly two decades in leadership, much of it with a Fortune 50 company, he entered the financial services industry in 2021 through The AFP Group before going on to found Wharton Park Capital Management.Today, as founder of Wharton Park Capital Management, Lou helps individuals and families build practical financial strategies around retirement, protection, and long-term stability. Known for his direct style and heart for service, he works closely with educators, public employees, veterans, and working families to simplify complex financial decisions and turn confusion into a clear plan.Lou and his wife of 25 years, along with their two children, have led and supported several community outreach efforts over the years. Whether through community service or financial planning, Lou has always seen his work the same way: as a chance to serve people directly, meet real needs, and help families move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.