Letoi Adams' story is one of resilience, grit, and unshakable courage. A U.S. Army veteran, truck driver, and now Vice President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Letoi faced stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that left her in a wheelchair. Instead of giving up, she turned her pain into power becoming a competitive adaptive athlete, motivational speaker, and community leader in Las Vegas.

In this episode, Letoi opens up about:

• Hearing the words “you have cancer” and fighting back against the odds

• Her 4–5 year battle with depression and the moment adaptive sports gave her purpose again

• Competing in wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, cycling, and more

• Why veterans need visibility, resources, and community support

• Her mission to coach, inspire, and open doors for the next generation

This is more than a veteran story it's a testament to the human spirit. Whether you're a veteran, athlete, or someone facing life's toughest battles, Letoi's message will remind you: you can rise again.

Subscribe for more veteran stories: www.vegasveteranvoices.com

Follow Letoi:

IG – @thishumblevirgo

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a national nonprofit focused on improving quality of life for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases through advocacy, healthcare support, and adaptive sports opportunities. More at www.pva.org

Vegas Veteran Voices is a veteran-run media nonprofit based in Las Vegas, sharing raw and authentic stories of service, resilience, and community to highlight the voices and experiences of veterans everywhere. Learn more at www.vegasveteranvoices.com

From Army mechanic to Nevada's first Black female union plumber, Evelyn Pacheco has lived a life of breaking barriers. Now as the founder of Nevada Women in Trades (NVWIT), she's on a mission to open doors for women and veterans to enter high-paying skilled trades that offer dignity, benefits, and independence.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Evelyn shares her journey through the military, the challenges of raising three kids as a single mom, the grind of apprenticeship, and the fight to build a nonprofit that empowers women to succeed in careers often closed off to them.

If you've ever been told “you can't,” this is the story that proves you can.

Learn more about Nevada Women in Trades at https://nevadawit.org

​⁠ Nate Rosas : From Combat to Community on the Ice

In this special episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we sit down with #Armyveteran Nate Rosas, a man whose life was shaped by Afghanistan, #Apache helicopter missions, the profound weight of Gold Star sacrifice, and ultimately healed by the power of hockey.

Really OK Hockey (ROKH) is more than just a podcast & #beerleague, it's a veteran-led hockey community where the game meets healing. Made by four veterans, this crew dives into every angle of hockey, veteran life, and the unique crossover of the two, with a special focus on Warrior #disabledveteran hockey. Whether it's on the ice or in conversation, ROKH brings unfiltered authenticity, laughter, and the shared experience of service through a hockey lens

Where It Was Filmed:

• ABLE BAKER Brewing (1510 S Main St, Ste 120, Las Vegas, NV 89104)

• Elev802 Vegas, part of the national ELEV802 hockey training network with advanced on-ice coaching and athlete development programs

Deep Dive into the Episode

• Boots to Blades

Nate recounts navigating the traumatic return from war, relying on mashups of Apache air support memories and silent nights filled with isolation.

• Hockey as a Lifeline

Joining the Las Vegas Warriors, a veteran-focused adaptive hockey team, gave him more than sport. It offered discipline, brotherhood, and a nonverbal way to process trauma.

• ABLE BAKER Brewing: Safe Haven

Against the backdrop of the brewery's warm lighting and community buzz, Nate found a rare place to lower his guard and begin talking about his experiences.

• Elev802 Vegas: Rebuilding Purpose, One Drill at a Time

The rink became Nate's therapy room. Through guided drills, coaching, and team practices, he rebuilt confidence and a sense of mission, without saying “therapy,” but feeling it every stride.

• From Isolation to Giving Back

Reconnected to life, Nate now mentors other veterans, promotes mental wellness, and lets his story serve as a bridge, not just for himself, but for a community searching for healing.

Locations & Links

ABLE BAKER Brewing

• Address: 1510 S Main St, Ste #120, Las Vegas, NV 89104

• Website: ablebakerbrewing.com a bustling Arts District taproom and scratch-kitchen, known for its Atomic Age-inspired beers like “Atomic Duck” and warm, inclusive atmosphere

Elev802 Vegas

• Address: Las Vegas location (part of network); booking and training details through their national site

• Website: 702hockey.com offering elite-level, year‑round hockey training, pop-up clinics, and performance coaching tailored to all ages and experience levels

Las Vegas Warriors Veteran Hockey Club

• A veteran-led adaptive hockey team focused on camaraderie, mental wellness, and athletic engagement. Find them on Facebook under “Las Vegas Warriors Veteran Hockey Club.”

⸻

Stay Connected

• Subscribe: Watch more veteran voices share their healing journeys on Vegas Veteran Voices.

• Instagram: Follow us at @vegasveteranvoices for clips, updates, and community events.

• Support Local Veteran Sports: Contact Elev802 or join the Las Vegas Warriors to help shape how hockey becomes healing.

Brandon Mills went from serving as an Abrams tank crewman in the U.S. Army to running one of the most innovative veteran-owned print shops in Las Vegas. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, he reveals what it's really like to operate the 120mm main gun, scan targets through the reticle, and experience the raw power of America's most advanced battle tank.

After his military service, Brandon's journey took him to Thailand, where he built a business from scratch on a remote island before returning to the U.S. to master screen printing and DTF apparel production. His story blends military grit, global adventure, and entrepreneurial hustle, proving that the skills learned in uniform can fuel success far beyond the battlefield.

If you're looking for authentic veteran stories, Abrams tank history, or inspiration for starting your own business, this episode delivers humor, high-energy storytelling, and lessons on resilience you won't forget.

Tanks. Thailand. T-Shirts.

From the turret to the press room, Brandon shows that the mission never ends.

Live from CHAMPS 2025 in Las Vegas!

Marine Corps veteran Jay, co-founder of Stoned Earth, joins Vegas Veteran Voices to talk about his journey from military aviation to sustainable cannabis accessories. We explore the mental health benefits of alternative wellness, the transition from active duty to entrepreneurship, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to lead the cannabis reform movement.

You'll hear real stories about managing PTSD, ditching opioids, and building a veteran-owned brand rooted in purpose and process improvement. Plus: how CHAMPS 2025 is spotlighting innovation in the cannabis, wellness, and tech spaces.

Topics covered:

– Veteran entrepreneurship & post-military identity

– Medical cannabis for pain & anxiety

– Sustainable paraphernalia & eco-conscious business

– Life after the Marine Corps

– Cannabis stigma & responsible use

– Highlights from CHAMPS 2025 trade show

This episode is for:

Veterans, entrepreneurs, cannabis professionals, mental health advocates, & anyone curious about life after service.

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational & awareness purposes only. Vegas Veteran Voices does not endorse or promote the use of cannabis. Content intended for legal-age audiences in applicable jurisdictions.

Marine veteran David Lonergan (aka “Mr. Kettlebell”) opens up in this raw, unscripted conversation about how hitting rock bottom during the 2020 lockdowns nearly cost him everything, and how walking around a track was the first step in rebuilding his mind, body, and mission. (He's personally transformed over 400+ lives through functional training)

Filmed on location at The Coffee Class at Village Square in Las Vegas, this episode dives deep into David's transformation from alcohol abuse, anxiety attacks, and total burnout to building Triple Threat Transformation, a movement grounded in mindset, movement, and manifesting your vision into real action.

We get personal about:

• Military life vs. civilian mindset (and why some vets never really leave service)

• How David lost 30 pounds in 90 days by starting with just walking

• The surprising power of kettlebells (and why they're not just hipster gym gear)

• The real difference between motivation, dedication & consistency

• What it takes to find your purpose again, even if you don't know who you are anymore

• Why veterans often stay stuck in “high school quarterback” stories, and how to move forward

• Building a new identity after service without losing who you were

If you've ever felt stuck, lost your way after the military, or needed a no-BS push to start your fitness journey, this episode is for you.

This isn't just about fitness. It's about reclaiming your identity, getting honest about where you're at, and realizing you're not alone in the struggle. And yeah, there's some dark humor, MCMap stories, and a few Marine-approved motivational rants.

Filmed at:

The Coffee Class at Village Square

Las Vegas, NV

Thanks for letting us crash the shop & caffeinate our existential dread.

9580 W Sahara Ave Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117

https://www.thecoffeeclass.com/

IG : @coffeeinvegas

Connect with David:

IG : @Davidrlonergan & ​⁠

4056 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103

https://www.triplethreattransformation.com/

Subscribe for more veteran stories, mindset overhauls, and brutally honest conversations that remind you: you're not done yet.

Step inside the legendary Leatherneck Club of Las Vegas with Thomas “Ghost” Martin, a Desert Storm Marine Corps veteran, 0311 grunt, and the heartbeat of one of the most iconic veteran bars in the country.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Ghost shares the raw story of what it was like firing the first artillery rounds of Desert Storm, the bing-bing-bing sound of incoming, and what it means to carry that kind of history in your bones. More than just war stories, Ghost drops truth about mental health, Marine Corps identity, and the purpose behind building a place where vets feel seen, respected, and at home.

Whether you're a veteran, active duty, or just want to understand the mindset of those who've been through it—this episode hits different.

Location: Leatherneck Club, Las Vegas, NV

️ Host: Brenton Mann, U.S. Navy Veteran

Guest: Tom “Ghost” Martin – USMC 0311 Infantry, Desert Storm Vet, Owner of Leatherneck Club

Tag us & follow:

www.VegasVeteranVoices.org

https://leatherneckbar.com/

IG: @VegasVeteranVoices

IG: @Leatherneckbar

Wyatt isn't your average carpenter. He's the warranty director at Martin-Harris Construction, a long-time volunteer with Harvison House, and a man who credits his union with saving his life. In this powerful episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Wyatt gets real about suicide, purpose, faith, and what it means to rebuild from the ground up literally.

We dive into:

• How union carpenters in Las Vegas are pulling in $72/hour (yes, seriously)

• His near-suicide and the moment that changed everything

• The wild truth about addiction and mental health in the trades

• What it's like to furnish homes for formerly homeless veterans

• How veterans can break into the trades with no experience just grit

This episode is raw, emotional, and packed with practical advice for anyone feeling stuck or searching for purpose.

Whether you're a vet, a carpenter, or just trying to get through your own dark night this one's for you.

Want to learn more about Harvison House? Visit: harvisonhouse.org

Interested in joining the union or Helmet to Hardhats? Reach out to your local business agent

Vegas Veteran Voices dedicated to helping veterans reclaim their voice, purpose, and community through storytelling.

Follow us on Instagram: @vegasveteranvoices

Website: vegasveteranvoices.org

What do you get when you mix a Marine Corps vet, a wedding DJ with 750+ gigs, a business consultant, and a guy who gave a boombox to Kaskade? You get Dave.

This episode of Vegas Veteran Voices dives face-first into the madness that is Dave Berlin's life from infantry in the Marine Corps to youth counselor to scaling the largest wedding DJ company in the U.S., to orchestrating Freedom Week, and yes… to teaching me how to DJ. (Spoiler: I'm coming for that EDC headliner slot… in my dreams tonight atleast...)

Vegas Veteran Voices isn't just a podcast. It's Dirty Jobs meets therapy, meets veteran storytelling with a boombox in hand. We highlight veterans doing powerful, unexpected, and sometimes absolutely ridiculous things with their lives after service not just what they did in uniform, but what they do now for purpose, therapy, and community.

In this episode:

• Why DJing is both a business and a healing art

• How Dave went from working with at-risk youth to crushing weddings coast to coast

• The legendary Kaskade boombox side quest

• A full “Teach Me” segment where Dave shows me the ropes of mixing (and doesn't let me crash the system)

• Why Freedom Week is the most impactful thing he's ever brought to a community

Chaos, heart, purpose, turntables. It's all in there.

And remember, not every veteran is broken, and not every story starts with trauma. Sometimes, it starts with a boombox.

In this powerful episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we take you inside the Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce (SNVCC) to meet six veterans paving the way in the Las Vegas Valley.

From military service to civilian success, each guest shares how SNVCC helped them find purpose, build community, and grow their businesses. Whether you're a veteran looking to connect, a business owner wanting to make an impact, or someone who loves a good story, this is where it starts.

Featuring a special introduction by SNVCC President Lester and heartfelt moments from across the veteran community, this episode is a tribute to the grit, unity & resourcefulness of Las Vegas veterans.

Learn more or get involved: https://www.snvcc.org

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe for more real stories from the military community.