Welcome back to VET S.O.S. for an exciting launch of Season 3! In this powerful episode, hosts Shawn and Eric sit down with Jerry Young, the Director of Veteran Ambassadors at INVets—a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to high-quality career opportunities in Indiana.
INVets has experienced incredible growth over the past five years, expanding from a one-person team and five company partners to a thriving staff of 16 and partnerships with 581 employers offering more than 150,000 open jobs. Jerry discusses how INVets takes a transformational approach—not just transactional—by educating employers on veteran hiring and ensuring veterans and their families are set up for long-term success.
But Jerry’s story doesn’t stop there. He opens up about his deeply personal journey from serving in the Air Force and Indiana Army National Guard to battling PTSD and enduring the tragic loss of his wife to suicide. His resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy serve as a beacon of hope for other veterans facing similar struggles.
Jerry also highlights the ways Indiana supports veterans, including no state tax on military pay, a low cost of living, and direct partnerships with state leaders to shape policies that benefit veterans and their families. INVets isn’t just connecting veterans to jobs—they’re building strong, supportive communities.
🛠 Key Takeaways in This Episode:
- INVets’ mission to connect veterans and military spouses to Indiana’s workforce
- How INVets grew to partner with over 581 employers and provide access to 150,000+ job opportunities
- The importance of mental health resources and community support for veterans
- Indiana’s veteran-friendly policies and economic advantages for military families
- Jerry’s inspiring personal journey of resilience, recovery, and advocacy
🔗 Learn More About INVets: https://www.invets.org/
📲 Connect with Jerry Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-young11b/
👍 Enjoy this episode?
🔔 Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tap the BELL ICON so you never miss an inspiring story or critical resource for veterans!
💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts or your own transition story in the comments below.
📢 Spread the word—help us connect more veterans with life-changing opportunities!
#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #VeteransHelpingVeterans #CareerAfterService #INVets #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitarySpouseSupport #IndianaJobs #VeteranAdvocacy

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we welcome William Chesnutt, Marine Corps veteran and the visionary founder and CEO of Strategic Development Group LLC. William opens up about his transition from military service in 2021 to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He dives deep into how he leveraged his 3P Business Framework (People, Process, Performance) to help veterans and aspiring business owners create sustainable, high-performing businesses.
William also shares insights from his book, "Your Strategy, Your Success," a comprehensive guide to strategic planning that bridges the gap between military experience and civilian entrepreneurship. Learn how he balances working as a government contractor with building his business and supporting the veteran community.
Key Highlights:
🔹 Strategic Planning for Success: Discover how William's 3P Framework empowers veterans to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
🔹 Strategic U – Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: Learn about his vision for Strategic U, an innovative online learning academy designed to provide accessible, accredited business education for all.
🔹 Veteran-Focused Coaching: Hear how William offers personalized business coaching and compliance support for veterans navigating the entrepreneurial world.
🔹 Community Impact: William is passionate about giving back—donating 25% of book profits to Vets to Industry, helping veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers.
🔹 Collaboration with Elmore County: William is working with Elmore County to introduce high school students to entrepreneurship and business education.
Action Steps for Listeners:
✅ Connect with William Chesnutt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wschesnutt/ ✅ Check out StrategicU here: https://www.strategicu.co/
✅ Sign up as a mentor with American Corporate Partners (ACP): Reach out to Leslie Coffey to make an impact.
✅ Grab Your Copy of William’s Book: Your Strategy, Your Success https://www.amazon.com/Your-Strategy-Success-William-Chesnutt/dp/B0C9L228K1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RW1TA9R5R6UJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3y2yKmosLFHm133NxH7o_8Uf_-W7op1JgmxVpoCqbA46g_kMARHDfWGqN31jj8IUPBNkel5WDTU2nPjEz8tS_A6A7_LHG6mmBhLk6wpOyxFukZ90PPw9QgnEnixgmgsPf6RPR9R7yfB1vPUtx2O_7JQ6K8VPOUIGqckFngUQRCCZU1UEmj0EHy5S8tjIs2qXRwG6IdnQL7uJ5dH4DFlfY591W5SkE7Rc6-68iWTI4tM.e4bXfoO20Ih7UYHPD_X2NSxHh9VFCupiGm04YD9T6OQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=william+chesnutt&qid=1736798704&sprefix=william+chesnutt%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1
✅ Support Vets to Industry: Learn how you can contribute https://vets2industry.org/donate/
💡 Want to start your own business? Let William's journey inspire you to take the first step!
🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories, resources, and actionable advice for veterans and military families!
👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to support veteran entrepreneurs and help others find this valuable content.
#VETSOS #WilliamChesnutt #VeteranEntrepreneur #StrategicDevelopmentGroup #3PBusinessFramework #VeteranBusinessSuccess #VeteranTransition #MilitaryToEntrepreneur #VeteranSupport #VETS2INDUSTRY #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuccess #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessStrategy #VETSOSPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn Welsh and Eric Brew sit down with Stacey Gordon, a dedicated veteran advocate and life skills educator. Stacey shares her inspiring journey transitioning from a New Jersey public school teacher to a passionate military transition coach. Her personal experiences during 9/11, her mother’s brain aneurysm, and her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer fueled her commitment to helping veterans and their families successfully navigate life after military service.
Stacey introduces her company, Strategy to Success, a dynamic platform offering life skills education through tailored workshops, interactive worksheets, and virtual coaching. Her program focuses on critical areas like goal setting, time management, self-doubt management, and building strong support networks—essential tools for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
She highlights the profound impact of mentorship from community leaders, including Eric Brew, and how these relationships encouraged her to launch her own business to support veterans. Stacey's approach emphasizes practical solutions that empower individuals to overcome personal and professional challenges.
Looking ahead, Stacey shares her vision to expand Strategy to Success across diverse sectors, including corporate, higher education, nonprofits, and government agencies—ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the life skills needed for long-term success.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- How Stacey transformed personal adversity into a mission to serve veterans
- The importance of mentorship and building a reliable support network
- Actionable strategies for mastering goal setting and time management
- How Strategy to Success is making an impact in the veteran community
🔗 Connect with Stacey Gordon:
📧 Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-m-gordon-9772b8120/
📌 Action Items:
✅ Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn to learn more about her work
✅ Email Stacey to discuss how Strategy to Success can support your transition
✅ Subscribe for more inspiring stories and veteran resources
If you found this episode inspiring, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to VET S.O.S. for more incredible stories from veterans and advocates making a difference!
🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!
#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #LifeSkills #VeteranAdvocate #StrategyToSuccess #VETSOS #MentalHealthAwareness #GoalSetting #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranEmpowerment #ResilienceBuilding

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn Welsh and Eric Brew sit down with Justin Pearson, a two-time founder and CEO of Mission Box Solutions. Justin opens up about his 20-year military career in the Airborne Infantry and US Army Recruiting Command and shares his deeply personal transition story. Drawing parallels between a near-drowning experience during a whitewater rafting trip and the challenges veterans face during transition, Justin emphasizes the critical need for support networks, mentorship, and proactive planning.
Mission Box Solutions, a CVE-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), specializes in staffing and recruiting for government and healthcare sectors, focusing on roles that require cleared backgrounds. The company is dedicated to empowering veterans and military spouses by providing access to high-demand careers in technology, cybersecurity, data science, and engineering. Justin also highlights his entrepreneurial journey with Proper Patriot, an American-made patriotic apparel and coffee company supporting veteran-owned businesses and fostering a strong sense of community among veterans and first responders.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Justin Pearson's military background and the pivotal moments that shaped his transition journey
- The importance of building a supportive network, seeking mentorship, and staying organized with daily and weekly plans
- How Mission Box Solutions bridges the gap between veterans and high-demand career opportunities in government and healthcare sectors
- The story behind Proper Patriot and its role in supporting veteran-owned businesses and law enforcement communities
- Practical advice and actionable steps for veterans navigating their transition to civilian life
- Inspiring stories of resilience, including how Justin helped a Marine veteran during the Minneapolis riots
Action Items:
- Connect with Justin Pearson on LinkedIn to explore opportunities and mentorship.
- Visit Mission Box Solutions (https://www.missionboxsolutions.com/) for veteran-focused staffing and career resources.
- Support veteran-owned businesses by shopping at Proper Patriot (https://www.properpatriot.com/).
- Share this episode with veterans, military families, and supporters to spread awareness about available resources.
Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode designed to help veterans navigate the complexities of transition. Remember, don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
Subscribe for more episodes supporting our veteran community and hit the bell icon to stay updated!
#VETSOS #VeteranSupport #MissionBoxSolutions #ProperPatriot #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Mentorship #VeteranCommunity #SupportOurTroops #VeteranCareerSuccess #SupportOurVeterans #MentorshipMatters

In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn Welsh and Eric Brew sit down with John Ellis, the inspiring founder and CEO of Mission Rehab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans through job placement, skill building, and homeless prevention.
John, a former Army food service specialist, opens up about his personal journey transitioning from military service to civilian life—a journey filled with challenges like unemployment, financial hardship, and navigating the complexities of life after service. His struggles with applying for countless jobs and facing rejection fueled his passion to create Mission Rehab, aimed at providing veterans with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Mission Rehab, based in Aberdeen, South Dakota, has a bold vision: to bring 300 veterans into the local community, boosting the region's workforce and economy while providing veterans with meaningful employment and support. John shares innovative plans to launch hands-on skill-building ventures, such as a super gas station or grocery store, where veterans can gain valuable customer service and retail management experience in a supportive environment.
Throughout the conversation, John emphasizes the critical need for community partnerships, financial support, and mentorship to help expand Mission Rehab’s reach and impact. Hosts Shawn and Eric applaud John’s resilience and dedication and offer their own support to help Mission Rehab succeed.
🔥 Key Topics Covered:
- John’s Army service and personal struggles transitioning to civilian life
- The foundation and purpose behind Mission Rehab
- Innovative ideas for veteran skill development and job placement
- How integrating veterans into local economies benefits entire communities
- Current fundraising efforts, including the Pre-Thanksgiving Meal initiative
- The importance of partnerships and community support for long-term success
💥 How You Can Help:
✅ Donate to Mission Rehab's Pre-Thanksgiving Meal Fundraiser to support veterans in need
✅ Connect John with potential partners for job placement, skill-building programs, or homeless prevention services
✅ Support Mission Rehab by helping build their LinkedIn presence and online network
✅ Reach out to offer expertise, mentorship, or financial support to help expand Mission Rehab’s services
🔗 Connect with John and Mission Rehab:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ellis-66027223a/
🎧 Listen Now and Join the Mission!
If you’re passionate about supporting veterans and building stronger communities, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread the word and support Mission Rehab’s life-changing work.
💬 Tell us in the comments: How can we come together to support our veterans in meaningful ways?
#Veterans #MissionRehab #VetSupport #VeteranEmpowerment #MilitaryTransition #NonprofitImpact #CommunitySupport #VETSOS #VeteranSupport #VeteransHelpingVeterans #JobPlacement #SkillBuilding #EndVeteranHomelessness

Join us for an inspiring and deeply moving episode of VET S.O.S. as we welcome Amber Kulesza, a disabled Air Force veteran and founder of Amber's Adventures. Amber shares her powerful and transformative story of transitioning from 12 years of dedicated military service to becoming a passionate advocate for veterans navigating disabilities and prioritizing their mental and physical health.
In this heartfelt episode, Amber opens up about the immense challenges she faced after her medical discharge, including living with chronic pain, battling mental health struggles, and the overwhelming process of finding adequate support. She candidly discusses the misinformation surrounding transition services and the feelings of isolation that many veterans experience. Amber challenges the misconceptions about disability, emphasizing the need to reframe how veterans perceive their conditions and the strength found in seeking help.
Amber's personal journey of resilience and vulnerability led her to create Amber's Adventures, a supportive venture focused on consulting, personalized one-on-one coaching, and fostering a tight-knit community. Her mission is to empower veterans to understand their disabilities, confidently communicate with medical teams, and access vital resources, all while prioritizing mental wellness and self-care.
Key Topics Discussed:
• Amber's 12-year distinguished career in the Air Force in aircraft and vehicle maintenance, postal operations, and cyber career fields
• Overcoming the emotional and physical challenges of military transition and breaking the stigma of disability
• The crucial role of mental and physical health in achieving a fulfilling post-military life
• How Amber's Adventures offers tailored coaching, consulting, and a supportive community for veterans
• Actionable steps for veterans to seek support, build resilience, and forge meaningful connections
• Amber's advocacy for in-person connections and how travel has played a role in her healing process
Amber's story is a remarkable testament to resilience, unwavering strength, and the healing power of community. Tune in to discover how she's transforming lives and inspiring fellow veterans to prioritize their well-being and embrace their unique journeys.
Action Items:
✅ Connect with Amber on LinkedIn to explore her services and discover valuable resources. - Amber's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-kulesza/ - Amber's Adventures - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambersadventures-llc
Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more empowering stories from veterans making a difference!
#Veterans #MentalHealth #DisabilityAwareness #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #AmberKulesza #VETSOS #AmbersAdventures #VeteranCommunity #Resilience #Empowerment #MentalHealthAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpowerVeterans