🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast: Matt Watkins & Operation Headshot

In this episode, we talk with Matt Watkins, Marine veteran and founder of Operation Headshot, about his transition from active duty, career setbacks, and how he is now empowering veterans and military spouses through professional branding, headshots, and networking.

Key Takeaways:
✅ The emotional and financial struggles of transitioning from active duty
✅ How a $48K job offer changed his career trajectory
✅ The power of networking & personal branding
✅ Why professional headshots matter for job seekers
✅ How Operation Headshot provides free photography training for veterans & spouses

💡 Connect with Matt Watkins & Operation Headshot:
🔗 Website: OperationHeadshot.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Matt Watkins
📧 Email: [email protected]

📌 Follow VET S.O.S. for More Episodes:
🌐 Website: vetsospodcast.com
🎥 YouTube: @vetsospodcast
📱 Socials: @vetsospodcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok & Twitter

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🎯 Top 10 Hashtags for Spotify:
#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #OperationHeadshot #VeteranNetworking #CareerSuccess #USMC #MilitaryLife #VeteranResources #JobSearch #Leadership #VETSOS

🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Gavin Naples, Tunnels to Towers Foundation 🎙️

In this episode, we’re joined by Gavin Naples, Vice President for Homeless Veteran Programs at the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, to discuss their groundbreaking work in permanent supportive housing, veterans' villages, and national case management.

Since 2023, the foundation has provided housing and services to over 10,000 veterans and 5,000 children, with plans to develop 1,500 housing units across 15 major cities. Learn how they’re making rapid, community-driven impact to end veteran homelessness while also supporting first responders and their families.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✅ How Tunnels to Towers is changing the landscape of veteran housing
✅ The growth of veterans’ villages and nationwide case management
✅ Why financial literacy and employment support are critical for veterans
✅ Upcoming projects in major U.S. cities
✅ How YOU can support their mission and get involved

📌 Learn More & Support:
🌐 Tunnels to Towers Foundation – t2t.org
🎧 Listen to More VET S.O.S. Episodes – https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM

#VETSOS #TunnelsToTowers #VeteranSupport #EndVeteranHomelessness #MilitaryHousing #VeteransVillage #FirstResponderSupport #VeteranSuccess #TransitioningMilitary #SupportOurVeterans

Welcome to another powerful episode of VET S.O.S.! Today, we sit down with Jonathan Sheridan, a former EOD tech in the U.S. Air Force and the host of the Normalized PTSD podcast. Jonathan shares his deeply personal journey with PTSD, mental health struggles, and the coping mechanisms that have helped him reclaim his life.
From his difficult transition out of the military to exploring therapy, meditation, psychedelics, and other healing methods, Jonathan dives into the importance of normalizing conversations about PTSD and breaking the stigma around mental health, especially in the veteran and first responder communities.
This is an episode you don’t want to miss, filled with actionable advice, personal stories, and valuable insights that can help veterans, first responders, and anyone struggling with trauma. If you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD or mental health challenges, this episode is for you.
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ Jonathan’s tough transition from the military and its challenges
✅ The stigma surrounding PTSD in the military and first responder communities
✅ Effective therapy and coping mechanisms for trauma recovery
✅ How avoiding mental health struggles can lead to destructive behaviors
✅ The power of self-improvement and resilience
✅ The importance of seeking help and breaking the cycle of avoidance
✅ How the Normalized PTSD podcast is helping veterans and first responders
✅ Resources for veterans struggling with PTSD and suicide prevention
🚨 If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: Dial 988, then Press 1. You are NOT alone! 🚨
💬 Connect with Jonathan Sheridan & Normalized PTSD:
🌐 Website: www.normalizePTSD.com
📷 Instagram: @normalizePTSD
📧 Email: [email protected]
🎧 Follow VET S.O.S. for More Veteran Resources & Inspiring Conversations!
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
🎙️ Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platforms
📱 Social Media: Follow us on all platforms @VETSOS
🌎 Website: www.vetsospodcast.com
💥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Your support helps us continue to provide valuable resources to the veteran and first responder communities.
⚓ Remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🚑💙
#VETSOS #PTSD #MentalHealthAwareness #Veterans #FirstResponders #MilitaryTransition #EODTech #Resilience #SuicidePrevention #Podcast

Welcome to another insightful episode of VET S.O.S., brought to you by the Who You Know Network and a proud member of the Parade Deck Community! 🎙️
Today, we’re sitting down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jason A. David, a veteran advocate who is passionate about helping service members successfully transition to civilian life. He shares invaluable insights on networking, military transition, VA benefits, unemployment compensation, adaptive sports, and career opportunities. If you’re a veteran, transitioning service member, or military supporter, this episode is packed with essential knowledge to help you navigate your post-military journey.
🔹 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ Jason’s military transition journey – The highs, lows, and lessons learned
✅ The power of networking & LinkedIn – How to build real connections and maximize opportunities
✅ Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX) – A little-known financial safety net
✅ VR&E (Veteran Readiness & Employment) – A life-changing program for career development
✅ Adaptive sports programs – Resources to help injured veterans regain mobility and confidence
✅ Resume-building tips – How to translate military experience into civilian job qualifications
✅ VA benefits explained – Why it’s critical to apply and take advantage of what you’ve earned
✅ Military Transition Roundtable & MilTrac – How these organizations provide critical guidance
✅ The stigma of asking for help – Why seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness
✅ AI-powered veteran tools – How new tech is helping military members transition smoothly
💡 Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Connect with Jason David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-david-72791966/
🎯 Whether you’re just starting your transition or have been out for years, this episode will provide insights, resources, and motivation to help you succeed.
🛟 Don’t drown in a sea of transition – grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🛟
💬 Join the Conversation!
✔️ Have a question for Jason or the VET S.O.S. team? Drop it in the comments!
✔️ What’s been your biggest challenge in transitioning out of the military? Share your experience below.
👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on all our episodes!
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss out on valuable veteran resources.
#VETSOS #VeteranResources #MilitaryTransition #VeteranAdvocate #LinkedInNetworking #VAbenefits #UnemploymentCompensation #AdaptiveSports #ResumeBuilding #VeteranSupport

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Diane Hight, founder of Forever Young Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the silent suffering of military veterans aged 65 and older.
Through her organization, Diane and her team work tirelessly to grant unfulfilled dreams for aging veterans, take them on life-changing journeys back to battlefields and memorials, and provide them with honor, healing, and hope.
Since its founding, Forever Young Veterans has taken veterans on 59+ Honor Trips to historic sites like:
✅ Normandy, France (D-Day beaches)
✅ Belgium (Battle of the Bulge)
✅ Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
✅ Washington, D.C. (WWII, Korean & Vietnam Memorials)
✅ Italy & England
📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🔹 Why WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans still struggle with PTSD & combat stress
🔹 The impact of revisiting historic battlefields and memorials
🔹 Stories of healing and camaraderie from these unforgettable trips
🔹 How you can volunteer & support Forever Young Veterans
📢 Get Involved & Support the Mission:
🌍 Visit: ForeverYoungVets.org
📩 Volunteer & Donate: Help us find and honor our aging heroes!
🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected:
🔥 Follow VET S.O.S. on social media for more powerful veteran stories!
🎧 Listen on YouTube, Wreaths Across America Radio, Parade Deck, and all major podcast platforms.
💡 Remember: Don’t navigate transition alone—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🚀
🔗 Connect with Us:
✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetsospodcast/
✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetsospodcast/
✅ Twitter/X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast
✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #Veterans #ForeverYoungVeterans #WWII #DDay #VeteranSupport #PTSDHealing #HonorFlight #MilitaryHistory #VeteransHelpingVeterans

In this powerful episode of #VETSOS, we sit down with Michael G. Harris, the International President of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. Michael shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy and how Mu Beta Phi is making a real impact in the veteran community.
From fighting veteran homelessness to providing mentorship programs for transitioning service members, Mu Beta Phi is leading the charge in supporting our heroes beyond their service.
💪 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The Challenges of Veteran Transition – Navigating the shift from military to civilian life
✅ How Mu Beta Phi Provides Lifelong Brotherhood – A fraternity built on military values
✅ The Herculean Effort Initiative – Combating veteran homelessness one mission at a time
✅ Mighty Warriors Mentorship Program – Supporting young men, military dependents, and future leaders
✅ The Importance of Mental Health & Veteran Support Systems
✅ How to Join or Start a Chapter – Expanding Mu Beta Phi’s reach across the U.S. and internationally
✅ Why Community Involvement & Veteran Advocacy Matter
✅ Ways You Can Get Involved & Make an Impact!
📢 If you're a veteran looking for community, mentorship, and resources, Mu Beta Phi is here for you. Don't navigate transition alone—find your brotherhood!
🔗 Connect with Mu Beta Phi:
🌐 Website: www.mbphikings2017.org
📌 Follow & Support VET S.O.S.
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
🎙 Podcast Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more!
📱 Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/vetsospodcast/
🌍 Parade Deck | Wreaths Across America Radio
🚨 DON’T DROWN IN THE SEA OF TRANSITION. GRAB THE VET S.O.S. LIFELINE! 🚨
#VETSOS #VeteranSupport #MuBetaPhi #MilitaryFraternity #VeteranResources #Mentorship #VeteranTransition #VeteranBrotherhood #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranHomelessness

Join us for another impactful episode of #VETSOS, where we sit down with JR, founder of the True Top 1% Foundation. JR shares his incredible journey from a career in sales and behavioral science to pioneering art therapy programs for veterans. His foundation is dedicated to supporting military veterans through creative expression, helping them heal from trauma and combat stress through painting, music therapy, culinary arts, woodworking, and more.
JR walks us through the powerful impact of programs like Painting for PTS, Beer Bottle Painting Therapy, and Captain S. Claus, all of which are designed to provide free mental health toolkits and camaraderie-building workshops for veterans across the country.
If you or a veteran you know could benefit from creative outlets for mental health and suicide prevention, don’t miss this episode! 🎧💙
💡 Key Topics Covered:
✅ How Art Therapy Supports Veteran Mental Health
✅ Painting for PTS – Turning Stories into Therapeutic Art
✅ Beer Bottle Painting Therapy – Transforming Self-Medication into Self-Expression
✅ The Importance of Culinary Arts & Music Therapy for Veterans
✅ How True Top 1% Provides FREE Mental Health Toolkits
✅ Captain S. Claus – A Military Santa Bringing Art to Veterans
✅ The Power of Creative Healing & Suicide Prevention
✅ Partnering with Military Bases, MWR, & Veteran Organizations
💬 Connect with True Top 1% Foundation:
🌐 Website: TT1P.org
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚨 VET S.O.S. is here for you! 🚨
We’re committed to helping veterans successfully transition by connecting them with resources, support, and an incredible network of veteran advocates.
📌 Follow & Subscribe for More Veteran Resources:
🔴 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Wreaths Across America Radio | Parade Deck
📲 Follow on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
🔹 Don’t drown in the sea of transition – Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🔹
#VETSOS #VeteranSupport #ArtTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSRecovery #SuicidePrevention #TrueTop1Percent #CreativeHealing #MilitaryTransition #VeteranResources

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with Patriotic Kenny (Kenny Jary), a Navy veteran whose story exemplifies resilience, community, and a steadfast commitment to helping others. Kenny shares his remarkable journey, from serving aboard the USS Okinawa during the Cuban Missile Crisis to his transition to civilian life and an unexpected viral moment that changed everything.After retiring from a 32-year career at Ford Motor Company, Kenny faced new challenges when a broken-down mobility scooter threatened his independence. Thanks to a TikTok GoFundMe campaign spearheaded by Amanda, a dedicated school teacher and now his “adopted daughter,” Kenny not only received a new scooter but gained a platform to give back to his fellow veterans. Thus, the Patriotic Kenny Foundation was born—a nonprofit dedicated to combating veteran isolation by providing mobility scooters to those in need.With over 140 scooters donated across the country in just one year, Kenny reflects on the impact of the foundation, the importance of community, and his mission to ensure no veteran feels left behind. He also opens up about the challenges he faced transitioning out of the military without support programs and how that experience shaped his dedication to serving others. From 5K charity runs to school penny drives, Kenny and Amanda are finding creative ways to involve communities in their mission.This episode is filled with laughter, touching stories, and Kenny’s signature optimism. He even shares some fun anecdotes about ice fishing, his love of bowling, and a bold prediction that his Minnesota Vikings are headed to the Super Bowl!Key Topics:- Kenny’s time aboard the USS Okinawa and the Cuban Missile Crisis- Challenges of military-to-civilian transition in the 1960s- The viral TikTok moment that sparked a movement- The creation and rapid success of the Patriotic Kenny Foundation- The importance of combating veteran isolation- Fun and inspiring activities like the foundation’s annual 5K walk/scoot/run- Kenny’s thoughts on staying active and living life to the fullestSupport Kenny’s Mission:Visit www.patriotickenny.com to learn more about the foundation, donate, or get involved in supporting our veterans.Join us for this unforgettable conversation, and remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!#vetsos #VeteransSupport #PatrioticKenny #MilitaryTransition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #EndIsolation

In this transformative episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith are joined by the inspiring Abigail G. Manning, founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc. Abigail brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to her work as a mindset coach, empowerment speaker, and workshop instructor. With a unique blend of academic expertise and real-world resilience, she’s made it her mission to empower others to thrive during life’s most challenging transitions.Drawing from her personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, domestic violence, entrepreneurial struggles, and dyslexia, Abigail developed the Purple Threads framework and the Authentic Health program. These tools are changing lives by helping individuals identify and overcome limiting beliefs, build resilience, and find purpose.In this episode, we delve into:- Purple Threads: A groundbreaking concept to help individuals recognize and unravel limiting beliefs tied to past trauma.- Authentic Health: A holistic approach to personal well-being that incorporates mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial health.- Working with Veterans: Abigail shares how her civilian perspective and authentic approach resonate deeply with veterans, special operators, and their families.- Facing Fear and Finding Purpose: Abigail's actionable strategies for addressing fear, embracing authenticity, and thriving during life transitions.Abigail also shares heartwarming anecdotes from her journey, including raising her children—now proud Marines—and her work with military communities, from the Air Force Academy to the Pentagon. With a knack for blending empathy, humor, and actionable advice, Abigail’s insights are a must-hear for anyone navigating change.Connect with Abigail:Website: AbigailGManning.comLinkedIn: Abigail G. ManningFollow VET S.O.S.:The VET S.O.S. Podcast is growing! Follow us on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media. Stay connected for empowering stories, actionable advice, and a supportive community.💡 Remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!#vetsos #VeteranSupport #LifeTransitions #MentalHealthMatters #EmpowermentJourney #AuthenticHealth

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like navigating uncharted waters. In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we’re joined by Mike Schindler, a U.S. Navy veteran, award-winning author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Military Family Cares. Mike shares his incredible story of resilience, growth, and his mission to help veterans and their families thrive after service.Mike takes us through his journey from dreaming of becoming an admiral to facing the abrupt end of his military career due to downsizing. He candidly discusses the challenges of identity loss, bouncing between 14 jobs in just three years, and eventually finding his footing with the help of mentorship and purpose-driven work. From working in disaster response to consulting in Hollywood on meaningful documentaries like It’s VUCA: The Secret to Living in the 21st Century, Mike’s journey is a testament to finding light even in the darkest moments.We also explore Mike's organization, Operation Military Family Cares, which goes beyond employment assistance. With a focus on helping veterans uncover their mission, purpose, and identity, the organization uses a structured, holistic approach to support mental, physical, spiritual, relational, and financial well-being. Mike explains his "Rule of Five" framework for decision-making and how veterans can align their lives with their true purpose by understanding spiritual, social, connected, and sacrificial purposes.Mike also highlights his latest book, The Rise of Humanists in the Age of AI, and offers practical, actionable advice for veterans to not only survive but thrive in their post-military lives.If you’re a veteran—or know someone who is—looking for guidance, connection, or inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt stories. As a special gift, Mike offers free, one-on-one guidance for veterans, emphasizing his deep commitment to the community.Highlights:- Mike’s personal transition journey and lessons learned- The critical role of mentorship in achieving success- Why mission, purpose, and identity are essential after service- Insights into Operation Military Family Cares’ holistic approach- Finding spiritual, social, connected, and sacrificial purpose- Tips for navigating the sea of transition and attracting the right tribeConnect with Mike:- Visit https://operationmilitaryfamily.com/ for more information.- Call or text Mike directly at 206-795-5890. Mention VETSOS to receive personalized guidance.Follow VETSOS:Stay connected with us on all social media platforms, YouTube, Reads Across America Radio, Parade Deck, and wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review!Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline today!#vetsos #VeteranTransition #MilitaryLife #FindYourPurpose #VeteranSupport #OperationMilitaryFamily