featuring Stephen Kaplan, retired Navy SEAL and owner of Trident

Adventures in Hawaii! Stephen shares his journey from military service

to founding an adrenaline-filled adventure company that offers scuba

diving, snorkeling, skydiving, shooting experiences, and exclusive

helicopter casts into the ocean. Learn how Stephen's mission is to help

people conquer their fears, build courage, and experience life to the

fullest through unique, high-thrill activities.
In this episode,

Stephen also highlights the Honor Watch Foundation, dedicated to

providing life-changing experiences for individuals in need, including

ALS patients and veterans facing challenges. Hear touching stories like

that of Dave, a man with ALS whose dream to hold an octopus was

fulfilled by Stephen and his team. Discover how Trident Adventures is

now VA-approved, offering professional scuba diving and helicopter cast

master certifications funded by the GI Bill, empowering veterans and

their dependents with valuable new skills and exciting career

opportunities.
Stephen discusses how the transition from the

military to civilian life was filled with unexpected challenges and how

he found purpose in creating adventures that inspire personal growth. He

emphasizes the therapeutic power of adventure in overcoming fear and

how courage can transform lives.
Don't miss this powerful conversation about resilience, adventure, and making a difference!
✅ Explore Trident Adventures' unique and thrilling experiences
✅ Learn about VA-approved training programs for veterans and their families
✅ Hear inspiring stories of courage, transformation, and purpose
✅ Check out Trident Adventures here: https://tridentadventures.com/

Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on more empowering stories!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #GIbillBenefits #NavySEALLife #StephenKaplan

#TridentAdventures #HonorWatchFoundation #VeteranSupport #GIbill

#ScubaDiving #Skydiving #HelicopterCast #OvercomeFear #AdventureTherapy

#MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmpowerment #NavySEAL #LiveWithCourage

with Rich LaMonica, an Army veteran and the host of the Misfit Nation

Podcast. Rich opens up about his personal transition out of the Army in

2015 and the initial struggles he faced in finding civilian employment.

Despite doing everything "by the book," including submitting countless

applications, Rich's military-focused resume hindered his ability to

secure a job in the civilian sector. After receiving assistance from

Hire Heroes USA, who helped him rewrite his resume in civilian terms,

Rich was able to land interviews and eventually a role at the Mission

Continues, where he now helps fellow veterans in their own transitions.
Rich

shares the importance of persistence, resilience, and community support

during the transition process. He emphasizes that veterans should never

feel alone, highlighting how his wife’s support and financial planning

helped him get through the tough times. Rich discusses how small

victories—stacked daily—play a crucial role in overcoming setbacks and

maintaining a positive mindset. He also talks about the significance of

learning from failures and using those lessons to move forward.
The

conversation then shifts to the creation of the Misfit Nation Podcast,

which Rich launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to give

veterans a voice and a platform to share their stories. What started as

an initiative to connect with fellow veterans has grown into a

full-fledged resource, with experts offering valuable advice on topics

like entrepreneurship, writing, music, and more. Rich explains how the

podcast helps veterans stay connected, providing them with insights and

support that can be life-changing. His mission is to prevent veterans

from becoming statistics, particularly when it comes to veteran suicide,

by creating a space where they can find understanding and

encouragement.
Rich also teases upcoming episodes, including an

interview with Michelle Black, the author of Sacrifice, which promises

to be another inspiring conversation. This episode serves as a reminder

to reach out for support, stay connected with others in the veteran

community, and stack small victories as you transition into civilian

life.
Action Items:
- Check out the Misfit Nation Podcast for more insightful conversations and advice on transitioning and veteran-related topics.
- Reach out to the veteran community if you’re struggling—remember, no one should go through it alone.
- Stack small victories each day, and learn from your failures instead of letting them hold you back.

Connect with Rich LaMonica:
Visit the Misfit Nation website: https://www.themisfitnation.com/
Resources:
Hire Heroes USA: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/
Mission Continues: https://www.missioncontinues.org/

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network.

Together, we can foster a stronger, more supportive community for all

veterans. Let’s continue to learn from each other and grow stronger as

we navigate life after service.

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #MisfitNation #VeteranTransition #ArmyVeteran
#VeteranPodcast #VeteransHelpingVeterans #MissionContinues #Resilience #StackSmallVictories #VeteranCommunity

founder and CEO of Talents Ascend, a platform designed to help veterans,

military spouses, and other underserved communities transition into

meaningful civilian careers. Robyn shares her personal journey as a Navy

veteran and the inspiration behind Talents Ascend, emphasizing the

importance of a skills-based approach to job seeking.
Robyn

discusses the challenges veterans face in translating their military

skills into civilian job opportunities and the inefficiencies of

traditional resume-based hiring processes. With over 200 employers and

thousands of candidates using the Talents Ascend platform, Robyn

explains how they match military skills with job profiles created by

small businesses, offering a more effective and inclusive way to connect

talent with opportunity.
She highlights the positive changes in

the workforce, such as the rise of remote work and the influence of

younger generations, and stresses the importance of a human-centered,

skills-based approach to hiring. Tune in to learn how Talents Ascend is

making a difference in reducing veteran unemployment and underemployment

rates, while helping businesses tap into a diverse and skilled talent

pool.
Key Takeaways:
- The challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian careers
- The inefficiencies of traditional hiring processes and the need for a skills-based approach
- How Talents Ascend connects veterans and other underserved communities with small businesses
- The impact of COVID-19 on workforce dynamics and remote work opportunities
- Robyn’s personal motivations and the broader impact of employment challenges

Action Items:
- Create a profile on Talents Ascend’s website
- Connect with a veteran at a company of interest for hiring insights
- Explore Talents Ascend’s 5 tips for implementing a skills-based hiring approach

Resources:
Talents Ascend Website - https://talentsascend.com/
Talents Ascend LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentsascend/posts/?feedView=all

Subscribe, like, and share for more episodes of VET S.O.S. and

follow the journey of veterans and others navigating their career

transitions!

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #Veterans #SkillsBasedHiring #MilitaryTransition

#VeteranEmployment #MilitarySpouses #UnderservedCommunities

#CareerTransition #RemoteWork #SmallBusinessHiring #TalentsAscend

Doolen, a U.S. Army veteran and expert recruiter at Movement Search and

Delivery, who has dedicated his career to guiding veterans and

transitioning service members toward meaningful civilian employment.
Drawing

from his own journey from the Quartermaster Corps in the First Infantry

Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, to becoming a leading advocate in the

recruiting industry, Jon shares invaluable insights and practical

strategies to help veterans bridge the gap between military service and

civilian careers.
🔍 Key Topics Covered:
✅ Resume Mastery: How

to craft a resume that stands out by tailoring it to specific job

descriptions, using the right keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking

Systems), and highlighting your value to potential employers.
✅

Certifications that Matter: Why certifications like PMP (Project

Management Professional) and others are critical in translating military

experience into civilian job readiness—and how to choose the right ones

for your career path.
✅ Mock Interviews & Coaching: Jon’s proven

mock interview process that helps veterans practice real-world

interview scenarios, build confidence, and sharpen their communication

skills.
✅ Translating Military Skills: Practical tips for converting

military roles and terminology into civilian language that hiring

managers understand and value.
✅ Finding Purpose After Service: The

importance of aligning your passions and skills with career

opportunities to build a fulfilling and sustainable civilian life.
💡

Jon’s message is clear: Veterans have incredible skills and leadership

experience, but success in the civilian workforce requires strategic

preparation, self-reflection, and the right support.
🎯 Actionable Takeaways:
1️⃣ Connect with Jon Doolen for one-on-one coaching, resume reviews, and personalized career guidance.
2️⃣ Pursue industry-recognized certifications that align with your career goals.
3️⃣ Refine your resume and interview skills to confidently compete in the job market.
4️⃣ Discover your true purpose and align it with meaningful work in the civilian world.
🔗 Connect with Jon Doolen:
🌐 Website: https://getdoolen.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doolen-strategy-partners/posts/?feedView=all
📢 Don’t Miss Out!
If

you’re ready to take control of your career transition, this episode is

your roadmap to success. Hit LIKE, drop a COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for

more expert advice, inspiring stories, and valuable resources for

veterans navigating civilian life.
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode that could change your future!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #VeteranSuccess #JobSearchStrategies #PMPCertification

#VeteranEmpowerment #VeteranSupport #CareerTransition

#MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranJobs #JonDoolen #ResumeTips

#MilitaryTransition #VeteranAdvocate #JobSearchSuccess

retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Chris Roness, founder of Chris Roness

Enterprises and creator of the transformative human performance and

mindfulness system, "You Matter." Known by his call sign "Switch," Chris

shares his extraordinary journey from enlisting in the Air Force to

becoming a Special Operations helicopter pilot and officer. His path

wasn’t easy—facing early challenges like vision setbacks—but his

resilience and determination led him to serve for 27 years in elite

roles.
Following the tragic loss of six of his brothers-in-arms

to suicide within four months, Chris dedicated himself to addressing

veteran mental health through proactive, life-affirming strategies. His

mission is clear: to shift the focus from simply preventing suicide to

teaching veterans how to truly live their lives with purpose and

passion.
🛠️ Key Topics Explored:
- Chris’s Military Journey:

Overcoming personal and professional challenges, rising through the

ranks to lead in Special Operations.
- The "You Matter" System: A

holistic framework designed to help veterans assess and improve their

well-being across seven core areas:
- Purpose – Finding meaning beyond service
- Environment – Creating supportive spaces
- People – Building trustworthy relationships
- Provision – Managing finances and resources
- Physical Health – Maintaining physical wellness
- Psychological Health – Prioritizing mental health
- Pastimes/Possessions – Engaging in fulfilling activities
- Innovative Tools: The "Gas Gage" and "Get Awesome Scale" help veterans measure and manage their well-being in real-time.
-

Lifeguards & Confidants: The critical role of trusted individuals

("lifeguards") in providing support during personal crises.
- Storytelling for Healing: How sharing personal stories fosters resilience, self-discovery, and emotional connection.
-

Rethinking Military Culture: Advocating for a cultural shift in the

Department of Defense to prioritize the human aspect of its force.

Chris also hints at his exciting "We Bus" program, a community-driven

initiative focused on outreach and storytelling, which will be explored

in greater depth in a future episode.
💡 This episode is a

must-watch for veterans, military families, and anyone passionate about

mental health, resilience, and purposeful living.
Connect with Chris Roness: https://youmatr.org/
🔔

Subscribe to the VET S.O.S. YouTube Channel for more stories,

strategies, and resources to empower veterans and their families.

👍 Like this video to support our mission.

💬 Comment below: Share your thoughts or ask Chris a question for future episodes!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #ResilienceTraining

#MindfulnessForVeterans #VeteranEmpowerment #Veterans #MentalHealth

#YouMatter #Mindfulness #MilitaryTransition #Resilience #ChrisRoness

#VeteranSupport #MilitaryWellness #SuicidePrevention

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

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

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