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

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

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

with Chris Lancia, a Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellow and decorated

U.S. Army veteran with over 25 years of service. Chris offers a deep

dive into the Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship Program, an

innovative 12-month paid initiative that equips veterans with the skills

and experience needed to transition into impactful roles within state

government.
Chris breaks down the program's structured

three-phase approach: first, fellows immerse themselves in understanding

the inner workings of state government operations; second, they tackle

significant project work that shapes public policy and state services;

and finally, they transition into full-time employment roles,

contributing their military-honed leadership skills to the civilian

workforce. This state-funded program is designed to eliminate financial

barriers, making the transition smoother for veterans.
Chris

emphasizes the importance of executive coaching, mentorship, and

professional development tailored to veterans. These components help

fellows overcome common challenges such as cultural fit, professional

networking, and navigating civilian workplace expectations. He also

discusses the vision to expand this successful model to local

governments across Tennessee and potentially nationwide.
Beyond

the fellowship, Chris reflects on his diverse military career—from Black

Hawk crew chief to logistics and public affairs officer with the elite

1/60 Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He shares his impactful work

with nonprofit organizations like the George W. Bush Institute and the

Travis Manion Foundation, and his co-founding of Grid Square Recon LLC,

which connects military families with local resources.
Chris

passionately highlights the need for veterans to build and lean on

strong support networks, engage in mentorship opportunities, and invest

in their communities to ensure a successful and fulfilling transition to

civilian life.
Don't miss this in-depth conversation about

veteran leadership, community impact, and how innovative programs like

the Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship are paving the way for

veterans to continue serving in meaningful roles. Discover how you can

support or replicate this initiative in your own community!
Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories and veteran resources!

Connect with Chris Lancia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lancia/
Learn more about the Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship Program:
https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us/governor-s-veteran-fellowship.html
Follow VET S.O.S.: https://vetsospodcast.com

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #VETSOS

#TennesseeVeterans #MilitarySupport #Leadership #VeteranFellowship

#CommunitySupport #VeteranLeadership #VeteranTransition

#MilitaryToCivilian #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranSupport

#GovFellowship #MilitaryCareers #VeteranLeadership #CommunityImpact

#VETSOSPodcast

Brew sit down with Lori Norris, the dynamic host of the Lessons Learned

for Vets podcast and a leading authority on veteran career transitions.

With nearly two decades of experience helping service members and

veterans successfully navigate the civilian workforce, Lori shares

invaluable strategies to help you thrive after military service.
Lori

discusses her journey from a hiring manager in retail to becoming a

dedicated advocate for veterans, sharing how her volunteer work at Luke

Air Force Base in 2005 sparked her mission to teach job search skills,

resume writing, and career development. She dives deep into the

challenges veterans face when translating military experience into

civilian terms and offers actionable advice on how to adapt to the

language and expectations of the private sector.
🚀 Exclusive

Insight: Lori introduces her highly anticipated online course, "Next for

Vets," designed to guide veterans through crafting powerful resumes

that pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eyes of hiring

managers.
Throughout the episode, Lori emphasizes that career

transition isn't just about landing a job—it’s about continuous growth,

mental and emotional wellness, and building a sustainable, fulfilling

career.
Whether you’re preparing for separation, actively

transitioning, or seeking to level up your civilian career, this episode

is packed with expert advice and inspiration to help you take control

of your post-military future.
🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to VET S.O.S. for more empowering stories and resources for veterans!
🔗 Connect with Lori Norris:
🎧 Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast: https://www.nextforvets.com/podcast
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinorris/
📲 Stay Connected with VET S.O.S.:
📺 Subscribe to VET S.O.S.: https://vetsospodcast.com
💬 Share your thoughts below!
What’s been your biggest challenge in transitioning to civilian life? Drop your comments and let’s continue the conversation!
#VETSOS

#VeteranTransition #LoriNorris #LessonsLearnedForVets

#MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranCareers #NextForVets #VeteranSuccess

#ResumeWriting #JobSearchTips #ResumeWritingTips #JobSearchStrategies

#CareerTransition #VeteranSupport #VETSOSPodcast

and Eric Brew engage in an in-depth conversation with Army veteran and

dedicated mental health advocate Manny Vera. Manny shares his inspiring

journey from serving as a Military Police officer to transitioning into

law enforcement and ultimately finding his calling as a military peer

recovery specialist at Here Tomorrow, a nonprofit based in Neptune

Beach, Florida.
Manny bravely opens up about his personal battles

with mental health, including experiences with depression and substance

misuse, and sheds light on the stigma surrounding mental health in the

military community. He discusses the challenges veterans face when

seeking help, the fear of jeopardizing their careers, and the

often-overlooked obstacles in the military-to-civilian transition

process, such as inadequate resume training and job search guidance.
Here

Tomorrow stands as a beacon of hope for veterans and first responders

by offering free, non-clinical peer support and access to therapy. Manny

explains how peer support plays a critical role in creating a safe,

understanding space for individuals in need. The organization provides

various specialized support groups, including general mental health,

LGBTQ+ support, veteran and first responder groups, and even music

therapy sessions designed to foster healing and community connection.
Looking

ahead, Here Tomorrow is ambitiously expanding its services to include a

teen support program aimed at addressing mental health struggles in

younger populations. Manny emphasizes the importance of community

involvement, donations, and partnerships with local veteran

organizations to help sustain and grow these essential services. He

passionately encourages listeners to take proactive steps to support

mental health initiatives and to share Here Tomorrow's mission with

those who may need it most.
Action Items:
- Reach out to local

veteran organizations like the American Legion to spread awareness

about Here Tomorrow’s life-changing services.
- Donate to Here Tomorrow to help expand their mental health programs and sustain their impactful work.
- Follow Here Tomorrow on Instagram and other social media platforms for updates, resources, and opportunities to get involved.
Learn more about Here Tomorrow: https://heretomorrow.org/
If

you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach

out. You are not alone. There is hope, and help is here.
#MentalHealthAwareness

#VeteransSupport #HereTomorrow #VETSOS #MentalHealthMatters

#SuicidePrevention #VeteranAdvocate #FirstResponderSupport #PeerSupport

#CommunityHealing #MilitaryMentalHealth #EndTheStigma #CommunityHealing

into the world of cybersecurity and how veterans can successfully

transition into this high-demand field. Joining them are two industry

leaders: Gunnar Kallstrom, a cyber team lead and former Army musician,

and Keith Cassant, a veteran employment program manager at the

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
🚀 Gunnar’s Journey:
After

serving 15 years in the Army, Gunnar faced uncertainty about his next

step. Through the Army Transition Assistance Program, he discovered

cybersecurity as a promising career path. Gunnar enrolled in a

four-month online cybersecurity program while still in service and later

completed 800 hours of intensive training through the Cyber Warrior

Academy. His dedication paid off—Gunnar secured a cybersecurity role

before graduating. He shares how continuous learning, hands-on practice,

and home labs like Hack The Box and TryHackMe helped him bridge the gap

between theory and real-world cybersecurity challenges.
💼 Keith’s Expertise in Veteran Career Development:
With

over 22 years of military experience, Keith understands the struggles

of career reinvention firsthand. In his dual role at CISA, he focuses on

veteran outreach, mentorship, and connecting veterans with

cybersecurity opportunities. Keith highlights the importance of building

a "board of advisors" for guidance, narrowing your career focus, and

balancing certifications, experience, and education for success.
Keith

also introduces the CISA Cyber Career Pathway Tool, a powerful resource

that helps veterans explore cybersecurity career paths based on their

skills and interests. This tool breaks down job roles, necessary skills,

and growth opportunities, making it easier to map out a clear and

achievable path into cybersecurity.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- The importance of making intentional career decisions and creating a focused transition plan.
- How to leverage military skills like discipline, problem-solving, and adaptability in cybersecurity roles.
- The value of mentorship through platforms like Veterati and professional networks.
-

The need for continuous learning with resources like home labs, free

online tools, and certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Certified

Ethical Hacker (CEH)).
- How the CISA Cyber Career Pathway Tool can help veterans find their place in cybersecurity.

📌 Action Items for Listeners:
✅ Explore the CISA Cyber Career Pathway Tool to discover cybersecurity roles aligned with your skills.
✅ Connect with Gunnar Kallstrom and Keith Cassant on LinkedIn for mentorship and guidance.
✅ Start learning now with platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and earn key cybersecurity certifications.
✅ Join veteran-focused mentorship platforms like Veterati for personalized guidance.
🔗 Helpful Links:
🔹 CISA: https://www.cisa.gov/
🔹 Connect with Gunnar Kallstrom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunnar-kallstrom/
🔹 Connect with Keith Cassant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcassant/
🔹 Cyber Warrior Academy: https://www.cyberwarrior.com/
🔥

Ready to make your move into cybersecurity? This episode is packed with

real-world advice, practical resources, and insider insights to help

you start strong.
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more expert advice on transitioning from military service to civilian careers!
#VETSOS

#Cybersecurity #MilitaryTransition #VeteransInTech #CISA #CyberCareer

#Mentorship #VeteranSupport #CyberWarriorAcademy #CareerChange

#CybersecurityCareers #CybersecurityTraining #CISACareers

#TechForVeterans #CyberCareerPath #MentorshipMatters

sit down with Jim Zenner, the Director of Military and Veteran Affairs

for Los Angeles County. Jim shares his inspiring journey from serving in

the U.S. Army to becoming a leading advocate for veterans' mental

health and homelessness support. His firsthand experience of overcoming

adversity fuels his passion for creating impactful programs that support

veterans' reintegration into civilian life.
Jim opens up about

his personal struggles after transitioning out of the military,

including experiencing homelessness, and how these challenges fueled his

passion to help other veterans. He discusses groundbreaking initiatives

like the Veteran Peer Access Network, which leverages the lived

experiences of veterans to connect peers with mental health resources,

and the Skill Bridge program, providing veterans with invaluable career

opportunities in local government.
Jim also emphasizes the

critical need for stronger partnerships between the VA and county

governments to bridge service gaps. He advocates for the development of a

national toolkit designed to streamline collaboration and expand

services for veterans nationwide. Additionally, Jim shares his vision

for a community speaker series aimed at fostering engagement and support

for veterans across Los Angeles County.
Key topics covered:
• Jim's transition from military service to veteran advocacy
• Addressing homelessness and mental health challenges among veterans
• Collaboration between the VA and county governments to enhance veteran care
• The importance of the Veteran Peer Access Network and Skill Bridge program
• Advocating for a national toolkit to improve county-VA collaboration
• Engaging veterans through a dynamic community speaker series
Join

us for this impactful conversation and discover how Jim Zenner is

leading efforts to provide comprehensive support for veterans in Los

Angeles County. Gain insight into how collaboration, innovative

programs, and community involvement are transforming the lives of

veterans.
▶️ Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories from VET S.O.S.!
#VETSOS

#VeteransSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranAdvocacy #JimZenner

#MilitaryTransition #VeteranResources #VeteranPeerAccess

#HomelessVeterans #SkillBridge #VeteranAffairs #CommunitySupport

#VeteranLeadership #EndVeteranHomelessness #SkillBridgeProgram

#VeteranPeerSupport #MilitaryToCivilian #CommunityForVeterans

Connect with:

Jim Zenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-zenner-46996435/
Military Veteran Affairs LA County: https://mva.lacounty.gov/

Stay connected with VET S.O.S.: https://vetsospodcast.com