On this episode of the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, part of the VET S.O.S. Network, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Jake Dyal, CEO and co-founder of Certis Core. Jake combines a distinguished military career with expertise in defense technology, building AI-driven solutions that are transforming how the Department of Defense uses robotics, data, and automation.

Jake shares candid insights on:

• The three biggest lessons from his transition out of the military

• Why he chose entrepreneurship over government contracting

• How Certis Core is solving real defense challenges with AI and data fusion

• The struggles of leadership, co-founder changes, and startup uncertainty

• His advice to veterans considering entrepreneurship

Whether you’re a veteran navigating transition, an entrepreneur building in defense tech, or simply curious about the future of AI in national security, this episode delivers valuable lessons and inspiration.

🎙️ Follow the VET S.O.S. Network on all major platforms to hear more veteran stories and entrepreneurial spotlights.

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranEntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #DefenseTechnology #AIForDefense #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurInsights #GrabTheLifeline

Guest: Jenna Griffith — military & first-responder spouse, author of Service & Soul, speaker, and workshop leader.

Episode in a Sentence: Transition isn’t “back to normal”—it’s a whole new mission. Jenna shares how spouses can navigate identity shifts, heal past wounds, and rediscover purpose through community, faith, and practical tools.

What We Cover

• Honest look at spouse-side transition: fear, identity, resentment

• Tools to stop self-sabotage and reframe limiting beliefs

• Building a tribe that can handle the “messy middle”

• What Service & Soul workshops look like (for spouses and couples)

• How Jenna mapped and wrote her first book (bootcamp method)

Connect with Jenna

• serviceandsoul.com

• [email protected]

• IG: @ms.jennagriffith

Support the Show

• Affiliated with The Neil Haley Show

• Sponsored by Spirit Point Solutions — www.spiritpointonline.com (code VETSOS)

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Army veteran Angeletha Long turned decades of logistics and operations into a thriving group-travel and retreat business. In this VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, Angeletha explains how she plans “door-to-destination” experiences with military-grade precision—coordinating accessibility, dietary needs, and excursions that reinforce a team’s goals. She also opens up about the hardest parts of entrepreneurship (marketing yourself after OPSEC), the importance of mentors and community (ACP, Boots to Business, local chambers), and how she designed work that keeps her present for family.

• Military planning skills map directly to group travel and corporate retreats

• “Rank doesn’t carry over”—earn credibility from scratch

• Systems for special diets, accessibility, and purpose-built excursions

• Mentorship and training accelerate the learning curve (ACP, Boots to Business)

• Practical ways to show up on social without oversharing

Guest links
Website: mydreamvacationtravel.com | Phone: 478-334-0177
LinkedIn: Angeletha-Long | FB/IG: “Angeletha-Long Cruise Planners”

Sponsor
Spearpoint Solutions — spearpointonline.com (use code VET SOS)

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Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.

#VeteranPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #TravelConcierge #BusinessRetreats #GroupTravel #MilitaryTransition #CruisePlanners #ACP #BootsToBusiness #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline

In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we welcome Rich Holley, a retired Navy air traffic controller turned financial literacy advocate. Rich is the creator of The Adventures of Buck Dollar—a children's book series and animated educational tool designed to teach kids how to save, invest, and build wealth from an early age.

Rich shares his personal journey from serving in the military to building a mission-driven business that empowers families to take control of their financial futures. Learn how he turned his frustration with adult financial habits into a movement that starts with children. With the motto "Spend some, save some, so you always have some," Rich is helping shape the next generation of financially confident kids.

He’s sold over 2,500 books, created a financial wellness journal, and now travels across the country delivering powerful assemblies and workshops for schools and colleges. This is an episode filled with purpose, passion, and practical advice.

🔗 Visit: buckdollar101.com
📲 Instagram: @buckdollar101

#VeteranEntrepreneur #FinancialLiteracy #MilitaryTransition #YouthEducation #MoneySkills #BuckDollar #KidsFinance #BuildWealth #LegacyBuilding #FinancialWellness #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we speak with Nicole (Pompei) Zettlemoyer—Marine and Air Force veteran, mom, and founder of Wreaths by Nicole P. What began as a creative way to repurpose an old uniform became a viral business now featured on major platforms like Fox News and CBS.

Nicole discusses her dual-military transition, the inspiration behind her first wreath, and how she’s built a thriving company crafting military uniform keepsakes that preserve stories of service. With over 3,000 pieces made for veterans and Gold Star families across all 50 states, Nicole's work goes far beyond décor—it's about legacy, honor, and healing.

🎙️ Don’t miss this powerful story of transformation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Visit: www.wreathsbynicholep.com
Follow: @wreathsbynicholep on Instagram and Facebook
Subscribe to more VET S.O.S. episodes at vetsospodcast.com
#VeteranEntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryUniformKeepsakes #VeteranOwnedBusiness #WomenInUniform #MilitaryMomsMatter #GoldStarFamilySupport #VeteranCreativity #WreathsByNicoleP #PostMilitaryLife #VETSOS

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jason West, founder of Officers Eat Last. Jason opens up about his transition journey, the unpredictability of entrepreneurship, and the life-changing impact of servant leadership.

Discover how he turned setbacks into strategy and how his consulting firm now helps business owners scale with intention and integrity. If you're a veteran looking to lead with purpose or launch your own venture, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now and grab the SOS lifeline!
🔗 officerseatlast.com | LinkedIn: Jason West

#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryLeadership #OfficersEatLast #ServantLeadership #VeteranPodcast #VetTransition #BusinessConsulting #LeadershipTraining #VeteransInBusiness #VetSOS

Renea Jones-Hudson, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Beyond the Uniform, joins the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight to share her story of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Discover how Renea transformed her military transition into a mission to help women veterans rediscover their voice, reframe their identity, and reintegrate with power and purpose.

From personal training to leadership coaching, Renea breaks down her OWNIT framework and reveals what it truly takes to lead yourself beyond the military. This episode is essential listening for women veterans seeking clarity, community, and a plan to move forward.

🎯 Beyond the Uniform: reneajoneshudson.com
📲 Follow her @renejoneshudson on all social platforms

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurship #WomenVeteransLead #EmpowermentJourney #BeyondTheUniform #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranSupportNetwork #FemaleVeteransMatter #TransitionBlueprint #VeteranCoach #PostServicePurpose

U.S. Army veteran Sepi Browning joins Maurice Murphy on the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight to share her journey from military medic to founder of Brighthour HIT Consulting Corporation, a veteran-owned healthcare IT consulting firm.

Sepi explains how her military service shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges she faced entering the civilian workforce, and how she’s now leading digital transformation in hospitals and public health systems. She also highlights her new 501(c)(3), the Brighthour Foundation, providing scholarships and mentorship to future healthcare leaders.

This episode is a powerful look into the heart of a mission-driven veteran leader changing healthcare—one solution at a time.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Veteran-owned healthcare innovation

• Importance of networking in transition

• Building a purpose-driven consulting firm

• Launching a nonprofit for healthcare education

📍Connect with Sepi on LinkedIn
🌐 Visit: brighthour.net

🔗 Follow VET S.O.S. on social media: @vetsospodcast
🎙️ Listen to all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM

#VeteranOwnedBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInTech #MilitaryToCivilian #DigitalTransformation #HealthITConsulting #VeteranSupport #NonprofitLeadership #BrightHourHIT #VETSOS

Career counselor and veteran advocate Leora Opstelten joins host Maurice Murphy for a powerful conversation on navigating military transition through career clarity and purpose. Leora discusses building her remote business, the emotional impact of her late husband’s transition, and how she helps veterans translate military experience into fulfilling civilian careers.

Hear how Career Counseling by Leora offers flexible, personalized services that empower service members to explore new paths beyond their MOS—and beyond limiting beliefs.

Learn more at careercounselingbyleora.com
Follow VET S.O.S. on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn: @vetsospodcast
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Listen to all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM

#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #CareerCoaching #CareerClarity #MilitarySpouseSupport #VeteranMentalHealth #VeteranIdentity #PurposeAfterService #VetSuccess #VETSOS

Join Maurice Murphy on the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight as he interviews Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Strategic Safety and Security Group. From CPR and AED training to large-scale school safety solutions, Dr. Schwartz brings his military and law enforcement experience to the civilian world—empowering others to do the same.

This episode covers:

• The lessons Dr. Schwartz learned the hard way

• Resources every transitioning veteran should know about

• How his team built a one-stop shop for safety and security services

• Advice for aspiring veteran business owners

Connect with Strategic Safety and Security Group at www.sssgrp.net and follow Dr. Schwartz on LinkedIn.

🎙 Don’t miss it—subscribe to the VET S.O.S. podcast today!

#StrategicSafety #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToEntrepreneur #SelfDefenseTraining #SmallBusinessVeteran #VETSOS