Vets And Badges

 Would Rather Die Than Quit: A 56 green beret ‘s Code for Success | MAJ Dan Kronz, 7th Group.

What keeps a green beret driving forward when his body and mind are broken? MAJ Daniel “Dan” Kronz, U.S. Army special forces (7th Special Forces Group), shares his veteran stories from 9/11 inspiration to combat and back — and the code that refused to let him quit.

Inspired at 13 by September 11th, Dan earned his Green Beret through the Q-Course and Ranger School — including getting hit by 30-40 hornets and refusing to quit. He deployed with the 10th Mountain Division and army special forces to South America on counter-narco missions and to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, one of the war’s highest-casualty zones.

Dan breaks down resilience under fire, the reality of TBI, 60 ptsd veteran struggles, and tbi recovery — and how that lived experience fuels his mission now with Sharp Performance: coaching veterans and first responders on wellness, self-regulation, and first responder mental health.

Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science. This is Vets and Badges.

Learn more: Sharp Performance: https://www.sharpperformance.com/

Subscribe for weekly veteran stories + the science of leadership under pressure.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Cold Open: Rather Die Than Quit

01:37 Inspired by 9/11 at 13

02:58 Q-Course: Hardest Challenge to Become green beret

03:22 Ranger School: Hornets Couldn’t Make Him Quit

08:21 First Deployment: 10th Mountain Division

08:47 Earning His Place in 7th Group

10:21 South America Counter-Narco Ops

14:03 Helmand Province: Leading in Combat

18:45 Afghanistan Withdrawal: Purpose Tested

20:40 TBI, Injury and the Road to Recovery

23:32 Sharp Performance: Coaching Veterans & First Responders

25:58 Suicide Prevention and Lived Experience

🎙️ Podcast Description

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

US Army LTC. Mike Hogan (Ret) describes what it was like inside the Pentagon on 9/11 after American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building.

WATCH THE REST OF THE CONVERSATION:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAVdyrW7Q7o

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

Experience the raw reality of the Battle of Ramadi through the eyes of US Army MAJ Miguel N. Sanata (Ret) depicted in his newly released bool titled “Unheard Voices The Battle For Ramadi – A Soldier’s Memoir From Combat Outpost Falcon.

For those studying Iraq war history, this conversation provides a firsthand look at the high-stakes decisions made on the ground alongside company leadership.

Hearing these combat veteran stories offers crucial perspective on the pressure of active duty engagements. We focus on the tactical environment and the human element of service, providing a clear picture of what transpired during this critical deployment.

Subscribe for veteran experience breakdowns and comment below on which historical engagements you want us to cover next.

Chapters:

00:00 – The Firefight in Missoula Talafa

03:28 – Leadership and Camaraderie in Combat

07:40 – The Importance of Writing a Memoir

09:47 – The Role of the Infantry in Combat

17:41 – Mechanized Infantry and Tactical Advantages

22:51 – The Symbiotic Relationship in Combat

24:44 – Inside the Infantry Experience

28:34 – The Burden of Leadership

29:57 – Individual Experiences in Combat

32:21 – The Importance of Soldier Welfare

36:01 – Technology’s Role in Modern Warfare

40:03 – Filling the Gaps in Military History 4

1:05 -A Soldier’s Memoir: Unheard Voices

For more about “Unheard Voices The Battle For Ramadi – A Soldier’s Memoir From Combat Outpost Falcon” VISIT:

https://www.MiguelNSantana.com

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING – a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB – 2026

Hear Sergeant Major Tamir Ransom discuss the realities of veteran transition. Learn how to manage the shift from service to civilian life.

Sergeant Major Tamir Ransom shares his personal journey after retiring as an EOD specialist. This conversation covers the mental hurdles of leaving the military and the process of redefining personal identity outside of uniform. For those currently navigating military retirement or supporting someone who is, Ransom provides honest perspective on confronting buried emotions and finding purpose after a long career in service.

As the first African American in Special Forces operational detachments, Ransom offers a unique viewpoint on service and leadership. He explains how his historic role shaped his outlook on his current work in veteran support. Whether you are facing your own veteran transition or simply interested in the life of a decorated veteran, this interview offers clear takeaways on resilience.

Subscribe for weekly veteran experience breakdowns and comment below on which transition topic you want us to cover next.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Journey of Identity After Service

02:48 - EOD Training and Mindset

06:08 - Confronting Fear and Radical Acceptance

08:46 - Coping Mechanisms and Mental Resilience

12:13 - Experiences in EOD School and Deployments

15:02 - Understanding the Enemy and Post-Blast Analysis

17:58 - Life in Afghanistan and Syria

21:02 - The Aftermath of War and Mental Health

24:01 - Advice for Fellow Veterans

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

AB - 2026

He survived over 40 concussions, failed Special Forces selection twice, and still made it into Delta Force. In this episode, SGM Taamir Ransome sits down with Robert Asencio to unpack what the military doesn’t prepare you for: the war that starts after the uniform comes off.

From growing up on the streets of Newark to leading operators in combat, Ransome breaks down moral injury, the stigma that keeps veterans and first responders silent, and why he believes veterans “aren’t broken — we’re changed.” This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about trust, trauma, and what real reintegration actually requires.

Ransome is the author of “Mind of a Soldier: 34 Laws for the War After the War,” written to help veterans, first responders, and the employers and families around them understand what reintegration really looks like. – https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Soldier-Laws-War-After/dp/B0GSRYS5B5

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Finding Purpose in Protecting Others

00:14 What Is Moral Injury? (Not What Clinicians Think)

01:45 Balancing the Scales: Mentoring the Next Generation

02:09 The Hero-or-Villain Myth: How America Misunderstands Veterans

04:34 Why Cops & Soldiers Hide Their Struggles

05:04 Peer Support vs. Traditional Therapy — Why Trust Matters

07:39 Officer vs. NCO: Who’s Really the Better Leader?

09:29 The “Ambush” Effect: Why Asking for Help Feels Like a Trap

11:09 From Newark Streets to the Military: His Origin Story

17:20 Hardwired for Success: How Structure Saved His Life

19:40 Failing Selection, Reclassifying, and Earning His Spot

22:03 An Intimate Relationship With Death

27:39 40+ Concussions: Living With the Physical Toll

29:58 Mindset, Resilience, and Finding Grace

32:01 Finding Humor in Combat

34:22 Inside “Mind of a Soldier”: Why He Wrote the Book

35:35 “We’re Not Broken, We’re Changed” — The Truth About Reintegration

37:50 Closing Thoughts

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING – a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

VAB - 2026

Get an inside look at tax secrets for the ultra-wealthy. Learn

how high net worth tax planning works for celebrities and sports owners.

Earle Ford shares his journey - from US Army veteran to state prosecutor to IRS Attorney assigned to the IRS Estate and Gift Trust Program.

Working in tax at the highest level involves far more than just filling out forms. This perspective covers the reality of handling assets for movie stars, sports team owners, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. If you have ever considered a career in high net worth tax or wondered how top-tier firms manage the portfolios of the world's most famous people, this breakdown provides the necessary context.

We discuss the unique pressures and environments, such as meeting clients near Mar-a-Lago, that come with billionaire accounting. You will understand how celebrity tax returns differ from standard filings and why the attention to detail required in this field is unmatched. This is an honest look at the professional demands of wealth management career paths.

Subscribe for weekly career breakdowns, and comment which industry role you want to hear about next

Chapters:

00:00 - Exploring the World of High Net Worth Taxation

02:58 - The Role of the IRS in Estate and Gift Tax

05:59 - Challenges in Tax Enforcement for the Wealthy

09:05 - From Law School to IRS: A Personal Journey

12:07 - Military Service and Its Impact on Career Choices

14:59 - Values of Service and Commitment to Country

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

Are you treating traumatic brain injury as a mental health issue? Learn why brain imaging is critical for veterans and first responders and HBOT is proving to make a life saving difference.

Many professionals face high-risk environments that can cause lasting physical damage. This discussion clarifies why the brain is often misdiagnosed when symptoms appear. We examine the physiological reality of brain health, specifically how the organ's fragile consistency makes it susceptible to injury during service-related activities.

Understanding the physical nature of traumatic brain injury changes how we approach recovery. By prioritizing proper brain imaging before assuming a mental health diagnosis, veterans and first responders can better advocate for their long-term wellness. Knowing the difference between psychological and physical trauma is the first step toward effective care.

Definition of HBOT: Hyperbarric Chamber Oxygen Therapy

Chapters:

00:00 - Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries in Veterans

03:07 - The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

06:09 -The Impact of Brain Imaging on Treatment

08:50 - Personal Stories and Experiences with TBI

12:10 - Addressing Mental Health and Behavioral Issues

15:10 - The Need for Awareness and Diagnosis

18:06 - The Journey of Healing and Hope

21:04 - The Future of Treatment and Support

Takeaways:

-The brain is fragile and can be injured easily.

-Many veterans are misdiagnosed with mental health issues instead of TBIs.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can aid in brain healing.

-Brain imaging is crucial for understanding TBIs.

-Veterans often feel hopeless due to lack of diagnosis.

-There is a significant reduction in suicidal thoughts after treatment.

-The 22 Project aims to reduce veteran suicides through effective treatment.

-Personal experiences can shape understanding and empathy in treatment.

-Community support is vital for veterans' recovery.

-Awareness and education about TBIs are essential for better outcomes.

The 22 Project:

https://support22project.org/

About Ashley Williams, LCSW:

https://www.ashleywilliamslcsw.com/

About Vets And Badges Host:

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

What does it take to forge an elite warrior — and what does neuroscience reveal about that transformation?

U.S. Army Special Forces CPT Benjamin Harrow joins Robert Asencio and Dr. Pamela Seraphine for a conversation that goes beyond the battlefield. Dr. Pamela Seraphine decodes the neuroscience behind CPT Harrow's evolution of excellence — from the mental crucible of Special Forces selection to the leadership wiring built under pressure.This is more than a veteran's story. It's a master class in resilience, identity, and the science of what the human brain does under extraordinary stress.

🧠 In This Episode

- How Special Forces training rewires the brain for sustained high performance

- The neuroscience of identity: Why CPT Harrow's evolution mirrors what Dr. - Seraphine calls "the warrior transformation arc"

- What sacrifice, dedication, and service actually look like at the cellular level

- The leadership lessons that don't show up in a military manual

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 From Hockey to Heroism

02:48 The Journey of a Green Beret

06:06 Overcoming Adversity and Identity

08:52 The Evolution of Excellence

11:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience

14:47 Building a New Life After Injury

18:04 The Importance of Support Systems

21:00 Patient Zero: A Journey of Recovery

23:55 The Role of Spirituality in Healing

27:00 Teaching the Next Generation

30:10 The Impact of Love and Family

32:49 Conclusion and Reflections

About Ben’s military service:

How The US Special Forces Actually Work | Authorized Account | Insider

https://youtu.be/UNbuDKQTgRg?si=JRW19cFci2lm6BEH

CPT Ben Harrow Final Cut #1million

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYBAorEedlU&t=11s

👥 About Your Hosts:

Robert Asencio — Retired Police Captain, Army Veteran, Former Florida State Representative

Dr. Pamela Seraphine — Neuroscientist & Science Officer, decoding the "why" behind the story

Follow us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, IHEART @VetsAndBadges

Real Heroes. Real Science.#specialforces

#GreenBeret #VeteranPodcast #CPTBenHarrow #MilitaryMindset #Neuroscience #VetsAndBadges #ArmyVeteran #EliteSoldier #ResilienceUnderFire

🔥 Core: special forces, green beret, army special forces, veteran podcast, military mindset

🎯 Growth: special forces mindset, neuroscience of leadership, elite soldier, military leadership, army veteran story📈 Long-tail: CPT Ben Harrow, evolution of excellence, special forces training, veteran resilience, Dr Pamela Seraphine, Vets and Badges, combat veteran interview, PTSD neuroscience, warrior transformation

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

Walk for Mental Health Awareness. Fun for all at LoanDepot Park, Miami. Join us May 16, 2026, in the fight break the stigma and help others.

Susan Holton, CEO of NAMI Miami, discusses the event's details, community involvement, and the importance of donations to support mental health initiatives. The dialogue emphasizes the collective effort needed to address mental health challenges and recognizes the unsung heroes in the community who contribute to this cause.

About Vets And Badges Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026

When a Dog Becomes a Lifeline: A Gulf War Veteran's Incredible Recovery — this is the true story of Allen Parton, a Royal Naval Officer who suffered a catastrophic traumatic brain injury during the 1991 Gulf War that left him unable to walk, speak, or even recognize his own wife and children — and how an unlikely Labrador named Endal gave him back his life, his love, and his reason to live.

In this deeply personal conversation, Allen shares how the TBI stripped him of all four core human emotions — love, hate, happiness, and sadness — and pushed him to the edge of survival twice. Then a dog that was failing his own assistance training walked across a room and placed something in Alan’s lap. What happened next is one of the most remarkable stories of healing, devotion, and the bond between human and animal you will ever hear.

Endal didn’t just assist Allen — he saved him from a hit-and-run accident, became his best man at his remarriage (with special permission from the Queen of England), and over 13 years, taught a man who had lost the ability to feel, how to love again.

Allen Parton is now the founder of Hounds for Heroes, a UK charity providing assistance dogs to injured veterans and frontline responders — turning his personal miracle into a movement.

🐾 If you've ever witnessed or experienced the healing power of an animal, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Robert Asencio — retired Police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran.

👩‍🔬 Co-hosted by Laura Spearium, Founder of Connecting Minds Miami.

🎖️ Guest: Allen Parton — Gulf War Veteran, TBI survivor, founder of Hounds for Heroes.

📌 Topics covered: veteran mental health • PTSD recovery • traumatic brain injury • service dog stories • military documentary • disability awareness • trauma recovery • Hounds for Heroes

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio

🔗 Learn more about Hounds for Heroes:

https://www.houndsforheroes.com/about-us/our-history

Chapters:

00:00 The Story That Changed Everything

01:20 Welcome: Hosts & Guest Introduction

02:15 27 Years in the Royal Navy — Then the Gulf War

03:17 The Injury: Losing Memory, Family & All Emotion

04:00 Rock Bottom: Two Suicide Attempts & Why He Survived04:49 The Chance Encounter: Meeting Endal

07:11 The Moment Alan Smiled for the First Time

07:23 Living with TBI: Groundhog Day, Every Day

09:23 How a Dog Taught a Man to Speak Again

11:07 "I Don't Know When Alan Ended and Endal Started"

12:07 Dogs on the Tarmac: Marines Crying Into a Dog's Neck

13:30 Endal Saves Allen’s Life: The Hit-and-Run Incident

14:03 The Victoria Cross: World's Most Decorated Dog

15:57 Remarried — With the Queen's Permission, Endal as Best Man

17:44 Endal Jr. & Endal III: The Legacy Continues

18:23 Hounds for Heroes: Turning His Miracle Into a Movement

20:19 The Power of Empathy Over Sympathy

21:19 Allen’s Message to Every Veteran Watching

22:10 Closing & Where to Find Vets and Badges

Resources:

About Allen Parton's story:

"The Secret Life of Dogs" Clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8UfB02Uudg

The Dog That Saved Our Marriage - Part 1 Of 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ8Anc5LRcc

Part 2 of 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYyyr2G2H4o&t=1s

Part 3 of 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZD5fpX9k94&t=1s

Part 4 of 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SmfED0bp0c&t=2s

Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders.

For more visit:

https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/

[email protected]

https://www.VetsAndBadges.com

VAB - 2026