"In 2023, I have so far won 3 gold medals and one silver along with winning gold in the Para Sport World Cup. Between 2018 and 2022, I won three National Championships, a gold medal in the 2020 Empire State Games, and two third place finishes at the World Cups in Germany and Lake Placid. I am currently the captain of Team USA and 2022-2023 over all World Champion. CURRENTLY RANKED #1 IN THE WORLD FOR PARA BOBSLED!" Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appre...
Jun 07, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 146
My name is Coach W.T. Walker (William Tyler), and I am from Northport, Alabama. I am a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School where I lettered in both football and track and field where I hold several records and I am also in the Wildcat Wall of Fame. I earned both a football and track and field scholarship where I played Junior College Football at East Central Community College in Decatur, MS and I competed in track and field at Stillman College where I was a hurdler, relay sprints, an...
May 31, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 145
Former US Army Infantry with a deployment to Iraq from 2005-2006. After returning home, they established themselves as a top-tier Strength and Conditioning Coach, USA Weightlifting Coach, and former MMA and Mauy Thai Fighter. In addition to their success in the fitness industry, they also pursued a career in HR and Recruiting, gaining 9 years of experience and currently serving as a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner. They answered a higher calling and became the Pastor of Oaks Community Church, ...
May 24, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 144
My name is Adam Gutierrez. I am the CAL band coach. I am a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2003-2009. I want to be here not only for your fitness needs but for any needs that may arise during your fitness journey. When Covid hit, I pivoted and changed not only my life but also my career to be more fitness forward and to help fellow veterans. I started by changing my diet and doing more mindfulness exercises. I attended FitOps camp this past August where I left a certified NETA personal trai...
May 17, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 143
"I served in the Infantry from 2006-2010. 2 tours to Iraq in 2006 and 2008. I went to college at Iowa Central Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. I’ve been working at Wells Fargo for the past 10 years. Hobbies mostly include fitness in some form or fashion! I’ve been in and out of the gym sporadically since high school. Over Covid I focused on running, I was running 5-7 miles every day. After getting burnt out, I did CrossFit for about 6 months and developed tendinitis in both...
May 10, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Chris Miller is a US Army Veteran who served from 2000-2008, with a tour as a Squad Leader for a Route Clearance Task Force in Ramadi, Iraq in 2007.He grew up in the St Louis, MO area, where he still resides with his wife and three kids. Since getting out of the Army, he has graduated college with a degree in Education, and was a teacher for 7 years. He has participated and volunteered with multiple veterans organizations for the past 10 years, and currently he works for Wounded Warrior Project ...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 141
Coach Viv Kolb and Head Coach Jeremiah Pauley will discuss body image with Program Director Melissa Leuck. Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org ....
Apr 26, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 140
Randy is a US Army Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and currently works as a Construction Project Manager. Randy was born into a cult, and escaped. He joined the military seeking structure, and purpose. Randy credits his service for giving him structure in life. Following his service, Randy attended school. Today, Randy works for Habitat Humanity, and is thankful to continue to serve his community in a new way. Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate y...
Apr 19, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Mark Koenig, Army Infantryman Veteran. Host of The RakkTalk Podcast, trying to bridge the gaps for Veterans and Services/programs we may have not known existed. Mark is a year two CAL Veteran Athlete! Click here to check out Mark's Podcast: The RakkTalk Podcast on Apple Podcasts ********************************************************* Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund a...
Apr 12, 2023•55 min
Hello, my name is Marcus Hayward, I am a wounded military veteran born and raised in New Jersey. I served in the US Army for 8 1/2 years. I joined the military back on February 24, 2004, I attend the Military Police school at Ft. Leonardwood Missouri. I graduate on July 2, 2004, I was then assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, Ft. Stewart, GA. I served as a Driver and Team Leader. In December 2005, I deployed to Mosul, Iraq in support of OIF. Well in Ira...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 137
I was born in price Utah on April 10, 1987 to Becky Martinez and Cliff Holstein, their marriage was short lived and they divorced when I was 3 years old. I lived with my mom for a year or so, but at that time my mom could no longer care for me. l ended up going to live with my grandparents, Nick and Mary Martinez, until I was 8 years old. My mom regained care of me and we moved to Trinidad, Colorado for about a year and half. That didn’t last long because my mom had issues with substance abuse a...
Mar 29, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 135
I was born in price Utah on April 10, 1987 to Becky Martinez and Cliff Holstein, their marriage was short lived and they divorced when I was 3 years old. I lived with my mom for a year or so, but at that time my mom could no longer care for me. l ended up going to live with my grandparents, Nick and Mary Martinez, until I was 8 years old. My mom regained care of me and we moved to Trinidad, Colorado for about a year and half. That didn’t last long because my mom had issues with substance abuse a...
Mar 22, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 134
"I served 6 years in the Army, active and Guard from Feb 88 to Jul 95. I trained most of my Army career as a Signal soldier, by the end I became a supply specialist. In Aug 95 I joined the Air Force National guard as a flight medic and was medically retired in November 2005, in total almost 18 years of service. I did two tours in Iraq. I came back home with a serious neck injury. I appeared like I had an extreme kink in neck, but my reality was that my C2 was 3-4mm from slicing my vertebrae and ...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 134
My name is Luis Zaragoza, and I was born and raised in the municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico. I am pleased to now call Orlando, Florida, my home. I served as an infantryman for ten years in the United States Army and deployed to Kuwait, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Iraq, among others. These events have molded me into the individual I am today. I have a passion for both business and technology, which led me to my present role as a cybersecurity engineer. I am the host of the Spanish-language p...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Aaron is a US Coast Guard Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and Oregon State Alumni. Following his service in the Coast guard, he lives in the St. Louis area with his family, and has a huge passion for running. We’re excited for the opportunity to talk with him this week on the Coaches Corner. ********************************************************* Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A L...
Mar 01, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 132
Aaron is a US Coast Guard Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and Oregon State Alumni. Following his service in the Coast guard, he lives in the St. Louis area with his family, and has a huge passion for running. We’re excited for the opportunity to talk with him this week on the Coaches Corner. ********************************************************* Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A L...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Mathius Carter served in the United States Army as a Multi-Channel Transmission Systems Operator. Was stationed in Darmstadt Germany, then was deployed in 2003 for the initial invasion of Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) supporting 3rd ID and 101st Airborne Division, providing communication for infantry to call for backup. Finishing his duty with 4th ID from Fort Hood, Texas in 2005. After his time in service, Mathius completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Biology from Western Illinois U...
Feb 15, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Austin Owens is a US Army Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient. Austin deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, where he was injured by an RPG. Austin recently graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy. In his free time, Austin trains and competes for Strongman. He placed as Ohio’s strongest man 220 and under! This week on the Coaches Corner, Austin will discuss his service, transition, and passion for fitness. Join us to meet one of our amazing CAL Veteran Athletes, Austin Owens! *********************...
Feb 08, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Two US Army Brothers, and CAL Veteran Athletes Travis, and Ryan Linn join us this week on the Coaches Corner! Both brothers went to basic training together, and then both went on to deploy. One to Iraq, and the other to Afghanistan. In this week's episode, they will talk about training together, deploying to different theatres, and what each of their transition was like out of the military. Join us as we learn more about the brothers, and what led them to serve. *********************************...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 128
?I was injured in 2001 when I was still fresh in the Marine Corps. The injury ultimately led to amputation in 2014. At that point, I had no more constant pain, and I was able to shift my focus and work on the demons trapped in my closet. After drinking the CrossFit Kool-aid, I started to notice that several pounds of excess booze, junk food, pills, excuses, and laziness, began to shed. I realized that being in the gym was my outlet in order to just deal. I am now able to continue to dump all my ...
Jan 25, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Dustin Thomas is a US Airforce Veteran. He served 5 years in the Airforce. Following his service, he utilized the GI Bill and returned to school. Today, he works as a Mechanical systems Engineer at the savannah river site. In this week's episode, Dustin discusses how different physical activities and hobbies have allowed him to find passion in life again. ********************************************************* Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope y...
Jan 18, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 126
In this episode Program Director and Host Melissa interviews Head Coach Jeremiah on his SMART Goals routine using sticky notes. They also discuss the power of goal setting for the New Year! ********************************************************* Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve. Visit our website for more information about our programs. If you...
Jan 11, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Ken Fontenot began his fitness journey in January of 2005 when he discovered that he was one hundred pounds overweight. With a desire to join the military Ken started training. In a little over a year, he lost 100 pounds and graduated from USMC Bootcamp as a meritorious PFC. While serving in the military Ken served as an NCO and then a commissioned officer. In 2012 he deployed to Afghanistan and was medically discharged shortly thereafter. In 2014 Ken began pastoring in Wilson, North Carolina. W...
Jan 04, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 124
Mike Maice: As the Chief Technology Officer for Archon Products, Michael Maice is responsible for overseeing and advising on the strategy for Archon product development, as well as evaluating new technologies to be integrated into the Archon product platform. Prior to joining our team, Michael spent 20 years in the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer and the CTO of the Joint Communication Support Element, as well as his industry experience as the Chief Innovation Officer for a ruggediz...
Dec 21, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Program Director, Melissa Leuck and Veteran Outreach Manager, Kaylee Nassiri discuss the Wellness Program and highlight our amazing veterans that have worked hard towards their gals this year. Join us to celebrate the success of our members and learn how to get involved! ********************************************************* Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the ve...
Dec 14, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Please note: This episode does discuss Military Sexual Trauma. Please listen with care Lorenzo Young is a US Army Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and recent addition to our CAL Team. Lorenzo joined the military in 2007 at a young age. During his service, he was a victim of MST. In this week's episode, Lorenzo will talk about his experience and how it impacted his ability to train and prepare for deployment. Lorenzo will also share about his deployment which took place two weeks after the convictio...
Dec 07, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 121
Ryan is a US Army Veteran. He served twenty-two years before retiring. Ryan deployed over four times, twice to Afghanistan and Iraq. In this week's episode, we'll discuss the differences he saw throughout his service and tours. Ryan will also discuss the emotions he felt watching the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Following his service, Ryan went on to work in Strength and Conditioning positions. He continued to follow his passion and earned his AA, BS, and is currently working towards his Masters...
Nov 30, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Sergeant (E-5) Billy Ray Hinojos was a healthcare specialist (combat medic) with the 3RD Brigade, 3RD Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Georgia. SGT Hinojos did 2 combat deployments to Iraq from Jan2005-Jan2006 and Mar2007-March2008. He was assigned to numerous line units during his deployments and also served as the PSD medic for the 2/69 AR Company Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. While assigned with 2/69 AR, SGT Hinojos also worked in the Battalion Aid Station and showed his...
Nov 23, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Sergeant (E-5) Billy Ray Hinojos was a healthcare specialist (combat medic) with the 3RD Brigade, 3RD Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Georgia. SGT Hinojos did 2 combat deployments to Iraq from Jan2005-Jan2006 and Mar2007-March2008. He was assigned to numerous line units during his deployments and also served as the PSD medic for the 2/69 AR Company Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. While assigned with 2/69 AR, SGT Hinojos also worked in the Battalion Aid Station and showed his...
Nov 17, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Chris Derbak’s paths in the military, aerospace engineering and skydiving almost all coincided simultaneously. Derbak completed his first static line jump at 18 years old and was hooked, pursuing his A license shortly thereafter. A year later, he began his military career by enlisting in the US Air Force, where he deployed in multiple theaters of operation. While enlisted, Derbak attended Embry Riddle, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. After a 20-year military career, De...
Nov 09, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 117
