In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we sit down with Nick Padlo, a decorated combat veteran, West Point graduate, and successful entrepreneur, who has turned his own struggles into a mission to help others. As the CEO of Sophros Recovery, Nick leads an award-winning addiction treatment center that is changing lives by providing evidence-based, accessible mental health and addiction services for veterans and beyond. Nick shares his incredible journey, starting with ...
Jan 29, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re thrilled to spotlight the transformative work being done at the Coffee Bunker, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, military professionals, and their families. Donna Rogers, a retired career tech counselor with over 32 years of experience, and Robby Hedrick, a dual-service veteran of the Air Force and Army, join us to share their journeys and the pivotal role the Coffee Bunker plays in empowering the military community. Donna...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Christina Etchberger, founder and CEO of It's a Military Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military families, spouses, and veterans. Christina’s inspiring journey began as a military spouse and educator, and her determination to make a difference has evolved into a thriving 501(c)(3) organization that empowers the military community through innovative programs. Christina takes us through the origi...
Jan 15, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 2
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast - Season 5 Premiere! 🎙️ Welcome to the highly anticipated first episode of Season 5 of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! We're thrilled to kick off the new year with a special guest who embodies the spirit of service and innovation—Susan L. Combs, founder of Pancakes for Roger Inc. Susan shares the deeply personal and inspiring story of how her father, the late Major General Roger E. Combs, and his simple request for pancakes during hospice care became the catalyst for a global mov...
Jan 08, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 1
In this inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Robert Pangaro, a retired Army veteran with a remarkable track record of service, advocacy, and leadership in the veteran community. Rob currently serves as a veteran outreach lead at Guidehouse, a global consulting firm, where he champions innovative programs and support systems designed to help veterans transition into meaningful civilian careers. Rob shares his personal story of transitioning out of the military, discussing the c...
Jan 01, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 27
In this deeply moving episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Mary Millsaps and Zeke Vanderpool, the dynamic duo behind Operation Angel Wing (OPAW). Their organization has been a lifeline for veterans, first responders, and their families, offering innovative trauma-informed care and post-traumatic growth strategies that have changed countless lives. Mary, a survivor of prolonged cycles of abuse, and Zeke, a 23-year Army Special Operations veteran, share their personal stories of resilienc...
Dec 25, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 26
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast: Special Guest Wayne Soares 🎙️ In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the multi-talented Wayne Soares—actor, entertainer, syndicated columnist, and tireless advocate for veterans. With a career spanning broadcasting, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, Wayne is on a mission to uplift and honor the brave men and women who serve our country. Wayne’s work ranges from writing the widely acclaimed Veteran Spotlight column, where he’s conducted ove...
Dec 18, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Welcome to another powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we’re honored to speak with Joseph Zolper, Manager of Veteran Outreach and Networking for the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center. Joseph shares his journey from serving as an Army Infantry Officer to finding his purpose in helping veterans and their families access critical mental health services. The Road Home Program provides comprehensive, no-cost mental health care to veterans, active-duty se...
Dec 11, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 24
🎙️ Welcome to the VET S.O.S. Podcast! Today, we’re diving into an inspiring conversation with Bob Thomas, President and COO of Operation Homefront. Join us as we explore how this incredible organization is transforming the lives of veterans and their families through innovative programs and unwavering support. After a distinguished 31-year career in the Air Force, Bob has dedicated his post-service life to building strong, stable, and secure military families. From offering critical financial a...
Dec 04, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 23
In this emotional and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Keith and Shawn welcome Deme Gonzalez, the passionate CEO of the Adopt-A-Vet Dental Program. Deme dives into the incredible work his organization is doing to provide free dental care for low-income veterans, addressing an often-overlooked area of healthcare that profoundly affects quality of life. The conversation covers the origin story of the program, which began 15 years ago with a simple desire to help a few veterans an...
Nov 27, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this empowering episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith sit down with Wendi Wray—a devoted woman of God, wife, mother of three, Army veteran, and passionate advocate for women veterans. Wendy shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey of transitioning from military life, highlighting the lessons she’s learned and the unique challenges faced by service members, especially women, during this critical time. Wendi discusses how she prepared emotionally, mentally, and financ...
Nov 20, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 21
🎙️ VetSOS Podcast: Transforming Lives Through Dental Care for Veterans 🦷 In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith are joined by Tammy Martin, Senior Dental Program Manager at the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF). Tammy shares her inspiring journey of dedicating over 35 years to the dental field and how she now helps veterans in Florida overcome critical dental challenges to improve their health, confidence, and quality of life. 💡 Topics Covered: - The shock...
Nov 13, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 20
In this milestone live episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, recorded on-site at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), hosts Keith and Shawn bring together a powerhouse panel of transition experts and advocates. Joined by former co-host Eric Brew and special guests Kingsley Scott and Matthew Wee, this discussion dives deep into the challenges, lessons, and opportunities of transitioning from military to civilian life. Kingsley Scott shares his journey of rising from the ashes, rebuilding his co...
Nov 06, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 19
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re honored to host John Foti, CEO of Operation Song, an extraordinary nonprofit transforming the lives of veterans, active-duty military, and their families through the art of songwriting. Discover how this Nashville-based organization pairs veterans with professional songwriters—including Grammy-nominated and chart-topping artists—to create meaningful music that tells their unique stories, aids in healing, and fosters a deeper understanding...
Oct 30, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 18
In this impactful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn and Keith speak with Jon Jerome, President of H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, about the organization’s extraordinary efforts to support military families and wounded warriors since 2004. From its humble beginnings with care packages to becoming a nationwide network of hope, H.E.R.O.E.S. Care continues to make a difference. Jon shares the story of H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, which has distributed thousands of care packages, cards, and letters and expanded into the H...
Oct 23, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., hosts Shawn and Keith share an engaging conversation with Jose Velazquez, a 30-year Army veteran and founder of Velasquez Media Consulting. Jose dives into his journey of transitioning from the military during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hurdles he faced, and how he turned those challenges into opportunities to help others. Jose’s expertise as a certified digital networking coach and his passion for supporting veterans, military spouses, and transitioning s...
Oct 16, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this deeply moving episode, we meet Dr. Steven Crane, a Marine Corps veteran whose transformative journey from homelessness to becoming a thriving entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. As the co-founder of the Veteran Roadmap, Dr. Crane has dedicated his life to empowering veterans, helping secure over $3.8 billion in benefits and mentoring more than 2,500 veterans worldwide. Dr. Crane opens up about the challenges he faced during his military transition, including battling uncertainty,...
Oct 09, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Join us for an emotional and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast as we sit down with Mike Ware, a retired Air Force fighter pilot, airline captain, author, and motivational speaker, who has dedicated his post-military life to supporting veterans in hospice and senior living facilities through Veterans Last Patrol. Mike shares the powerful mission of Veterans Last Patrol, an organization founded by Claude Schmid, which ensures that veterans are honored, supported, and never alone in their...
Oct 02, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we sit down with Beau Higgins, a retired Marine Corps officer and current Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Arcadia Group. Beau takes us through his transition from a 25-year career in the Marine Corps to corporate leadership, including his impactful tenure at Amazon and his groundbreaking work with Oplign, a tool designed to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. Oplign serves as a cutting-edge Military Occupational Specia...
Sep 25, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this deeply impactful episode of VET S.O.S. Podcast, host Keith and Eric welcome Deny Caballero, a retired Green Beret, mental health advocate, blogger, podcaster, and mentor. Deny shares his inspiring journey from serving as a Green Beret to becoming a mental health advocate for veterans and civilians alike. Throughout their conversation, Deny delves into the emotional and psychological challenges that come with transitioning out of the military, especially for those who served in elite unit...
Sep 18, 2024•34 min
In this deeply moving episode of VET S.O.S., we welcome Jeremy Stalnecker, CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military veterans and their families heal from combat-related trauma, including PTSD. Jeremy, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Navy Commendation Medal with combat valor, shares his personal journey of transformation from the military to ministry, and how he ultimately merged both experiences to lead ...
Sep 11, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 11
In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Angel Alvarez, a veteran coach, mentor, and founder of Soldier on a Mission, to discuss the essential tools and mindset veterans need to transition successfully to civilian life. Angel shares his incredible journey, including 21 years of service in the Army and 22 years in the U.S. Postal Service, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning. His organization, Soldier on a Mission, takes a faith-based approach to guide ve...
Sep 04, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Jack Tilley, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army. After an illustrious 36-year military career, Jack continues to serve veterans through his dedicated work with organizations like the American Freedom Foundation and his own podcast, "Your Next Mission." Jack sheds light on his post-military efforts to help veterans successfully transition into civilian life. He shares how the American Freedom Foundation has host...
Aug 28, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 9
🌟 Navigating Military-to-Civilian Career Transitions with Cheryl Cross 🌟 In this engaging episode of VET S.O.S., Cheryl Cross, an accomplished HR professional and Workforce Development Councilwoman in Hawaii, joins us to share her expertise and passion for supporting veterans and military spouses through the often-challenging transition to civilian life. Drawing from her extensive experience, Cheryl dives into the critical issues veterans face, including: ✅ Salary Negotiation: Cheryl’s innovat...
Aug 21, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Michael Hall, a Navy Chief Petty Officer with 19 years of service and the visionary behind Hold the Reins. This Virginia-based organization uses equine therapy to support military personnel, veterans, and their families as they navigate the unique challenges of service life and transition to civilian life. Michael shares: - His personal journey from military service to founding Hold the Reins. - How equine therapy builds emotional in...
Aug 14, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode, we welcome Michael Anthony, the Executive Director of Gratitude America, as he shares the powerful ways his organization is making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Michael’s journey from a Publix executive to nonprofit leader reflects his deep dedication to service and his passion for fostering post-traumatic growth. Gratitude America offers three life-changing programs: ✅ Military Support Retreats – Four-day retreats for veterans and their support perso...
Aug 07, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Jeremy Wahlberg, a retired military veteran with 27 years of service and the founder of Our Heroes Tour, a nonprofit dedicated to providing healing, joy, and community for military personnel, first responders, and their families. Jeremy opens up about his challenging transition from military life during the pandemic, which led him to an unexpected career selling luxury boats, and how that journey sparked his passion for giving back. Our He...
Jul 31, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this powerful episode, we explore the transformative work of Michael Cortina, a trauma resolution expert and founder of the revolutionary Cortina Method. Designed to heal trauma without forcing individuals to relive their pain, this neuroscience-based approach has a 90% success rate and can often resolve trauma in just one session. Michael’s innovative methodology is creating waves across various communities, from veterans to law enforcement, children, and beyond. With a vision to train an "a...
Jul 24, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this inspiring episode, we welcome Reggie Mills, a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and current Senior Director of Veteran Services at The COMMIT Foundation. Reggie takes us on a deeply personal journey, detailing his challenging transition from military service to civilian life—a period he candidly describes as a “dumpster fire.” From grappling with self-doubt and unemployment to discovering his passion for mentoring, Reggie’s story is both raw and uplifting. Now at The COMMIT Foundat...
Jul 17, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith sit down with Todd Nelson, founder of Transition 30 and a financial advisor, to discuss how transitioning service members can confidently move into their post-military lives. Todd's personal journey, from serving as a minister to becoming a financial advisor, highlights the importance of trust, adaptability, and a passion for service. What to Expect: - Todd’s Journey: Discover how Todd’s career path led him to work with tr...
Jul 10, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 2
