VET S.O.S. Presents: Military Transition Resource Show with Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant

Shawn Welsh, Keith Cassant, Eric Brew, Mark Elder
VET S.O.S. Presents: Military Transition Resource Show with Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant

VET S.O.S. Podcast is your lifeline to success, dedicated to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Discover invaluable information, resources, and insights from veteran support organizations and leaders in the veteran community. Join us as we connect you with the people and tools that empower our community to thrive.

  1. Mu Beta Phi: Ending Veteran Homelessness & Building Military Brotherhood

    6D AGO

    Mu Beta Phi: Ending Veteran Homelessness & Building Military Brotherhood

    In this powerful episode of #VETSOS, we sit down with Michael G. Harris, the International President of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. Michael shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy and how Mu Beta Phi is making a real impact in the veteran community. From fighting veteran homelessness to providing mentorship programs for transitioning service members, Mu Beta Phi is leading the charge in supporting our heroes beyond their service. 💪 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The Challenges of Veteran Transition – Navigating the shift from military to civilian life ✅ How Mu Beta Phi Provides Lifelong Brotherhood – A fraternity built on military values ✅ The Herculean Effort Initiative – Combating veteran homelessness one mission at a time ✅ Mighty Warriors Mentorship Program – Supporting young men, military dependents, and future leaders ✅ The Importance of Mental Health & Veteran Support Systems ✅ How to Join or Start a Chapter – Expanding Mu Beta Phi’s reach across the U.S. and internationally ✅ Why Community Involvement & Veteran Advocacy Matter ✅ Ways You Can Get Involved & Make an Impact! 📢 If you're a veteran looking for community, mentorship, and resources, Mu Beta Phi is here for you. Don't navigate transition alone—find your brotherhood! 🔗 Connect with Mu Beta Phi: 🌐 Website: www.mbphikings2017.org 📌 Follow & Support VET S.O.S. 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast 🎙 Podcast Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more! 📱 Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/vetsospodcast/ 🌍 Parade Deck | Wreaths Across America Radio 🚨 DON’T DROWN IN THE SEA OF TRANSITION. GRAB THE VET S.O.S. LIFELINE! 🚨 #VETSOS #VeteranSupport #MuBetaPhi #MilitaryFraternity #VeteranResources #Mentorship #VeteranTransition #VeteranBrotherhood #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranHomelessness

    31 min
  2. Healing Veterans Through Art Therapy | True Top 1% Foundation | Mental Health & PTS Recovery

    MAR 12

    Healing Veterans Through Art Therapy | True Top 1% Foundation | Mental Health & PTS Recovery

    Join us for another impactful episode of #VETSOS, where we sit down with JR, founder of the True Top 1% Foundation. JR shares his incredible journey from a career in sales and behavioral science to pioneering art therapy programs for veterans. His foundation is dedicated to supporting military veterans through creative expression, helping them heal from trauma and combat stress through painting, music therapy, culinary arts, woodworking, and more. JR walks us through the powerful impact of programs like Painting for PTS, Beer Bottle Painting Therapy, and Captain S. Claus, all of which are designed to provide free mental health toolkits and camaraderie-building workshops for veterans across the country. If you or a veteran you know could benefit from creative outlets for mental health and suicide prevention, don’t miss this episode! 🎧💙 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✅ How Art Therapy Supports Veteran Mental Health ✅ Painting for PTS – Turning Stories into Therapeutic Art ✅ Beer Bottle Painting Therapy – Transforming Self-Medication into Self-Expression ✅ The Importance of Culinary Arts & Music Therapy for Veterans ✅ How True Top 1% Provides FREE Mental Health Toolkits ✅ Captain S. Claus – A Military Santa Bringing Art to Veterans ✅ The Power of Creative Healing & Suicide Prevention ✅ Partnering with Military Bases, MWR, & Veteran Organizations 💬 Connect with True Top 1% Foundation: 🌐 Website: TT1P.org 📧 Email: info@truetop1percent.com 🚨 VET S.O.S. is here for you! 🚨 We’re committed to helping veterans successfully transition by connecting them with resources, support, and an incredible network of veteran advocates. 📌 Follow & Subscribe for More Veteran Resources: 🔴 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Wreaths Across America Radio | Parade Deck 📲 Follow on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast 🔹 Don’t drown in the sea of transition – Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! 🔹 #VETSOS #VeteranSupport #ArtTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSRecovery #SuicidePrevention #TrueTop1Percent #CreativeHealing #MilitaryTransition #VeteranResources

    30 min
  3. Patriotic Kenny's Mission: Supporting Veterans with Mobility Scooters & Fighting Isolation

    MAR 5

    Patriotic Kenny's Mission: Supporting Veterans with Mobility Scooters & Fighting Isolation

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with Patriotic Kenny (Kenny Jary), a Navy veteran whose story exemplifies resilience, community, and a steadfast commitment to helping others. Kenny shares his remarkable journey, from serving aboard the USS Okinawa during the Cuban Missile Crisis to his transition to civilian life and an unexpected viral moment that changed everything.After retiring from a 32-year career at Ford Motor Company, Kenny faced new challenges when a broken-down mobility scooter threatened his independence. Thanks to a TikTok GoFundMe campaign spearheaded by Amanda, a dedicated school teacher and now his “adopted daughter,” Kenny not only received a new scooter but gained a platform to give back to his fellow veterans. Thus, the Patriotic Kenny Foundation was born—a nonprofit dedicated to combating veteran isolation by providing mobility scooters to those in need.With over 140 scooters donated across the country in just one year, Kenny reflects on the impact of the foundation, the importance of community, and his mission to ensure no veteran feels left behind. He also opens up about the challenges he faced transitioning out of the military without support programs and how that experience shaped his dedication to serving others. From 5K charity runs to school penny drives, Kenny and Amanda are finding creative ways to involve communities in their mission.This episode is filled with laughter, touching stories, and Kenny’s signature optimism. He even shares some fun anecdotes about ice fishing, his love of bowling, and a bold prediction that his Minnesota Vikings are headed to the Super Bowl!Key Topics:- Kenny’s time aboard the USS Okinawa and the Cuban Missile Crisis- Challenges of military-to-civilian transition in the 1960s- The viral TikTok moment that sparked a movement- The creation and rapid success of the Patriotic Kenny Foundation- The importance of combating veteran isolation- Fun and inspiring activities like the foundation’s annual 5K walk/scoot/run- Kenny’s thoughts on staying active and living life to the fullestSupport Kenny’s Mission:Visit www.patriotickenny.com to learn more about the foundation, donate, or get involved in supporting our veterans.Join us for this unforgettable conversation, and remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!#vetsos #VeteransSupport #PatrioticKenny #MilitaryTransition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #EndIsolation

    32 min
  4. Empowering Veteran Transitions: Abigail G. Manning on Purple Threads and Authentic Health

    FEB 26

    Empowering Veteran Transitions: Abigail G. Manning on Purple Threads and Authentic Health

    In this transformative episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith are joined by the inspiring Abigail G. Manning, founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc. Abigail brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to her work as a mindset coach, empowerment speaker, and workshop instructor. With a unique blend of academic expertise and real-world resilience, she’s made it her mission to empower others to thrive during life’s most challenging transitions.Drawing from her personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, domestic violence, entrepreneurial struggles, and dyslexia, Abigail developed the Purple Threads framework and the Authentic Health program. These tools are changing lives by helping individuals identify and overcome limiting beliefs, build resilience, and find purpose.In this episode, we delve into:- Purple Threads: A groundbreaking concept to help individuals recognize and unravel limiting beliefs tied to past trauma.- Authentic Health: A holistic approach to personal well-being that incorporates mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial health.- Working with Veterans: Abigail shares how her civilian perspective and authentic approach resonate deeply with veterans, special operators, and their families.- Facing Fear and Finding Purpose: Abigail's actionable strategies for addressing fear, embracing authenticity, and thriving during life transitions.Abigail also shares heartwarming anecdotes from her journey, including raising her children—now proud Marines—and her work with military communities, from the Air Force Academy to the Pentagon. With a knack for blending empathy, humor, and actionable advice, Abigail’s insights are a must-hear for anyone navigating change.Connect with Abigail:Website: AbigailGManning.comLinkedIn: Abigail G. ManningFollow VET S.O.S.:The VET S.O.S. Podcast is growing! Follow us on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media. Stay connected for empowering stories, actionable advice, and a supportive community.💡 Remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!#vetsos #VeteranSupport #LifeTransitions #MentalHealthMatters #EmpowermentJourney #AuthenticHealth

    30 min
  5. Unlocking Purpose After Military Service: Mike Schindler on Transition, Mission, and Identity

    FEB 19

    Unlocking Purpose After Military Service: Mike Schindler on Transition, Mission, and Identity

    Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like navigating uncharted waters. In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we’re joined by Mike Schindler, a U.S. Navy veteran, award-winning author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Military Family Cares. Mike shares his incredible story of resilience, growth, and his mission to help veterans and their families thrive after service.Mike takes us through his journey from dreaming of becoming an admiral to facing the abrupt end of his military career due to downsizing. He candidly discusses the challenges of identity loss, bouncing between 14 jobs in just three years, and eventually finding his footing with the help of mentorship and purpose-driven work. From working in disaster response to consulting in Hollywood on meaningful documentaries like It’s VUCA: The Secret to Living in the 21st Century, Mike’s journey is a testament to finding light even in the darkest moments.We also explore Mike's organization, Operation Military Family Cares, which goes beyond employment assistance. With a focus on helping veterans uncover their mission, purpose, and identity, the organization uses a structured, holistic approach to support mental, physical, spiritual, relational, and financial well-being. Mike explains his "Rule of Five" framework for decision-making and how veterans can align their lives with their true purpose by understanding spiritual, social, connected, and sacrificial purposes.Mike also highlights his latest book, The Rise of Humanists in the Age of AI, and offers practical, actionable advice for veterans to not only survive but thrive in their post-military lives.If you’re a veteran—or know someone who is—looking for guidance, connection, or inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt stories. As a special gift, Mike offers free, one-on-one guidance for veterans, emphasizing his deep commitment to the community.Highlights:- Mike’s personal transition journey and lessons learned- The critical role of mentorship in achieving success- Why mission, purpose, and identity are essential after service- Insights into Operation Military Family Cares’ holistic approach- Finding spiritual, social, connected, and sacrificial purpose- Tips for navigating the sea of transition and attracting the right tribeConnect with Mike:- Visit https://operationmilitaryfamily.com/ for more information.- Call or text Mike directly at 206-795-5890. Mention VETSOS to receive personalized guidance.Follow VETSOS:Stay connected with us on all social media platforms, YouTube, Reads Across America Radio, Parade Deck, and wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review!Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline today!#vetsos #VeteranTransition #MilitaryLife #FindYourPurpose #VeteranSupport #OperationMilitaryFamily

    31 min
  6. Empowering Veterans: JJ Hardy on Leadership, Transition, and Advocacy | VET S.O.S. Podcast

    FEB 12

    Empowering Veterans: JJ Hardy on Leadership, Transition, and Advocacy | VET S.O.S. Podcast

    In this powerful and motivational episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re joined by JJ Hardy, a highly accomplished leadership coach, veteran advocate, and founder of Victory Leadership Coaching. With nearly two decades of military experience, JJ has dedicated his post-service life to helping veterans and civilians alike build resilience, develop leadership skills, and excel in their personal and professional lives. JJ opens up about his unexpected transition out of the military due to medical reasons, sharing the ups and downs of navigating the process with a shortened timeline. He provides practical advice on leveraging resources such as TAP, VSOs, and local veteran networks, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and persistence during the transition to civilian life. We dive deep into JJ’s impactful work with Victory Leadership Coaching, where he focuses on empowering leaders through principles of empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. JJ introduces us to programs like the Warrior Leadership Coaching Certification, designed to equip executives with coaching skills that foster workplace success and build thriving teams. Beyond coaching, JJ discusses his role as a board member for the Veterans Liberty Center, a local organization that supports homeless veterans and those overcoming substance abuse. From peer-led PTSD groups to hands-on skill-building in wood and auto shops, JJ highlights the center's transformative impact on the veteran community. JJ also shares insights into his podcasting endeavors, including the Victory Leaders Lounge, where he spotlights veteran success stories and entrepreneurial journeys, and Warrior Leadership, a unique collaboration exploring the intersection of leadership and therapy. Plus, he previews his efforts to expand veteran-employment networking programs, connecting veterans with employers through innovative monthly events. Whether you’re a transitioning service member, an aspiring leader, or a veteran looking for ways to give back, this episode is filled with actionable insights, inspiration, and resources. JJ’s passion and dedication shine through as he reminds us all of the power of perseverance and the importance of “doing the hard things” to achieve greatness. https://www.linkedin.com/company/jjhardy81/ https://www.victoryleadershipcoaching.com/en-us/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/victory-leaders-lounge-podcast/ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/leaderslounge #vetsos #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #LeadershipDevelopment #EmpowerVeterans

    32 min
  7. AI Tools for Veterans: Simplifying Military-to-Civilian Transition with AI Ready Veteran

    FEB 5

    AI Tools for Veterans: Simplifying Military-to-Civilian Transition with AI Ready Veteran

    In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are joined by Stephen Hudson, a Navy veteran and the visionary founder and CEO of AI Ready Veteran, to discuss his revolutionary AI platform designed to ease the military-to-civilian transition. Drawing from his own experiences as a 20-year Navy veteran and successful entrepreneur, Stephen takes us on a journey through the challenges service members face when entering the civilian workforce and how AI is now making this process more accessible than ever. Stephen shares his personal story of transitioning in 2005, from navigating his first job interview to understanding the nuances of civilian workplace culture. These experiences inspired him to create a tool that addresses the pain points many veterans encounter—such as translating military skills, preparing tailored resumes, and tackling salary negotiations. With a team of expert collaborators and input from neuropsychologists, AI Ready Veteran offers a suite of tools that doesn’t just focus on careers but also includes support for mental health, family transition, and entrepreneurship. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The Military-to-Civilian Transition Reality: Discover the cultural and professional hurdles veterans often face and why 44% leave their first post-military job within a year. - AI-Driven Solutions for Veterans: Explore how AI Ready Veteran leverages cutting-edge generative AI to simplify resume building, interview prep, and even salary negotiation. - Support Beyond Careers: Learn about tools for mental health resources, family support, and how this platform ensures veterans’ well-being during transition. - Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Hear how the platform equips veterans to start their own businesses with easy-to-use tools, from market research to incorporation. - Community Impact and Accessibility: Understand how partnerships with organizations like Wounded Warrior, CSX, and Florida Power & Light make this tool widely accessible, including financial assistance for veterans in need. Stephen also discusses new features, such as explainer videos for each tool, making the platform user-friendly even for those unfamiliar with AI technology. Takeaways for Listeners: This episode is a must-listen for veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and anyone involved in the transition process. Whether you’re looking for career support, starting a business, or seeking mental health resources, this platform is your lifeline. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Visit AIReadyVeteran.org to learn more about the platform and sign up. Follow AI Ready Veteran on LinkedIn for the latest resources, blogs, and updates. Final Note: Don’t miss this inspiring and informative episode. Whether you’re a veteran yourself or supporting one, Stephen Hudson’s work is proof that the right tools and resources can make all the difference. #vetsos #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #AIForGood #VeteranEntrepreneur #CareerTools

    31 min
  8. Overcoming Challenges: Nick Padlow's Journey from Army Veteran to CEO of Sophros Recovery

    JAN 29

    Overcoming Challenges: Nick Padlow's Journey from Army Veteran to CEO of Sophros Recovery

    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 his service in the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. Transitioning out of the military, Nick faced a profound identity crisis, grappling with the loss of structure, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose that many veterans experience. Over time, these challenges led to struggles with alcohol and mental health—culminating in a pivotal moment where he chose to seek help and rebuild his life. Through candid storytelling, Nick details the steps he took to find healing, from attending rehab twice to an extraordinary three-month stint in Cambodia practicing mindfulness and yoga. He opens up about how these experiences not only helped him recover but also inspired him to create Sophros Recovery, a place where others can find hope, support, and a community dedicated to lasting change. We also delve into the services Sophros Recovery offers, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs that empower individuals to confront life’s challenges while receiving critical care. Nick explains why recovery isn’t about a quick fix but rather a long-term journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and connection. Whether you’re a veteran navigating life after service, someone struggling with addiction, or simply looking for a source of inspiration, this episode offers invaluable insights and hope. As Nick reminds us, recovery is not a solo journey—it’s a community effort, and taking the first step is the most courageous thing you can do. Highlights: - Nick’s military service and transition challenges - The identity crisis veterans face after leaving the military - Overcoming addiction and the importance of seeking help - The founding and mission of Sophros Recovery - Tips for navigating recovery and building a meaningful life post-military https://www.sophrosrecovery.com/ #vetsos #VeteranSupport #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #LifeAfterService #VeteranStories

    32 min

About

VET S.O.S. Podcast is your lifeline to success, dedicated to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Discover invaluable information, resources, and insights from veteran support organizations and leaders in the veteran community. Join us as we connect you with the people and tools that empower our community to thrive.

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