Eye on Veterans

CBS News

Each week, Navy veteran and journalist Phil Briggs looks at life from the military veteran's perspective. We highlight veterans finding success as business owners and industry leaders. We also examine topics like treating PTSD, TBIs with innovative alternative therapies; hyperbaric oxygen, cannabis, psychedelics, etc. Plus, we hear dramatic stories from combat veteran authors, discover job openings, and meet celebrity actors, athletes, and musicians.

  1. May 19

    Memorial Day Tribute and Miracles: Lt. General recalls battlefield triage at the Pentagon

    This week we’re highlighting the National Memorial Day Concert, airing Sunday, May 24, 2026, on PBS. One concert segment will focus on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and will tell the story of Lieutenant General Patricia Horoho, one of the heroes at the Pentagon that day. After joining the U.S. Army, she trained in clinical trauma nursing and was assigned to the Pentagon in August 2001. Moments after terrorists crashed a plane into the heart of the DoD (only 100 yards from her office) she raced to the site and quickly emerged as the experienced leader. Lt. Gen. Horoho shared a vivid look at the battlefield triage that followed and how with only a belt and the supplies in a medic’s backpack, she started an IV and treated her first of 75 wounded patients that day. She also shared how 9/11 was not her only experience respoding to a plane crash. From Afghanistan deployments to becoming the first woman and nurse to serve as the Surgeon General of the United States Army, Lt. Gen. Horoho shares examples of service, sacrifice and true miracles. As our nation celebrates 250 years, we remember all those we have lost, and Horoho’s memories capture the pride of being American and the power of human connection. Watch the National Memorial Day concert on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/ See more from Lt. General (Ret.) Patricia Horoho and how she continues to serve our women veterans though 2 Serve Together: https://2servetogether.org/about/our-impact/

    33 min

  2. May 8

    Combat veteran and TV celebrity JR Martinez host Medal of Honor podcast

    This week we share our conversation with Army combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient turned TV celebrity JR Martinez, about the inspiring podcast, “Medal of Honor, Stories of Courage”. We begin with a closer look JR’s life, who went from surviving an IED attack and severe burns, to winning “Dancing with The Stars” and a role on the daytime TV drama “All My Children”. He shared incredible moments from his personal recovery, including how an off-the-cuff comment he made to comfort his mother, eventually became reality as he went from the hospital to Hollywood, eventually starring in national television shows. Martinez also describes the true heroes covered in the podcast. Like tales of a soldier’s valor during WWI and the teacher who saved a student’s life. The Medal of Honor podcast, from the acclaimed producers at Pushkin, gives all listeners inspiration during these challenging times. Martinez also reminds us that while we hold Medal of Honor recipients in the highest regard, we all have what it takes to be a hero to others. Hear: Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage here: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/medal-of-honor-stories-of-courage See: More from Army veteran JR Martinez here: https://jrmartinez.com/ Connect: Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs, phil@connectingvets.com

    41 min

  3. Apr 24

    White House Greenlights Psychedelics: SEAL veteran Marcus Capone shares what comes next on this long legal trip

    This week we’re hearing about a major mental health milestone for psychedelic assisted therapy, after President Trump signed a landmark Executive Order demanding research on alternative treatments for severe mental illness. We broke it down with Marcus Capone, Navy SEAL veteran, Founder of Veterans Seeking Treatment Solutions and an elite combat vet whose life was saved after his experience with the psychedelic, Ibogaine. Capone describes how this Executive Order will impact the veteran community, the studies that show the efficacy of psychedelic medicine, and if the influence of Big Pharma will pervert research on plant-based medicines. We also take a closer look at what psychedelics qualify for the Executive Order’s “Breakthrough Therapy” designation, and if that will become a hurdle that disrupts veteran's ability to get access. Capone offers a glimpse at surprising connections between psychedelic medicine and God. And he shares the celebrity podcaster Joe Rogan played in getting President Trump to sign the Executive Order. For more on Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, and information on clinical research trials check out Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions: https://vetsolutions.org/ CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com

    54 min

  4. Apr 21

    Remembering Pat Tillman: Ranger, NFL Star, and the legacy that continues to inspire

    On Wednesday Apr 22 we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Army Ranger Pat Tillman who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. A unique Ranger in that he left a pro football career with The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals to join the Army shortly after 9/11, along with his brother. On the evening of April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged, canyon terrain of eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers led to his tragic death. Today we’re not only honoring his memory but also hearing how his incredible legacy lives on through the Pat Tillman Foundation. We’re joined by Tillman Foundation CEO Dr. Katherine Steele, and scholar recipient, Army veteran Maj. Bernard Toney Jr. Steele shares unique memories of Pat and how the Tillman Foundation grew from donations to his alma mater Arizona State University, to helping high caliber veteran students complete college and become the leaders of tomorrow. Army veteran Bernard Toney Jr. shares how he went from the Special Forces community (serving in the same area as Tillman, just 4 months after his death) to serving in The White House. And, how he hopes to make an impact in Public Health and improve the lives of Americans from all socio-economic backgrounds. Support The Pat Tillman Foundation here: https://pattillmanfoundation.org/ CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com

    42 min

  5. Apr 10

    Conquering Mountains: Augusta Army vet, adaptive sports athlete Dr. Lisa Maddox

    This week we’re checking out the Spring ski action in Snowmass Co, at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Every year incredible wounded warfighters gather for a week of skiing, boarding and the kind of healing only mother nature can provide. Our guest is Retired Army Major, Dr. Lisa Maddox, who overcame a leg amputation and proves that with the right mindset anything is possible. Lisa Maddox describes the feeling of shredding the slopes on a mono ski, and how it fuels her passion. She also shares how her injury has never stopped her from becoming a nationally renowned adaptive sports athlete who loves skiing, pickle ball, basketball, softball and more! We trace her journey from the guard changing ceremony at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, to West Point. She tracked her entrance into medical school and the rare medical condition that resulted in her leg amputation. But losing a leg would never stop this Army veteran. Maj. Maddox shares how, after her surgery, she continued to serve her fellow vets as an MD at the Augusta VA and competed in The National Veterans Wheelchair Games. She’s also had some amazing experiences, including a cool story about attending the famed Masters Golf Tournament in her hometown of Augusta, and having a VIP view of the hit musical Hamilton. Check out more from Dr. Lisa Maddox, a US Army veteran, West Point graduate and an overall sports enthusiast, speaking to Detours at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ffR9f1XMgk See more from the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here: https://www.wintersportsclinic.org/ CBS Eye on Veterans Host; Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com

    41 min

  6. Apr 2

    Command Your Cash: Learn and earn college credits with free finance course

    Take control of your financial future with the Command Your Cash course. Whether you are currently serving, a veteran, or a military spouse, this comprehensive personal finance course addresses the unique challenges of military life. The program is designed to be self-paced, helping learners sharpen their skills through key topics to build, grow, and protect their finances. We talked with two veterans about the course. Army veteran, former Artillery Officer, West Point football player and USAA Educational Foundation Executive, David Evetts, shared how this unique course helps service members and vets with everything from their finances to home buying tips to effective ways to destroy debt. Marine Corps veteran, and University of Maryland Global Campus student, Thomas "Dillon" Hale, described his experience with the "Command Your Cash" course and how it improved his family’s financial strategy and how the credits he earned helped him complete his degree even sooner. Find out more about this innovative and free financial course here: https://lms.usaaef.org/product?catalog=Command-Your-Cash

    23 min

  7. Mar 20

    Iran War Report: SF vet Jack Murphy on escalation, resignation and sleeper cells

    We take a deeper look at the rapidly escalating War with Iran, with former Ranger, Special Forces and National Security writer Jack Murphy. We open with how veterans across the country feel about it, considering many have already endured decades of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Murphy also discusses the news of Special Forces veteran Joe Kent, whose resignation from National Counter Terrorism Center stirred up controversy earlier this week. And he highlighted what some have called antisemitism woven within the letter of resignation. Murphy also examines US leadership from President Trump’s decision to strike Iran to the effectiveness fellow Army veteran, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. We also examine the stark and troubling contrast between Murphy’s memories of Iraq policy and what is unfolding with Iran today. We also take a deeper look at veteran influencers and podcasters who push stories of terrorist sleeper cells within the US, and ask if fears of future attacks are warranted. For more of Jack Murphy’s National Security reporting, see ConnectingVets.com and his weekly podcast The Team House: http://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamHousePodcast

    47 min

  8. Mar 6

    Iran War! SF veteran, author Brad Taylor examines Operation Epic Fury

    This week we discuss Operation Epic Fury, with Army veteran and former SFOD-Delta, Lt. Colonel Brad Taylor. A veteran with years of covert operations experience, best-selling author and detailed researcher, Taylor looks at all sides of this war with Iran, which has broadened to a level not seen since WWII. We begin with what initiated the US-Israeli attack on Iran, and the dangers the world now faces. We looked back at Iran’s support of murderous terrorist groups, i.e., Hamas, Hezbollah, IRGC, Quds Force, and how Iran has been conducting asymmetric warfare for decades. We also take a deeper look at previous wars, and how killing our enemies is only half the battle. Taylor describes deadly lessons from Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, and the true cost of leaving behind a failed state. He also offers lessons on successful US “dislocation strategies”, but pairs it with a brutally honest look at the current situation in Iran. And he describes a few end game scenarios, which leaves The Middle East and The United States with more questions than answers. More from Special Forces, OD-Delta veteran and best-selling author Brad Taylor here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ Check out his new book “Shadow Strike” (Coming April 21, 2026) https://bradtaylorbooks.com/all-books/shadow-strike/ Phil@connectingvets.com

    46 min
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About

Each week, Navy veteran and journalist Phil Briggs looks at life from the military veteran's perspective. We highlight veterans finding success as business owners and industry leaders. We also examine topics like treating PTSD, TBIs with innovative alternative therapies; hyperbaric oxygen, cannabis, psychedelics, etc. Plus, we hear dramatic stories from combat veteran authors, discover job openings, and meet celebrity actors, athletes, and musicians.

Information

  • Creator
    CBS News
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    372
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Eye on Veterans

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