PitBull214 Podcast | Veteran Stories & Support

Rick Perales
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Documentary

Welcome to the PitBull214 Podcast, hosted by Rick Perales. An Air Force veteran, commander, public servant, and advocate for the veteran community. This podcast is dedicated to veterans, military families, and the people who support them. Through honest conversations, real-life experiences, and practical resources, each episode explores the challenges and victories that come after service. Topics include veteran transition, mental health, leadership, PTSD, military family life, career development, VA benefits, recovery, and the organizations making a real difference in the veteran community. PitBull214 is more than a podcast. It’s a mission to inform, connect, and support veterans while honoring the stories that deserve to be heard. Real Stories.Real Support.For the Veteran Community.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 1, Joe Kennedy, Importance and Safeguarding of DD214

    Most veterans know what a DD-214 is. What many don't realize is how much of a headache it can become if you can't find it when you need it. I've talked to veterans and families over the years who suddenly needed a DD-214 for benefits, burial honors, healthcare, or other services, only to discover they had no idea where it was. That's why I wanted to have Greene County Recorder Joe on the podcast. We talked about why protecting these documents matters, how the Recorder's Office helps preserve them, and some simple steps veterans and their families can take now to avoid problems later. It's not the most exciting topic in the world... until the day you need that paperwork. Then it becomes one of the most important documents you own. If you're a veteran, or you have a veteran in your family, this is one conversation worth listening to. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    36 min

  2. May 29

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 4, Gil Esparza, Warriors on Wheels

    In this episode of the Pitbull214 Podcast, host Rick “Pitbull” Perales sits down with veteran advocate Gil Esparza to discuss his lifelong commitment to serving fellow veterans both inside and outside the military. Gil shares his personal journey of service and how that experience led him to become deeply involved in supporting veterans who find themselves navigating challenges after leaving the uniform behind. The conversation explores his work with Veteran Treatment Court, a program designed to help veterans address legal issues while receiving the support, accountability, and resources they need to move forward. Rick and Gil also discuss the meaning behind Gil’s “Life Behind Bars” message, the importance of mentorship, and why second chances can make a life-changing difference for veterans struggling to find direction, purpose, or stability. Through lived experience and honest conversation, Gil explains how compassion, responsibility, and community partnerships can help veterans rebuild their lives and reconnect with their potential. This episode highlights the power of service beyond the military, reminding us that some of the most important missions happen after the uniform comes off. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/ Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    33 min

  3. May 20

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 3, PAWS 4 Abilities

    In this episode of the Pitbull214 Podcast, host Rick “Pitbull” Perales records his first on-site episode from Four Paws for Ability, an organization dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs to veterans and children with disabilities across the country. Rick sits down with Devin Brown to discuss how the program works, including the application process, fundraising efforts, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of recognizing both visible and invisible disabilities. Devin explains that no veteran is “too disabled” or “not disabled enough” to qualify for support. The episode also features Vietnam veteran John Ferguson, who shares the life-changing impact of his service dog, Porter. From medical alerts to mobility assistance and emotional support, John explains how Porter has become an essential part of his daily life. This conversation highlights the compassion, care, and dedication behind the service dog matching process while encouraging veterans, families, and supporters to learn more, volunteer, donate, or help spread awareness about this incredible resource. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    28 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Welcome to the PitBull214 Podcast, hosted by Rick Perales. An Air Force veteran, commander, public servant, and advocate for the veteran community. This podcast is dedicated to veterans, military families, and the people who support them. Through honest conversations, real-life experiences, and practical resources, each episode explores the challenges and victories that come after service. Topics include veteran transition, mental health, leadership, PTSD, military family life, career development, VA benefits, recovery, and the organizations making a real difference in the veteran community. PitBull214 is more than a podcast. It’s a mission to inform, connect, and support veterans while honoring the stories that deserve to be heard. Real Stories.Real Support.For the Veteran Community.

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