Beyond the Uniforms

Relevant information for military and veterans - from the inside.

Beyond the Uniforms is a show where I, Mike Friend, an Air Force veteran and prior law enforcement officer, dive deep into today's topics along with providing military members and veterans the best resources on transitioning, vacations, benefits, traveling, and more. No topic is off limits. Everything is real, raw, and independent. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and be prepared to be entertained. beyondtheuniforms.substack.com

  1. 2d ago

    The App That's Changing Space A Travel Forever

    Ever wonder how service members score free flights to Germany, Hawaii, or beyond? In this episode, Mike sits down with Colton Williams — a 17-year member of the Massachusetts National Guard and cyber chief — who turned his own frustration with tracking military “Space Available” flights into Fly Space A, a mobile app now used by over 8,000 travelers. Colton breaks down how Space A travel actually works, the difference between “tentative” and “firm” seats, and why the Patriot Express is the best starting point for first-timers. He also gets candid about the operational security behind the app — why a human is always in the loop, what data gets intentionally left out, and how the platform stays a helpful tool without ever claiming to be the “source of truth” on military travel. Whether you’re a service member planning your first Space A trip or just curious how one guy’s late-night coding sessions turned into a tool thousands rely on, this conversation is packed with insight, practical tips, and a reminder of how resourceful the military community can be. Find Fly Space A: Apple App Store, Google Play, or flyspacea.com If you prefer to watch the full interview, click here. Be sure to subscribe to Beyond the Uniforms for exclusive interviews with service members and veterans paving the way towards the next great thing. Click here, it’s free. Check out other resources to help you along your journey by visiting my website here. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

    The App That's Changing Space A Travel Forever

  2. May 14

    Veterans Discovering FREE Alternative to VA Treatments

    What if the VA already had access to cutting-edge, non-drug therapies for chronic pain, PTSD-related symptoms, migraines, TBI, inflammation, and recovery… but most Veterans simply never heard about them? In this episode, I sit down with the team from OPTI Vet Solutions to talk about the technologies, education, and advocacy helping Veterans better understand the healthcare options potentially available through the VA system. We discuss:• FDA-cleared non-pharmaceutical technologies• Red light therapy/photobiomodulation• Therapeutic VR used at home• Brain health and neurological recovery tools• How Veterans can better advocate for themselves inside the VA system• Why education and awareness are often the missing piece• The origin story behind OPTI Vet Solutions and how “two pairs of shoes” sparked the mission OPTI Vet Solutions focuses on helping Veterans navigate access to science-backed, drug-free health technologies through education and support — while emphasizing collaboration with VA providers, not replacing them. If you’re a Veteran, caregiver, active-duty service member transitioning out, or someone interested in the future of Veteran healthcare, this conversation is worth hearing. Learn more about OPTI Vet Solutions here: https://optivetsolutions.com/ Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

    Veterans Discovering FREE Alternative to VA Treatments

  3. 12/03/2025

    How to Turn Your Military Experience into an Award Winning Resume

    Military members and veterans looking to turn their experiences into an award winning resume should look no further than Cassie Hatcher!She has won multiple awards with her skills, helping military members land jobs with companies such as Lockheed Martin, Netflix, Cisco, Amazon, L3Harris, and more.🔥 Get in touch if you need someone who has helped veterans land dream jobs by visiting: https://www.careerconfidence.us/ If you prefer you can watch the interview on YouTube here. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

  4. 10/10/2024

    Marine Corps Captain Represents Team USA as a Bobsled Pilot

    Ever wonder what it's like to be both in the military and training for the Olympics? Marine Corps Captain Riley Tejcek is doing just that! Capt Tejcek is currently deployed and was gracious enough to offer her time to share her story about her journey from being a professional athlete to joining the Marine Corps and now represents Team USA as a bobsled pilot who is training for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Capt Tejcek shares with us the ups and downs of both putting her country first while also focusing on her training to make the Olympic team for the United States. If you would like to support her on her journey be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn or purchase one of her challenge coins that are helping to fund her training: https://bit.ly/rileytejcek If you prefer to watch the interview on YouTube click here. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

  5. 10/01/2024

    How to Start a Pet Supplement and Product Distribution Business

    Ever wonder how to start a pet supplement and product distribution business? In this episode Monty Dupree, a U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt, discusses how and why he started a pet supplement and product distribution business after his own personal story. Still serving in the Marines, Monty used his resources to learn how to not only get pet supplements at a wholesale cost but how to become a distributor for other brands and earn money. Visit the resources below to check out more info: Instagram Products: https://www.instagram.com/hdk_lux_products/ Instagram Collars: https://www.instagram.com/hdk_lux_dog_collars/ If you prefer to watch this interview on YouTube, click here. The mission of HDK & LUX Products is to be a premium brand dedicated to offering high-quality dog supplements, luxury dog collars, leashes, and streetwear. The company focuses on enhancing dogs’ health, vitality, and overall well-being while providing stylish, upscale accessories that showcase confidence and elegance. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

  6. 09/13/2024

    Space-Available Travel (Space-A) Cost And Benefits

    Military, veterans, and family members can travel for virtually free using space-available travel, also known as Space-A, benefits. But it's not always clear how to do it and it's sometimes confusing. Thankfully I had the opportunity to interview a retired Army spouse who she and her husband frequent Space-A travel to take vacations for virtually free, minus the cost of food, transportation, etc. In this episode Stephanie explains how military members, veterans, and their families can use Space-A travel just like her, including use of other rec facilities such as boats, camps, RV parks, and more. For more information and to check out her resources by clicking here. If you prefer to watch the video on YouTube click here. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

  7. 09/09/2024

    Living Abroad as a Veteran: Cost Savings, VA Benefits, and Relaxed Lifestyle in the Dominican Republic

    In this episode, we sit down with John Davis, also known as @combat.vet.abroad on TikTok, a U.S. Army veteran who made the move to the Dominican Republic. John shares his experience of living a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle abroad while still utilizing his VA health benefits. John is a graduate of St. Joseph's College and Harvard and has spoken to Congress about veteran related topics as a legislative fellow. John gives us some inside info into how the cost of living compares to the U.S., why the Dominican Republic is such a great option for veterans looking to live overseas, and how veterans can still access their benefits from abroad. Whether you're considering making the move or just curious about what life is like for a veteran living outside the U.S., this episode is packed with valuable insights! John has many resources to check out so be sure to click this link. If you prefer to watch this interview on YouTube click here. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

  8. 09/04/2024

    How to Start a Pet Supplement Product Company

    Marine Corps veteran Rico Curiel started his journey of creating a natural and healthy pet supplement company after he noticed his dog's health was declining every time he went home on leave. Inspired by his beloved dog's deteriorating health, Rico decided to start Beast Arsenal as he was nearing retirement. Beast Arsenal provides natural supplements for health-related issues and prevention including stress, muscle, and anxiety, and also offers leashes, harnesses, and collars. Rico was gracious and offered some insights and tips on how to start a pet supplement company, including approximate start-up costs. You can visit his online store or check out his Instagram page: 🌐 https://beastarsenal.com/ If you prefer to watch the interview you can do so by clicking here. Get full access to Beyond the Uniforms at beyondtheuniforms.substack.com/subscribe

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About

Beyond the Uniforms is a show where I, Mike Friend, an Air Force veteran and prior law enforcement officer, dive deep into today's topics along with providing military members and veterans the best resources on transitioning, vacations, benefits, traveling, and more. No topic is off limits. Everything is real, raw, and independent. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and be prepared to be entertained. beyondtheuniforms.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Relevant information for military and veterans - from the inside.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mike Friend
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Uniforms