Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
Gentlemen thank you for joining today for this special episode.
American Heroes Network President, Jim Klug shares the desire of our network and podcast to promote and preserve this very special day and to reflect upon the supreme sacrifice of the millions of patriots that have perished to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy today.
Topics
In our youth, was Memorial Day, any different than any other federal holiday to you?
What do you think when you hear or someone says, “Happy Memorial Day?”
What types of activities did your family observe as a tradition, if any?
What influences in our upbringing guided us towards honoring those that gave the last full measure?
As military service Veterans, what do we desire our Nation to understand and do on Memorial Day?
As military service Veterans, discuss the meaning and importance of memorial Day to us.
Thank you for listening!
Jim Klug - President of American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran
AHN-32 with Erik Villard of U.S. Army Center of Military History
Episode 32
Monday, May 18, 2020 • Duration 01:01:19
Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.
You can follow Erik here
Websites
The U.S. Army Center of Military History: www.history.army.mil (Erik created the WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War commemorative sections. Korea is coming in a few weeks)
Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.
Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.
AHN-28 with CW2 Jonathan Crane on Music In The Military
Episode 28
Monday, April 20, 2020 • Duration 48:05
Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.
Today's guest is a retired Army Colonel who has led a 5,000 person Infantry Brigade. He understands people and his passion is to make a difference in the lives of others through optimistic leadership. He is the author of "It's Personal, not Personnel, Leadership Lessons for the Battlefield and the Boardroom", Founder & CEO of Investing in People Consulting and Coaching, and the Executive Director of VetToCEO. I would like to welcome Rob Campbell.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is a retired Army Colonel who has led a 5,000 person Infantry Brigade. He understands people and his passion is to make a difference in the lives of others through optimistic leadership. He is the author of "It's Personal, not Personnel, Leadership Lessons for the Battlefield and the Boardroom", Founder & CEO of Investing in People Consulting and Coaching, and the Executive Director of VetToCEO. I would like to welcome Rob Campbell.
AHN-26 with Robert Blacklidge of Catapult Lakeland
Episode 26
Monday, March 30, 2020 • Duration 50:40
I originally met today's guest at a veteran event where I was speaking on a panel about Veterans in transition. I learned how since moving to Tampa he jumped right into engaging with the startup community to help Tampa grow and be even better. He is a serial entrepreneur, an Air Force Veteran, and the Education Director for Catapult Lakeland. I would like to welcome Robert Blacklidge.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
I originally met today's guest at a veteran event where I was speaking on a panel about Veterans in transition. I learned how since moving to Tampa he jumped right into engaging with the startup community to help Tampa grow and be even better. He is a serial entrepreneur, an Air Force Veteran, and the Education Director for Catapult Lakeland. I would like to welcome Robert Blacklidge.
Robert thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
AHN-25 with Glenn Nielsen of Pics In The Glenn
Episode 25
Monday, March 23, 2020 • Duration 29:16
I met today's guest while volunteering at Project Transition USA. He dedicates time to taking professional headshots of Veterans for free so they can have a great photo for their LinkedIn profile. He is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who flew 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross 7 times. He served a total of 22 years in the Air Force. He is now the Founder and photographer of Pics In The Glenn, I would like to welcome Glenn Nielsen.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
I met today's guest while volunteering at Project Transition USA. He dedicates time to taking professional headshots of Veterans for free so they can have a great photo for their LinkedIn profile. He is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who flew 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross 7 times. He served a total of 22 years in the Air Force. He is now the Founder and photographer of Pics In The Glenn, I would like to welcome Glenn Nielsen.
Glenn thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
AHN-24 with Darren Council of Real Life Productions
Episode 24
Monday, March 16, 2020 • Duration 48:44
Today's guest is a funny guy that loves to put a smile on people's faces. He loves family and kids and has a passion for teaching kids of all ages how they can learn something fun and become successful. He is an Army Veteran and the Co-Founder & Executive Producer of Real Life Productions which produces Youth Center Stage, Unscripted DC, Mystery Theater, and more. I would like to welcome Darren Council.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is a funny guy that loves to put a smile on people's faces. He loves family and kids and has a passion for teaching kids of all ages how they can learn something fun and become successful. He is an Army Veteran and the Co-Founder & Executive Producer of Real Life Productions which produces Youth Center Stage, Unscripted DC, Mystery Theater, and more. I would like to welcome Darren Council.
Today's guest is an acclaimed filmmaker & documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires, and heals. He is a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient and has created and produced two films for Veterans. He is a compassionate man with Godly values who never stops helping others to begin the journey of healing. He is Founder & Owner of EC Productions. I would like to welcome Eric Christiansen.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is an acclaimed filmmaker & documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires, and heals. He is a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient and has created and produced two films for Veterans. He is a compassionate man with Godly values who never stops helping others to begin the journey of healing. He is Founder & Owner of EC Productions. I would like to welcome Eric Christiansen.
Erik also has a bunch of videos on YouTube from various events where he spoke at the National Archives and elsewhere. Here are four videos on CSPAN: https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard
Erik good afternoon and how are you doing today?
Erik I wanted to start off today by telling you why I think this episode is so important. Jim the President of American Heroes Network and the rest of his team feel as strongly about preserving history as you do! Jim often says that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history and he wants to make sure that doesn't happen. He was also a previous National Historian for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. So we believe in the preservation of history and we believe in your mission and wanted to be sure we share it with as many people as we can. Jim was also in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice, received a Purple Heart, and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive.
So Erik tell us about your earlier years, where you grew up, and what first made you interested in military history.
Where does the Doctor come in?
What made you focus so much interest specifically on the Vietnam War era?
You have been involved as a historical consultant in supporting several efforts specifically related to the Vietnam War such as the TV documentary "Raw War: The Lost Film of Dak To", the New York Historical Society's exhibit on the Vietnam War, and the TV documentary "The Vietnam War". Can you tell us about each of these projects?
Are there any others projects you have worked on that you would like to mention like your Google Earth project?
Tell us about the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which you created and manage in your spare time.
You have written a couple of books, can you tell us about each of them:
The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue
Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War
Erik tell us about your current job with the Army, what you do, how you enjoy it, and about the websites you are currently producing for the Army about WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War as well as the others you are planning to create to span the entire Army history.
How do you connect with the community and share history?
How can understanding history help veterans and others?
Tell us your theory on Dungeons and Dragons.
What message would you like to give directly to transitioning military personnel and veterans?
Summary
A graduate of Occidental College and the University of Washington, Erik has worked at the U.S. Army Center of Military History since 2000 as a specialist in the Vietnam War. He is the world’s leading expert on the 1968 Tet Offensive and has written two books on the Vietnam War: "The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue" and "Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War".
In his personal time he manages the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which has grown to nearly 36,000 members since its inception in 2014.
His passion for history and specifically military history has lead him to develop an online visual database of the Vietnam War using Google Earth-based 4-D GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. The Google Earth project will layer (South) Vietnam with Photoshop-enhanced military maps, custom icons, contemporary photos, and colored shapes to identify all of the units, installations, lines of communication, terrain features, engagements, administrative boundaries, and any other information that a researcher might want to view.
One of his many goals is to develop a free, crowd-sourced database that will integrate all publicly available information about the Vietnam War for the benefit of veterans, active duty military personnel, simulation experts, educators, students, media organizations, travel groups, and the video gaming community. Erik just loves to help people.
Michael thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
Michael before we just jump right into it I wanted to say I loved something personal I saw in your bio description that shows me you're enjoying life and you have a sense of humor. You said "when you're not knee-deep in pre-production you enjoy unicorn pony puppet shows with your three little princesses and your wife". That was really great so please tell us about your family and life at home right now. It sounds like you're loving it.
Tell us about when you joined the military, your rank and what job you did while you served Michael.
What was life like in the military for you?
Mixed - good and bad but for the most part 15 years of services that I miss. Close friends even when we hated each other and a struggle as a leader in combat with two little boys at home.
Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?
I transitioned twice, once from active duty then again after reserve duty back on active orders. Change is never easy, I don’t have it all figured out. But I find my best work helping others in their success.
Tell us... your story.
I grew up on the run as a kid, always finding new ways of problem solving. Served me very well in the Marine Corps and further refined my passion for helping other succeed. When I saw firsthand how storytelling can save a Marine, a veteran, and a future I jumped in with both feet. Switched my degree path and set out on a mission to help more veterans transition with learning the media arts as an employable skillset.
Tell us about your personal or company's mission.
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets as stepping stones in the forward movement of life.
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world?
For the most past I would say yes. I think it is a combination of my childhood, growing up in the military, and living life.
Do you feel like you fit in?
Not really but that has been my whole life.
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?
Trying to fit in. Trying to start a corporate career.
How do you connect with the community?
Various veteran organizations, church, and just helping people.
What are you doing to help other Veterans?
June 7 2020, LCA San Diego Career Exploration summit for Veterans with a disability, spouses and caregivers.
I have partnered with a program called Light! Camera! Access! that has been campaigning inclusion and producing events for individuals with disabilities in the media industry for the last 10 years to focus on veterans.
Calling all Veterans with disabilities who are aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and media professionals. We salute you and encourage you to apply to LCA Virtual Career Exploration Summit on Sunday, June 7th. Thanks to LCA Producers Steven Allen, President of PolicyWorks and Michael Wood, CEO of @NeverForgottenMedia - both disabled veterans. Check it out. Application deadline is May 21, at 8pm PT. Picture of cast and crew of the CBS TV series Seal Team, films a scene at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels.
What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?
Find a mentor and find another one.
What if any significant military history fact or event would you like to share with us?
Success is superficial and the day we take things for granted, we lose another veteran.
“Chesty” Puller’s son, a decorated Marine Corps officer, Pulitzer prize winner, and created a life with his wife and two children after Vietnam; Lewis Puller Jr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot. “He suffered terrible wounds that never really healed" – Toddy Puller
Where can people find you if they want to reach out?
Summary
Born in Colorado, grew up in Louisiana, and landed in California with the Marine Corps.
He got to see the world,
continually develop doing more with less,
and refined his passion for helping others achieve their success.
After returning from Iraq, Michael pivoted as a single dad of two boys to finish a degree he never planned to start: even with combat injuries and learning disabilities. Then after experiencing the cathartic power of storytelling while with wounded warriors, he took on a new mission.
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets that opens new doors that could not be see before.
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
When Michael is not knee-deep in pre-production or the edit bay, Michael now enjoys unicorn pony puppet shows with his three little princesses and his wife.
Dan thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
So both you and I have a passion for helping veterans!
Dan lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury and the emotional wounds of war. Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor.
Topics
Tell us about joining and what you did in the military Dan.
I joined out of high school and started as a paratrooper.
February 2004 when Dan deployed to Balad, Iraq, as a squad leader. Later that year, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After several years of recurring infections and countless surgeries, Dan chose to surgically remove his right leg as well, making him a bilateral amputee.
Transition from the military for you was unexpected and must have been incredibly hard for you, can you tell us about that time?
Dan spent 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in recovery. In his first days there, he received a backpack from Wounded Warrior Project, a care package that would greatly impact his personal and professional life. Following medical retirement in 2006, Dan relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he joined the staff of the PGA TOUR.
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life and how did you end up working for the PGA Tour?
Tell us about Wounded Warrior Project and how you personally got involved with them, what was in that backpack they gave you at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
I am a huge fan of Wounded Warrior Project and I know several people that work there in Florida, either at the headquarters in Jacksonville or the office in Tampa, which I was able to visit when they hosted IVMF's Onward To Opportunity program that I was part of.
You must be a big fan as well as you eventually joined their team and have worked in several positions, but before that you received their highest award, the George C. Lang Award for Courage. Tell us about that.
So Dan I think everyone knows about how Wounded Warrior Project gets Wounded Warriors out of the house and into the community where they can interact with each other at amazing events, but there is so much more to what they do at Wounded Warrior Project. First tell us what are the requirements to be part of the program?
Now let's talk about the rest of the amazing programs that Wounded Warrior Project has that people don't know about since they don't get the same visibility as the others. Let's start with the well know Veteran Outreach Program where veterans meet at events and enjoy some great activities.
Combat Stress Recovery Program, Project Odyssey, and the Warrior Care Network
Independence Program
Physical Health and Wellness
Warriors to Work
Soldier Ride
WWP Talk
Benefits
Dan aside from everything you do with WWP you also started in yoga and now teach yoga, tell us about that
Also tell us about Warrior Spirit Retreat
Set on a serene organic family farm in St. Augustine, Florida, the holistic retreat will offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and will be free of charge to veterans and their families.
What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?
Where can people find you if they want to reach out?
Summary
Dan Nevins is a professional speaker who has been inspiring audiences around the world with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope for more than a decade, and has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, Fox News, CBS News and ABC News among others.
A highly decorated soldier, Dan was severely injured during combat in Iraq in 2004 after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle. He lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the emotional wounds of war.
Dan credits Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) with his successful rehabilitation, which instilled a “can-do” attitude, positive outlook, and passion for helping his fellow wounded warriors in him. He quickly became an advocate for the organization, inspiring both his peers and the public to create positive change for themselves and those around them, simply by sharing his powerful story. Dan’s charismatic personality and relatable, lively approach resonated with audiences of all shapes and sizes, and he soon found himself sharing his story with hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
In 2008, Dan received WWP’s highest honor, the George C. Lang Award for Courage, for his efforts on behalf of the organization. He went on to become the director of WWP’s Warriors Speak program, where he taught other wounded warriors and their caregivers how to share their stories with the public and serve as spokespeople for the organization, much like he had.
In 2014, Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga and meditation, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor. Dan began teaching yoga in 2015 and is now a Tier 3 Certified Baptiste Yoga Influencer. Dan incorporates the notion of “yoga for every-body” into his speeches and classes, encouraging people from all walks of life – and veterans in particular – to take up the practice.
Word of Dan’s efforts spread quickly, and he has been invited to teach yoga throughout the world, from the White House in Washington, DC to deployed service members in the Middle East as well as Africa Yoga Project in Nairobi, Kenya. Nowadays, when he’s not leading classes for hundreds of participants, Dan can usually be found sharing his passion for life, WWP, yoga and his fellow wounded warriors with the attendees of major events ranging from the Bank of America 500 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Stadium of Fire at BYU Stadium to the Wisdom 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.
Dan is continuously searching for new ways to help other veterans. He is passionate about his work with Wounded Warrior Project and Warrior Spirit Retreat, a non-profit that he founded, which empowers warriors to greater possibilities by providing them with new tools for healing from the invisible wounds of war. The holistic retreats offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and are free of charge to veterans.
Dan is an incredible storyteller who integrates his own powerful and impactful story into a customized keynote or workshop that will inspire your organization with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope. Dan’s Speaker Reel
Jon thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
So Jon, you talk about working at the intersection of music, science, and media. I think we both feel that music is therapeutic and beneficial to health, happiness, ad healing. But you're on a mission to prove it. I look forward to talking about this today but first, we would like to get to know about you…
Topics
Tell us about your military career so far. Where are you from, when did you join, why did you join, and what did you do in the Army before you became part of the band.
Did you already have a personal love for music before joining the Army Band?
Tell me about the Army Bands Program focused on how music affects people across all domains.
I am stationed at West Point, NY where we have an Analytics Team and a Music Research Center.
How do you quantify and articulate music’s effects on Soldiers and its ability to connect those Soldiers to the public they defend?
Let's talk about music therapy, what it really means, and how it works.
Many who come back from ware are impacted for the rest of their life. Has your research shown that music has a health impact on veterans, especially for PTSD, TBI, and everyday stress relief?
In your article "Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military" you talk about the functional use of music in the military as well as traditional songs in the military for comfort and camaraderie. Can you explain how those shared musical experiences are vital to psychological and emotional recovery after war.
I know Military Musicians were recently awarded the National Medal of the Arts by the President. Can you tell us about that?
You wrote another article called "Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum". Can you talk about how sound could influence the mind, body, and spirit and how early in military history music would bring comfort to soldiers who had been injured?
How are you currently impacting the active-duty military with your research and have you also been able to make an impact in the community of post-service veterans and their families?
You talked about the increased need for creative arts therapies. With the pandemic we are currently facing do you think these things can help now with all the anxiety in the nation?
How can someone get started?
What advice do you have for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families when it comes to music or other forms of therapy and how they can make an impact in lives at a time when everyone is home together, schools are shut down, and life is anything but normal?
Cadet rock band, starting a band?
How would you like to be contacted if people want to reach out?
Jon's articles and other links
Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum
Rob thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
So Rob, over and over again I see your message of Investing in People. And with everything you do you make that part of it, whether that is consulting, coaching, or being a public speaker. I think that is a powerful and positive message and I want to make that a big part of what we talk about today. But first…
Topics
Tell us about your military career. I know you started out as an infantry officer and have served in Iraq and Afghanistan but there is so much more.
Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?
Tell us about your company, Investing in People Consulting and Coaching and why you are so driven to help people.
Tell us about your book, "It's Personal, not Personnel, Leadership Lessons for the Battlefield and the Boardroom". "Investing is giving" and "Know yourself and know your people".
Rob do you feel like your military experience helped you survive or succeed in the civilian world?
How do you connect with the community?
Tell us all about VetToCEO and how it is helping Veterans?
Aside from participating in the VetToCEO program what action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?
Do you have any advice to give people or companies based on our current situation with everyone having to stay home and companies having to lay off employees? This seems to be an important time to not forget about people and their value.
Where can people find you if they want to reach out?
We are a community of veterans who connect through entrepreneurship and military training. We offer an online, 7-course entrepreneurship program featuring industry guest speakers and interactive modules. Our exclusive program is designed by veteran/entrepreneurs to educate transitioning warriors on the path to entrepreneurship as a business model. FREE to all veterans and military.
We offer the program free of charge to qualified/verified members of the military and veterans. We fund our programs through the generosity of leading corporations, grants, and individuals who have a passion for helping veterans.
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
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Mentor at Veterati
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Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79
So Robert we have a lot to talk about with you being involved in so many things that Veterans need to know about. You seem to be all about reinventing yourself and taking a leap of faith in a new direction so I am really going to enjoy hearing your perspective today. There is Operation Startup and Biz Sprint, the Startup Bus, Tampa Bay Startup Week, and more.
Topics
First tell me a little bit about what you did in the military.
Was transition from the military (or military life) easy or hard for you?
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?
Talk about climbing the mountain.
So you’re a serial entrepreneur and you love education. One of the businesses you started was Course Align and now you are the Education Director for Catapult Lakeland. Tell us why education is so important to you.
Let's talk about some of the other things that you have been involved in. I know the knowledge you have could benefit Veterans. Some of these are Veteran specific and some are not but I think the more information people have on what is out there the better.
Operation Startup- where we first met.
Biz Sprint
The Startup Bus
Tampa Bay Startup Week
The Startup Santa
Wasn’t there even a Startup Cruise?
1 Million Cups
Startup Grind
Techstars Startup Weekend
Action Zone- Effectuation Camp Creator
CO.STARTERS- Action Zone and Catapult Lakeland
Has your military experience helped you in the civilian world?
How do you connect with the community outside of the startup world?
What else are you doing to help other Veterans?
For transitioning Veterans, what action items list would you give them?
Where can people find you if they want to reach out?
Robert Blacklidge is fondly known as Startup Santa. USAF Veteran and serial entrepreneur. His work building the Lakeland Ecosystem has had and continues to have a significant impact. Robert has worked to bring several international programs to the Lakeland community. (1 Million Cups, Startup Grind, and Techstars Startup Weekend.) Additionally, he facilitates CO.STARTERS. It is through these efforts and the efforts of others that Lakeland has garnished national recognition. Highlighted in Inc Magazine as one of the nation's best cities to start a company. These current efforts are built on his past experience creating and running Hackathons including Office Depots, IEEE, Code Tampa, Startup Bus, and Biz Sprint. Robert volunteers running programs for several organizations to include Action Zone a veteran-focused business accelerator and Techstars Startup Weekend.
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79
Topics
Tell us about what you did in the military.
Transition from the military (easy or hard)?
What was it that caused you to start your business?
Tell us about your company's mission.
What were the steps you took to get your business up and running?
Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?
What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?
What is the key to the success of your business?
Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business?
Are you going to use your business in some way to either help or hire other Veterans?
What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with future Veteran business owners?
For transitioning Veterans what action items list would you give them?
Summary
In this episode with Glenn we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own journey!
Learn to show emotion
Join groups to help you discover your passion and get used to talking to groups of people. Examples would be Meetup.com, toastmasters, and the local rotary club
Learn how to talk about yourself
Find a mentor or trainer
Here is a quote from Glenn, "The best athletes in the world have trainers, and if you think you are better than they are and you don't need a trainer then I think your cheating yourself"
Thank you for listening!
Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79
Darren thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
Topics
So tell me a little bit about what you did in the military.
Transition from the military (easy or hard)
You went through several jobs after getting out
Now for the daycare you and your wife started were you right in the middle of it taking care of the kids or were you doing something else?
What was it that caused you to start your business?
Tell us about your company's mission Real Life Productions
(Unscripted DC, The Game Show- Mystery dinner theater)
Now Youth Center Stage is something else you started that is a branch off of RLP
I like how it is broken down into different things you can learn for different age groups. I also like how one of those has to do with becoming an author. I am actually writing a book and started out with no experience so I see the value in teaching that.
What were the steps you took to get your business up and running?
Do you feel like your military experience and training helped prepare you to be a Veteran business owner?
What were some of the challenges you faced getting your business started?
What is the key to the success of your business?
Would you say it was your military experience or other things you learned that have been more helpful in making you successful in your business?
Are you going to use your business in some way to either help or hire other Veterans?
What is the one most important thing you have learned since starting your business that you can share with Veterans?
For transitioning Veterans what action items list would you give them?
Where do you think you will find yourself in 3 to 5 years?
Where can people find you if they want to reach out?
Summary
In this episode with Darren we heard some great advice you can take advantage of on your own journey!
Always keep your goal or vision in mind so you don’t get off track
Figure out your purpose, your why for starting a business
Create a business plan, figuring out the demographic, who are you selling to, and more helps you focus, which helps sales
Make sure to have a wow statement, you never know when you will be speaking to an investor
Be sure to network, network, network- relationships in business are important
Get a team of advisors for feedback and motivation
Attend a local 1 Million Cups event to get feedback from other business owners
Be on the same page with your spouse, your business will run much smoother
I wanted to start sharing a little bit about you with everyone so they understand how you got to the point of helping Veterans, and others dealing with trauma. So you had a love of filmmaking from an early age and turned that into a career. And during that time you became a trauma survivor yourself as a result of the Painted Cave Fire in California. I know you had to deal with the loss of your home and possessions and you turned that experience into something that would help others. Today we are going to share your story and your passion for making a difference in the world through film.
So Eric tell us about your early years in film and then about the fire
2nd grade 8-12 years old wanting to make films
Professionally since 13
The fire on June 27th, 1990 took his house and possessions
How did the fire change your life
Anger after the fire, lost everything material
Drinking problem
Got some spiritual help
Jan 13, 1991, stopped drinking
Tell us your story
I have worked in trauma recovery-related films for over 25 years and with veterans in the last 18 years. I have produced and directed to films about the truth, the healing and hopes of our veterans. “Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey” and “Searching for Home Coming back from War.”
Run for the Wall – The motorcycle pilgrimage across the country to the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico.
First film: Faces In the Fire
Used by the national institute of mental health
Huge clinical value
Tell us about your personal & company mission since finding God and a calling to help others
EC Manifesto/Personal Mission:
To create socially conscious, God-honoring films. To present non-partial, non-political and judgment-free portrayals of the human journey. To promote tolerance, understanding and above all empathy. To tell the unmitigated truth of life and the subsequent journey to healing (in some cases) and to always uncover and display the hope in any situation. To fearlessly become aware of and to work outside "the box" and the normal channels as they are opened up by the ultimate producer, God.
Allowing God to direct him in his day, things start to happen and grow
Prayer is great but God is waiting for us on the other end of action he is waiting for us to show up
Belief in higher power and letting go
Do his work and he will help you, it's a working relationship
How do you connect with the community?
I am intrinsically linked through friends and past subjects in my films.
How are your films helping Veterans?
The two levels of connection and healing the films deliver are creating awareness and identification for our audiences. Giving Hope.
Eric let's talk about your latest project unMASKing HOPE and why it is so important in today's world.
Please tell us all about that and when we can look forward to seeing it.
No set date yet, about to go into post-production.
What action items would you give transitioning military or Veterans in order to be successful?
Find others like you! You are not alone!
Thank you!
About Eric
Eric Christiansen is an acclaimed documentarian who has built his brand around socially responsible filmmaking that educates, inspires and heals. Christiansen, a seven-time Southwestern Region Emmy Award recipient, explores the impact of trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and how a powerful platform for hope can be built to help trauma survivors begin the vigilant journey of healing. A trauma survivor himself, Christiansen worked through the loss of his home and possessions in the Painted Cave Fire by creating his first film Faces in the Fire 25 years ago.
All of his films (Faces in the Fire, Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, Searching for Home: Coming Back from War) have been transformative in the recovery process for thousands of people whose lives have been compromised mentally, spiritually and physically by trauma. Leveraged as educational tools by top mental health institutions, Christiansen's films migrate from the entertainment arena into environments that help additional audiences navigate the profound collateral damage trauma creates not only on the individual but the family and community as well.
"Searching for Home" is strikingly photographed by Mr. Christiansen and is sure to give comfort and support to countless veterans and their families.” the New York Times said prophetically of Eric's most recent work, "Searching for Home: Coming Back from War", a critical, audience and social success.
Eric directed, photographed and edited this film that brought the message of truth, healing and hope to millions. The film was first released theatrically then went on to public television with over 2300 airings in less than three years.
Anita Gates of the New York Times called Eric Christiansen’s documentary "Homecoming: A Vietnam Vets Journey, “a surpassingly worthy…touching film.” Eric’s other independent documentary, about grief recovery following a natural disaster, “Faces in the Fire” garnered critical acclaim including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement Documentary. The film is still being used today by the National Institute of Mental Health for training counselors and comforting survivors.
Throughout his career, Christiansen has also created content for major networks including Discovery, TLC, PBS, MTV, and an Imax film.
I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.
Searching for Home: Coming Back from War is available on:
iTunes • Amazon Prime • Vudu • Google Play • YouTube • TubiTV • Pluto TV • Gravitas Pictures
His new film UnMASKing HOPE follows a disparate group of people whose extraordinary stories of survival most of us have heard only in snippets on the news. Having lived through mass shootings, terror attacks, combat and sexual assaults, these brave trauma survivors don “masks” to hide their pain and suffering as they navigate their new existence that is often stymied by PTSD, physical injury and emotional turmoil. In order to heal, they must confront what’s happened to them and begin their journey from seclusion to inclusion. And as we follow their moving stories, we are all inspired to find hope again and be who we were born to be.
I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79
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