Featured Veteran Derek Blumke

As part of Grunt Style’s Featured Veteran campaign, this episode of the American Grit Podcast shines the spotlight on Derek Blumke, Veteran Impact Fellow at the Grunt Style Foundation, and a leader on the front lines of veteran mental health reform. The Featured Veteran campaign exists to honor the men and women who continue to serve long after they hang up the uniform by showcasing their missions, their impact, and their leadership in their communities. Derek’s journey, from a 12-year Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard veteran with multiple deployments to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, to a national advocate for mental health accountability, is a powerful example of what service looks like beyond the battlefield.In this episode, Derek breaks down what he’s uncovered over the last two years while leading the fight against the veteran overprescribing crisis: the VA’s heavy reliance on psychiatric drugs, resistance to reform, and the push for informed consent and safer treatment practices. He also shares how WarCry for Change summits have brought together families, lawmakers, and medical experts to confront the realities behind veteran suicides and demand change. About Featured VeteranVeterans are leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs and often represent the best in our communities. Grunt Style's featured Veteran campaign is an initiative to celebrate these veterans' hard work and spirit, from showcasing their talents to highlighting their accomplishments and aspirations. We hope these Men and Women will serve as an inspiration and a positive example of what the American warfighter can do when they hang up their uniform and take on the role of community leaders. Join us on this mission, and meet the movers and shakers in your community today.https://www.gruntstylefoundation.org/