Special Edition: Honoring Our Heroes and Supporting Our Veterans

Greg TaylorRetired Army VeteranExecutive Director, Workforce Training Academy (WTA)(Arizona)Greg is currently leading a national Workforce Training Academy (WTA).Before WTA, Greg joined the United States Marines following high school and later switched to the United States Army. He retired in 2018 from Military Service after more than 20 years.During his military career, Greg had several deployments that included Iraq and Afghanistan. Greg grew up in a military family with his father serving as a U.S. Marine and for Greg serving his country provided an enormous sense of purpose. While deployed, Greg was responsible for addressing "IEDs" (Improvised Explosive Devices).In this interview, Greg explains his love for the military and serving his country, but he also explores the impact of war on his mental health. He credits his wife of more than 30 years and the VA for bringing balance back to his life. After returning to the United States and retiring from the Military, Greg discovered his sense of belonging and was able to navigate his transition to the civilian community. Today, Greg has a new Mission. In his role as the Executive Director of WTA, he is working to help other Veterans and community members find the tools and job skills needed to survive and prosper. Since 2001, Workforce Training Academy USA has continued to grow and evolve, always focused on improving students’ lives and positively impacting workforce needs throughout America. While training at WTA USA, students can learn the industry skills needed to start an in-demand career, become an apprentice, or expand their current skills to make them more marketable. The goal is to develop individuals from all backgrounds into skilled professionals, so they can be successful in their field of study, employment, and communities.Through this interview, you will hear a candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges of being a soldier…, and the miracle of survival, fortitude, determination, andrecovery. As Greg states in his interview, “It is not the Trauma that defines you”.