Success After Service

Michael Parks shares his remarkable journey from U.S. Air Force canine handler and Federal Air Marshal to veteran entrepreneur and founder of Daystar Photography. In this episode of Success After Service, Michael talks about military leadership, the bond between handlers and working dogs, post-9/11 aviation security, and how discipline, purpose, and mentorship helped him build a thriving photography, videography, and drone business. He also explains how veteran partnerships with organizations like The Warrior Alliance and Syracuse University’s IVMF are helping service members and families access resources, opportunity, and community support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Army Cavalry Scout and Purple Heart recipient David Kendrick Jr. shares his powerful journey from being shot by a sniper in Baghdad at 20 years old to becoming a national mental health advocate, NAMI ambassador, author, and speaker. He opens up about survivor’s guilt, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a suicide attempt—and how therapy, community, and purpose helped him rebuild his life. In this episode of “Success After Service” on The Warrior Alliance Network, David discusses: - The Father’s Day mission in Iraq that changed everything - Healing from life‑threatening injuries and invisible wounds - How NAMI and the NAMI Homefront program support veterans’ families - Turning pain into purpose through advocacy, his memoir “Cavalry,” and the Lion Speaking Agency - Practical ways veterans and families can recognize warning signs and seek help   If you’re a veteran, family member, mental health professional, or supporter, this conversation offers real insight, hope, and tools for navigating life after service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Army veteran Jeremy M. Walker joins Success After Service to share his powerful story of enlisting at 16, earning a Bronze Star for Valor in Afghanistan, overcoming injury and PTSD, and redefining purpose after a 22-year military career. He explains how founding Helmets to Boots helps veterans and their families navigate transition, mental health, VA benefits, and entrepreneurship, and why community partnerships like The Warrior Alliance and the Atlanta Black Chamber are critical. Hear candid insights on identity after taking off the uniform, turning pain into service, and using leadership skills to build businesses, strengthen communities, and prevent veteran suicide.exposureninjaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Army Signal Corps veteran and Chief Warrant Officer II (Ret.) Sheena Parker reveals how she went from 20 years in uniform to building a thriving facility management and government contracting company, Foresight Industries (4SYT), and a fast-growing education platform, GovCon Now. She shares how military discipline, warrant officer leadership training, and sheer resilience helped her transition into entrepreneurship, win contracts with agencies from MARTA to major sports venues, and create opportunities for other veterans and second-chance hires. Discover how she launched her SheenaPreneur YouTube channel, teaches her three-tier contractor methodology at universities like Texas A&M and Syracuse, and helps small businesses secure federal, state, local, and corporate contracts—often starting with nontraditional opportunities like plant care and construction cleanup. If you’re a veteran, spouse, or small business owner looking to break into government contracting, this episode breaks down where to find contracts, how to avoid bidding mistakes, and why you should “find the thing” that truly satisfies you—not just the highest paycheck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Army veteran and Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier joins Success After Service to share how he turned a life of military service into civic leadership and veteran advocacy. He discusses lessons from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, his role representing District 4 on the Atlanta City Council, and why he is pushing for a dedicated Office of Veteran Services in Atlanta to better support homeless and at-risk veterans. He also breaks down Hire Heroes USA’s impact, including more than 110,000 veteran and military spouse job placements and nearly $1B in economic impact, and explains how their partnership with The Warrior Alliance helps veterans access housing, legal, and employment resources. Veterans will hear practical advice on getting involved in their communities, leveling up careers, and finding purpose after service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how The Warrior Alliance is helping veterans and their families find true “success after service” with holistic support, trusted navigation, and powerful community partnerships. In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, hosts Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Cowart sit down with Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mark Eister, Vice President of Operations, to unpack the real value the organization delivers—meeting veterans where they are and addressing the full 360 of their lives. Mark shares his own challenging transition from a 21-year Army career to civilian life, why “you don’t know what you don’t know” after separation, and how Warrior Alliance fills those gaps with housing, legal, financial, wellness, and benefits navigation. You’ll hear moving success stories, including a Vietnam veteran given the dignity he deserves at end of life, and veteran Luis Algarin, who went from needing help to serving alongside the Alliance at outreach events. The conversation highlights what makes the Warrior Alliance “secret sauce” work: real people answering the phone, staying on the line, asking “how are you really doing?” and uncovering needs veterans didn’t realize they had. Mark explains how a disciplined operations culture, 40+ vetted partners (from the VA and Georgia Department of Veterans Service to the Atlanta Braves), and a growing statewide footprint are creating a seamless safety net for warriors and families—whether they left the military last week or 50 years ago. If you’re a veteran who thinks “I’m good,” this episode will challenge that mindset and show why getting registered now creates a safety net for whatever comes next—and how you can move from receiving support to serving other warriors. Visit TheWarriorAlliance.org to learn more, register, or get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran David Scott shares his transformation from two decades of Army service—including six combat deployments—to helping fellow veterans regain purpose through The Eden Project. Hosted by Scott Munn and Tug Cowart from The Warrior Alliance Network, this inspiring episode reveals how mental health awareness, community, and wholehearted living can reignite purpose and healing after service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Captain Grover Henry shares his journey from enlisted airman to officer, combat leader, educator, and founder, and how he’s empowering veterans through Bunker Labs, Syracuse University’s IVMF, Warrior Alliance, drone innovation, and the “Vets Do That” movement. Listeners will hear powerful insights on leadership, failure, faith, family, community, and how veterans can turn their skills into successful businesses and lifelong service after the uniform comes off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Persian Gulf to the boardroom, meet Xavier Cugnon, VP of HR at Lookout Pest Control. This former Marine Sergeant and Belgian immigrant shares his incredible journey, detailing how military discipline, training, and integrity translated into a 15-year career in Human Resources. Learn about the crucial role of persuasion and leadership in both the Marines and HR, why Lookout Pest Control values veteran hires, and Cugnon's work as Board Chair of SHRM Atlanta. Discover actionable advice for veteran transition, career opportunities in the trades, and how to find your community. A must-listen for veterans, HR professionals, and aspiring leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how Dr. Takosha Swan transformed her military experiences into impactful community leadership, mental health advocacy, and entrepreneurship for veterans. Dive into insights on transitioning from service, building purpose, founding the Veteran Anthem, and empowering women veterans in business. Don’t miss strategies for VA benefits, suicide prevention, and Dr. Swan’s advice for military families and spouses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decorated Vietnam War veteran and attorney LTC Cary King shares his journey from the jungle battlefields to the courtroom, founding the Atlanta VA Legal Clinic and providing pro bono legal aid to thousands of veterans. Discover his stories of courage during the Tet Offensive, lessons in leadership, and how he turned his military discipline into lifelong service for the veteran community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the incredible journey of SGM Orrick Curry, a retired Army Sergeant Major and Atlanta Police Investigator, as he shares powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and service after the uniform. Host Scott Munn explores Orrick’s 27-year military career, his transition to law enforcement, and his continued mission to bridge the gap between veterans, police, and the community through the Clippers and Cops initiative. Key takeaways include mastering career transitions, the importance of service and adaptability, and building bridges beyond the battlefield.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart on the Warrior Alliance Network as they sit down with Brigadier General Jennifer Marrast Host, MD—Deputy Commanding General, US Army Reserve Medical Command, and Associate Chief of Staff of Education at the Atlanta VA. Discover how Gen. Marrast Host balances a high-impact military career with civilian medical leadership, the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from service, and her advice for veterans seeking purpose and success after the military.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the incredible journey of LTC Lindsey Gerheim, Atlanta Recruiting Battalion Commander and West Point graduate. From leading soldiers in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay to advising at the White House, Lindsey shares leadership lessons, career highlights, and her passion for mentoring the next generation. Tune in for insights on military service, public leadership, and transitioning to new challenges after the Army.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Tug Cowart and Scott Munn as they chat with Army veteran Jason Robbins, owner of Patriot Towing Services. Discover how Robbins transitioned from military service to owning a successful towing company in Atlanta, GA. Learn about his commitment to hiring veterans, the challenges of running a recession-proof business, and the importance of veteran organizations. Robbins shares insights from his military career and offers advice to veterans transitioning to civilian life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Scott Morning and Todd Power on "Success After Service" as they interview Staff Sergeant Nathan Azarowicz, a US Marine Corps Reserve veteran and attorney. Discover Nathan's journey from a Marine mechanic to a successful civil defense attorney, his passion for helping homeless veterans, and the skills he transferred from military to civilian life. Learn about the support systems available for veterans and how Nathan continues to serve his community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the incredible story of Chef Tiffany Moore on The Warrior Alliance Network. From serving eleven years in the US Army to overcoming a severe injury and becoming a successful entrepreneur, Tiffany's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. Learn how she has transformed her life and continues to inspire others through her culinary talents and community involvement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on "Success After Service" as we sit down with Kimberly Bryant, the Warrior Alliance Military Spouse of the Year, who shares her remarkable story of resilience and dedication. From caregiving for her husband, a disabled combat veteran, to her career at Comcast Cable Corporation, Kimberly's journey exemplifies strength and perseverance. Discover how she supports military spouses and caregivers, tackles mental health challenges, and fosters a sense of purpose and identity. Key Takeaways: The unique challenges faced by military spouses and caregivers. The mental health struggles and invisible wounds veterans endure. Kimberly Bryant's journey from caregiving to a successful career at Comcast. The importance of community support for military families. Veterans, Military Spouse, Caregiving, PTSD, TBI, Mental Health, Comcast, Warrior Alliance, Resilience, Success After ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of “Success After Service,” Marlene Thomas shares her journey from losing a college scholarship to joining the U.S. Army, where she discovered her passion for technology. As a Latina and a veteran, she overcame challenges in transitioning to civilian life and now holds a leadership role at ORBEA, advocating for inclusivity in technology and mentorship for veterans. Key Takeaways: Marlene Thomas’ transition from military to civilian life highlights the unique challenges veterans face, especially in understanding and navigating the job market. Her success in the technology sector underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Marlene emphasizes the need for mentorship and creating inclusive environments for veterans and women in technology. Her involvement with the Technology Association of Georgia and the Warrior Alliance showcases her commitment to supporting veterans’ holistic needs. Marlene Thomas, Veteran, U.S. Army, Technology, Leadership, ORBEA, Mentorship, Civilian Transition, Women in Tech, STEM, InclusivitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of “Success After Service” features the inspiring story of retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jarod Callaway. From his combat experiences in Baghdad and Afghanistan to his advocacy for mental health and his impactful role in public education, Jared exemplifies the resilience and dedication of our veterans. Key Takeaways: Jared Callaway’s military service included combat tours in Baghdad and Afghanistan, where he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Purple Heart. Post-retirement, Jared has been an advocate for mental health services for veterans and works as a parent mentor in Barrow County, Georgia. The importance of finding a new purpose after military service is a central theme of Jared’s story. Jared’s commitment to education and special needs advocacy is driven by his personal experiences as a parent. Jared’s recognition with the 2024 Veteran Impact Award highlights his significant contributions to the veteran community. Jared Callaway, U.S. Army, Veteran, Combat Experience, Purple Heart, Mental Health Advocacy, Public Education, Parent Mentor, Veteran Impact Award, Success After Service, Warrior Alliance NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of “Success After Service” features Tyler Holley, a former Marine Corps Sergeant who has successfully transitioned to a civilian career with the Atlanta Braves. His story is one of resilience, strategic planning, and leveraging military skills in the corporate world. Key Takeaways: Tyler Holley’s military service was deeply influenced by the events of 9/11, leading him to serve in the Marine Corps with a strong sense of purpose. His proactive approach to transitioning from military to civilian life included thorough preparation and utilization of available resources. The skills Tyler developed in the Marines, such as time management and self-responsibility, have been crucial in his role with the Atlanta Braves. Tyler’s initiative in integrating the Warrior Alliance into the Braves organization highlights his ongoing commitment to veteran support. Tyler Holley, Marine Corps, Veteran, Transition, Atlanta Braves, Corporate Partnerships, Military Skills, Civilian Career, Success After Service, Warrior AllianceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.