Vegas Veteran Voices

Two brothers. Same darkness. Only one walked away. Iraq combat veteran Raivadus Gill came home from war running at 110mph while the world had slowed to 15. He thought he was good. Then one afternoon, alone in a house, a heaviness hit him that he still can't fully explain, and he walked to his brother's room and picked up a gun. A flyer on a table is the only reason he's sitting in this chair. A year later, that same weapon took his brothers life. Raivadus has carried that question ever since, what made him pull it when I didn't? That question became two organizations. Operation Battle Cry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting veterans to the benefits, housing, and mental health resources they've earned. And Trigger Happiness, a movement redefining mental health as mental medicine. Something you practice daily. Something you keep close so when the tunnel comes, the lights are already flickering. STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW? Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1 Text: 838255 Chat: veteranscrisisline.net This episode is for anyone who's felt that heaviness and couldn't name it. Anyone who's lost someone and is still asking why. And anyone watching at 2am who needs to hear that the flicker in the dark is enough. CONNECT WITH RAIVADUS GILL Operation Battle Cry: https://obattlecry.org Trigger Happiness: @gotriggerhappiness OBC: @operationbattlecry

Army veteran Steve Ulman shares one of the most raw and powerful veteran interviews we have filmed on Vegas Veteran Voices. In this episode, Steve opens up about his suicide attempt, addiction, recovery, ayahuasca, acting, trauma, off grid living, entrepreneurship, and how he rebuilt his life from rock bottom. He talks about putting a gun to his head, moving the pistol at the last second, and realizing he had to stop living halfway. From there, this conversation goes deep into meth addiction, getting clean, finding joy for the first time, healing through acting, and building an off grid solar business in the Arizona desert. Steve also breaks down self sustainability, freedom, off grid solar, veteran transition, mental health, and why addicts can become unstoppable when that same drive gets redirected toward purpose. If you are interested in veteran mental health, addiction recovery, Army veteran stories, off grid living, off grid solar, entrepreneurship, acting, trauma recovery, or powerful long form podcast conversations, this episode hits all of it. Steve is an Army veteran, actor, entrepreneur, founder of Arizona Off Grid Solutions, and creator connected to The Off Grid Veteran, The Wolves Den Ranch, Mission Entrepreneurship, and The Gray Area. Subscribe, comment, and help us keep telling real veteran stories with honesty, depth, and integrity.

If you've ever come home from a deployment and felt like a stranger in your own house — this episode is for you. Jamie and Cole Waterberry are an Air Force couple with 16 years of marriage, 9 moves, and 6 deployments between them. Stories they're only now comfortable telling out loud — like the time Cole casually drove through IED Alley and described it as "nothing to worry about." Or the rocket that landed two trailers down while Jamie had no idea where the bunkers were. But beyond the war stories, this conversation gets into what actually makes or breaks a military marriage. What it means when you come home and the furniture moved. Why their first five years of marriage were really years five through ten. What happens when one person gets out while the other stays in. Jamie also opens up about her work in corporate philanthropy — why AI is quietly killing nonprofit grant applications, why Las Vegas runs on relationships before résumés, and how she talked her way into an internship that didn't exist. No fluff. Just two veterans being honest about what that life actually looks like. ️ Vegas Veteran Voices | Filmed at Outbox Studio, Las Vegas Subscribe to keep these stories coming — and drop a comment. We read them all. Military marriage · Deployment · Veteran transition · Mill-to-mill relationships · GI Bill · Corporate philanthropy · Nonprofit grant writing · Las Vegas veterans

On this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we step aboard the historic USS Pampanito in San Francisco for a powerful conversation inside the submarine's mission control room about something a lot of veterans know too well but do not always talk about enough: life after service. LT. Emilio Mackie opens up about his time in the U.S. Navy, serving as a surface warfare officer, being stationed in Japan, and ultimately making the decision to leave military service. But this episode goes far beyond Navy stories. This is an honest conversation about military transition, veteran identity, therapy, PTSD, decompression after service, finding purpose after the military, and the mental shift that happens when the structure of military life suddenly disappears. We talk about what it really feels like to get out of the military, the loss of identity many veterans face, why so many service members jump straight into stress instead of slowing down, and how therapy, reflection, travel, and community can help rebuild a life outside the uniform. LT. Mackie shares why he intentionally took a break after separating from the Navy, how Military OneSource helped connect him with a therapist trained in transitioning service members, and why he believes veterans need to train their minds for civilian life just like they trained their bodies for service. This episode also dives into veteran mental health, isolation after service, work ethic after the military, burnout, anger, healing, and the pressure veterans put on themselves when they no longer have a chain of command telling them what to do next. We also get into Navy culture, dark humor, life aboard ship, type two fun, sea stories, transition advice for veterans, and why community matters so much when you are trying to move forward after military service. Being able to have this conversation aboard USS Pampanito made it hit even harder. USS Pampanito is a World War II Balao class fleet submarine built in 1943. She completed six war patrols in the Pacific during World War II and is especially remembered for helping rescue 73 British and Australian prisoners of war after the sinking of a Japanese prison ship in September 1944. Today, she is preserved as a museum submarine and memorial at Pier 45 in San Francisco. Special thank you to Dwight Naset, Emilio Mackie, and the rest of the team at USS Pampanito for making this happen and for helping preserve a piece of history that still has the power to teach, connect, and inspire. If this conversation hits home, share it with a veteran who might need it. Sometimes the hardest part is not the service itself. It is what comes after. Vegas Veteran Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using honest veteran storytelling to fight isolation, restore identity, and build community through real conversations that matter. USS Pampanito official site: https://maritime.org/uss-pampanito/ Tickets and visitor info: https://maritime.org/uss-pampanito/pampanito-tickets/ San Francisco Maritime National Park Association: https://maritime.org/ Volunteer info: https://maritime.org/pampvol.php Donate / support preservation: https://maritime.org/support-us/donate/ National Park Service overview: https://www.nps.gov/places/uss-pampanito.htm

Maximilian Uriarte, creator of Terminal Lance, joins Vegas Veteran Voices for a powerful conversation about the Marine Corps, infantry life, war, veteran identity, dark humor, storytelling, and life after service. In this episode, Max opens up about why he chose the infantry even though he had the scores to do almost anything else, how Iraq shaped him, and how humor became a way to process anger, absurdity, and the emotional weight that followed him home. We talk about the deeper meaning behind Terminal Lance, why so many Marines and veterans connected to it, and how comedy can become a form of decompression when the people around you do not fully understand what you carried back with you. Max also gets into the emotional truth behind The White Donkey and Battle Born, including how both books pulled from real experience, reflection, discomfort, and craft. He breaks down writing, visual storytelling, character building, and the role art plays in turning pain into something honest and lasting. This episode covers Marine Corps culture, deployment, Iraq, transition out of the military, the GI Bill, creativity after service, loneliness, anger, identity loss, veteran mental health, and finding purpose as a civilian. What starts with the chaos and humor you would expect from a veteran podcast turns into a deeper conversation about truth, healing, storytelling, and what it means to rebuild yourself after war.

This shouldn't have worked… but it did. At the Mint 400, one of the largest off-road races in North America, a veteran-led team from Green Beret Racing built their cars in just three weeks… then watched everything start to break in the middle of the desert. A steering failure mid-race should have ended it. Instead, they improvised. Using nothing but a cut-up energy drink can, duct tape, and pure problem-solving under pressure, they got the car moving again… and somehow finished in 2nd place. This is what happens when military improvisation meets racing. But this isn't just about cars. Nick Merrick, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, didn't build Green Beret Racing just to race. He built it to solve a problem: After leaving the military, many veterans lose their sense of purpose, identity, and team. Instead of focusing on awareness, Nick built a system using competition, shared struggle, and community to give veterans something real to show up for again. Green Beret Racing is that system in action. You hear it all the time: “We don't need suicide awareness… we need a plan.” This is that plan. Community. Camaraderie. Competition. Something to wake up for. Because at the end of the day: Waking up for something is better than going to bed for nothing. Learn more or get involved: https://www.greenberetracing.org/ If you want to support what we're doing with Vegas Veteran Voices, subscribe and drop a comment. It helps us keep telling these stories the right way and means the world to us. Thank you.

Most people know Lucky Lopez as the car guy on YouTube. Breaking down the used car market, auto loans, dealerships, Turo, and how money really moves in the car business. What they don't know is… before all of that… he was a 63B mechanic in the Army National Guard. And the story is not what you think. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Lucky Lopez sits down with Ronnie Long and gets real about what military life actually looked like, the boredom, the chaos, the motor pool stories no one talks about, and how that experience shaped everything he does today. From fixing cars in Las Vegas to building dealerships next to the strip… to flipping cars, running rental businesses, and calling out the auto industry online… this is the side of Lucky Lopez most people have never seen. This is not a “car interview.” This is about what happens after the uniform comes off. We get into: • The truth about being a mechanic in the military (not what you think) • How the car business really works behind the scenes • Dealerships, auto loans, and how banks actually make money • Turo, car flipping, and why most people fail trying to do it • How veterans can use their skills to build real businesses • The mindset shift from military structure to entrepreneurship If you are a veteran trying to figure out your next move… or someone interested in cars, business, and how the system actually works… this one hits. Vegas Veteran Voices exists for one reason: to break isolation and show veterans they are not alone. If this episode resonates, send it to someone who needs it.

Most people think aggressive dogs are dangerous by nature. A Marine Corps veteran and professional dog trainer explains why that belief is often wrong. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we break down the real purpose of dog training and why structure, boundaries, and clear expectations are essential for powerful working breeds like German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Training is not cruelty. Training is communication. Drawing from lessons learned in the Marine Corps, this conversation explains how discipline and repetition help dogs understand how to respond to the world around them. Just like Marines train for every possible scenario before entering a building, working dogs are taught the “pictures” of situations they may encounter so they can react correctly under pressure. But the conversation goes deeper than obedience. Many veterans struggle with the loss of camaraderie and routine after leaving the military. For some, a dog becomes more than a pet. It becomes a companion that helps rebuild structure, connection, and purpose. We also discuss one of the biggest misconceptions about dog behavior. Truly aggressive dogs are rare. Most behavioral problems come from fear, lack of confidence, or owners who simply do not understand how dogs think. When handlers learn how dogs communicate and process the world around them, the relationship between dog and owner can completely change. This episode explores discipline, trust, trauma, and the bond between veterans and their dogs. Vegas Veteran Voices is a nonprofit media platform dedicated to sharing the real stories of military veterans and the communities supporting them. Learn more about the mission www.vegasveteranvoices.com Follow Vegas Veteran Voices https://www.instagram.com/vegasveteranvoices Support the mission https://buymeacoffee.com/vegasveteranvoices

What If Joining the Marine Corps Is the Fastest Way to Escape Being Stuck? In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Ronald Long sits down with SSgt Nicholas Milsap, an active duty United States Marine Corps recruiter, for a brutally honest conversation about what the Marine Corps actually gives you and what people get completely wrong about military service. This episode covers everything from escaping poverty, missing out on college, building purpose, Marine Corps boot camp, deployments, combat misconceptions, military benefits, leadership, brotherhood, and why so many young people feel lost before they ever find structure. SSgt Milsap shares how he went from a small town in Mississippi, to losing his scholarship at Mississippi State, to working exhausting jobs, to making one decision that changed the rest of his life. What follows is a conversation about becoming a Marine, learning discipline, growing up fast, and discovering what it means to be needed by something bigger than yourself. Ronald Long also adds his own experience from the Marine Corps, including combat deployments, leadership lessons, transition struggles, and the hard truth about what veterans miss most when they get out. They talk about what Marine Corps recruiters actually do, why most people misunderstand the job, and how mentorship can change a young person's life whether they join or not. They also break down one of the biggest myths about the military: not every Marine is an infantryman kicking in doors. The conversation explains how the Marine Corps works as a full machine, with electricians, drone operators, support personnel, leaders, and warfighters all playing critical roles in the mission. The episode also dives into the culture that makes the Marine Corps different. Regulation mustaches. Boot camp chaos. Learning how to fight through MCMAP. Being thrown into adulthood. The weird rules. The dark humor. The family bond between Marines from different generations. The pride. The pain. The sense of purpose. The reason so many veterans struggle when they leave that structure behind. If you are a parent wondering whether to let your son or daughter talk to a recruiter, a young adult trying to decide between college and the military, a veteran trying to reconnect with purpose, or someone who just wants the truth about Marine Corps life, this episode is for you. This conversation covers: Marine Corps recruiting Marine Corps boot camp Active duty military life Military benefits College vs military Veteran transition Marine Corps culture MCMAP Leadership and mentorship Purpose after service Brotherhood and military identity Mississippi poverty and opportunity Combat misconceptions How the military helps young adults grow up fast Vegas Veteran Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking isolation, telling veteran stories, and helping veterans rediscover purpose through conversation, storytelling, and community. Subscribe for more raw conversations with veterans, active duty service members, and people doing meaningful work in and around the military community.

In this episode, we sit down with Gina Elise, founder of Pin Up for Vets, a nonprofit she started in 2006 to support veterans through hospital visits and fundraising that helps provide rehab equipment for veterans hospitals across the United States. Gina explains how classic World War II pin up art inspired a modern mission, including a pin up calendar fundraiser and a 50 state hospital tour where pin ups and female veterans visit patients bed to bed and room to room to boost morale and remind them they are not forgotten. We talk about how military life can feel hyper masculine and mission driven, and why this project matters for both the veterans in the hospital and the women veterans who become Pin Up for Vets ambassadors. Gina shares powerful moments from VA hospital visits, including a story involving a veteran with a traumatic brain injury and how a simple conversation had a bigger impact than she realized. This is a conversation about community, identity after service, and the real power of showing up for someone on a hard day. Pin Up for Vets started in 2006. Website: https://pinupforvets.com If you want to support the mission, you can grab the calendar and other merch directly through their site. If you are a female veteran interested in applying for a future calendar, check Pin Up for Vets on social for casting information. Subscribe and comment so these stories reach more people who need to hear them.

This episode shares a real veteran's personal story of transition, identity, and rebuilding after service, Brenton and Ronnie sit down with Jason Lee Morrison, a USMC veteran, writer, and poet, for a raw conversation about the one thing that keeps veterans alive after the uniform comes off: community. Jason talks about what it felt like to disappear from his Marine Recon world for years, then come back and realize he was not just seeing old brothers. He was seeing himself again. They go straight at the uncomfortable truth that a lot of veterans live with. The mission mindset that kept you alive can turn into isolation when you get home. “I don't trust anyone” sounds tough until you realize it also blocks the one thing that creates real healing. Jason breaks down why PTSD is not a character flaw and why feeling out of place in civilian life does not mean you are broken. It can mean you are trying to drive a golf cart with a Formula One engine. This episode also dives into Jason's background growing up in Indonesia with missionary parents, why he chose the Marine Corps because it scared him, and how he went from guaranteed 0311 infantry to the recon and force recon world. They talk special operations culture, everyday selection, managing pain, learning who you are under pressure, and how the battlefield changes when you get out but the lessons still apply. Jason also explains Spadille, his idea to teach shooting as a martial art with mentorship, standards, and community, built to keep combat veterans connected while plugging into the local community in a healthy way. If you are a veteran in Las Vegas or anywhere, and you have been feeling disconnected, this one is for you. Drop a comment with what helped you rebuild connection, or what has been getting in the way. Vegas Veteran Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on veteran mental health, identity, and community through storytelling. If you are in crisis call or text 988 in the US, or go to 988lifeline.org. You are not alone.

On the anniversary of the day Ronnie Long survived an IED blast in Sangin, Afghanistan, we chose not to isolate. We turned it into an Alive Day. For many combat veterans, IED anniversaries and deployment dates can trigger survivor's guilt, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and isolation. Instead of staying home and letting the weight of the date take over, we gathered at Adrenaline Mountain in Las Vegas to replace silence with connection. ATVs. Monster trucks. 50 cal on the range. Flamethrowers in the desert. Carne asada and brotherhood after. This isn't about pretending trauma didn't happen. It's about stacking a new memory on top of an old one. If you're a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Coast Guardsman with a date that hits hard every year, plan for it. Don't white knuckle it alone. Isolation is a killer. Fellowship is medicine. We're joined by Marine Corps veteran Erik Schreiner, who now works at Adrenaline Mountain in Las Vegas, where he helps create unforgettable off-road and outdoor experiences for veterans and civilians alike. From driving Hummers in the Marine Corps to leading desert tours, Erik shares how he built a life around camaraderie, movement, and controlled chaos. Adrenaline Mountain Las Vegas is a 400 acre outdoor adventure park located about 30 to 40 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. They offer: • ATV tours • Monster truck driving • Shooting experiences including 50 cal • Flamethrower experiences • Heavy equipment playground • Axe throwing • Group events and veteran outings Open 365 days a year with shuttle pickup from major Las Vegas hotels. Website: adrenalinemountain.com Instagram: @adrenalinemountainlv This episode of Vegas Veteran Voices explores veteran transition, military brotherhood, life after service, PTSD recovery, and turning trauma into purpose. If this message resonates, share it with a veteran who needs to hear it.

Afghanistan's deadliest fighting, Marines learned that survival depends on connection, purpose, and the people beside you. When service ends, many veterans lose that structure overnight and are expected to rebuild their lives alone. This episode shows how that loss of purpose can be just as dangerous as combat itself and how Race to Erase 22 is fighting back. In this Vegas Veteran Voices episode, we sit down with the founders of Race to Erase 22, a veteran-led nonprofit created to confront the crisis of veteran suicide and the isolation that follows military service. The organization was founded after VA statistics revealed an average of 22 veterans per day dying by suicide, a number that has shaped national conversations around veteran mental health, transition support, and suicide prevention. Race to Erase 22 began by placing wounded and transitioning veterans into off-road racing teams, not for the thrill, but to recreate what many lost after leaving the military: mission, teamwork, accountability, and belonging. What started as adrenaline-based therapy evolved into a full-spectrum support network providing community connection, purpose-driven events, creative outlets, and real-world intervention for veterans, first responders, and their families. Throughout this conversation, we explore how losing military structure can leave veterans overwhelmed, directionless, and isolated, and why traditional “reach out for help” messaging often fails. Race to Erase 22 focuses instead on reaching in: interrupting isolation, creating safe gathering spaces, and connecting people before crisis turns fatal. The episode highlights their work through off-road events, memorial carries honoring veterans lost to suicide, leadership gatherings, art and music therapy, women veteran empowerment programs, hospice support, emergency interventions, and community outreach across Nevada and beyond. From carrying fallen service members' photos across race finish lines to providing tangible help like transportation, food, medical support, and purpose-restoring activities, Race to Erase 22 addresses mental health through action, not slogans. We also discuss the importance of collaboration between veteran organizations, law enforcement, firefighters, National Guard units, and active-duty service members, emphasizing that suicide prevention is not a single-program solution. It is a community responsibility. This episode is a reminder that veterans are not broken, weak, or disposable after service. They are individuals who once thrived inside a mission-driven system and deserve support while rebuilding their next chapter. Purpose saves lives. Community saves lives. Showing up saves lives. If you are a veteran, first responder, or family member struggling with transition, isolation, or mental health challenges, you are not alone. Resources exist, people care, and organizations like Race to Erase 22 are proof that connection changes outcomes. At its core, this conversation is about hope. It's about reminding veterans and first responders that their service still matters, their lives still matter, and there are people willing to walk beside them through the hardest transitions. If you or someone you know is struggling, Race to Erase 22 is proof that small actions, shared purpose, and human connection can save lives. Race to Erase 22 Facebook: Race to Erase 22 Instagram: @racetoerase22 Email: [email protected] This episode is presented to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage connection within the veteran and first responder community. If this story resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, host Ronnie Long sits down with Greg Cope White, author of The Pink Marine and writer and executive producer on the Netflix series Boots. Boots is a military comedy-drama based on Greg's memoir, following a bullied teen who impulsively joins the U.S. Marine Corps and finds purpose, structure, and brotherhood in boot camp. Greg breaks down the real story behind the show, what it was like seeing his life and book adapted for television, and why certain timelines and details changed while the core truth stayed intact. We talk about the long road from book to screen, what actually happens inside a writers room, and why Boots focuses on building full lives for the recruits instead of turning boot camp into a highlight reel. A lot of veterans try to tell their story too early. Greg explains why he waited years to write The Pink Marine, and how time changes the way you remember. When you step back, you stop living inside the worst moments. You see the full picture. You find the humor. You can talk about what happened without becoming trapped as a victim in your own story. That perspective shift is not denial. It is processing. It is growth. It is how you take ownership of your past without letting the past own you. At its core, both The Pink Marine and Boots carry the same truth. Greg, and Cameron as brought to life by Miles Heizer, are not stories about exception. They are stories about endurance. If they can walk into a system that was not built for them and still come out stronger, then the limits placed on you are not final. The world may tell you no. That does not mean you stop. It means you decide how badly you want what comes next. We also honor legendary producer Norman Lear, a World War II veteran and television icon who mentored Greg and executive produced Boots through Act III Productions. For veterans interested in storytelling, Greg shares a real opportunity: the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a free mentorship program that helps veterans develop a complete script and pitch it to industry professionals. Standard Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 3 at 11:59pm PT https://www.wgfoundation.org/programs... This episode was filmed on location at the Camera Obscura in Santa Monica with support from the Santa Monica History Museum. CREDITS Host: Ronnie Long Guest: Greg Cope White Subject Matter Expert: Levy Shultz, Nevada Veterans Fund Filming, Editing, Post Production, Location Scouting: Brenton Mann Filming and Setup Assist: Daniel Doerr Vegas Veteran Voices Team: Brenton Mann, Daniel Doerr, Ronnie Long, Cheeks Aguillon Historical Resources: Jeremy Ferguson, Santa Monica History Museum Special Thanks: Gina Elise, Pinups For Vets; Tom “Ghost” Martin and The Leatherneck Club; Jeffery; John Perez; Stephen Cook Dedication: To every service member who served before, during, and after Don't Ask, Don't Tell and fought for equality. LEGAL AND RIGHTS NOTICE This episode is presented for documentary, educational, and commentary purposes. Any third-party materials are used for identification, reporting, and contextual reference. No endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Government, Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, or any affiliated entities is intended or implied. Views expressed are those of the participants and do not reflect official policy or position of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps, or the U.S. Government.

Who is Jason Brooks after the Marine Corps? In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Jason Brooks shares his full story, not just where he started, but who he became after the uniform came off. Jason joined the Marine Corps at 24, taught nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare defense, became a McMAP instructor during the program's early rollout, and later received orders to Marine Recon. His career was built around training, mentorship, and preparing others for worst-case scenarios under pressure. Long before the military, Jason's foundation was shaped through decades of martial arts training under Grandmaster John Natividad, a member of Chuck Norris' original Black Belt Fight Team. That mentorship influenced how he approached discipline, leadership, and teaching, values that carried through his Marine Corps service, McMAP instruction, and later professional work. After being medically retired due to severe injuries, multiple surgeries, and chronic pain, Jason opens up about the part of military life most people never talk about: losing your identity when service ends before you are ready. He speaks honestly about depression, PTSD, medication, alcohol, faith, and the long road to rebuilding purpose after the Marine Corps. Today, Jason is a nationally recognized firearms and martial arts instructor, executive protection professional, and contributor to American Shooting Journal. His background includes SERE training environments, counterterrorism instruction, protective operations, and decades of mentoring veterans and civilians. His work has been featured in American Shooting Journal, and he remains deeply involved in training, writing, and community leadership. Jason Brooks was also featured on the television series Surviving Mann, created and hosted by Navy SEAL Don Mann. The show placed veterans and civilians into realistic survival, evasion, resistance, and escape scenarios, many of which were conducted live. Jason served as an instructor and participant during SERE-style capture and field exercises. This episode is hosted by Ronnie Long, who also appeared on Surviving Mann as a contestant, creating a shared point of experience between host and guest and adding deeper context to their discussion around training, resilience, and life after service. This conversation covers Marine Corps culture, Recon, McMAP, SERE, medical retirement, veteran mental health, mentorship, resilience, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when your body is broken but your mission mindset refuses to quit. This is not a highlight reel. It is an honest, grounded conversation about identity, loss, and rebuilding life after service. Topics covered in this episode Marine Corps life and culture Medical retirement from the military Veteran identity loss and transition Marine Recon and McMAP SERE and survival training Chronic pain and recovery PTSD and mental health Mentorship and leadership after service Life and purpose after the military

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, comedian and United States Navy veteran Serena Monae sits down with Ronnie Long, USMC veteran, for a real, unfiltered conversation about identity after the military, finding your voice again, and using humor as a survival tool when life gets heavy. Serena opens up about being a secretly introverted performer, navigating anxiety and agoraphobia, and what it feels like when leaving the house is harder than people think. Together, Serena and Ronnie talk honestly about life after service, the loss of self-respect many veterans experience when they get out, and the strange adjustment to civilian work culture where freedom and autonomy suddenly matter more than rank or routine. The conversation also dives deep into comedy as therapy, crowd work, and adaptation. Serena breaks down why bombing is part of the craft, why veterans handle silence differently, and how learning to read the room mirrors the way service members learn to adapt under pressure. They explore how different cities have different comedy cultures, and why improvisation becomes a form of survival. Serena Monae is a stand up comedian and U.S. Navy veteran. She shares her journey from joining the Navy unexpectedly, working across multiple rates, getting out, working as a mail carrier, and eventually committing fully to comedy. She also talks about the role her family played in marketing her early on, building confidence, and helping her develop her creative voice long before the industry noticed. This episode is funny, raw, and honest, but at its core, it is about becoming who you are after the uniform comes off. If you are a veteran trying to figure out who you are now, or someone navigating anxiety, identity loss, or transition, this episode will resonate. And if you just want to laugh while hearing the truth, you are in the right place. Watch, comment, and subscribe for more veteran stories focused on identity, mental health, purpose, and the messy middle of reintegration. Learn more at www.vegasveteranvoices.com Follow Serena Monae and her new podcast, The Velvet Gossip, on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by searching The Velvet Gossip. If you are in Las Vegas, you can catch Serena every Wednesday at Evolve Brewing in Summerlin hosting trivia from 7 to 9 PM. For guest recommendations, partnerships, or veteran organization collaborations, contact [email protected]

What happens when an Army veteran who has lived addiction, trauma, psych wards, and identity loss sits down and does real hypnotherapy work on camera? In this episode, Army veteran and clinical hypnotherapist Rachel Veronica walks us through identity loss after military service, addiction recovery, nervous system regulation, and what it actually takes to rewire your beliefs after years of survival mode. This is not motivational fluff. This is lived experience, deep trauma work, and real talk about why so many veterans feel stuck, numb, angry, or addicted to chaos after coming home. Rachel shares her journey from military service to addiction, VA hospitalizations, sobriety, and eventually finding her purpose through hypnotherapy and Rapid Transformational Therapy. We talk about why talk therapy often stops at awareness, how subconscious beliefs keep people trapped, and why many veterans do not feel safe resting or being calm. This episode explores shame vs guilt, forgiveness, inner child healing, alter egos, and why suffering can become an identity. You will hear a live nervous system reset session, hypnotherapy explained in plain language, and a raw conversation about why change feels threatening even when you want it. This episode is especially relevant for Army veterans, combat veterans, first responders, and anyone dealing with PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression, or identity loss after trauma. If you have ever felt like the VA failed you, like therapy was not enough, or like you do not know who you are anymore, this conversation will hit home. Topics covered in this episode: • Army veteran transition and identity loss • Addiction, sobriety, and recovery after trauma • Hypnotherapy explained without the bullshit • PTSD, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation • Shame, guilt, and self forgiveness • Inner child healing and alter ego work • Why chaos feels familiar and calm feels unsafe • Veterans, mental health, and rebuilding purpose Rachel Veronica is an Army veteran and clinical hypnotherapist helping people rewire their identity, regulate their nervous system, and stop living in survival mode. Her work focuses on belief change, trauma resolution, and helping people step into the version of themselves they already know they are capable of becoming. If this episode resonates with you, share it with a veteran who needs to hear it. This work saves lives. You are enough. You matter. You do not have to suffer forever.

This episode of Vegas Veteran Voices is exactly what happens when you put a 20 year Air Force bomb loader and stand up comedian in a room and just let it go. Starts funny and then quietly gets heavy in a way most veteran conversations do. Jo MT is a stand up comedian and a 20 year Air Force bomb loader who has lived enough life to joke about it without pretending it did not cost him something. What starts with MRE snacks, jalapeno cheese as currency, and the military serving the weirdest Lunchable ever slowly turns into a real conversation about memory, absence, and what service actually takes from you over time. At one point the conversation stops being funny, even though the jokes keep coming. Jo talks about the quiet damage that builds when you miss birthdays, school milestones, first wins, and ordinary moments that never come back. Not because you did not care, but because the job trained you not to be there. He shares the one question he asked senior leaders before leaving the service and the answer that still hurts years later. The realization that kids get used to you being gone. That eventually it stops being a big deal if you are not there at all. There is no dramatic breakdown and no inspirational bow tied on it. Just an honest look at how service rewires priorities, relationships, and identity in ways that do not show up on a résumé or a retirement check. The humor never disappears. It just sits next to the truth. MRE bartering logic. Marines surviving on spite. Caffeine, anger, alcohol, and audacity as coping mechanisms. Bomb loading jokes that sound sexual until they are not. Free street parking in Las Vegas with disabled veteran plates and the uncomfortable reality of living on base pay and disability. The hard truth that one veteran getting help does not take it away from another. Jo walks through his path from military life to construction work to comedy, including the unhinged stories in between. Being called a fluffer. Dancing at a strip club. Meeting his wife in the most unexpected way possible. Building comedy around 99 percent truth and 1 percent voice, knowing people will laugh first and process later. This episode lives in that uncomfortable middle space. Where humor is coping, not avoidance. Where pride exists alongside grief. Where you can love your service and still acknowledge what it took from you. It speaks directly to veterans who feel disconnected, worn down, or unsure how much of themselves they left behind while doing what they were told was the right thing. Vegas Veteran Voices exists for conversations like this. Not polished transition stories. Not motivational speeches. Real voices, real experiences, and honest mental health conversations that do not feel clinical, scripted, or sanitized. As a 501c3 nonprofit, our goal is to reduce isolation, create connection, and give veterans space to talk without having to perform or explain themselves. Guest Jo MT Air Force Veteran Stand Up Comedian Topics in this episode include veteran mental health, military life, Air Force and Marine Corps culture, MRE stories, disability ratings, family sacrifice, comedy after service, identity after the uniform, and life outside the wire. Watch the full conversation and decide which part hits you when the laughter stops.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we sit down with Dean Goble Jr., a retired Army Green Beret Chief Warrant Officer and Director of Philanthropy at Black Rifle Coffee Company, to talk about what service looks like after the uniform comes off. Dean shares his perspective on veteran philanthropy, leadership, and responsibility, including why real impact requires more than writing checks. He explains how Black Rifle Coffee Company approaches giving in the veteran space, the importance of accountability, and how organizations can support veterans without turning service into branding. The conversation also touches on leadership transitions, protecting family time, and why stepping back can sometimes be the most responsible decision a leader can make. Throughout the episode, Dean emphasizes integrity, long-term impact, and continuing to serve even when the role changes. This is an honest, grounded conversation about mission, identity, and what it means to keep showing up for the veteran community.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we sit down with Sandra “Sharklife” Vidrequin, a Norwegian Army veteran, conflict photographer, and humanitarian who documents war zones using the one weapon she believes should be used: a camera. Sandra has photographed revolutions, protests, and active conflict zones around the world, including Egypt during the Arab Spring and, most recently, Ukraine. She walks us through what it's actually like to live under constant air raid sirens, sleep fully dressed with a go-bag ready, and decide when running to a bomb shelter does more harm than good. This isn't a headline version of war, it's the exhaustion, the fear, the waiting, and the mental toll that follows you home. We talk about her background in the Norwegian Army, how her military experience shaped the way she moves through danger, and why veterans often understand chaos differently than civilians. Sandra also opens up about PTSD, identity after service, and how documenting other people's suffering became a way to survive her own. Beyond conflict photography, Sandra is also involved with Team Rubicon, supporting disaster response efforts alongside veterans and civilians who refuse to sit on the sidelines when communities are in crisis. This conversation explores purpose after service, why some veterans run toward danger instead of away from it, and what happens when the mission doesn't end, it just changes form. This episode isn't about glorifying war. It's about bearing witness, telling the stories that don't make the news, and understanding the cost carried by the people who choose to stand in the middle of it. Sandra is also a 5.11 Tactical ambassador, a role that reflects her real-world experience rather than branding alone. From conflict zones to disaster response environments, she relies on functional gear built for movement, durability, and survival. Her work with 5.11 centers around their Go-Bag campaign, highlighting the importance of preparedness when operating in unstable and unpredictable conditions. For Sandra, gear isn't about aesthetics, it's about having the right tools when seconds matter and there's no margin for failure. Follow Sandra: Instagram: @sharklife777 Vegas Veteran Voices exists to share real veteran stories, not filtered, not sanitized, and not reduced to soundbites. Stories over stigma.

This is one of the most powerful conversations we have ever filmed. Gretchen Catherwood is the mother of Lance Corporal Alec Catherwood, a Marine with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (Darkhorse). Alec was killed in action on October 14, 2010, during one of the hardest stretches of the Afghanistan deployment. Twenty five Marines from 3/5 would never return home. Gretchen took that loss and built something extraordinary: Darkhorse Lodge / a free healing retreat in Tennessee created specifically for combat veterans. A place where veterans can breathe again, reconnect, decompress, and be understood by people who have walked the same path. In this episode, Gretchen opens up about • Alec's story and the legacy of the 3/5 Marines • Why combat veterans are different and why they need each other • The moment she knew she had to dedicate her life to this mission • The real reason veterans struggle to ask for help • How community, quiet, and shared experience save lives • Why Darkhorse Lodge exists for every combat veteran from every branch and every war You'll also hear emotional stories about healing, guilt, grief, reunions, stereotypes, community, and the impact this place has already had on veterans from Vietnam to OIF/OEF. Darkhorse Lodge is funded solely through donations, and every dollar helps them continue offering free stays, meals, fishing trips, and community to veterans who need it. Learn more or support their mission at: www.darkhorselodge.org Filmed on location at Darkhorse Lodge in Springville, Tennessee. For the combat veterans watching: you deserve this place. You deserve rest. You deserve community. And you deserve to come home in every meaning of the word. If you or someone you know is a combat veteran who could benefit from a stay at Darkhorse Lodge, share this video. Thank you for watching, supporting, and honoring the legacy of 3/5 Darkhorse. All love and respect to the families of the fallen.

Ronnie sits down with Robert “Gunny Claus” Porter, the Marine who somehow managed to combine Marine Corps discipline, law enforcement precision, Toys for Tots chaos, and a Christmas beard that could pass a urinalysis with flying colors. Before the red suit ever touched his shoulders, Porter served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps. Filmed on 11/10/25 in Philadelphia, right at the birthplace of the Marine Corps, this conversation hits every part of Marine identity: the traditions we cling to, the memories we carry, the losses we don't talk about, and the way a dysfunctional family of warfighters still shows up for each other. Marines flooded the streets, Tun Tavern was packed with ghosts and leathernecks, and the city felt like a live-fire nostalgia drill. Gunny Claus opens up about: • the first time he put on the uniform • the Vietnam Marine who inspired his entire “Gunny Claus” identity • how Toys for Tots was tied to Walt Disney • why Marines still gather for body checks, bad jokes, and worse decisions • his work with Rolling to Remember, Irreverent Warriors, and every veteran who needs a lift • the silent weight Marines carry when the holidays feel heavy • how community keeps us from becoming the ones who disappear quietly He talks about marching alongside the Gary Sinise Foundation… turning fidget spinners into tax-write-off gold… painting his own campaign cover like a holiday arts-and-craft disaster… and why Marines instantly recognize him even before he throws out a “Semper Festivus.” This episode is part therapy, part stand-up, part Marine Corps history, and part sleigh bodies motivation. It's exactly what happens when you take two Marines, drop them into the birthplace of the Corps, add some emotional truth, and wrap it all in a red-and-gold combat Christmas stocking. If you've ever worn the uniform, or loved someone who did, this conversation will hit deep. Because Marines don't just tell stories… Marines deliver them. Sometimes in a bag. Sometimes on a motorcycle. Sometimes with a “gung ho ho” and a reminder that none of us are doing this alone. Stories over stigma. Semper Fi.

In this Washington DC episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Marine veterans sit down with Juan Valdez, a Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, law-school graduate, and veteran advocate with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), for one of the most raw, honest, and emotional conversations we've ever filmed. Juan survived multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including being shot in the chest by a sniper in 2006, and he opens up about trauma, identity loss, purpose, and the long road to rebuilding a life after warfare. This conversation blends Marine humor with deep vulnerability as Juan shares the parts of his story most people never hear: the anger after coming home, the guilt, the sleepless nights, the moral injuries, and the struggle to understand who you are when “everything you were feels like yesterday.” He talks about using a service dog to manage PTSD, going through law school, and eventually finding renewed mission through his work with Wounded Warrior Project. Juan breaks down exactly what WWP does for veterans in Washington DC and nationwide, including the Independence Program, Soldier Ride, TBI and neurological injury support, caregiver resources, peer groups, federal benefits navigation, and long-term warrior engagement. He explains how WWP focuses on post-traumatic growth, helping veterans not only survive their trauma but grow through it, rebuild identity, find community again, and rediscover the belief that “we can still do hard things.” Based on the transcript from our live conversation, this episode highlights everything from combat stories and Marine-to-Marine banter, to the deeper emotional battles veterans face long after Afghanistan. If you've ever wondered what Wounded Warrior Project actually does, how veterans navigate identity loss, or how warriors find hope again after combat, this episode lays it out without filters. Topics Covered: Wounded Warrior Project programs in Washington DC and Nationally Post-traumatic growth and veteran mental health Purple Heart stories and Marine Corps combat experiences Surviving sniper fire and battlefield trauma Service dog support for PTSD Law school and post-service identity Veteran transition and purpose rebuilding TBI, neurological injury, and caregiver support Soldier Ride and Independence Program Community, brotherhood, and hope after the military Raw veteran humor and real-life storytelling About Juan Valdez: Juan Valdez is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. After being shot in the chest during a 2006 deployment to Iraq, he endured years of recovery, battled PTSD, and rebuilt his life through education, advocacy, and service. Today, he works with Wounded Warrior Project as an advocate helping veterans understand resources, find connection, and navigate the long-term recovery process. His mission is to teach the next generation, support his fellow warriors, and remind veterans everywhere that their story isn't over. About the Show: Vegas Veteran Voices is a raw, unfiltered veteran podcast centered on identity, purpose, community, and the fight after service. Hosted by Marine and Navy veterans, we highlight authentic stories, powerful organizations, and the real experiences of the American warrior community.

Jennifer Bennie is addicted to history, the kind of addiction that makes you show up dressed as a Revolutionary War spy because the story matters that much. As a Navy pilot turned historian, she can't stop chasing the connections between America's past and the world she flew into after 9/11. Go Birds. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, host Ronnie Long sits down with historian, Navy veteran, and creator of the YouTube channel Walk With History (https://www.youtube.com/@WalkwithHistory) and co-host of the podcast Talk With History (https://open.spotify.com/show/2dHCbskAznBpAVL6baIAEn) Jennifer Bennie. Together, they break down women in espionage, Agent 355, the Culper Spy Ring, colonial spycraft, and how coded petticoats helped shape the Revolutionary War. Bennie explains the real history behind Anna Strong, British-occupied Long Island, and why women made perfect intelligence sources in a world that underestimated them. Ronnie and Jennifer dive into her career as a naval aviator after 9/11, flying into Iraq in 2003, leading a crew on combat-missions, and realizing mid-deployment that she didn't yet understand the centuries of conflict beneath her flight path. That moment propelled her to use the GI Bill to earn a master's degree in history and connect America's founding struggles to the modern world she was flying missions over. She breaks down the “gift of perspective” the military gives you from crossing the Coronado Bridge as an American woman with her own apartment and career, to traveling across Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and nearly every state in the country. They talk about American stereotypes versus reality, cross-country travel, filming with the families of the Hatfields and McCoys, and how people rarely fit the headlines written about their regions. Jennifer and Ronnie compare stories about veterans instantly recognizing each other in college classrooms, navigating life after service, and watching younger students form opinions about a world they haven't yet experienced firsthand. Jennifer lays out her historian philosophy: she never tells viewers what to think only how to think through accurate primary sources, real locations, and unfiltered context. She explains why America is flawed but still striving, why history doesn't repeat but echoes, and why taking people to the actual places where history happened like standing where George Washington crossed the Delaware helps them truly understand the story. She describes filming at Revolutionary War battle sites, explaining the Battle of Trenton, and teaching the risks, leadership, and geography that shaped the early United States. The episode also dives into homeschooling, teaching authentic American history, avoiding sanitised versions, and helping families understand the past without distortion. Jennifer explains how her Talk With History podcast is designed for people road-tripping to historic sites like Savannah who want to know where to park, what to see, and how to explore safely with kids. Ronnie and Jennifer even touch on her Vegas-focused episodes like her Viva Las Vegas tour of Elvis filming locations and the historic roots of Fremont Street. Jennifer Bennie is also a proud partner of Pin-Ups For Vets, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to serving veterans and active-duty military personnel through retro-style pin-up calendars that raise funds and morale. She served as “Miss Veteran October 2025” for Pin-Ups For Vets, representing women veterans and their service. This role allowed her to advocate for veteran causes, visit VA hospitals and veteran homes, and highlight the importance of visibility, service, and sisterhood among women who wore the uniform.

What makes the Grass Grow? 250 years. One brotherhood. Zero quit. The Marine Corps Birthday isn't just a date. It's a reminder of who we are and where we come from. In this special episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, host Brenton Mann sits down with Ghost, owner of The Leatherneck Club in Las Vegas,and Gunnery Sergeant Jessica Jay Dee to celebrate the 250th Marine Corps Birthday and honor the legacy that began in a bar called Tun Tavern before America was even a country. From Philadelphia in 1775 to Las Vegas in 2025, Marines have gathered to toast, fight, and remember the ones who didn't make it home. This conversation is raw, unscripted, and real, a deep dive into what it means to earn the title of Marine and why that title never leaves you. Ghost shares the story of how the Leatherneck Club became one of the last true Marine bars in the country, a living museum where the walls bleed history and every tap pour comes with a sea story. Gunny Jay Dee brings the perspective of a combat-tested leader who turned her service into a lifelong mission, unpacking the pride, trauma, and healing that follow every Marine long after the uniform comes off. They talk about the bloodline of the Corps,the warriors who built it, the generations who keep it alive, and the next Marines who will carry it forward. They talk about leadership forged in hardship, about brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends gender or rank, and about the fight that never ends once the battlefield becomes civilian life. They strip away the recruiting slogans and speak from the heart about what “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” truly means. The episode also highlights this year's 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration at The Leatherneck Club, 4360 Spring Mountain Rd in Las Vegas, Nevada, the city's heartbeat for every Marine past and present. On Monday, November 10, the celebration kicks off at 1600 with ceremonies at 1900. It's an outdoor event with casual dress, no tickets, and no reservations. Bring cash, grab a drink, and expect Marines to be Marines, food vendors, multiple bars, and 250th birthday swag on deck. Ghost reminds listeners that leadership doesn't end when you take off the uniform; it just changes shape. Gunny Jay Dee speaks openly about the battles you can't see, the invisible wounds, the moral injuries, the long road of transition, and how helping others becomes the path to healing. Together, they prove that vulnerability and courage go hand in hand, that discipline and compassion can coexist, and that the Marine ethos is alive and well in every veteran who still answers the call. From the mud of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, from the parade decks of Parris Island to the neon streets of Las Vegas, the spirit of the Corps endures. It's in every salute, every story, and every glass raised on November 10. Because the truth is simple, you can leave the Marines, but the Marines never leave you. From Ghost's Leatherneck Club to Marines around the world, happy 250th birthday. Semper Fidelis.

What happens when a Marine, a lawyer, and a man of faith all live in the same body and one day, that body gives up? In this powerful episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, host Ronnie Long sits down in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with George William “Billy” Wiland III, a Marine Corps veteran, attorney, and gym owner whose journey is nothing short of miraculous. Billy's story begins with a childhood dream to wear the Marine Corps dress blues, a dream that came true, but ended early when an injury cut his service short. What followed was a lifetime of battles that no uniform could prepare him for: pain, addiction, PTSD, divorce, and loss of faith. After serving overseas as a contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, Billy returned home bitter, broken, and disillusioned by what he'd seen. His mind and body were wrecked, twelve knee surgeries, sleepless nights, and a heart full of anger. But it wasn't the war that almost killed him. It was the night he sat at his parents' table, overdosed on amphetamines, and found himself standing before what he describes as the unapproachable light of God. That moment changed everything. Today, Billy runs Tulsa Midtown Trainer, a faith-driven gym and ministry where physical strength meets spiritual healing. His story is about redemption, how a Marine who lost everything found peace through Christ, rebuilt his body, and transformed his pain into purpose. This conversation dives deep into: • The truth about PTSD and moral injury after war • How faith and humility can rebuild a broken life • What it means to be a Messianic Jew and Marine veteran • The stigma of men's mental health and fatherhood in the court system • How fitness, nutrition, and community can heal the mind and soul This is more than a story of survival, it's a testimony of rebirth, brotherhood, and belief. If you've ever felt lost, angry at God, or unsure of your purpose, this episode will remind you that redemption is always possible. Watch the full conversation, subscribe for more real veteran stories, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Follow Vegas Veteran Voices: www.vegasveteranvoices.com IG: @vegasveteranvoices Follow Billy Wiland: Tulsa Midtown Trainer | Tulsa, OK

Keywords for Apple Music separated by commas We were supposed to be filming somewhere in Vegas… but somehow ended up 700 miles away in Pueblo, Colorado. Call it a wrong turn, call it divine intervention, but it landed us at one of the most incredible places we've ever filmed the Pueblo Weisbrod Aviation Museum. Inside 85,000 square feet of history, surrounded by jets, bombers, and even a freshly added A-10 Warthog, Brenton and Ronnie meet two Air Force veterans who prove that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Mike Sumida, a 30-year Air Force veteran and Lockheed Martin alum, shares powerful stories about the connection between Vietnam and Desert Storm, and how leadership is built through respect and example. Wayne, another Air Force veteran and volunteer, gives us a peek behind the hangar doors, talking about the cost (and chaos) of moving an A-10 across the country, the museum's ghost tours, and the pride that keeps this all-veteran crew going. What started as a wrong turn (ask Ronnie about the Wearwolf) became one of the most meaningful stops of the trip, a reminder that purpose, service, and community sometimes find you when you're not even looking. ABOUT THE PUEBLO WEISBROD AVIATION MUSEUM: Located at Pueblo Memorial Airport, the Pueblo Weisbrod Aviation Museum is the largest aviation museum in Colorado and one of the most extensive collections of military aircraft in the region. With over 85,000 square feet of exhibits covering World War I through modern day, the museum showcases aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52 Stratofortress, and A-10 Warthog. Run almost entirely by volunteer veterans, the museum honors service through restoration, storytelling, and education. Visitors can explore the Hall of Heroes, view interactive displays, and even join the popular Saturday night paranormal tours. More than just a museum, it's a living tribute to generations of airmen whose stories continue to inspire. Learn more: www.pwam.org

What happens when you mix adrenaline, horsepower, and a few physics lessons? You get this. Air Force veteran Clayton, founder of Red Tails Racing and Warriors for Wrenches, shows how the track can be more than just asphalt and apexes it can be therapy. Through racing, wrenching, and controlled chaos, he's found a new way to quiet the noise that so many veterans live with after service. For Clayton, the roar of an engine isn't about escape. It's about connection to the machine, the moment, and the mindset that helps him push past PTSD. Every turn tests balance and trust. Every lap becomes a lesson in letting go of fear and regaining control. Warriors for Wrenches isn't just a racing program; it's a lifeline for veterans. It brings service members together in the garage and on the track, using adrenaline and teamwork as tools for healing. The goal isn't just to go faster it's to rebuild purpose, one wrench turn and one lap at a time. This episode captures the heart of adrenaline therapy: when the same rush that once fueled combat becomes a path toward peace. Follow the movement: www.vegasveteranvoices.com IG: @vegasveteranvoices

“I used to be cool.” That's how Army veteran Caitlin Duffy describes the struggle of leaving the turret of a Humvee in Iraq for life after the uniform. Once a 50 cal gunner, Caitlin's story is one of sharp contrasts from combat missions and PCS nightmares to becoming the “VA Loan Nerd” who helps veterans fight through myths and misinformation to achieve homeownership. But her story goes deeper than loans. Caitlin opens up about the identity shift every veteran feels, the chaos of leadership in the civilian world, and the humor and grit it takes to rebuild a life from Humvees to homes. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Caitlin talks about: Life as a 50 cal gunner in Iraq and the realities of deployment. The “I used to be cool” problem so many veterans face after service. Why civilian leadership feels like “bowling night with no playbook.” The infamous PCS move where movers shipped her trash can… still full of garbage. The VA loan lies holding veterans back from building wealth. This is the story of a soldier, a survivor, and a voice for veterans chasing stability after service. Caitlin Duffy went from Humvees to homes and she's still serving in a new way today.

“They told her she didn't belong.” Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Bobi Pike-Oates heard those words on the flight line of the U.S. Air Force. Instead of walking away, she proved them dead wrong. Over a 23-year career, Bobi rose through the ranks, led maintenance crews, and helped stand up the very first Predator UAV Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech AFB, changing the future of air combat. But Bobi's story doesn't end with the uniform. Today, she leads weekly funeral honors for unaccompanied veterans at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, serves on state and national advocacy boards, and continues her mission of fighting for women veterans to be recognized equally. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Bobi opens up about: Being told she didn't belong... and what it took to prove otherwise. Building the Predator drone program from the ground up. Deployments that tested her leadership in Hungary and Turkey. The emotional weight of burying forgotten veterans every Thursday. Why she sees her mission as “fixing the relationship between the military and its women veterans.” This is the story of a trailblazer, a fighter, and a guardian of the forgotten. Bobi Pike-Oates proved them wrong and still serves today.

Cheeks went from Army chaplain's assistant to Hollywood crew dog, proving that the same grit and discipline that get you through military life can carry you straight into the chaos of film sets. His first project was the veteran-made cult film Range 15, and from there he hustled his way into some of the biggest productions on TV. From nine seasons on Guy's Grocery Games to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, national commercials, indie films, and even Post Malone's “Circles” music video, Cheeks has carved out a career by showing up, doing the tough jobs, and earning respect behind the camera. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to grind it out in Hollywood. You'll hear about fake blood disasters that ruined a boxing ring, hours spent scrubbing soot off a psych wall on election day, and the long nights of hauling gear until sunrise. But you'll also hear how those moments mirror his time in the Army because film sets run almost exactly like a platoon, with directors as commanders, ADs as first sergeants, and every department working like a squad. Cheeks shows why veterans are uniquely built for this industry: they understand leadership, they know how to work under pressure, and they aren't afraid to do the hard, thankless jobs that keep everything moving. This is more than a Hollywood story it's a veteran's story of resilience, humor, and finding a new mission in life. Recorded at Zen Private Paradise (IG @zenprivateparadise).

on Logan, longtime Las Vegas Aviators CEO, sits down with Vegas Veteran Voices to talk about leadership, veterans, and what makes Las Vegas a true baseball town. From starting on his birthday in 1984 to leading the Aviators into the brand-new Las Vegas Ballpark, Don shares the grit, work ethic, and passion that kept him in the game for over 40 years. He explains why you “can't be scared... you gotta go get it”, how Las Vegas became a baseball city, and why supporting military veterans is an obligation we all share. In this conversation, we cover: • Don Logan's 40-year journey with the Las Vegas Aviators • Building a baseball culture in Las Vegas • What leadership really means: “First in, last out” • The Honorary Commander Program at Nellis AFB • Why veterans and their families are at the top of his priority list This episode is about more than baseball, it's about community, resilience, and never forgetting the veterans who sacrificed for all of us. ️ Vegas Veteran Voices is a veteran-run podcast amplifying stories of purpose, struggle, and strength. Follow us for more interviews with leaders, veterans, and changemakers in the Las Vegas community.

Letoi Adams' story is one of resilience, grit, and unshakable courage. A U.S. Army veteran, truck driver, and now Vice President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Letoi faced stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that left her in a wheelchair. Instead of giving up, she turned her pain into power becoming a competitive adaptive athlete, motivational speaker, and community leader in Las Vegas. In this episode, Letoi opens up about: • Hearing the words “you have cancer” and fighting back against the odds • Her 4–5 year battle with depression and the moment adaptive sports gave her purpose again • Competing in wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, cycling, and more • Why veterans need visibility, resources, and community support • Her mission to coach, inspire, and open doors for the next generation This is more than a veteran story it's a testament to the human spirit. Whether you're a veteran, athlete, or someone facing life's toughest battles, Letoi's message will remind you: you can rise again. Subscribe for more veteran stories: www.vegasveteranvoices.com Follow Letoi: IG – @thishumblevirgo The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a national nonprofit focused on improving quality of life for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases through advocacy, healthcare support, and adaptive sports opportunities. More at www.pva.org Vegas Veteran Voices is a veteran-run media nonprofit based in Las Vegas, sharing raw and authentic stories of service, resilience, and community to highlight the voices and experiences of veterans everywhere. Learn more at www.vegasveteranvoices.com

From Army mechanic to Nevada's first Black female union plumber, Evelyn Pacheco has lived a life of breaking barriers. Now as the founder of Nevada Women in Trades (NVWIT), she's on a mission to open doors for women and veterans to enter high-paying skilled trades that offer dignity, benefits, and independence. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Evelyn shares her journey through the military, the challenges of raising three kids as a single mom, the grind of apprenticeship, and the fight to build a nonprofit that empowers women to succeed in careers often closed off to them. If you've ever been told “you can't,” this is the story that proves you can. Learn more about Nevada Women in Trades at https://nevadawit.org

​⁠ Nate Rosas : From Combat to Community on the Ice In this special episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we sit down with #Armyveteran Nate Rosas, a man whose life was shaped by Afghanistan, #Apache helicopter missions, the profound weight of Gold Star sacrifice, and ultimately healed by the power of hockey. Really OK Hockey (ROKH) is more than just a podcast & #beerleague, it's a veteran-led hockey community where the game meets healing. Made by four veterans, this crew dives into every angle of hockey, veteran life, and the unique crossover of the two, with a special focus on Warrior #disabledveteran hockey. Whether it's on the ice or in conversation, ROKH brings unfiltered authenticity, laughter, and the shared experience of service through a hockey lens Where It Was Filmed: • ABLE BAKER Brewing (1510 S Main St, Ste 120, Las Vegas, NV 89104) • Elev802 Vegas, part of the national ELEV802 hockey training network with advanced on-ice coaching and athlete development programs Deep Dive into the Episode • Boots to Blades Nate recounts navigating the traumatic return from war, relying on mashups of Apache air support memories and silent nights filled with isolation. • Hockey as a Lifeline Joining the Las Vegas Warriors, a veteran-focused adaptive hockey team, gave him more than sport. It offered discipline, brotherhood, and a nonverbal way to process trauma. • ABLE BAKER Brewing: Safe Haven Against the backdrop of the brewery's warm lighting and community buzz, Nate found a rare place to lower his guard and begin talking about his experiences. • Elev802 Vegas: Rebuilding Purpose, One Drill at a Time The rink became Nate's therapy room. Through guided drills, coaching, and team practices, he rebuilt confidence and a sense of mission, without saying “therapy,” but feeling it every stride. • From Isolation to Giving Back Reconnected to life, Nate now mentors other veterans, promotes mental wellness, and lets his story serve as a bridge, not just for himself, but for a community searching for healing. Locations & Links ABLE BAKER Brewing • Address: 1510 S Main St, Ste #120, Las Vegas, NV 89104 • Website: ablebakerbrewing.com a bustling Arts District taproom and scratch-kitchen, known for its Atomic Age-inspired beers like “Atomic Duck” and warm, inclusive atmosphere Elev802 Vegas • Address: Las Vegas location (part of network); booking and training details through their national site • Website: 702hockey.com offering elite-level, year‑round hockey training, pop-up clinics, and performance coaching tailored to all ages and experience levels Las Vegas Warriors Veteran Hockey Club • A veteran-led adaptive hockey team focused on camaraderie, mental wellness, and athletic engagement. Find them on Facebook under “Las Vegas Warriors Veteran Hockey Club.” ⸻ Stay Connected • Subscribe: Watch more veteran voices share their healing journeys on Vegas Veteran Voices. • Instagram: Follow us at @vegasveteranvoices for clips, updates, and community events. • Support Local Veteran Sports: Contact Elev802 or join the Las Vegas Warriors to help shape how hockey becomes healing.

Brandon Mills went from serving as an Abrams tank crewman in the U.S. Army to running one of the most innovative veteran-owned print shops in Las Vegas. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, he reveals what it's really like to operate the 120mm main gun, scan targets through the reticle, and experience the raw power of America's most advanced battle tank. After his military service, Brandon's journey took him to Thailand, where he built a business from scratch on a remote island before returning to the U.S. to master screen printing and DTF apparel production. His story blends military grit, global adventure, and entrepreneurial hustle, proving that the skills learned in uniform can fuel success far beyond the battlefield. If you're looking for authentic veteran stories, Abrams tank history, or inspiration for starting your own business, this episode delivers humor, high-energy storytelling, and lessons on resilience you won't forget. Tanks. Thailand. T-Shirts. From the turret to the press room, Brandon shows that the mission never ends.

Live from CHAMPS 2025 in Las Vegas! Marine Corps veteran Jay, co-founder of Stoned Earth, joins Vegas Veteran Voices to talk about his journey from military aviation to sustainable cannabis accessories. We explore the mental health benefits of alternative wellness, the transition from active duty to entrepreneurship, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to lead the cannabis reform movement. You'll hear real stories about managing PTSD, ditching opioids, and building a veteran-owned brand rooted in purpose and process improvement. Plus: how CHAMPS 2025 is spotlighting innovation in the cannabis, wellness, and tech spaces. Topics covered: – Veteran entrepreneurship & post-military identity – Medical cannabis for pain & anxiety – Sustainable paraphernalia & eco-conscious business – Life after the Marine Corps – Cannabis stigma & responsible use – Highlights from CHAMPS 2025 trade show This episode is for: Veterans, entrepreneurs, cannabis professionals, mental health advocates, & anyone curious about life after service. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational & awareness purposes only. Vegas Veteran Voices does not endorse or promote the use of cannabis. Content intended for legal-age audiences in applicable jurisdictions.

Marine veteran David Lonergan (aka “Mr. Kettlebell”) opens up in this raw, unscripted conversation about how hitting rock bottom during the 2020 lockdowns nearly cost him everything, and how walking around a track was the first step in rebuilding his mind, body, and mission. (He's personally transformed over 400+ lives through functional training) Filmed on location at The Coffee Class at Village Square in Las Vegas, this episode dives deep into David's transformation from alcohol abuse, anxiety attacks, and total burnout to building Triple Threat Transformation, a movement grounded in mindset, movement, and manifesting your vision into real action. We get personal about: • Military life vs. civilian mindset (and why some vets never really leave service) • How David lost 30 pounds in 90 days by starting with just walking • The surprising power of kettlebells (and why they're not just hipster gym gear) • The real difference between motivation, dedication & consistency • What it takes to find your purpose again, even if you don't know who you are anymore • Why veterans often stay stuck in “high school quarterback” stories, and how to move forward • Building a new identity after service without losing who you were If you've ever felt stuck, lost your way after the military, or needed a no-BS push to start your fitness journey, this episode is for you. This isn't just about fitness. It's about reclaiming your identity, getting honest about where you're at, and realizing you're not alone in the struggle. And yeah, there's some dark humor, MCMap stories, and a few Marine-approved motivational rants. Filmed at: The Coffee Class at Village Square Las Vegas, NV Thanks for letting us crash the shop & caffeinate our existential dread. 9580 W Sahara Ave Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117 https://www.thecoffeeclass.com/ IG : @coffeeinvegas Connect with David: IG : @Davidrlonergan & ​⁠ 4056 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103 https://www.triplethreattransformation.com/ Subscribe for more veteran stories, mindset overhauls, and brutally honest conversations that remind you: you're not done yet.

Step inside the legendary Leatherneck Club of Las Vegas with Thomas “Ghost” Martin, a Desert Storm Marine Corps veteran, 0311 grunt, and the heartbeat of one of the most iconic veteran bars in the country. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Ghost shares the raw story of what it was like firing the first artillery rounds of Desert Storm, the bing-bing-bing sound of incoming, and what it means to carry that kind of history in your bones. More than just war stories, Ghost drops truth about mental health, Marine Corps identity, and the purpose behind building a place where vets feel seen, respected, and at home. Whether you're a veteran, active duty, or just want to understand the mindset of those who've been through it—this episode hits different. Location: Leatherneck Club, Las Vegas, NV ️ Host: Brenton Mann, U.S. Navy Veteran Guest: Tom “Ghost” Martin – USMC 0311 Infantry, Desert Storm Vet, Owner of Leatherneck Club Tag us & follow: www.VegasVeteranVoices.org https://leatherneckbar.com/ IG: @VegasVeteranVoices IG: @Leatherneckbar

Wyatt isn't your average carpenter. He's the warranty director at Martin-Harris Construction, a long-time volunteer with Harvison House, and a man who credits his union with saving his life. In this powerful episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Wyatt gets real about suicide, purpose, faith, and what it means to rebuild from the ground up literally. We dive into: • How union carpenters in Las Vegas are pulling in $72/hour (yes, seriously) • His near-suicide and the moment that changed everything • The wild truth about addiction and mental health in the trades • What it's like to furnish homes for formerly homeless veterans • How veterans can break into the trades with no experience just grit This episode is raw, emotional, and packed with practical advice for anyone feeling stuck or searching for purpose. Whether you're a vet, a carpenter, or just trying to get through your own dark night this one's for you. Want to learn more about Harvison House? Visit: harvisonhouse.org Interested in joining the union or Helmet to Hardhats? Reach out to your local business agent Vegas Veteran Voices dedicated to helping veterans reclaim their voice, purpose, and community through storytelling. Follow us on Instagram: @vegasveteranvoices Website: vegasveteranvoices.org

What do you get when you mix a Marine Corps vet, a wedding DJ with 750+ gigs, a business consultant, and a guy who gave a boombox to Kaskade? You get Dave. This episode of Vegas Veteran Voices dives face-first into the madness that is Dave Berlin's life from infantry in the Marine Corps to youth counselor to scaling the largest wedding DJ company in the U.S., to orchestrating Freedom Week, and yes… to teaching me how to DJ. (Spoiler: I'm coming for that EDC headliner slot… in my dreams tonight atleast...) Vegas Veteran Voices isn't just a podcast. It's Dirty Jobs meets therapy, meets veteran storytelling with a boombox in hand. We highlight veterans doing powerful, unexpected, and sometimes absolutely ridiculous things with their lives after service not just what they did in uniform, but what they do now for purpose, therapy, and community. In this episode: • Why DJing is both a business and a healing art • How Dave went from working with at-risk youth to crushing weddings coast to coast • The legendary Kaskade boombox side quest • A full “Teach Me” segment where Dave shows me the ropes of mixing (and doesn't let me crash the system) • Why Freedom Week is the most impactful thing he's ever brought to a community Chaos, heart, purpose, turntables. It's all in there. And remember, not every veteran is broken, and not every story starts with trauma. Sometimes, it starts with a boombox.

In this powerful episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we take you inside the Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce (SNVCC) to meet six veterans paving the way in the Las Vegas Valley. From military service to civilian success, each guest shares how SNVCC helped them find purpose, build community, and grow their businesses. Whether you're a veteran looking to connect, a business owner wanting to make an impact, or someone who loves a good story, this is where it starts. Featuring a special introduction by SNVCC President Lester and heartfelt moments from across the veteran community, this episode is a tribute to the grit, unity & resourcefulness of Las Vegas veterans. Learn more or get involved: https://www.snvcc.org New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe for more real stories from the military community.

In this explosive episode, we sit down with Ronnie Long, a U.S. Marine veteran whose story takes you from the front lines of combat to the world of stunts, pole fitness, and self-defense. From surviving a deployment with a $600,000 bounty on his head to rebuilding purpose through movement, Ronnie brings raw honesty, humor, and intensity to the mic. We talk military life, mental health, and what it takes to reclaim your identity after service and then we get hands-on. Brenton joins Ronnie at two studios in Las Vegas: Nak Muay Thai Lao (4881 W Hacienda Ave #6, Las Vegas, NV 89118) Where Ronnie teaches powerful stunt techniques and real-world striking skills rooted in Muay Thai. https://www.nakmtl.com/ Pole Fitness Studio (4265 Arville St Suite A, Las Vegas, NV 89103) A unique space where Ronnie works with women to build confidence, situational awareness, and self-defense skills through fitness and aerial technique. https://www.polefitnessstudio.com/ Filmed at: Leatherneck Club A Marine Corps-themed bar & veteran landmark at 4360 W Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102 https://leatherneckbar.com/ Whether you're a veteran, creative, or just love hearing untold stories this one hits hard. Subscribe & share with someone who needs it.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we sit down with Ureal Irving, Army veteran and the visionary founder of Envision Footwear one of the most unique veteran-owned fashion brands making waves in streetwear and custom sneakers. Ureal shares his powerful story of military transition, entrepreneurship, and using design as a way to express identity, purpose, and legacy. From Combat Boots to Custom Kicks: Ureal Irving's Journey with Envision Footwear | Vegas Veteran Voices Podcast We dive deep into: • Ureal's time in the Army and how service shaped his mindset • The struggles and realities of transitioning out of the military • The origin story of Envision Footwear and what drives its creative mission • Lessons in discipline, sacrifice, and innovation from combat to the business world • Why every shoe is a canvas and how he's using fashion to tell stories of resilience • Advice for veterans who want to launch their own brand or start fresh after service Whether you're a sneakerhead, a veteran entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration through real stories, this episode hits hard and stays with you. LISTEN. LEARN. ENVISION. This isn't just about shoes it's about rewriting the narrative after military life and stepping boldly into purpose. ⸻ Follow Envision Footwear Website: https://envisionfootwe... Instagram: @envisionfootwear Connect with Vegas Veteran Voices Instagram: @vegasveteranvoices TikTok: @vegasveteranvoices Website: www.vegasveteranvoices.org

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we step behind the scenes of viral food content creation in Las Vegas with Antonio from Antonio Loves Wings. Shot on location at My Garage Kitchen, one of Vegas' hidden gems for next-level wings, this episode is part restaurant review, part creator crash course. Antonio, a military veteran turned food content creator, teaches me the ropes of filming food that doesn't just look good — it sells. We talk angles, lighting, b-roll secrets, and what makes food content blow up on TikTok and Instagram. But this isn't just about crispy chicken — it's about the hustle. Antonio opens up about his family's journey from cooking out of their garage to launching a full restaurant in Centennial, Las Vegas. It's a story of resilience, creativity, & community. We cover everything from: How to film viral food content with your phone Tips for slow-motion wing tosses & saucy closeups Why Vegas food culture is unlike anywhere else Antonio's journey from the military to restaurant owner & influencer What makes My Garage Kitchen the go-to for wings in Las Vegas Oh — and yes, we test our “pull-out game” with flats. For the culture. Whether you're a foodie, a veteran, or someone grinding to create better content, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we sit down with Sarah — Army medic, E6, and co-founder of Effin Eggs, the loudest, cheesiest brunch spot in Las Vegas. She didn't just build a restaurant. She created a vibe. From her roots in Kansas to her Reserve service in the Army as a Medic, to flipping burritos and cinnamon rolls in a place with Alice in Wonderland murals and espresso-fueled hustle — this is veteran grit, scrambled with passion. We talk about her military journey, mental health, food as therapy, and how she turned a joke about opening a restaurant into a full-blown breakfast empire. Location: Effin Eggs — 4555 S Fort Apache Rd #122, Las Vegas, NV 89147 Instagram: @effinegglv Follow us: @VegasVeteranVoices

When a veteran moves off the streets and into transitional housing, the battle isn't over; it's just quieter. The silence of an empty room can be deafening. No bed, no table, no place to sit, no sign of comfort. That's where Harvison House steps in. In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, we talk with the founder of Harvison House, a Las Vegas nonprofit that turns cold, empty spaces into true homes for veterans transitioning out of homelessness. Through donated furniture, community partnerships, and a whole lot of heart, they help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. This conversation goes beyond couches and coffee tables. It's about mental health, second chances, and why having a place to sit down at the end of the day can mean the difference between surviving and healing. If you've ever wondered what real impact looks like... this is it. In this episode: • How Harvison House started (and the pain that fueled its purpose) • The unspoken trauma of housing insecurity • Why the smallest comforts can be the biggest victories for veterans • How you can help Watch, share, and subscribe. New episodes drop every Friday. Stream on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio & YouTube. Learn more: VegasVeteranVoices.com

What happens when a Navy and Army veteran hits rock bottom, then builds something incredible from the ground up, literally in his own backyard? Meet Anthony Rivera, the founder of Pizza Neo, a veteran-owned pizzeria in Las Vegas that went viral for all the right reasons. Brought to by www.Realtyvet.com In this episode, we dive deep into Anthony's journey: from serving in two military branches to battling addiction, rebuilding his life through homeownership with a VA loan, and launching Pizza Neo with nothing but a dough recipe and a dream. Featured on FOX5 Vegas and supported by a $2,000 donation from Veterans Benefits Guide (an organization that helps veterans professionally navigate the VA claims process), this is more than a story about pizza, it's about purpose, community, and second chances.