From Hardship to Heroic Impact — The VetLife Mission

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25,665 words · 49:22 runtime

00:00 Introduction — Life on the Reservation

0:02 The journey to military service is often The journey to military service is often one of seeking direction, opportunity, one of seeking direction, opportunity, one of seeking direction, opportunity, or a sense of purpose. But what happens or a sense of purpose. But what happens or a sense of purpose. But what happens after that service ends? The journey after that service ends? The journey after that service ends? The journey from the military back to civilian life from the military back to civilian life from the military back to civilian life is a path every veteran must walk. And is a path every veteran must walk. And is a path every veteran must walk. And for many, it's filled with unexpected

0:19 for many, it's filled with unexpected for many, it's filled with unexpected challenges. How do you find a new challenges. How do you find a new challenges. How do you find a new mission when the old one is complete? mission when the old one is complete? mission when the old one is complete? Our guest today has a story of Our guest today has a story of Our guest today has a story of resilience that spans his entire life resilience that spans his entire life resilience that spans his entire life from his earliest days to his current from his earliest days to his current from his earliest days to his current mission. His journey began with the kind

0:32 mission. His journey began with the kind mission. His journey began with the kind of adversity many can't imagine. Growing of adversity many can't imagine. Growing of adversity many can't imagine. Growing up in poverty on a Native American up in poverty on a Native American up in poverty on a Native American reservation, facing immense family reservation, facing immense family reservation, facing immense family challenges that shaped his view of the challenges that shaped his view of the challenges that shaped his view of the world. For him, the military wasn't just world. For him, the military wasn't just world. For him, the military wasn't just a job. It was a lifeline, a path to a

0:49 a job. It was a lifeline, a path to a a job. It was a lifeline, a path to a new future. But when his time in uniform new future. But when his time in uniform new future. But when his time in uniform was over, he saw a new battlefield. The was over, he saw a new battlefield. The was over, he saw a new battlefield. The bureaucratic maze and lack of cohesive bureaucratic maze and lack of cohesive bureaucratic maze and lack of cohesive support that too many of his fellow support that too many of his fellow support that too many of his fellow veterans were fighting through every veterans were fighting through every veterans were fighting through every single day. He saw that the camaraderie

1:04 single day. He saw that the camaraderie single day. He saw that the camaraderie and structure of the military often and structure of the military often and structure of the military often disappeared right when you needed it disappeared right when you needed it disappeared right when you needed it most. Instead of just pointing out the most. Instead of just pointing out the most. Instead of just pointing out the problem, he decided to build the problem, he decided to build the problem, he decided to build the solution. Today we're sitting down with solution. Today we're sitting down with solution. Today we're sitting down with Josh Parish, a veteran and the founder

1:17 Josh Parish, a veteran and the founder Josh Parish, a veteran and the founder of the nonprofit organization Vet Life. of the nonprofit organization Vet Life. of the nonprofit organization Vet Life. Josh's story is a powerful testament to Josh's story is a powerful testament to Josh's story is a powerful testament to a turning struggle into a driving force a turning struggle into a driving force a turning struggle into a driving force for change. He's here to talk about his for change. He's here to talk about his for change. He's here to talk about his incredible path from the reservation to incredible path from the reservation to incredible path from the reservation to the military and beyond. We'll dive into

1:33 the military and beyond. We'll dive into the military and beyond. We'll dive into why he started vet, the critical gaps why he started vet, the critical gaps why he started vet, the critical gaps he's working to fill in veteran he's working to fill in veteran he's working to fill in veteran services, and how he's leveraging services, and how he's leveraging services, and how he's leveraging technology to do it. He's going to give technology to do it. He's going to give technology to do it. He's going to give us an inside look at VetLife's us an inside look at VetLife's us an inside look at VetLife's innovative Battle Buddy app, a project innovative Battle Buddy app, a project innovative Battle Buddy app, a project designed to cut through the red tape and designed to cut through the red tape and designed to cut through the red tape and put benefits and resources directly into

1:51 put benefits and resources directly into put benefits and resources directly into the hands of veterans who earn them. the hands of veterans who earn them. the hands of veterans who earn them. This is a conversation about grit, This is a conversation about grit, This is a conversation about grit, purpose, and the profound impact one purpose, and the profound impact one purpose, and the profound impact one person can have when they refuse to let person can have when they refuse to let person can have when they refuse to let their community be left behind. Josh's their community be left behind. Josh's their community be left behind. Josh's journey is a masterclass in building a

2:06 journey is a masterclass in building a journey is a masterclass in building a life of service both in and out of life of service both in and out of life of service both in and out of uniform. uniform. uniform. Hey everyone, welcome back to Voice for Hey everyone, welcome back to Voice for Hey everyone, welcome back to Voice for Valor. I'm your host Mike and today I've Valor. I'm your host Mike and today I've Valor. I'm your host Mike and today I've got an incredible conversation to share got an incredible conversation to share got an incredible conversation to share with you. I recently sat down with Josh with you. I recently sat down with Josh with you. I recently sat down with Josh Parish, the founder of Vet Life, and his Parish, the founder of Vet Life, and his Parish, the founder of Vet Life, and his story blew me away. Josh grew up on a

2:26 story blew me away. Josh grew up on a story blew me away. Josh grew up on a Native American reservation, an Native American reservation, an Native American reservation, an experience that gave him a totally experience that gave him a totally experience that gave him a totally different perspective on life before he different perspective on life before he different perspective on life before he ever put on a uniform. ever put on a uniform. ever put on a uniform. As someone who served myself, I was As someone who served myself, I was As someone who served myself, I was fascinated hearing how Josh's unique fascinated hearing how Josh's unique fascinated hearing how Josh's unique background shaped his military background shaped his military background shaped his military experience and eventually led to experience and eventually led to experience and eventually led to creating vet life after service. When he

2:47 creating vet life after service. When he creating vet life after service. When he talked about his struggles transitioning talked about his struggles transitioning talked about his struggles transitioning back to civilian life, man, I could back to civilian life, man, I could back to civilian life, man, I could relate so much to what he was saying. relate so much to what he was saying. relate so much to what he was saying. What really stands out about Josh's What really stands out about Josh's What really stands out about Josh's approach is how vet life is working to approach is how vet life is working to approach is how vet life is working to streamline veteran services. If you've

3:01 streamline veteran services. If you've streamline veteran services. If you've ever dealt with the maze of resources ever dealt with the maze of resources ever dealt with the maze of resources out there, you know exactly how valuable out there, you know exactly how valuable out there, you know exactly how valuable this is. Josh shares some powerful this is. Josh shares some powerful this is. Josh shares some powerful stories about veterans whose lives have stories about veterans whose lives have stories about veterans whose lives have been transformed through the work been transformed through the work been transformed through the work they're doing. Throughout our

3:14 they're doing. Throughout our they're doing. Throughout our conversation, Josh opens up about the conversation, Josh opens up about the conversation, Josh opens up about the challenges he's faced, the lessons he's challenges he's faced, the lessons he's challenges he's faced, the lessons he's learned, and the vision that keeps learned, and the vision that keeps learned, and the vision that keeps driving him forward. His passion for driving him forward. His passion for driving him forward. His passion for helping fellow veterans is absolutely helping fellow veterans is absolutely helping fellow veterans is absolutely contagious. contagious. contagious. Whether you're a veteran looking for Whether you're a veteran looking for Whether you're a veteran looking for better resources, someone who works with better resources, someone who works with

3:31 better resources, someone who works with the veteran community, or just the veteran community, or just the veteran community, or just interested in hearing an inspiring story interested in hearing an inspiring story interested in hearing an inspiring story of service beyond the uniform, I think of service beyond the uniform, I think of service beyond the uniform, I think you get a lot out of this conversation. you get a lot out of this conversation. you get a lot out of this conversation. >> So once again, grab your coffee, settle >> So once again, grab your coffee, settle >> So once again, grab your coffee, settle in, and join me for this eye-opening

3:47 in, and join me for this eye-opening in, and join me for this eye-opening discussion with a true innovator who's discussion with a true innovator who's discussion with a true innovator who's changing how we support our veterans. changing how we support our veterans. changing how we support our veterans. Let's get into it. All right, good afternoon everybody. All right, good afternoon everybody. Today we have Josh Parish who runs

04:00 Growing Up in Poverty and Finding a Way Out

4:07 Today we have Josh Parish who runs Today we have Josh Parish who runs VetLife VetLife VetLife and my goodness, as I was reading your and my goodness, as I was reading your and my goodness, as I was reading your bio and we've had a chance to chat in bio and we've had a chance to chat in bio and we've had a chance to chat in the past, I wanted to start it off by the past, I wanted to start it off by the past, I wanted to start it off by how tell us how the heck did you grow up how tell us how the heck did you grow up how tell us how the heck did you grow up on an Indian reservation? How did a on an Indian reservation? How did a on an Indian reservation? How did a Native American reservation, how'd that

4:22 Native American reservation, how'd that Native American reservation, how'd that even work? Yeah, as you can tell by the even work? Yeah, as you can tell by the even work? Yeah, as you can tell by the the blue eyes here, uh you know, crazy the blue eyes here, uh you know, crazy the blue eyes here, uh you know, crazy story, honestly. So, um my mom was story, honestly. So, um my mom was story, honestly. So, um my mom was actually originally from Hazel Park, actually originally from Hazel Park, actually originally from Hazel Park, Michigan, and uh her father uh actually Michigan, and uh her father uh actually Michigan, and uh her father uh actually just dropped her and her sister off at a

4:40 just dropped her and her sister off at a just dropped her and her sister off at a friend's house in the UP. He worked for friend's house in the UP. He worked for friend's house in the UP. He worked for GM. And so, her and my aunt Karen grew GM. And so, her and my aunt Karen grew GM. And so, her and my aunt Karen grew up right on Lake Superior. Uh my mom up right on Lake Superior. Uh my mom up right on Lake Superior. Uh my mom went to a small school called uh Brimley went to a small school called uh Brimley went to a small school called uh Brimley Brimley area schools and met my father. Brimley area schools and met my father. Brimley area schools and met my father. My father was the youngest of 13 uh 11

4:58 My father was the youngest of 13 uh 11 My father was the youngest of 13 uh 11 that had lived and he he's Native that had lived and he he's Native that had lived and he he's Native American. My grandfather who I never met American. My grandfather who I never met American. My grandfather who I never met uh he was 100%. Uh so I mean think uh he was 100%. Uh so I mean think uh he was 100%. Uh so I mean think straight Native American uh you know straight Native American uh you know straight Native American uh you know really dark skin, high cheekbones. really dark skin, high cheekbones. really dark skin, high cheekbones. But unfortunately, he passed away and my

5:16 But unfortunately, he passed away and my But unfortunately, he passed away and my father who uh was 50%. father who uh was 50%. father who uh was 50%. Met my mom at school. It was a love Met my mom at school. It was a love Met my mom at school. It was a love until it wasn't. And they had six until it wasn't. And they had six until it wasn't. And they had six wonderful children, me being the oldest wonderful children, me being the oldest wonderful children, me being the oldest of them. Actually grew up. My wife of them. Actually grew up. My wife of them. Actually grew up. My wife teases me all the time. She's like, teases me all the time. She's like,

5:32 teases me all the time. She's like, "Come on, you can't have been that "Come on, you can't have been that "Come on, you can't have been that poor." Uh, and so because she rolls her poor." Uh, and so because she rolls her poor." Uh, and so because she rolls her eyes, and I'm sure she's out doing work eyes, and I'm sure she's out doing work eyes, and I'm sure she's out doing work out in the uh, kitchen rolling her eyes out in the uh, kitchen rolling her eyes out in the uh, kitchen rolling her eyes right now, but I I actually grew up, I right now, but I I actually grew up, I right now, but I I actually grew up, I think there's about a four or five year think there's about a four or five year

5:45 think there's about a four or five year age gap between my uh, sister uh, and I. age gap between my uh, sister uh, and I. age gap between my uh, sister uh, and I. And so we lived with my grandmother, my And so we lived with my grandmother, my And so we lived with my grandmother, my grandma June, and I actually have a grandma June, and I actually have a grandma June, and I actually have a tattoo of her. She loved Lonesome Dove. tattoo of her. She loved Lonesome Dove. tattoo of her. She loved Lonesome Dove. So we grew up in a little uh, trailer, So we grew up in a little uh, trailer, So we grew up in a little uh, trailer, little two-bedroom trailer. I used to go

6:01 little two-bedroom trailer. I used to go little two-bedroom trailer. I used to go out and pump the well water to warm up out and pump the well water to warm up out and pump the well water to warm up our water. We didn't have running water our water. We didn't have running water our water. We didn't have running water till I was like four or five. And till I was like four or five. And till I was like four or five. And honestly, I didn't know any different. I honestly, I didn't know any different. I honestly, I didn't know any different. I mean, I didn't know I was poor. I, you mean, I didn't know I was poor. I, you mean, I didn't know I was poor. I, you know, every month on the Indian

6:12 know, every month on the Indian know, every month on the Indian reservation, you just went out to the reservation, you just went out to the reservation, you just went out to the commodities building and got your food commodities building and got your food commodities building and got your food or else you hunted or fished uh for any or else you hunted or fished uh for any or else you hunted or fished uh for any protein as as people would call it these protein as as people would call it these protein as as people would call it these days. Uh, but I'm talking rabbit, deer, days. Uh, but I'm talking rabbit, deer, days. Uh, but I'm talking rabbit, deer, I mean, you name it. We hunted it, we

6:27 I mean, you name it. We hunted it, we I mean, you name it. We hunted it, we killed it, squirrels. And so I I killed it, squirrels. And so I I killed it, squirrels. And so I I honestly didn't know uh I just thought honestly didn't know uh I just thought honestly didn't know uh I just thought that that was how everybody lived their that that was how everybody lived their that that was how everybody lived their life. And it was a very big culture life. And it was a very big culture life. And it was a very big culture shock when I started uh school and shock when I started uh school and shock when I started uh school and realized that uh I was a a poor Indian

6:42 realized that uh I was a a poor Indian realized that uh I was a a poor Indian trash as as some people would have trash as as some people would have trash as as some people would have called me back then. So it was uh it was called me back then. So it was uh it was called me back then. So it was uh it was it was interesting. it was interesting. it was interesting. Was the school on was the school on the Was the school on was the school on the Was the school on was the school on the reservation or did you go off the reservation or did you go off the reservation or did you go off the reservation? reservation? reservation? >> I went off reservation for the school.

6:54 >> I went off reservation for the school. >> I went off reservation for the school. Um the reservation was called or is Um the reservation was called or is Um the reservation was called or is called Bay Mills. Uh and the town that called Bay Mills. Uh and the town that called Bay Mills. Uh and the town that joined it was called Brimley. And so I joined it was called Brimley. And so I joined it was called Brimley. And so I went to Brimley area schools, K through went to Brimley area schools, K through went to Brimley area schools, K through 12, um graduating class of I think 16 or 12, um graduating class of I think 16 or 12, um graduating class of I think 16 or 18. And uh there was about 330 kids from

7:13 18. And uh there was about 330 kids from 18. And uh there was about 330 kids from K 12 all under one roof. K 12 all under one roof. K 12 all under one roof. So, growing up with six kids and you So, growing up with six kids and you So, growing up with six kids and you said there was a relatively large gap, said there was a relatively large gap, said there was a relatively large gap, would you say four four or five years would you say four four or five years would you say four four or five years between you and your your your next between you and your your your next between you and your your your next sibling? sibling? sibling? >> Yeah. Then it went

7:28 >> Yeah. Then it went >> Yeah. Then it went >> Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, go ahead. >> No, just go ahead. How many age groups >> No, just go ahead. How many age groups >> No, just go ahead. How many age groups are we spanning here to to get to six? are we spanning here to to get to six? are we spanning here to to get to six? >> So, uh I'm 45 and believe my sister's 40 >> So, uh I'm 45 and believe my sister's 40 >> So, uh I'm 45 and believe my sister's 40 41. 41. 41. And then it went almost in quick And then it went almost in quick And then it went almost in quick succession.

7:46 succession. succession. Mike, Jake, Mandy, then me, and then my Mike, Jake, Mandy, then me, and then my Mike, Jake, Mandy, then me, and then my parents split up, got back together for parents split up, got back together for parents split up, got back together for a little bit, had my brother Jared, and a little bit, had my brother Jared, and a little bit, had my brother Jared, and then got divorced again. My mom got then got divorced again. My mom got then got divorced again. My mom got remarried and had my stepsister Sarah, remarried and had my stepsister Sarah, remarried and had my stepsister Sarah, who just turned 21. So, it was uh I who just turned 21. So, it was uh I

8:06 who just turned 21. So, it was uh I needed to say, so my dad really wasn't needed to say, so my dad really wasn't needed to say, so my dad really wasn't in the picture in the picture in the picture much when I was younger, and so I was much when I was younger, and so I was much when I was younger, and so I was the man of the house. And so we we joke the man of the house. And so we we joke the man of the house. And so we we joke now because our 9-year-old daughter, she now because our 9-year-old daughter, she now because our 9-year-old daughter, she uh doesn't even want to walk up to the uh doesn't even want to walk up to the uh doesn't even want to walk up to the bus stop. And I used to get my brothers

8:21 bus stop. And I used to get my brothers bus stop. And I used to get my brothers and sisters off the bus, cook them and sisters off the bus, cook them and sisters off the bus, cook them dinner. My mom worked at Kmart back in dinner. My mom worked at Kmart back in dinner. My mom worked at Kmart back in the day to make ends meet. And uh I the day to make ends meet. And uh I the day to make ends meet. And uh I mean, I just thought that's what any mean, I just thought that's what any mean, I just thought that's what any 11year-old kid did or 12-year-old, 11year-old kid did or 12-year-old, 11year-old kid did or 12-year-old, however old I was. And yeah, like I

8:34 however old I was. And yeah, like I however old I was. And yeah, like I said, I think it really shaped me into said, I think it really shaped me into said, I think it really shaped me into the man who I who I am today, uh going the man who I who I am today, uh going the man who I who I am today, uh going through all that adversity. But uh yeah, through all that adversity. But uh yeah, through all that adversity. But uh yeah, I wouldn't have changed a single thing. I wouldn't have changed a single thing. I wouldn't have changed a single thing. I uh you know, as rough as my childhood I uh you know, as rough as my childhood I uh you know, as rough as my childhood was, I I think it really made me into

8:47 was, I I think it really made me into was, I I think it really made me into the human being that I am today. the human being that I am today. the human being that I am today. >> How did you even find out about the >> How did you even find out about the >> How did you even find out about the military? What led you down that path? military? What led you down that path? military? What led you down that path? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Coming from a from a poor background, >> Coming from a from a poor background, >> Coming from a from a poor background, did were the recruiters that came into did were the recruiters that came into did were the recruiters that came into the school or how did you even find out the school or how did you even find out the school or how did you even find out about it?

8:59 about it? about it? >> Yeah, great question. Yes, recruiters >> Yeah, great question. Yes, recruiters >> Yeah, great question. Yes, recruiters were always at our school. Um I mean were always at our school. Um I mean were always at our school. Um I mean relatively, relatively, relatively, you know, poor population where I lived. you know, poor population where I lived. you know, poor population where I lived. you either worked at the prison or you you either worked at the prison or you you either worked at the prison or you worked at the casino. worked at the casino. worked at the casino. So those were the two main sources of So those were the two main sources of

9:14 So those were the two main sources of income or commercial fishing if you were income or commercial fishing if you were income or commercial fishing if you were Native American. Um but I remember an Native American. Um but I remember an Native American. Um but I remember an army recruiter coming in and um I mean army recruiter coming in and um I mean army recruiter coming in and um I mean you know how I mean you're in the you know how I mean you're in the you know how I mean you're in the military, you know how army recruiter or military, you know how army recruiter or military, you know how army recruiter or just any recruiters in general are, you just any recruiters in general are, you

9:27 just any recruiters in general are, you know, they make it sound like it's it's know, they make it sound like it's it's know, they make it sound like it's it's the best thing ever. And uh especially the best thing ever. And uh especially the best thing ever. And uh especially army recruiters. army recruiters. army recruiters. >> Oh god. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah, >> Oh god. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah, >> Oh god. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah, you can get this uh, you know, a $10,000 you can get this uh, you know, a $10,000 you can get this uh, you know, a $10,000 bonus. What they don't tell you is they bonus. What they don't tell you is they bonus. What they don't tell you is they split it up into two segments and they

9:41 split it up into two segments and they split it up into two segments and they tax you at 25%. So, that 10,000 turns tax you at 25%. So, that 10,000 turns tax you at 25%. So, that 10,000 turns into about 3,000 pretty quick. So, uh, into about 3,000 pretty quick. So, uh, into about 3,000 pretty quick. So, uh, and then you probably tax on that as and then you probably tax on that as and then you probably tax on that as well. So, but no, long story short, you well. So, but no, long story short, you well. So, but no, long story short, you know, Army recruiter came in uh, and know, Army recruiter came in uh, and know, Army recruiter came in uh, and mentioned that uh,

9:55 mentioned that uh, mentioned that uh, there uh, I was MP um, in Alaska and I there uh, I was MP um, in Alaska and I there uh, I was MP um, in Alaska and I always wanted to be a police officer. always wanted to be a police officer.

10:00 Why the Military Was a Lifeline, Not Just a Career

10:01 always wanted to be a police officer. Uh, I always looked up to law Uh, I always looked up to law Uh, I always looked up to law enforcement when I was younger and I uh enforcement when I was younger and I uh enforcement when I was younger and I uh went and I took my my ASVAB if I went and I took my my ASVAB if I went and I took my my ASVAB if I remember. I've been out since 2008, but remember. I've been out since 2008, but remember. I've been out since 2008, but you know, took my ASVAB and scored you know, took my ASVAB and scored you know, took my ASVAB and scored pretty high. Uh, said I could pick what pretty high. Uh, said I could pick what pretty high. Uh, said I could pick what job I wanted to do. And then right as I job I wanted to do. And then right as I job I wanted to do. And then right as I was getting ready to go to basic, I just

10:22 was getting ready to go to basic, I just was getting ready to go to basic, I just I I I think I met a girl or whatever it I I I think I met a girl or whatever it I I I think I met a girl or whatever it was and I just kind of backed out for a was and I just kind of backed out for a was and I just kind of backed out for a little bit. And then about a year later, little bit. And then about a year later, little bit. And then about a year later, I had started college and I was terrible I had started college and I was terrible I had started college and I was terrible at school back then. Uh failed out of at school back then. Uh failed out of at school back then. Uh failed out of college and military was an option.

10:38 college and military was an option. college and military was an option. Recruiter came by and said, "Listen, uh Recruiter came by and said, "Listen, uh Recruiter came by and said, "Listen, uh do you know what a combat engineer is?" do you know what a combat engineer is?" do you know what a combat engineer is?" I said, "No, but it sounds pretty cool. I said, "No, but it sounds pretty cool. I said, "No, but it sounds pretty cool. Uh what do I do?" And they said, "Well, Uh what do I do?" And they said, "Well, Uh what do I do?" And they said, "Well, you're going to build bridges and drive you're going to build bridges and drive you're going to build bridges and drive boats and all this stuff." And hey, I

10:49 boats and all this stuff." And hey, I boats and all this stuff." And hey, I lived on Lake Superior, so why not? So, lived on Lake Superior, so why not? So, lived on Lake Superior, so why not? So, I think I was I was 20. I was 19 or 20 I think I was I was 20. I was 19 or 20 I think I was I was 20. I was 19 or 20 when I joined the military. Uh went to when I joined the military. Uh went to when I joined the military. Uh went to basic training Fort Leonard, Missouri basic training Fort Leonard, Missouri basic training Fort Leonard, Missouri and got home and about a year later they and got home and about a year later they and got home and about a year later they said, "Hey,

11:06 said, "Hey, said, "Hey, you're going to Iraq or actually it was you're going to Iraq or actually it was you're going to Iraq or actually it was uh you are going to fly and go into the uh you are going to fly and go into the uh you are going to fly and go into the southern part of Turkey into the southern part of Turkey into the southern part of Turkey into the northern part of Iraq as part of the the northern part of Iraq as part of the the northern part of Iraq as part of the the spearhead." And um they gave us you know spearhead." And um they gave us you know spearhead." And um they gave us you know our ops and and briefed us and we were our ops and and briefed us and we were our ops and and briefed us and we were going to you know be attacked daily and going to you know be attacked daily and going to you know be attacked daily and then I don't know if you remember back

11:30 then I don't know if you remember back then I don't know if you remember back in ' 03 but Turkey would only let us use in ' 03 but Turkey would only let us use in ' 03 but Turkey would only let us use their airspace and so we had to reroute their airspace and so we had to reroute their airspace and so we had to reroute to Kuwait and so I was attached to I to Kuwait and so I was attached to I to Kuwait and so I was attached to I think it was originally the fourth ID think it was originally the fourth ID think it was originally the fourth ID but then we got reattached to the but then we got reattached to the but then we got reattached to the seventh marine expeditionary force. you

11:45 seventh marine expeditionary force. you seventh marine expeditionary force. you know, whoever listened, don't quote me. know, whoever listened, don't quote me. know, whoever listened, don't quote me. It's been so long I can't really It's been so long I can't really It's been so long I can't really remember, you know, what expeditionary remember, you know, what expeditionary remember, you know, what expeditionary force um it was, but I know we're force um it was, but I know we're force um it was, but I know we're attached to the Marines for a better attached to the Marines for a better attached to the Marines for a better part of my time in Iraq. Built some

11:57 part of my time in Iraq. Built some part of my time in Iraq. Built some bridges and uh over the Tigers, I bridges and uh over the Tigers, I bridges and uh over the Tigers, I believe, did some missions over there. believe, did some missions over there. believe, did some missions over there. It was uh it was a pretty cool It was uh it was a pretty cool It was uh it was a pretty cool experience, but I'll tell you, um when experience, but I'll tell you, um when experience, but I'll tell you, um when you get home, I don't know how it was you get home, I don't know how it was you get home, I don't know how it was for you, but it really sucks for me. I

12:12 for you, but it really sucks for me. I for you, but it really sucks for me. I uh I like the structure of the military. uh I like the structure of the military. uh I like the structure of the military. I liked that camaraderie and when I left I liked that camaraderie and when I left I liked that camaraderie and when I left the military I felt like I lost a sense the military I felt like I lost a sense the military I felt like I lost a sense of purpose, lost a sense of identity and of purpose, lost a sense of identity and of purpose, lost a sense of identity and you know all those weird jokes you tell you know all those weird jokes you tell you know all those weird jokes you tell in the military. Uh civilian people

12:28 in the military. Uh civilian people in the military. Uh civilian people don't really enjoy those uh weird crude don't really enjoy those uh weird crude don't really enjoy those uh weird crude jokes as much as u other veterans do. So jokes as much as u other veterans do. So jokes as much as u other veterans do. So it was a it was a eye openening it was a it was a eye openening it was a it was a eye openening experience. experience. experience. Well, both of us, you and I both, I Well, both of us, you and I both, I Well, both of us, you and I both, I mean, we have that same passion for the mean, we have that same passion for the mean, we have that same passion for the the structure and the purpose- driven

12:44 the structure and the purpose- driven the structure and the purpose- driven life, and you have met so many veterans. life, and you have met so many veterans. life, and you have met so many veterans. I'm sure this this is a common story. I'm sure this this is a common story. I'm sure this this is a common story. Please, please share what you're doing Please, please share what you're doing Please, please share what you're doing with vet life and some of these purpose- with vet life and some of these purpose- with vet life and some of these purpose- driven initiatives. And I won't focus on driven initiatives. And I won't focus on driven initiatives. And I won't focus on the negative aspects too much, but I do

13:00 the negative aspects too much, but I do the negative aspects too much, but I do believe that it's important to say that believe that it's important to say that believe that it's important to say that um when I went through the TAPS program um when I went through the TAPS program um when I went through the TAPS program out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the way out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the way out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the way they explained it to me, it's kind of they explained it to me, it's kind of they explained it to me, it's kind of like the way the army recruiter like the way the army recruiter like the way the army recruiter explained it to me about how great the

13:13 explained it to me about how great the explained it to me about how great the military was going to be and you were military was going to be and you were military was going to be and you were going to eat steak and shrimp and going to eat steak and shrimp and going to eat steak and shrimp and lobster. Um taps just I didn't get lobster. Um taps just I didn't get lobster. Um taps just I didn't get anything out of it. I mean, they gave me anything out of it. I mean, they gave me anything out of it. I mean, they gave me a bunch of papers and said, you know, a bunch of papers and said, you know, a bunch of papers and said, you know, put your discharge papers on file at the

13:25 put your discharge papers on file at the put your discharge papers on file at the county you're going to move to and and county you're going to move to and and county you're going to move to and and thank you for your service. And so, when thank you for your service. And so, when thank you for your service. And so, when I went out looking for those benefits I went out looking for those benefits I went out looking for those benefits and honestly looking for some mental and honestly looking for some mental and honestly looking for some mental health help, I didn't get it. Uh, and health help, I didn't get it. Uh, and health help, I didn't get it. Uh, and and really I felt like I was shunned uh

13:40 and really I felt like I was shunned uh and really I felt like I was shunned uh in in a sense like, you know, you're in in a sense like, you know, you're in in a sense like, you know, you're supposed to be this strong war fighter supposed to be this strong war fighter supposed to be this strong war fighter where you're not supposed to ask for where you're not supposed to ask for where you're not supposed to ask for help and then you ask for help and help and then you ask for help and help and then you ask for help and they're like, but no, you're not they're like, but no, you're not they're like, but no, you're not supposed to be asking for help. And so

13:50 supposed to be asking for help. And so supposed to be asking for help. And so yeah, I went I went through some pretty yeah, I went I went through some pretty yeah, I went I went through some pretty dark times for a little while as you dark times for a little while as you dark times for a little while as you know. So I'm smiling now. So I I believe know. So I'm smiling now. So I I believe know. So I'm smiling now. So I I believe I'm over those darker times. But um I'm over those darker times. But um I'm over those darker times. But um yeah, I got to a really dark point in my yeah, I got to a really dark point in my yeah, I got to a really dark point in my life where I just didn't want to be here

14:02 life where I just didn't want to be here life where I just didn't want to be here anymore. And uh met my wife. Um we have anymore. And uh met my wife. Um we have anymore. And uh met my wife. Um we have four beautiful children together. And I four beautiful children together. And I four beautiful children together. And I wanted to take all of the struggles that wanted to take all of the struggles that wanted to take all of the struggles that I went through when I left the military, I went through when I left the military, I went through when I left the military, everything that I've had jumbled inside everything that I've had jumbled inside everything that I've had jumbled inside my brain for years and really just

14:19 my brain for years and really just my brain for years and really just create programs to help make the process create programs to help make the process create programs to help make the process more efficient so less veterans fall more efficient so less veterans fall more efficient so less veterans fall through the cracks um than originally through the cracks um than originally through the cracks um than originally would have fallen through the cracks if would have fallen through the cracks if would have fallen through the cracks if I wasn't here to help or we weren't here I wasn't here to help or we weren't here I wasn't here to help or we weren't here to help.

14:34 to help. to help. How many years did you serve before you How many years did you serve before you How many years did you serve before you actually went through the the transition actually went through the the transition actually went through the the transition assistance program, the TAP program? assistance program, the TAP program? assistance program, the TAP program? >> Uh, I served uh so six and then two in >> Uh, I served uh so six and then two in >> Uh, I served uh so six and then two in IRR and so I mean I went through TAPS IRR and so I mean I went through TAPS IRR and so I mean I went through TAPS in08 I think. So you served in08 I think. So you served

14:53 in08 I think. So you served >> you served six years and then you came >> you served six years and then you came >> you served six years and then you came right back to Michigan. right back to Michigan. right back to Michigan. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, uh, the transition assistance Well, uh, the transition assistance Well, uh, the transition assistance program right now, I just recently went program right now, I just recently went program right now, I just recently went through it as I was preparing for through it as I was preparing for through it as I was preparing for retirement. It's definitely built for

15:09 retirement. It's definitely built for retirement. It's definitely built for that first term airman, soldier, sailor. that first term airman, soldier, sailor. that first term airman, soldier, sailor. It's not really built for somebody like It's not really built for somebody like It's not really built for somebody like myself who's a senior military officer myself who's a senior military officer myself who's a senior military officer where I've had a chance to really where I've had a chance to really where I've had a chance to really research all these things. Yeah. And research all these things. Yeah. And research all these things. Yeah. And plan plan my exit strategy. It's

15:23 plan plan my exit strategy. It's plan plan my exit strategy. It's designed more for that that person that designed more for that that person that designed more for that that person that um that is that first first term. um that is that first first term. um that is that first first term. Hopefully, it's gotten better since you Hopefully, it's gotten better since you Hopefully, it's gotten better since you retired in '08. What have you been retired in '08. What have you been retired in '08. What have you been hearing from veterans that are recently hearing from veterans that are recently hearing from veterans that are recently retiring? Are they saying it's the same?

15:37 retiring? Are they saying it's the same? retiring? Are they saying it's the same? Are they saying it's improved? Has your Are they saying it's improved? Has your Are they saying it's improved? Has your voice improved any? Is the VA getting voice improved any? Is the VA getting voice improved any? Is the VA getting Are you getting the attention of the VA Are you getting the attention of the VA Are you getting the attention of the VA or anybody to try and help this program? or anybody to try and help this program? or anybody to try and help this program? Just to give you an idea, I mean, I'm Just to give you an idea, I mean, I'm Just to give you an idea, I mean, I'm not helping one or two veterans a month

15:49 not helping one or two veterans a month not helping one or two veterans a month here. I mean, we have we have a pretty here. I mean, we have we have a pretty here. I mean, we have we have a pretty robust structure of we call them robust structure of we call them robust structure of we call them forward- facing events. Give you an forward- facing events. Give you an forward- facing events. Give you an idea. one of our events and and I guess idea. one of our events and and I guess idea. one of our events and and I guess I should have mentioned this prior. So, I should have mentioned this prior. So, I should have mentioned this prior. So, my wife and I created Vet Life, this

16:05 my wife and I created Vet Life, this my wife and I created Vet Life, this nonprofit in 2018. nonprofit in 2018. nonprofit in 2018. Um, I had worked for a county department Um, I had worked for a county department Um, I had worked for a county department of Veterans Affairs office and then for of Veterans Affairs office and then for of Veterans Affairs office and then for the state of Michigan. So, I was able to the state of Michigan. So, I was able to the state of Michigan. So, I was able to really peel back the layers of the onion really peel back the layers of the onion really peel back the layers of the onion about what was working and what wasn't

16:18 about what was working and what wasn't about what was working and what wasn't working. And I was I'm fortunate. I've working. And I was I'm fortunate. I've working. And I was I'm fortunate. I've worked with both the state and the worked with both the state and the worked with both the state and the federal government uh state level. I federal government uh state level. I federal government uh state level. I helped create something called the helped create something called the helped create something called the County Veteran Service Fund, which is an County Veteran Service Fund, which is an County Veteran Service Fund, which is an annual appropriation of about $4.5

16:32 annual appropriation of about $4.5 annual appropriation of about $4.5 million. I spearheaded an effort to uh million. I spearheaded an effort to uh million. I spearheaded an effort to uh digitize military records here in digitize military records here in digitize military records here in Michigan. I worked on the federal level Michigan. I worked on the federal level Michigan. I worked on the federal level with Congresswoman, who's now Senator uh with Congresswoman, who's now Senator uh with Congresswoman, who's now Senator uh Slotkin, to codify this program called Slotkin, to codify this program called Slotkin, to codify this program called Solid Start. So, Solid Start, if you're

16:51 Solid Start. So, Solid Start, if you're Solid Start. So, Solid Start, if you're not familiar with it, calls newly not familiar with it, calls newly not familiar with it, calls newly transitioning veterans three times in transitioning veterans three times in transitioning veterans three times in one calendar year. So, the reason why one calendar year. So, the reason why one calendar year. So, the reason why I'm mentioning all of this is to let you I'm mentioning all of this is to let you I'm mentioning all of this is to let you know that um know that um know that um I deal with over 10,000 veterans a year I deal with over 10,000 veterans a year I deal with over 10,000 veterans a year and deal, I mean, work with uh through and deal, I mean, work with uh through and deal, I mean, work with uh through our our VetFest events, through our our our VetFest events, through our

17:12 our our VetFest events, through our through our app, through our radio through our app, through our radio through our app, through our radio shows. And so the common theme is the shows. And so the common theme is the shows. And so the common theme is the TAP system is broken. And of course, TAP system is broken. And of course, TAP system is broken. And of course, you're always going to get the some you're always going to get the some you're always going to get the some people that had a good experience. But I people that had a good experience. But I people that had a good experience. But I honestly believe the reason the TAPS honestly believe the reason the TAPS

17:28 honestly believe the reason the TAPS program is broken is because veterans program is broken is because veterans program is broken is because veterans need time to decompress after they leave need time to decompress after they leave need time to decompress after they leave the military. And they're not going to the military. And they're not going to the military. And they're not going to carry around a PowerPoint. They're not carry around a PowerPoint. They're not carry around a PowerPoint. They're not going to carry around a briefcase full going to carry around a briefcase full going to carry around a briefcase full of documents that TAPS gives you. of documents that TAPS gives you.

17:44 of documents that TAPS gives you. they're not going to ingest what you're they're not going to ingest what you're they're not going to ingest what you're telling them. So that's why we created telling them. So that's why we created telling them. So that's why we created that app, Battle Buddy, where you can that app, Battle Buddy, where you can that app, Battle Buddy, where you can access everything you want on your own access everything you want on your own access everything you want on your own time. So, if any of the listeners here time. So, if any of the listeners here time. So, if any of the listeners here today want a theme and a theory of what today want a theme and a theory of what

18:00 The Shock of Transition — What Nobody Prepares You For

18:00 today want a theme and a theory of what VetLife does is we empower veterans to VetLife does is we empower veterans to VetLife does is we empower veterans to be their own best advocates and we give be their own best advocates and we give be their own best advocates and we give them the vetted resource tools to be the them the vetted resource tools to be the them the vetted resource tools to be the best version of themselves that they best version of themselves that they best version of themselves that they can. My goal is to get the Battle Bunny can. My goal is to get the Battle Bunny can. My goal is to get the Battle Bunny app that you can find on, you know, your app that you can find on, you know, your

18:21 app that you can find on, you know, your Android phone or your Apple phone. I Android phone or your Apple phone. I Android phone or your Apple phone. I want that to be a part of the taps want that to be a part of the taps want that to be a part of the taps transition process where let's say you transition process where let's say you transition process where let's say you know Mike Michael you get out of the know Mike Michael you get out of the know Mike Michael you get out of the military and 6 months down the road you military and 6 months down the road you military and 6 months down the road you say man I really wish I would have say man I really wish I would have

18:36 say man I really wish I would have listened and taps and they told me listened and taps and they told me listened and taps and they told me something about a be home loan a something about a be home loan a something about a be home loan a certificate of eligibility you go on the certificate of eligibility you go on the certificate of eligibility you go on the app it connects you right to a a app it connects you right to a a app it connects you right to a a resource provider you want to file for resource provider you want to file for resource provider you want to file for disability compensation we're leveraging disability compensation we're leveraging

18:50 disability compensation we're leveraging AI to really machine learn. So this app, AI to really machine learn. So this app, AI to really machine learn. So this app, this battle buddy knows who you are. this battle buddy knows who you are. this battle buddy knows who you are. Let's say that you're having a bad day. Let's say that you're having a bad day. Let's say that you're having a bad day. You go on the app, it knows, hey Mike, You go on the app, it knows, hey Mike, You go on the app, it knows, hey Mike, I, you know, I hear you're having a bad I, you know, I hear you're having a bad I, you know, I hear you're having a bad day. How can I help you? Because here's

19:09 day. How can I help you? Because here's day. How can I help you? Because here's the main issue. The underlying issue is the main issue. The underlying issue is the main issue. The underlying issue is uh and maybe you've encountered it. I uh and maybe you've encountered it. I uh and maybe you've encountered it. I know we've tal we've spoke about it. you know we've tal we've spoke about it. you know we've tal we've spoke about it. you have a very robust network in the have a very robust network in the have a very robust network in the Washington DC area, but 36% of veterans Washington DC area, but 36% of veterans Washington DC area, but 36% of veterans in this country are considered to be

19:23 in this country are considered to be in this country are considered to be living in rural areas. So the normally living in rural areas. So the normally living in rural areas. So the normally the way to gain access to your benefits, the way to gain access to your benefits, the way to gain access to your benefits, we call it the preferred method, is we call it the preferred method, is we call it the preferred method, is through a veteran service officer. We through a veteran service officer. We through a veteran service officer. We talked about that as well. But right now talked about that as well. But right now talked about that as well. But right now in this country, for every 7,000

19:38 in this country, for every 7,000 in this country, for every 7,000 veterans, there's only one accredited veterans, there's only one accredited veterans, there's only one accredited VSO. VSO. VSO. So that means that these veterans on So that means that these veterans on So that means that these veterans on average are asking for help on average average are asking for help on average average are asking for help on average three times and that's according to you three times and that's according to you three times and that's according to you know VA reports, auditor general reports know VA reports, auditor general reports know VA reports, auditor general reports and if the veterans aren't getting the

19:54 and if the veterans aren't getting the and if the veterans aren't getting the help after the third time essentially help after the third time essentially help after the third time essentially they just blend back into society and they just blend back into society and they just blend back into society and never utilize those benefits. never utilize those benefits. never utilize those benefits. We are giving you VetLife is giving you We are giving you VetLife is giving you We are giving you VetLife is giving you 24/7 365 access to these benefits and 24/7 365 access to these benefits and 24/7 365 access to these benefits and resources. And the best part about it

20:08 resources. And the best part about it resources. And the best part about it they're vetted. We know that these they're vetted. We know that these they're vetted. We know that these people are going to pick up the phone, people are going to pick up the phone, people are going to pick up the phone, answer an email, because if they don't, answer an email, because if they don't, answer an email, because if they don't, they're going to be held accountable for they're going to be held accountable for they're going to be held accountable for not helping the people that they say not helping the people that they say not helping the people that they say they're going to help. So, yeah, I I'm

20:20 they're going to help. So, yeah, I I'm they're going to help. So, yeah, I I'm not I would never disparage anybody, but not I would never disparage anybody, but not I would never disparage anybody, but I do believe that the TAPS program does I do believe that the TAPS program does I do believe that the TAPS program does need to be completely overhauled. need to be completely overhauled. need to be completely overhauled. Since our conversation before, I I've Since our conversation before, I I've Since our conversation before, I I've downloaded your app. Super clean, downloaded your app. Super clean, downloaded your app. Super clean, professional, easy to use. Do you have a

20:37 professional, easy to use. Do you have a professional, easy to use. Do you have a team that uh people can submit inputs? team that uh people can submit inputs? team that uh people can submit inputs? So, for instance, since I just recently So, for instance, since I just recently So, for instance, since I just recently retired, one thing is when you lose that retired, one thing is when you lose that retired, one thing is when you lose that CAC card access, you have to have all CAC card access, you have to have all CAC card access, you have to have all these usernames and passwords. Y these usernames and passwords. Y these usernames and passwords. Y >> and there's certain login and

20:52 >> and there's certain login and >> and there's certain login and requirements. requirements. requirements. Having something like that on your app Having something like that on your app Having something like that on your app saying, "Hey, non-cat card access. This saying, "Hey, non-cat card access. This saying, "Hey, non-cat card access. This is how you navigate this space or that is how you navigate this space or that is how you navigate this space or that space." Cuz here I am, I'm a 24year space." Cuz here I am, I'm a 24year space." Cuz here I am, I'm a 24year veteran and it was difficult. It was veteran and it was difficult. It was veteran and it was difficult. It was difficult for me. I'm on I'm on uh

21:07 difficult for me. I'm on I'm on uh difficult for me. I'm on I'm on uh helplines. I'm on uh you know chat. I'm helplines. I'm on uh you know chat. I'm helplines. I'm on uh you know chat. I'm like hey I'm trying to log into this like hey I'm trying to log into this like hey I'm trying to log into this website because this is the only place I website because this is the only place I website because this is the only place I can download my DD214 can download my DD214 can download my DD214 and I can't access it. So here I am, you and I can't access it. So here I am, you and I can't access it. So here I am, you know, a senior level professional who know, a senior level professional who know, a senior level professional who couldn't do it. I'm like, "Hey, man, couldn't do it. I'm like, "Hey, man, couldn't do it. I'm like, "Hey, man, Josh's app, if it had a a to-do list,

21:27 Josh's app, if it had a a to-do list, Josh's app, if it had a a to-do list, I'm I'm just wondering if you guys have I'm I'm just wondering if you guys have I'm I'm just wondering if you guys have anything like that where people can anything like that where people can anything like that where people can provide updates and feedback to truly provide updates and feedback to truly provide updates and feedback to truly get your product to the top of the the get your product to the top of the the get your product to the top of the the veteran list on the app store." veteran list on the app store." veteran list on the app store." >> Yeah. No, of course. Yeah. And that's

21:39 >> Yeah. No, of course. Yeah. And that's >> Yeah. No, of course. Yeah. And that's being that's being added as we speak. So being that's being added as we speak. So being that's being added as we speak. So as we build out the app, so think of as we build out the app, so think of as we build out the app, so think of this as the field testing portion of it, this as the field testing portion of it, this as the field testing portion of it, uh 6 months down the road, we'll be able uh 6 months down the road, we'll be able uh 6 months down the road, we'll be able to go back and pivot, you know, kind of to go back and pivot, you know, kind of to go back and pivot, you know, kind of like the military, you want to see

21:54 like the military, you want to see like the military, you want to see what's working, what's not working. And what's working, what's not working. And what's working, what's not working. And yeah, to answer your question, there yeah, to answer your question, there yeah, to answer your question, there will be a feedback. We're also building will be a feedback. We're also building will be a feedback. We're also building in, and this is more on the disability in, and this is more on the disability in, and this is more on the disability compensation side, we're building in um compensation side, we're building in um compensation side, we're building in um like a built-in accountability mechanism

22:10 like a built-in accountability mechanism like a built-in accountability mechanism where you can rate your experience with where you can rate your experience with where you can rate your experience with your veteran service officer because your veteran service officer because your veteran service officer because unfortunately, not every veteran service unfortunately, not every veteran service unfortunately, not every veteran service officer is following through. Um, and we officer is following through. Um, and we officer is following through. Um, and we want to ensure that these veterans that want to ensure that these veterans that want to ensure that these veterans that are utilizing our free services, and

22:28 are utilizing our free services, and are utilizing our free services, and mind you, everything is free to the mind you, everything is free to the mind you, everything is free to the veteran. I would never never charge a veteran. I would never never charge a veteran. I would never never charge a veteran a single dime for anything. I veteran a single dime for anything. I veteran a single dime for anything. I just want this to make them be a better just want this to make them be a better just want this to make them be a better person. And so, yeah, we're we're person. And so, yeah, we're we're person. And so, yeah, we're we're constantly improving. I think right now

22:43 constantly improving. I think right now constantly improving. I think right now the app in and of itself is designed to the app in and of itself is designed to the app in and of itself is designed to just give you the the resources that you just give you the the resources that you just give you the the resources that you need and then we'll build we'll build in need and then we'll build we'll build in need and then we'll build we'll build in more of the user experience on the back more of the user experience on the back more of the user experience on the back end uh probably in the next 12 months. end uh probably in the next 12 months. end uh probably in the next 12 months. >> How long did it take you to engineer and

23:01 >> How long did it take you to engineer and >> How long did it take you to engineer and uh and pay for this pay for this app? I uh and pay for this pay for this app? I uh and pay for this pay for this app? I have I have no idea how apps are made, have I have no idea how apps are made, have I have no idea how apps are made, so that probably seems like a silly so that probably seems like a silly so that probably seems like a silly question, but I'm just I'm just curious question, but I'm just I'm just curious question, but I'm just I'm just curious how long it took. how long it took. how long it took. >> It is not a silly question. Uh, and I >> It is not a silly question. Uh, and I

23:12 >> It is not a silly question. Uh, and I was actually on the a phone call. So, was actually on the a phone call. So, was actually on the a phone call. So, Joe Joe Bass, Joe Joe Bass, Joe Joe Bass, phenomenal human being. Joe, if you're phenomenal human being. Joe, if you're phenomenal human being. Joe, if you're listening to this, you you have a place listening to this, you you have a place listening to this, you you have a place in my heart. You're pretty pretty in my heart. You're pretty pretty in my heart. You're pretty pretty awesome woman. awesome woman. awesome woman. >> She'll listen to this. She's she's a >> She'll listen to this. She's she's a

23:26 >> She'll listen to this. She's she's a good friend. She she keeps track of my good friend. She she keeps track of my good friend. She she keeps track of my stuff. She tries to support me. stuff. She tries to support me. stuff. She tries to support me. >> Well, so she introduced me to um a a >> Well, so she introduced me to um a a >> Well, so she introduced me to um a a woman uh who runs a company called woman uh who runs a company called woman uh who runs a company called Welllist. And so the reason I'm bringing Welllist. And so the reason I'm bringing Welllist. And so the reason I'm bringing this up is we're on this Zoom call and

23:39 this up is we're on this Zoom call and this up is we're on this Zoom call and and this welllist person, she mentioned, and this welllist person, she mentioned, and this welllist person, she mentioned, she's like, "If you need anything, you she's like, "If you need anything, you she's like, "If you need anything, you let me know because I've made every let me know because I've made every let me know because I've made every mistake in the book of, you know, trying mistake in the book of, you know, trying mistake in the book of, you know, trying to get this final product out there." to get this final product out there." to get this final product out there." And I had to chuckle because originally

23:53 And I had to chuckle because originally And I had to chuckle because originally we started this app as a text chatbot. we started this app as a text chatbot. we started this app as a text chatbot. Then we we field tested it and we Then we we field tested it and we Then we we field tested it and we realized that uh I mean you got GWAT realized that uh I mean you got GWAT realized that uh I mean you got GWAT veterans, you got um Vietnam veterans, veterans, you got um Vietnam veterans, veterans, you got um Vietnam veterans, you got Air Force, Army, Navy, I mean you got Air Force, Army, Navy, I mean you got Air Force, Army, Navy, I mean you name it. And they're all different

24:10 you name it. And they're all different you name it. And they're all different different genres of people. Male, different genres of people. Male, different genres of people. Male, female, black, white, you name it. And female, black, white, you name it. And female, black, white, you name it. And they all wanted something different. But they all wanted something different. But they all wanted something different. But what they what they all agreed on is what they what they all agreed on is what they what they all agreed on is they did not want a textbased chatbot they did not want a textbased chatbot they did not want a textbased chatbot because they felt that they couldn't see

24:24 because they felt that they couldn't see because they felt that they couldn't see it. And for whatever reason that was it. And for whatever reason that was it. And for whatever reason that was just the the feedback we got. So then we just the the feedback we got. So then we just the the feedback we got. So then we started building out and by we I meant started building out and by we I meant started building out and by we I meant my wife. My wife physically built this my wife. My wife physically built this my wife. My wife physically built this app herself. And I went through about a app herself. And I went through about a app herself. And I went through about a 3-w weekek crash course on what AI and

24:40 3-w weekek crash course on what AI and 3-w weekek crash course on what AI and machine learning and large language machine learning and large language machine learning and large language models and everything was because we models and everything was because we models and everything was because we wanted this to be the most userfriendly wanted this to be the most userfriendly wanted this to be the most userfriendly app that we could put out there. So to app that we could put out there. So to app that we could put out there. So to to really answer your question, to really answer your question, to really answer your question, um the sweat equity that my wife put

24:58 um the sweat equity that my wife put um the sweat equity that my wife put into this was probably worth about $50 into this was probably worth about $50 into this was probably worth about $50 to $75,000. to $75,000. to $75,000. Um and then what we utilize for because Um and then what we utilize for because Um and then what we utilize for because you have front end and backend you have front end and backend you have front end and backend technology on these apps. The front end technology on these apps. The front end technology on these apps. The front end is your user experience, you know, the is your user experience, you know, the is your user experience, you know, the graphics, the pictures. The back end is graphics, the pictures. The back end is graphics, the pictures. The back end is everything. Think of like making a everything. Think of like making a

25:16 everything. Think of like making a pizza. The back end are the ingredients pizza. The back end are the ingredients pizza. The back end are the ingredients that you need. you know, you need cloud that you need. you know, you need cloud that you need. you know, you need cloud space, you need, you know, do you want space, you need, you know, do you want space, you need, you know, do you want uh to upload documents, and that's one uh to upload documents, and that's one uh to upload documents, and that's one thing I didn't mention either. So, thing I didn't mention either. So, thing I didn't mention either. So, honestly, to answer your question, I honestly, to answer your question, I

25:30 honestly, to answer your question, I think we probably easily have $100,000 think we probably easily have $100,000 think we probably easily have $100,000 in uh in kind contribution, sweat in uh in kind contribution, sweat in uh in kind contribution, sweat equity, and what we physically put on equity, and what we physically put on equity, and what we physically put on the table to build this out. And so, the table to build this out. And so, the table to build this out. And so, it's taken her about 6 to 8 months to it's taken her about 6 to 8 months to it's taken her about 6 to 8 months to physically build it out, but that is a physically build it out, but that is a

25:45 physically build it out, but that is a very good product. And we've actually very good product. And we've actually very good product. And we've actually had app developers come to us and say, had app developers come to us and say, had app developers come to us and say, "Who built this out for you?" And I say, "Who built this out for you?" And I say, "Who built this out for you?" And I say, "My wife did." And they're just their "My wife did." And they're just their "My wife did." And they're just their their jaw drops to the floor because their jaw drops to the floor because their jaw drops to the floor because these people have been trained for years these people have been trained for years

26:00 Building VetLife From the Ground Up

26:01 these people have been trained for years on how to build this out. And my wife is on how to build this out. And my wife is on how to build this out. And my wife is an absolute rock star and just said, "I an absolute rock star and just said, "I an absolute rock star and just said, "I can do it or watch me do it." And she can do it or watch me do it." And she can do it or watch me do it." And she just sat at the table and and kicked it just sat at the table and and kicked it just sat at the table and and kicked it out and she's out there right now doing out and she's out there right now doing out and she's out there right now doing the press release for the the full

26:14 the press release for the the full the press release for the the full release tomorrow. I I told you the app, release tomorrow. I I told you the app, release tomorrow. I I told you the app, it's it's fast. It's clean. I hit a it's it's fast. It's clean. I hit a it's it's fast. It's clean. I hit a button, it goes straight to it. I can't button, it goes straight to it. I can't button, it goes straight to it. I can't tell you how many other things out there tell you how many other things out there tell you how many other things out there have a delay. You know, it's it's going have a delay. You know, it's it's going have a delay. You know, it's it's going to send you to a an outfacing website

26:27 to send you to a an outfacing website to send you to a an outfacing website and it takes a few potatoes for it to and it takes a few potatoes for it to and it takes a few potatoes for it to show up. No, it's going right to the show up. No, it's going right to the show up. No, it's going right to the website. So, I was impressed how how how website. So, I was impressed how how how website. So, I was impressed how how how quick it was. quick it was. quick it was. >> So, you guys started this, you said in >> So, you guys started this, you said in >> So, you guys started this, you said in 2018, and it it sounds very grassroots. 2018, and it it sounds very grassroots. 2018, and it it sounds very grassroots. You mentioned like going to local You mentioned like going to local You mentioned like going to local businesses. Did you start going to local

26:44 businesses. Did you start going to local businesses. Did you start going to local businesses before you became a nonprofit businesses before you became a nonprofit businesses before you became a nonprofit or after? H how was that life cycle of or after? H how was that life cycle of or after? H how was that life cycle of fundraising and getting this whole thing fundraising and getting this whole thing fundraising and getting this whole thing started? started? started? >> So, you know, full disclosure, I'm an >> So, you know, full disclosure, I'm an >> So, you know, full disclosure, I'm an attorney by trade. Um my wife is uh she attorney by trade. Um my wife is uh she

26:58 attorney by trade. Um my wife is uh she has her master's degree in uh business has her master's degree in uh business has her master's degree in uh business marketing organizational leadership. We marketing organizational leadership. We marketing organizational leadership. We were happy with what we were doing in a were happy with what we were doing in a were happy with what we were doing in a sense, but there was always that sense, but there was always that sense, but there was always that unfulfilled unfulfilled unfulfilled backend portion of it. And I think backend portion of it. And I think backend portion of it. And I think everybody wants to have a life worth

27:14 everybody wants to have a life worth everybody wants to have a life worth living, if that makes sense. And I just living, if that makes sense. And I just living, if that makes sense. And I just got to the point where I was doing the got to the point where I was doing the got to the point where I was doing the same things day in day out. I didn't same things day in day out. I didn't same things day in day out. I didn't feel like I was making a difference. And feel like I was making a difference. And feel like I was making a difference. And so we were sitting at our kitchen table so we were sitting at our kitchen table so we were sitting at our kitchen table in 2017 and uh my wife asked me, she

27:32 in 2017 and uh my wife asked me, she in 2017 and uh my wife asked me, she said, "Are you happy?" And I'm like, said, "Are you happy?" And I'm like, said, "Are you happy?" And I'm like, "You know, you're married. I mean to me "You know, you're married. I mean to me "You know, you're married. I mean to me that's kind of a loaded question. I'm that's kind of a loaded question. I'm that's kind of a loaded question. I'm like happy with you. what did I do like happy with you. what did I do like happy with you. what did I do wrong? wrong? wrong? >> Yeah, what did I do wrong here? >> Yeah, what did I do wrong here? >> Yeah, what did I do wrong here? >> And uh she goes, "No, are you happy in

27:45 >> And uh she goes, "No, are you happy in >> And uh she goes, "No, are you happy in life?" And I said, "Man, no, I'm not." I life?" And I said, "Man, no, I'm not." I life?" And I said, "Man, no, I'm not." I said, "You know, I'm I felt like I lost said, "You know, I'm I felt like I lost said, "You know, I'm I felt like I lost that spark when I stopped working for that spark when I stopped working for that spark when I stopped working for the state of Michigan cuz I was I was the state of Michigan cuz I was I was the state of Michigan cuz I was I was really I felt like I was accomplishing really I felt like I was accomplishing really I felt like I was accomplishing some great things." And I said, "You

27:58 some great things." And I said, "You some great things." And I said, "You know what I really want to do?" And I've know what I really want to do?" And I've know what I really want to do?" And I've never done it and we're not, you know, never done it and we're not, you know, never done it and we're not, you know, nonprofit people, but I said, "I want to nonprofit people, but I said, "I want to nonprofit people, but I said, "I want to start a nonprofit. I feel like we could start a nonprofit. I feel like we could start a nonprofit. I feel like we could do some good in this world. We filed the do some good in this world. We filed the do some good in this world. We filed the documents, got our 501c3 designation, I

28:13 documents, got our 501c3 designation, I documents, got our 501c3 designation, I think in like August of 18 and started think in like August of 18 and started think in like August of 18 and started putting a board of directors together. putting a board of directors together. putting a board of directors together. Of course, you know, you put your Of course, you know, you put your Of course, you know, you put your friends on the board of directors and friends on the board of directors and friends on the board of directors and that never works out. That's like that never works out. That's like that never works out. That's like loaning money to your your family

28:24 loaning money to your your family loaning money to your your family members thinking you'll ever get it members thinking you'll ever get it members thinking you'll ever get it back. But now, I mean, we have a highly back. But now, I mean, we have a highly back. But now, I mean, we have a highly effective team. I mean, a very highly effective team. I mean, a very highly effective team. I mean, a very highly effective team of subject matter effective team of subject matter effective team of subject matter experts. I've been fortunate along the experts. I've been fortunate along the experts. I've been fortunate along the way to have some pretty good guides of

28:41 way to have some pretty good guides of way to have some pretty good guides of larger foundations and nonprofits that I larger foundations and nonprofits that I larger foundations and nonprofits that I think when they see that you're doing it think when they see that you're doing it think when they see that you're doing it for the right reasons and you're not for the right reasons and you're not for the right reasons and you're not just out trying to make a bunch of money just out trying to make a bunch of money just out trying to make a bunch of money and elevate yourself to be, you know, and elevate yourself to be, you know, and elevate yourself to be, you know, some elected official someday, I think

28:55 some elected official someday, I think some elected official someday, I think people really gravitate towards that. people really gravitate towards that. people really gravitate towards that. And it really took about two years where And it really took about two years where And it really took about two years where we were having to, you know, bust down we were having to, you know, bust down we were having to, you know, bust down doors to get a $500,000, $2,000 donation doors to get a $500,000, $2,000 donation doors to get a $500,000, $2,000 donation to now where people are coming to us. to now where people are coming to us. to now where people are coming to us. Hey, here's 10, 20, 30, 50, $100,000 and

29:15 Hey, here's 10, 20, 30, 50, $100,000 and Hey, here's 10, 20, 30, 50, $100,000 and it's like what? When you sit back and it's like what? When you sit back and it's like what? When you sit back and look at it and you realize this is what look at it and you realize this is what look at it and you realize this is what you built from the ground up with no you built from the ground up with no you built from the ground up with no expertise. I didn't go to business expertise. I didn't go to business expertise. I didn't go to business school, you know. I didn't I I just I'm school, you know. I didn't I I just I'm school, you know. I didn't I I just I'm and I credit my growing up of where I

29:33 and I credit my growing up of where I and I credit my growing up of where I grew up and the life I lived as a young grew up and the life I lived as a young grew up and the life I lived as a young kid to that because everybody always kid to that because everybody always kid to that because everybody always told me that I would make nothing of told me that I would make nothing of told me that I would make nothing of myself and I, you know, I' I' I'd be myself and I, you know, I' I' I'd be myself and I, you know, I' I' I'd be another drunk Indian like my dad and I'd another drunk Indian like my dad and I'd another drunk Indian like my dad and I'd never leave the rez. And it was kind of

29:48 never leave the rez. And it was kind of never leave the rez. And it was kind of like the fu to their face. Uh and I'm like the fu to their face. Uh and I'm like the fu to their face. Uh and I'm I'm proud to admit this, I did. I had a I'm proud to admit this, I did. I had a I'm proud to admit this, I did. I had a chip on my shoulder and I'm I'm proud to chip on my shoulder and I'm I'm proud to chip on my shoulder and I'm I'm proud to prove people wrong, but I'm more proud prove people wrong, but I'm more proud prove people wrong, but I'm more proud to be a good husband and a good father to be a good husband and a good father to be a good husband and a good father to my kids. Somebody that can look up to

30:04 to my kids. Somebody that can look up to to my kids. Somebody that can look up to me and know that their mom and dad are me and know that their mom and dad are me and know that their mom and dad are doing good things for people. And so I doing good things for people. And so I doing good things for people. And so I think when you do good things, uh, good think when you do good things, uh, good think when you do good things, uh, good things happen to you. So, things happen to you. So, things happen to you. So, how did a a poor kid from a Native how did a a poor kid from a Native how did a a poor kid from a Native American reservation go to law school? I American reservation go to law school? I

30:22 American reservation go to law school? I mean, where did that idea or dream even mean, where did that idea or dream even mean, where did that idea or dream even come from? Because like you said, if you come from? Because like you said, if you come from? Because like you said, if you got all these people in your hometown got all these people in your hometown got all these people in your hometown telling you you're going to be nothing, telling you you're going to be nothing, telling you you're going to be nothing, where did you get the where did you get where did you get the where did you get where did you get the where did you get the aspirations to go to law school? So,

30:36 the aspirations to go to law school? So, the aspirations to go to law school? So, my wife will tell you I've always been my wife will tell you I've always been my wife will tell you I've always been very good at arguing and um I am not very good at arguing and um I am not very good at arguing and um I am not always been the best at asking for help, always been the best at asking for help, always been the best at asking for help, which I think in the veteran community which I think in the veteran community which I think in the veteran community is kind of a a double-edged sword is kind of a a double-edged sword is kind of a a double-edged sword because, you know, when you get out of

30:52 because, you know, when you get out of because, you know, when you get out of the military, they want you to ask to the military, they want you to ask to the military, they want you to ask to get access to those benefits, but in the get access to those benefits, but in the get access to those benefits, but in the military, they're like, "Don't ask for military, they're like, "Don't ask for military, they're like, "Don't ask for help." And so, I just kind of took that help." And so, I just kind of took that help." And so, I just kind of took that mantra when I left. and my wife I had mantra when I left. and my wife I had mantra when I left. and my wife I had been going to my undergrad and I started

31:07 been going to my undergrad and I started been going to my undergrad and I started um I was uh Have you ever heard of um I was uh Have you ever heard of um I was uh Have you ever heard of Student Veterans of America? Student Veterans of America? Student Veterans of America? >> I've not. >> I've not. >> I've not. >> Okay. So, SBA back then in like 2012 or >> Okay. So, SBA back then in like 2012 or >> Okay. So, SBA back then in like 2012 or 2013 was just a grassroots effort. Now 2013 was just a grassroots effort. Now 2013 was just a grassroots effort. Now it's a national organization. But what it's a national organization. But what it's a national organization. But what really helped me was the SBA was what I really helped me was the SBA was what I really helped me was the SBA was what I needed. SBA is veterans that go back to

31:31 needed. SBA is veterans that go back to needed. SBA is veterans that go back to school and it's kind of like you're back school and it's kind of like you're back school and it's kind of like you're back in the military. It's like um it's not in the military. It's like um it's not in the military. It's like um it's not like a a not a sorority but uh what's like a a not a sorority but uh what's like a a not a sorority but uh what's the other one? the other one? the other one? >> Fraternity. >> Fraternity. >> Fraternity. >> Fraternity. Yes. It's kind of like a >> Fraternity. Yes. It's kind of like a >> Fraternity. Yes. It's kind of like a fraternity but without like the actual

31:47 fraternity but without like the actual fraternity but without like the actual like you don't live in a house together. like you don't live in a house together. like you don't live in a house together. So when I was going for my undergrad, I So when I was going for my undergrad, I So when I was going for my undergrad, I found a bunch of like-minded veteran found a bunch of like-minded veteran found a bunch of like-minded veteran students like me. I gosh, for the first students like me. I gosh, for the first students like me. I gosh, for the first time in a long time, I have a sense of time in a long time, I have a sense of time in a long time, I have a sense of purpose. I have a sense of identity

32:01 purpose. I have a sense of identity purpose. I have a sense of identity again. So I mean, I rocked out my again. So I mean, I rocked out my again. So I mean, I rocked out my undergrad. I told you I failed my first undergrad. I told you I failed my first undergrad. I told you I failed my first time at school at Lake Superior State time at school at Lake Superior State time at school at Lake Superior State University up in the UP and then I come University up in the UP and then I come University up in the UP and then I come back and I make you know magnet kumlad back and I make you know magnet kumlad back and I make you know magnet kumlad my undergrad and then I start working uh

32:18 my undergrad and then I start working uh my undergrad and then I start working uh for the government and I was just for the government and I was just for the government and I was just unfulfilled and my wife was like have unfulfilled and my wife was like have unfulfilled and my wife was like have you ever used your education benefit and you ever used your education benefit and you ever used your education benefit and I said what are those I said what are those I said what are those and she goes well there's this something and she goes well there's this something and she goes well there's this something called like the GI bill or or chapter called like the GI bill or or chapter called like the GI bill or or chapter Vogue rehab or something. She's like, Vogue rehab or something. She's like, Vogue rehab or something. She's like, "I'm going to look into it." So, she

32:39 "I'm going to look into it." So, she "I'm going to look into it." So, she started looking into it and she found started looking into it and she found started looking into it and she found that uh the military would pay for my that uh the military would pay for my that uh the military would pay for my law school, give me a stipen, pay for my law school, give me a stipen, pay for my law school, give me a stipen, pay for my books, give me a laptop. And I never books, give me a laptop. And I never books, give me a laptop. And I never would have known about that if it would have known about that if it would have known about that if it weren't for my wife's. I honestly

32:53 weren't for my wife's. I honestly weren't for my wife's. I honestly wouldn't have went to law school if it wouldn't have went to law school if it wouldn't have went to law school if it weren't for her. And so, that's why it's weren't for her. And so, that's why it's weren't for her. And so, that's why it's always so important in the events that always so important in the events that always so important in the events that we push out or on this app. It's not we push out or on this app. It's not we push out or on this app. It's not just about the veteran, it's about their just about the veteran, it's about their just about the veteran, it's about their family as well. So, I have to honestly I

33:06 family as well. So, I have to honestly I family as well. So, I have to honestly I have to give all the credit to my wife have to give all the credit to my wife have to give all the credit to my wife uh for going to law school. I just I uh for going to law school. I just I uh for going to law school. I just I found that once I got into law school, I found that once I got into law school, I found that once I got into law school, I was working during the day full-time, was working during the day full-time, was working during the day full-time, but then I was doing night, so I'd uh but then I was doing night, so I'd uh but then I was doing night, so I'd uh get off at 5:00 and then have class from

33:21 get off at 5:00 and then have class from get off at 5:00 and then have class from 6:00 to 10 or 6:00 to 11:00. So, you 6:00 to 10 or 6:00 to 11:00. So, you 6:00 to 10 or 6:00 to 11:00. So, you know, did get to see my wife for about 3 know, did get to see my wife for about 3 know, did get to see my wife for about 3 years. Uh she'll probably say that was a years. Uh she'll probably say that was a years. Uh she'll probably say that was a good thing, but you know, I didn't I good thing, but you know, I didn't I good thing, but you know, I didn't I didn't like it that much. So, uh, but didn't like it that much. So, uh, but didn't like it that much. So, uh, but yeah, no, credit to my wife. I, uh, that

33:34 yeah, no, credit to my wife. I, uh, that yeah, no, credit to my wife. I, uh, that and that chip on my shoulder, I think, and that chip on my shoulder, I think, and that chip on my shoulder, I think, is really the reason why I, why I've is really the reason why I, why I've is really the reason why I, why I've excelled so much, uh, where we're at excelled so much, uh, where we're at excelled so much, uh, where we're at today. today. today. >> As you're telling your story, I'm >> As you're telling your story, I'm >> As you're telling your story, I'm literally counting on my fingers how literally counting on my fingers how literally counting on my fingers how many great things came from your

33:49 many great things came from your many great things came from your military service. military service. military service. >> Yes. Yes. I You failed out of school. >> Yes. Yes. I You failed out of school. >> Yes. Yes. I You failed out of school. Would you have gone would you have been Would you have gone would you have been Would you have gone would you have been a successful um, student if you hadn't a successful um, student if you hadn't a successful um, student if you hadn't gone to the military? Probably not, gone to the military? Probably not, gone to the military? Probably not, right? No. right? No. right? No. >> And then I mean the benefits that >> And then I mean the benefits that >> And then I mean the benefits that allowed you this opportunity to continue allowed you this opportunity to continue

34:05 allowed you this opportunity to continue your education. All these things that your education. All these things that your education. All these things that you're describing are once again reasons you're describing are once again reasons you're describing are once again reasons why the military is such an amazing why the military is such an amazing why the military is such an amazing opportunity that I continue to tell opportunity that I continue to tell opportunity that I continue to tell youth today. I said, 'Look, if you're in youth today. I said, 'Look, if you're in youth today. I said, 'Look, if you're in that, you know, those late teens, early that, you know, those late teens, early

34:20 that, you know, those late teens, early 20s, and you're just kind of having 20s, and you're just kind of having 20s, and you're just kind of having questions about where your path is questions about where your path is questions about where your path is going, my goodness, the military is such going, my goodness, the military is such going, my goodness, the military is such an amazing opportunity to learn these an amazing opportunity to learn these an amazing opportunity to learn these different things that social media and different things that social media and different things that social media and Tik Tok and all this stuff isn't telling Tik Tok and all this stuff isn't telling

34:34 Tik Tok and all this stuff isn't telling you. They're just showing you the fancy you. They're just showing you the fancy you. They're just showing you the fancy cars and houses and going to all these cars and houses and going to all these cars and houses and going to all these parties, but they're not showing you the parties, but they're not showing you the parties, but they're not showing you the actual dedication it takes to have the actual dedication it takes to have the actual dedication it takes to have the money to pay for these houses and money to pay for these houses and money to pay for these houses and parties and fancy cars. parties and fancy cars. parties and fancy cars. >> Yeah. You know, no, I like I said, I I I >> Yeah. You know, no, I like I said, I I I >> Yeah. You know, no, I like I said, I I I enjoyed my military experience. Uh the

34:52 enjoyed my military experience. Uh the enjoyed my military experience. Uh the transition process was difficult for me transition process was difficult for me transition process was difficult for me and and for a lot of other veterans from and and for a lot of other veterans from and and for a lot of other veterans from what what I'm hearing. So, yeah, I think what what I'm hearing. So, yeah, I think what what I'm hearing. So, yeah, I think you you you're spot on. You know, the you you you're spot on. You know, the you you you're spot on. You know, the military was really good to me. Um, and military was really good to me. Um, and military was really good to me. Um, and now I think my way of giving back is to

35:07 now I think my way of giving back is to now I think my way of giving back is to try to help make the process a little try to help make the process a little try to help make the process a little better uh for my generation or or just better uh for my generation or or just better uh for my generation or or just generations to come. generations to come. generations to come. You mentioned your your radio show You mentioned your your radio show You mentioned your your radio show earlier, radio show/podcast. The first earlier, radio show/podcast. The first earlier, radio show/podcast. The first time I listened to it, it does sound time I listened to it, it does sound

35:22 time I listened to it, it does sound like a radio show. I mean, the host you like a radio show. I mean, the host you like a radio show. I mean, the host you work with, he he's got the perfect radio work with, he he's got the perfect radio work with, he he's got the perfect radio voice. You guys sound so professional. voice. You guys sound so professional. voice. You guys sound so professional. Please talk about talk about your show. Please talk about talk about your show. Please talk about talk about your show. >> Yeah. So, so Kurt David, you know, and I >> Yeah. So, so Kurt David, you know, and I >> Yeah. So, so Kurt David, you know, and I know you're going to listen to this.

35:34 know you're going to listen to this. know you're going to listen to this. Kurt David is uh the co-creator of From Kurt David is uh the co-creator of From Kurt David is uh the co-creator of From Glory Days Veterans Edition. Um, and I Glory Days Veterans Edition. Um, and I Glory Days Veterans Edition. Um, and I came to him with the idea because he won came to him with the idea because he won came to him with the idea because he won an Emmy award for a TV show called From an Emmy award for a TV show called From an Emmy award for a TV show called From Glory Days. So Kurt Kurt's a retired Glory Days. So Kurt Kurt's a retired Glory Days. So Kurt Kurt's a retired professional athlete and what he did

35:54 professional athlete and what he did professional athlete and what he did with his TV show is he brought on with his TV show is he brought on with his TV show is he brought on retired athletes that left the game and

36:00 The Battle Buddy App — Cutting Through the Bureaucratic Maze

36:01 retired athletes that left the game and retired athletes that left the game and left the glory and struggle because the left the glory and struggle because the left the glory and struggle because the div the divorce rates when um div the divorce rates when um div the divorce rates when um professional athletes retire the divorce professional athletes retire the divorce professional athletes retire the divorce rate is like 85%. And so what we've seen rate is like 85%. And so what we've seen rate is like 85%. And so what we've seen is a lot of similarities between when is a lot of similarities between when is a lot of similarities between when professional athletes leave u the sport

36:18 professional athletes leave u the sport professional athletes leave u the sport and when veterans leave the military and and when veterans leave the military and and when veterans leave the military and go back to the civilian life. And so I go back to the civilian life. And so I go back to the civilian life. And so I had this idea uh and my wife actually had this idea uh and my wife actually had this idea uh and my wife actually came up with the name from Glory Days came up with the name from Glory Days came up with the name from Glory Days Veterans Edition and I went to Curtain Veterans Edition and I went to Curtain Veterans Edition and I went to Curtain and I said I don't know how to do a

36:32 and I said I don't know how to do a and I said I don't know how to do a radio show just like I didn't know how radio show just like I didn't know how radio show just like I didn't know how to do a nonprofit. Um, but I really want to do a nonprofit. Um, but I really want to do a nonprofit. Um, but I really want to do a radio show and I was fortunate to do a radio show and I was fortunate to do a radio show and I was fortunate enough to meet a person named uh Jeff enough to meet a person named uh Jeff enough to meet a person named uh Jeff Marcerero who runs uh Cumulus Media in Marcerero who runs uh Cumulus Media in Marcerero who runs uh Cumulus Media in Detroit. Pinched the idea to him. He

36:48 Detroit. Pinched the idea to him. He Detroit. Pinched the idea to him. He goes, "Man, this is a this is a this is goes, "Man, this is a this is a this is goes, "Man, this is a this is a this is a great idea." He goes, "Let me sign you a great idea." He goes, "Let me sign you a great idea." He goes, "Let me sign you up for a 40 episode contract." And up for a 40 episode contract." And up for a 40 episode contract." And really the the best part about the radio really the the best part about the radio really the the best part about the radio show, podcast, whatever you want to call show, podcast, whatever you want to call show, podcast, whatever you want to call it, is a lot of these veterans lose

37:05 it, is a lot of these veterans lose it, is a lot of these veterans lose their voice or aren't able to tell their their voice or aren't able to tell their their voice or aren't able to tell their story when they leave the military. So story when they leave the military. So story when they leave the military. So all we want to do with this radio show all we want to do with this radio show all we want to do with this radio show is give veterans a an opportunity, a is give veterans a an opportunity, a is give veterans a an opportunity, a platform to be able to tell their own platform to be able to tell their own platform to be able to tell their own story through their own lens. And it's

37:21 story through their own lens. And it's story through their own lens. And it's almost cathartic in a sense because a almost cathartic in a sense because a almost cathartic in a sense because a lot of these veterans, you can tell it's lot of these veterans, you can tell it's lot of these veterans, you can tell it's like when a weight's lifted off your like when a weight's lifted off your like when a weight's lifted off your shoulder when they're talking about shoulder when they're talking about shoulder when they're talking about their experience, they're unpacking their experience, they're unpacking their experience, they're unpacking things as they're telling their story.

37:36 things as they're telling their story. things as they're telling their story. And I can't tell you how many veterans And I can't tell you how many veterans And I can't tell you how many veterans afterwards, after the camera or after, afterwards, after the camera or after, afterwards, after the camera or after, you know, the show ends, they just cry. you know, the show ends, they just cry. you know, the show ends, they just cry. I mean, it is amazing to see how I mean, it is amazing to see how I mean, it is amazing to see how powerful this this platform has become, powerful this this platform has become, powerful this this platform has become, and we just renewed for season two. And

37:55 and we just renewed for season two. And and we just renewed for season two. And I I mean, I couldn't be more excited uh I I mean, I couldn't be more excited uh I I mean, I couldn't be more excited uh to drop more episodes of that and watch to drop more episodes of that and watch to drop more episodes of that and watch it grow. And um I'm really excited to it grow. And um I'm really excited to it grow. And um I'm really excited to see where it goes. I mean, it's all on see where it goes. I mean, it's all on see where it goes. I mean, it's all on it's on all major streaming platforms. it's on all major streaming platforms. it's on all major streaming platforms. It's on our website. It's on YouTube.

38:11 It's on our website. It's on YouTube. It's on our website. It's on YouTube. It's everywhere. Um, I listen to it on It's everywhere. Um, I listen to it on It's everywhere. Um, I listen to it on Spotify because that's what I listen to. Spotify because that's what I listen to. Spotify because that's what I listen to. But yeah, 30 to 40 minute episodes and But yeah, 30 to 40 minute episodes and But yeah, 30 to 40 minute episodes and uh I I think they're the greatest thing uh I I think they're the greatest thing uh I I think they're the greatest thing ever. ever. ever. You mentioned veterans tearing up after You mentioned veterans tearing up after You mentioned veterans tearing up after telling you their stories. I uh last

38:30 telling you their stories. I uh last telling you their stories. I uh last week, two weeks ago, the 80th week, two weeks ago, the 80th week, two weeks ago, the 80th anniversary of Euima was here in anniversary of Euima was here in anniversary of Euima was here in Washington DC. So they brought back as Washington DC. So they brought back as Washington DC. So they brought back as many survivors from Euima as as they many survivors from Euima as as they many survivors from Euima as as they could. And I had the pleasure of could. And I had the pleasure of could. And I had the pleasure of photographing these guys and listening photographing these guys and listening

38:45 photographing these guys and listening to them tell their stories for the to them tell their stories for the to them tell their stories for the American Veterans um American Veteran American Veterans um American Veteran American Veterans um American Veteran Center. It's a large nonprofit here in Center. It's a large nonprofit here in Center. It's a large nonprofit here in DC that has just an unbelievable catalog DC that has just an unbelievable catalog DC that has just an unbelievable catalog library if you will of of interviews library if you will of of interviews library if you will of of interviews from all these these vets. This elderly from all these these vets. This elderly

39:02 from all these these vets. This elderly man shared his story and he like you man shared his story and he like you man shared his story and he like you said he was just absolutely in tears by said he was just absolutely in tears by said he was just absolutely in tears by the end of the story. And we're talking the end of the story. And we're talking the end of the story. And we're talking about something that happened 80 years about something that happened 80 years about something that happened 80 years ago. ago. ago. So what you're doing is is got to be So what you're doing is is got to be So what you're doing is is got to be providing uh some mental health and

39:20 providing uh some mental health and providing uh some mental health and resilience to these folks that are resilience to these folks that are resilience to these folks that are coming on your show. coming on your show. coming on your show. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Can you share Can you share one of the >> Can you share Can you share one of the >> Can you share Can you share one of the the stories that particularly hit home the stories that particularly hit home the stories that particularly hit home with you? with you? with you? >> Yeah. Yeah. Um retired major um >> Yeah. Yeah. Um retired major um >> Yeah. Yeah. Um retired major um chaplain, won't mention his name, but I

39:35 chaplain, won't mention his name, but I chaplain, won't mention his name, but I mean you could probably look up the mean you could probably look up the mean you could probably look up the episode. He was a casualty assistance episode. He was a casualty assistance episode. He was a casualty assistance officer for the military and and I'm officer for the military and and I'm officer for the military and and I'm going to butcher it, but I mean he went going to butcher it, but I mean he went going to butcher it, but I mean he went on over 60 calls and what a casualty on over 60 calls and what a casualty on over 60 calls and what a casualty assistance officer does is they go and

39:50 assistance officer does is they go and assistance officer does is they go and inform the family that when that person inform the family that when that person inform the family that when that person passes away and unfortunately a good passes away and unfortunately a good passes away and unfortunately a good majority of them are from suicides. And majority of them are from suicides. And majority of them are from suicides. And he got to a point where he had a mental he got to a point where he had a mental he got to a point where he had a mental breakdown and he checked himself into a mental health facility. And a mental health facility. And it watching him retell that story, you

40:16 it watching him retell that story, you it watching him retell that story, you could see the pain in his eyes, but you could see the pain in his eyes, but you could see the pain in his eyes, but you could also see him working through it could also see him working through it could also see him working through it mentally to get to a point where he was mentally to get to a point where he was mentally to get to a point where he was starting to be okay again because I mean starting to be okay again because I mean starting to be okay again because I mean talk therapy is a big thing for people talk therapy is a big thing for people talk therapy is a big thing for people and we do it in a very non-adversarial

40:34 and we do it in a very non-adversarial and we do it in a very non-adversarial way. That's what I want to mention that way. That's what I want to mention that way. That's what I want to mention that the key to doing it is non-adversarial the key to doing it is non-adversarial the key to doing it is non-adversarial because you know you get these these big because you know you get these these big because you know you get these these big burly men these these people that don't burly men these these people that don't burly men these these people that don't want to talk about their feelings but want to talk about their feelings but want to talk about their feelings but you put them in a comfortable setting

40:47 you put them in a comfortable setting you put them in a comfortable setting and just do a storytelling and it's just and just do a storytelling and it's just and just do a storytelling and it's just yeah naturally healing. yeah naturally healing. yeah naturally healing. That's what I love about this podcast is That's what I love about this podcast is That's what I love about this podcast is it's non-adversarial. I I don't want it's non-adversarial. I I don't want it's non-adversarial. I I don't want anything from you. I just love hearing anything from you. I just love hearing anything from you. I just love hearing your story and figuring out ways that I

41:01 your story and figuring out ways that I your story and figuring out ways that I can help vet life and other veterans out can help vet life and other veterans out can help vet life and other veterans out there that are trying to make a there that are trying to make a there that are trying to make a difference. My life coach said it best. difference. My life coach said it best. difference. My life coach said it best. He's a he's a retired veteran, Army He's a he's a retired veteran, Army He's a he's a retired veteran, Army veteran himself and he said, "Mike, veteran himself and he said, "Mike, veteran himself and he said, "Mike, everybody just wants to be heard and

41:13 everybody just wants to be heard and everybody just wants to be heard and understood and a lot of these veterans understood and a lot of these veterans understood and a lot of these veterans don't get that. They don't get that don't get that. They don't get that don't get that. They don't get that opportunity. So, I feel like when I when opportunity. So, I feel like when I when opportunity. So, I feel like when I when I look through your website and I look I look through your website and I look I look through your website and I look through your app, you guys are trying to through your app, you guys are trying to through your app, you guys are trying to provide that voice for them."

41:25 provide that voice for them." provide that voice for them." >> Yes. Yes. Yeah. I mean, and that's what >> Yes. Yes. Yeah. I mean, and that's what >> Yes. Yes. Yeah. I mean, and that's what we've been doing, too. And that's that's we've been doing, too. And that's that's we've been doing, too. And that's that's the crazy thing is I always tell people the crazy thing is I always tell people the crazy thing is I always tell people everything we do is not just for the everything we do is not just for the everything we do is not just for the veteran but for their family as well. So veteran but for their family as well. So veteran but for their family as well. So we had started a veterans treatment

41:39 we had started a veterans treatment we had started a veterans treatment court here in the county that I live in court here in the county that I live in court here in the county that I live in and I was tasked with identifying and I was tasked with identifying and I was tasked with identifying mentors for the court and so we would mentors for the court and so we would mentors for the court and so we would pair the mentor up with the veteran. The pair the mentor up with the veteran. The pair the mentor up with the veteran. The veteran would get in trouble with the veteran would get in trouble with the veteran would get in trouble with the law and in lie of jail would be able to

41:53 law and in lie of jail would be able to law and in lie of jail would be able to go through a 12 to 18month intensive go through a 12 to 18month intensive go through a 12 to 18month intensive treatment court process. And what I treatment court process. And what I treatment court process. And what I found was when the family was involved found was when the family was involved found was when the family was involved in the process, the recidivism rate in the process, the recidivism rate in the process, the recidivism rate dropped to almost 0%. So that led me to dropped to almost 0%. So that led me to dropped to almost 0%. So that led me to believe, hey, if we're going to offer

42:08 believe, hey, if we're going to offer believe, hey, if we're going to offer these services to veterans, we have to these services to veterans, we have to these services to veterans, we have to involve the family in the process involve the family in the process involve the family in the process because the veteran isn't necessarily because the veteran isn't necessarily because the veteran isn't necessarily open to getting the help that they may open to getting the help that they may open to getting the help that they may need. But when you start involving the need. But when you start involving the need. But when you start involving the family, it's know the integral familial

42:24 family, it's know the integral familial family, it's know the integral familial units involved. And I mean it it it units involved. And I mean it it it units involved. And I mean it it it works and and I don't there's no rhyme works and and I don't there's no rhyme works and and I don't there's no rhyme or reason. It just works. So or reason. It just works. So or reason. It just works. So >> well from the as you continue to >> well from the as you continue to >> well from the as you continue to progress with with this program with progress with with this program with progress with with this program with your nonprofit, what are you envisioning

42:39 your nonprofit, what are you envisioning your nonprofit, what are you envisioning for the next 5 years? for the next 5 years? for the next 5 years? >> Yeah. What's your goal? >> Yeah. What's your goal? >> Yeah. What's your goal? >> Great question. So we love our in-person >> Great question. So we love our in-person >> Great question. So we love our in-person events. So we we address food events. So we we address food events. So we we address food insecurity, veteran homelessness. Like I insecurity, veteran homelessness. Like I insecurity, veteran homelessness. Like I said, I grew up pretty poor, so didn't said, I grew up pretty poor, so didn't said, I grew up pretty poor, so didn't get too many Christmas presents, so knew get too many Christmas presents, so knew get too many Christmas presents, so knew what it was like to wake up in the

42:57 what it was like to wake up in the what it was like to wake up in the morning and have maybe, you know, one morning and have maybe, you know, one morning and have maybe, you know, one present under the tree. So, we have uh present under the tree. So, we have uh present under the tree. So, we have uh holiday programs. holiday programs. holiday programs. I love our in-person events, but my I love our in-person events, but my I love our in-person events, but my primary goal, and my wife says it's primary goal, and my wife says it's primary goal, and my wife says it's pretty lofty, but I would like to be pretty lofty, but I would like to be pretty lofty, but I would like to be able to start helping the 200,000 men able to start helping the 200,000 men able to start helping the 200,000 men and women that leave the military every and women that leave the military every

43:20 and women that leave the military every year, get them connected to their year, get them connected to their year, get them connected to their benefits, get them connected to their benefits, get them connected to their benefits, get them connected to their resources so they don't fall through the resources so they don't fall through the resources so they don't fall through the cracks. And I think with this Battle cracks. And I think with this Battle cracks. And I think with this Battle Buddy app, we can do that. And then Buddy app, we can do that. And then Buddy app, we can do that. And then moving forward, I'd like to go to the 19 moving forward, I'd like to go to the 19

43:36 moving forward, I'd like to go to the 19 plus million veterans that are currently plus million veterans that are currently plus million veterans that are currently in this country, enroll them in Battle in this country, enroll them in Battle in this country, enroll them in Battle Buddy, and let's start seeing how we can Buddy, and let's start seeing how we can Buddy, and let's start seeing how we can improve the process overall uh and just improve the process overall uh and just improve the process overall uh and just make it more efficient. make it more efficient. make it more efficient. >> So, you mentioned your time in Michigan >> So, you mentioned your time in Michigan >> So, you mentioned your time in Michigan that you were working for the state and that you were working for the state and that you were working for the state and you mentioned uh Elizabeth Slotkin here

43:57 you mentioned uh Elizabeth Slotkin here you mentioned uh Elizabeth Slotkin here on Capitol Hill. I've I've worked with on Capitol Hill. I've I've worked with on Capitol Hill. I've I've worked with her as well and I I can definitely tell

44:00 No Veteran Left Behind — The Mission Going Forward

44:01 her as well and I I can definitely tell her as well and I I can definitely tell that she is passionate about veterans that she is passionate about veterans that she is passionate about veterans and her being a former CIA agent and and and her being a former CIA agent and and and her being a former CIA agent and and working in the building. What What can working in the building. What What can working in the building. What What can we here in DC do to help help you guys we here in DC do to help help you guys we here in DC do to help help you guys out? out? out? >> Oh god. I mean, you want the real answer >> Oh god. I mean, you want the real answer >> Oh god. I mean, you want the real answer or do you want some politically?

44:16 or do you want some politically? or do you want some politically? >> I want the real I want the real answer >> I want the real I want the real answer >> I want the real I want the real answer because so far I have been impressed because so far I have been impressed because so far I have been impressed with her advocacy. But uh yeah, I want with her advocacy. But uh yeah, I want with her advocacy. But uh yeah, I want the real answer. Yeah, if you want the the real answer. Yeah, if you want the the real answer. Yeah, if you want the real answer, I think what you have to do real answer, I think what you have to do real answer, I think what you have to do is I think you have to take a long look

44:28 is I think you have to take a long look is I think you have to take a long look at the current structure in Washington, at the current structure in Washington, at the current structure in Washington, the national veteran service the national veteran service the national veteran service organizations, organizations, organizations, and you have to see if they are and you have to see if they are and you have to see if they are providing the impact that they say providing the impact that they say providing the impact that they say they're providing cuz we don't live in they're providing cuz we don't live in they're providing cuz we don't live in the Korea Vietnam era anymore. You know,

44:44 the Korea Vietnam era anymore. You know, the Korea Vietnam era anymore. You know, these veterans aren't going down to these veterans aren't going down to these veterans aren't going down to their local posts and having a beer and their local posts and having a beer and their local posts and having a beer and you know, that's just not the way it you know, that's just not the way it you know, that's just not the way it goes anymore. And so I would say that I goes anymore. And so I would say that I goes anymore. And so I would say that I think legislators and lawmakers have to think legislators and lawmakers have to think legislators and lawmakers have to take a long hard look at the current

45:00 take a long hard look at the current take a long hard look at the current process that's in place and see if process that's in place and see if process that's in place and see if that's effective because quite honestly that's effective because quite honestly that's effective because quite honestly I don't think it is. I I I don't think I don't think it is. I I I don't think I don't think it is. I I I don't think that the younger voices are represented. that the younger voices are represented. that the younger voices are represented. And I've told Alyssa this many times and And I've told Alyssa this many times and And I've told Alyssa this many times and I know that she listens. I actually have

45:17 I know that she listens. I actually have I know that she listens. I actually have a really good friend up there as well. a really good friend up there as well. a really good friend up there as well. He just got elected. His name's Tom He just got elected. His name's Tom He just got elected. His name's Tom Barrett. You should you should look him Barrett. You should you should look him Barrett. You should you should look him up. Congressman Tom Barrett. He's an up. Congressman Tom Barrett. He's an up. Congressman Tom Barrett. He's an Apache pilot. Um he heads the Military Apache pilot. Um he heads the Military Apache pilot. Um he heads the Military Veterans Affairs Technological

45:30 Veterans Affairs Technological Veterans Affairs Technological Advancement Subcommittee. And I truly Advancement Subcommittee. And I truly Advancement Subcommittee. And I truly believe it's the younger voices that we believe it's the younger voices that we believe it's the younger voices that we have to start embracing and really look have to start embracing and really look have to start embracing and really look and see and see and see if the current process in place is is if the current process in place is is if the current process in place is is efficient. And I I don't really think it efficient. And I I don't really think it efficient. And I I don't really think it is. is. is. Well, I would love a a warm introduction Well, I would love a a warm introduction Well, I would love a a warm introduction to him. I'm also getting ready to

45:54 to him. I'm also getting ready to to him. I'm also getting ready to interview Zack Nun. He's a congressman interview Zack Nun. He's a congressman interview Zack Nun. He's a congressman from Iowa and he is a lieutenant colonel from Iowa and he is a lieutenant colonel from Iowa and he is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. So, might have just in the Air Force. So, might have just in the Air Force. So, might have just might have just been promoted to might have just been promoted to might have just been promoted to colonel. But yeah, I'm trying to reach colonel. But yeah, I'm trying to reach colonel. But yeah, I'm trying to reach out to some of these veterans that that

46:06 out to some of these veterans that that out to some of these veterans that that serve in the House Armed Services serve in the House Armed Services serve in the House Armed Services Committee in the in the VA subcommittee Committee in the in the VA subcommittee Committee in the in the VA subcommittee um to see what we can do. So, by all um to see what we can do. So, by all um to see what we can do. So, by all means, please provide an introduction. means, please provide an introduction. means, please provide an introduction. I'll happily go over and chat with them. I'll happily go over and chat with them. I'll happily go over and chat with them. >> I will. I will. Yeah, I'll I'll make an

46:20 >> I will. I will. Yeah, I'll I'll make an >> I will. I will. Yeah, I'll I'll make an email introduction to Tom. Tom Barrett's email introduction to Tom. Tom Barrett's email introduction to Tom. Tom Barrett's been on our radio show. Highly encourage been on our radio show. Highly encourage been on our radio show. Highly encourage you to listen to his story because he is you to listen to his story because he is you to listen to his story because he is about a downto-earth person as you're about a downto-earth person as you're about a downto-earth person as you're going to get. So, going to get. So, going to get. So, well, you know, when we're finished, if well, you know, when we're finished, if

46:32 well, you know, when we're finished, if you send me some some links to some of you send me some some links to some of you send me some some links to some of these particular episodes and even, you these particular episodes and even, you these particular episodes and even, you know, your uh your logo, we can gladly know, your uh your logo, we can gladly know, your uh your logo, we can gladly add a hyperlink and talk about you guys add a hyperlink and talk about you guys add a hyperlink and talk about you guys on our website to help continue to get on our website to help continue to get on our website to help continue to get your your visibility out there. your your visibility out there.

46:47 your your visibility out there. >> Yeah, consider it done. Yeah. Oh, I >> Yeah, consider it done. Yeah. Oh, I >> Yeah, consider it done. Yeah. Oh, I appreciate it. Yeah. So, Josh, what am I appreciate it. Yeah. So, Josh, what am I appreciate it. Yeah. So, Josh, what am I missing? What have I not asked that you missing? What have I not asked that you missing? What have I not asked that you would like to share with our with our would like to share with our with our would like to share with our with our community? Honestly, I would say I think community? Honestly, I would say I think community? Honestly, I would say I think you hit every talking point that I

46:58 you hit every talking point that I you hit every talking point that I wanted to talk about and uh really at wanted to talk about and uh really at wanted to talk about and uh really at the end of the day, I think the only the end of the day, I think the only the end of the day, I think the only thing that's missing from this thing that's missing from this thing that's missing from this conversation is for you and I to meet in conversation is for you and I to meet in conversation is for you and I to meet in person and, you know, just sit down and person and, you know, just sit down and person and, you know, just sit down and shoot the for a little bit and see

47:11 shoot the for a little bit and see shoot the for a little bit and see how we can make the world a better how we can make the world a better how we can make the world a better place. Yeah. you know, as your nonprofit place. Yeah. you know, as your nonprofit place. Yeah. you know, as your nonprofit gets larger and larger. My goodness, gets larger and larger. My goodness, gets larger and larger. My goodness, when how often do you get the chance to when how often do you get the chance to when how often do you get the chance to come out here to DC? come out here to DC? come out here to DC? >> I was out in DC for the Army Navy game. >> I was out in DC for the Army Navy game.

47:26 >> I was out in DC for the Army Navy game. Um, and then one of our developer Um, and then one of our developer Um, and then one of our developer >> That's where you met Joe Bass, right? Is >> That's where you met Joe Bass, right? Is >> That's where you met Joe Bass, right? Is that where you met? That's where I met that where you met? That's where I met that where you met? That's where I met Joe Bass was the Army Navy. Joe Bass was the Army Navy. Joe Bass was the Army Navy. >> Yeah. Yeah. I actually met a pretty >> Yeah. Yeah. I actually met a pretty >> Yeah. Yeah. I actually met a pretty bunch of cool people there. Um, but I've

47:37 bunch of cool people there. Um, but I've bunch of cool people there. Um, but I've actually started getting more involved actually started getting more involved actually started getting more involved in the the Native American veteran in the the Native American veteran in the the Native American veteran community. So, I know Native Americans community. So, I know Native Americans community. So, I know Native Americans have a strong presence within have a strong presence within have a strong presence within Washington, so I've been invited out. I Washington, so I've been invited out. I Washington, so I've been invited out. I should be going back out there in April.

47:51 should be going back out there in April. should be going back out there in April. Um, but actually, cross your fingers. Um, but actually, cross your fingers. Um, but actually, cross your fingers. So, one thing I didn't mention is So, one thing I didn't mention is So, one thing I didn't mention is VetLife uh made the top 20 finalists for VetLife uh made the top 20 finalists for VetLife uh made the top 20 finalists for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society the Congressional Medal of Honor Society the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Citizens Award for the work we do in the Citizens Award for the work we do in the Citizens Award for the work we do in the nonprofit space. Out of, I think, 400

48:08 nonprofit space. Out of, I think, 400 nonprofit space. Out of, I think, 400 nonprofits, we made the top 20. We'll nonprofits, we made the top 20. We'll nonprofits, we made the top 20. We'll know next week if we won. And they're know next week if we won. And they're know next week if we won. And they're going to fly us out to Rowan Oak, going to fly us out to Rowan Oak, going to fly us out to Rowan Oak, Virginia, March 15th to National Medal Virginia, March 15th to National Medal Virginia, March 15th to National Medal of Honor Society Day. of Honor Society Day. of Honor Society Day. >> Oh wow. That that is phenomenal. That >> Oh wow. That that is phenomenal. That

48:23 >> Oh wow. That that is phenomenal. That shows right there what you're doing is shows right there what you're doing is shows right there what you're doing is making a difference. For you to get making a difference. For you to get making a difference. For you to get ranked in that that class of uh ranked in that that class of uh ranked in that that class of uh nonprofits is is amazing and and nonprofits is is amazing and and nonprofits is is amazing and and impressive. impressive. impressive. >> Yeah, I appreciate you saying that. U >> Yeah, I appreciate you saying that. U >> Yeah, I appreciate you saying that. U but I'll tell you, first time I get out

48:36 but I'll tell you, first time I get out but I'll tell you, first time I get out there, I'll look you up and we'll go go there, I'll look you up and we'll go go there, I'll look you up and we'll go go grab some dinner or something. grab some dinner or something. grab some dinner or something. Let's do it. Well, Josh, thank you so Let's do it. Well, Josh, thank you so Let's do it. Well, Josh, thank you so much for being on the show today and much for being on the show today and much for being on the show today and every little bit we can do to help is uh every little bit we can do to help is uh every little bit we can do to help is uh I appreciate it.

48:48 I appreciate it. I appreciate it. >> Yeah. No, it's an honor. I I love doing >> Yeah. No, it's an honor. I I love doing >> Yeah. No, it's an honor. I I love doing these things and I love being able to be these things and I love being able to be these things and I love being able to be on these uh these type of platforms on these uh these type of platforms on these uh these type of platforms where you can tell the person sitting where you can tell the person sitting where you can tell the person sitting across from you actually cares. So, across from you actually cares. So, across from you actually cares. So, >> yeah. Yeah. I mean, both times we've had

49:02 >> yeah. Yeah. I mean, both times we've had >> yeah. Yeah. I mean, both times we've had a chance to talk, I can see your passion a chance to talk, I can see your passion a chance to talk, I can see your passion and hopefully you can you can see mine and hopefully you can you can see mine and hopefully you can you can see mine as well. as well. as well. >> All right. volunteers. >> All right. volunteers. >> All right. volunteers. >> Yeah, this adrenaline is k's inside of me. inside of me. [Applause]