VET S.O.S. Podcast

Valerie Lavin joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into what it truly means to serve after military service ends. A retired U.S. Army First Sergeant turned entrepreneur and nonprofit leader, Valerie shares hard truths about military transition, leadership identity, and finding purpose beyond the uniform.
In this episode, we explore:
• The hidden realities veterans face after retirement
• Why leadership doesn’t stop when service ends
• Entrepreneurship as a path to continued impact
• The unique challenges facing women veterans
• Redefining success, service, and legacy
Whether you're navigating military transition, building a mission-driven business, or searching for your next chapter, this conversation delivers clear, actionable insight to help you move forward with purpose.
Valerie Lavin is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, founder of Luminary Global, and co-founder of Action Zone. She is a national advocate for veterans, military spouses, and first responders, focused on leadership, preparedness, and service beyond the uniform.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
• VET S.O.S.
• VET S.O.S. – Operation Startup
• VET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline
• VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #TheMilitaryEffect #VeteranTransition #ServiceAfterService #VeteranLeadership #WomenVeterans #VeteranEntrepreneurship #MilitaryToCivilian #PurposeAfterService #GrabTheLifeline

James Van Prooyen and Marah Lago join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how creativity, connection, and community can reshape military transition. As co-founders of Military CreatorCon, they share insights on building spaces where veterans and military-connected creatives can thrive beyond the uniform.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why creativity is a powerful transition tool
• How networking drives opportunity after service
• Expanding career paths beyond traditional transition models
Whether you're navigating military transition, building a creative brand, or redefining purpose after service, this conversation delivers clarity, inspiration, and actionable steps you can use today.
James Van Prooyen is a retired Air Force veteran, podcaster, and community builder focused on connection and collaboration.
Marah Lago is an award-winning entrepreneur and military spouse empowering creatives through mentorship and innovation.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #MilitaryTransition #VeteranCreators #MilitaryCreatorCon #LifeAfterService #VeteranCommunity #CreativeVeterans #GrabTheLifeline #VeteranPodcast #MilitarySpouse

Evan Guzman joins the VET S.O.S. Network to explore how mentorship, storytelling, and intentional human connection are transforming the way veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why veterans excel in today’s workforce
• How mentorship opens doors to unposted jobs
• The role of branding and identity after service
• How employers can recruit veterans through service-first leadership
Whether you're transitioning out of the military, hiring veteran talent, or seeking purpose beyond the uniform, this episode offers clear, practical guidance you can apply immediately.
Evan Guzman is the former leader behind Verizon’s nationally recognized military hiring initiatives and the co-founder of Post-Veterati. Through Milbrand, he helps organizations and veterans bridge the gap between military experience and civilian opportunity.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real conversations, real mentors, and real opportunities.
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. — Operation Startup
VET S.O.S. — Learning Lifeline
VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #TheMilitaryEffect #VeteranTransition #VeteranMentorship #MilitaryCareers #LeadershipPodcast #VeteranSupport #PostVeterati #GrabTheLifeline

Paul Hylenski joins VET S.O.S. to dive into how AI is reshaping VA claims, improving rating accuracy, preventing predatory practices, and giving veterans a true path to success during transition.
In this episode, we explore:
• Paul’s difficult transition journey and why he built VET Mentor AI
• How AI analyzes VA claims, predicts rating outcomes, and identifies missing secondaries
• What hallucination-proof AI means for veteran safety
• The story of a Marine whose life was saved by the VET Mentor AI crisis-detection system
Whether you're navigating military transition, increasing your VA rating, or searching for reliable tools to support your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.
Paul Hylenski is a Marine Corps veteran, founder of VET Mentor AI, and an AI strategist using technology to remove barriers for veterans. His platform includes AI-driven claim optimization, Nexus letter generation, virtual C&P avatars, and one of the first suicide ideation detectors integrated into a veteran support system.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBenefits #VetMentorAI #VAClaimsHelp #AIForGood #VeteranSupport #TransitionResources #GrabTheLifeline #Veterans

Description:
Ross Dickman joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into what leadership looks like after military service and how veterans and military spouses can translate their experience into civilian careers that align with purpose and potential. As CEO of Hire Heroes USA, Ross shares insights on transition challenges, resume translation, leadership without rank, and why human skills still matter in today’s evolving workforce.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why military experience is often misunderstood by civilian employers
• How coaching helps veterans articulate their real value
• Leadership lessons that carry forward beyond the uniform
• Finding meaningful employment instead of settling for the first job
Whether you're navigating military transition, rebuilding your career after service, or searching for clarity and direction, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement.
About the Guest:
Ross Dickman is a Bronze Star-awarded U.S. Army veteran and former Apache helicopter pilot. He is the CEO of Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses secure meaningful civilian employment through personalized career coaching.
Grab the Lifeline:
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight
Connect with VET S.O.S.:
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #TheMilitaryEffect #VeteranCareers #MilitaryTransition
#HireHeroesUSA #VeteranLeadership #MilitarySpouseCareers #ItsOurTurnToServe #GrabTheLifeline