VET S.O.S. Podcast

Most veterans don't fail transition because of ability—they fail because they never built a plan.
Many service members spend years preparing for military missions but only weeks preparing for civilian life. David Howe argues that's one of the biggest mistakes veterans can make.
After serving 30 years in the U.S. Army and building a successful civilian executive career, Dave learned that transition isn't just about finding a job—it's about creating a vision for the rest of your life. In this conversation, he shares why written life planning can dramatically improve transition outcomes and how the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation is helping Gold Star families navigate life's most difficult moments.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• Create a written transition plan that goes beyond employment and income
• Avoid the "undue sense of urgency" that causes veterans to make poor transition decisions
• Understand the emotional impact of taking off the uniform for the final time
• Learn how strategic life planning helps Gold Star families find purpose and hope after loss
About David Howe:
David Howe served 30 years in the U.S. Army, including active duty with the 4th Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne Division before retiring from the Army Reserve. He built a successful civilian career in healthcare administration and consulting, holding senior leadership positions with major organizations including Deloitte Consulting. Today, he helps veterans and Gold Star families develop life plans through the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than a minute and helps another veteran discover the resources they need for a successful transition.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - David Howe's Military and Civilian Journey
03:37 - Navigating Two Different Transitions
07:36 - Building a Written Life Plan
11:12 - Supporting Gold Star Families
18:22 - How the Foundation Works
25:19 - Making Life Planning Part of Military Separation
30:19 - Closing & Resources
🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network:
▶ VET S.O.S. Podcast
▶ Operation Startup
▶ Learning Lifeline
▶ The Scoop
▶ Testimony Strong
🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S.
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
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#VETSOS #Veteran #VeteranTransition #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #MilitaryLife #HeroesMediaGRP #GrabTheLifeline

Most veterans don’t hit crisis all at once. Problems stack up until purpose disappears.
What happens when a veteran loses purpose after service—and what does it take to find it again?
Nick Cannon shares a brutally honest look at his own transition from Air Force veteran to unemployed civilian struggling with identity, purpose, and direction. He also explains how Wounded Veteran Relief Fund is stepping in to solve the challenges that often push veterans toward crisis before it’s too late.
In this episode, you’ll discover
• Understand why loss of purpose can become one of the most dangerous parts of military transition
• Learn how Nick became one of the first Airmen approved for the DoD SkillBridge Program
• Hear the moment his daughter’s upcoming birth forced him to completely change his life
• Discover how WVRF’s dental program has grown from helping 17 veterans to hundreds annually
• Understand why dental care may be one of the most overlooked veteran wellness issues in America
About Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former F-22 Raptor Crew Chief who later served in both the Florida House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress.
Today he serves as Director of Operations for the Wounded Veteran Relief Fund, overseeing programs that provide emergency financial assistance, dental care, and support services for veterans throughout Florida.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than a minute and helps another veteran discover resources that could change their life.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:22 - Nick’s Military Journey
04:04 - Discovering SkillBridge
08:40 - Losing Purpose After Transition
11:25 - Joining Wounded Veteran Relief Fund
22:03 - Emergency Financial Assistance for Veterans
23:35 - The Veteran Dental Crisis
27:07 - Expanding Beyond Florida
30:25 - The Story of Richard Rossi
32:35 - Closing Thoughts
🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network
▶ VET S.O.S.
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong
🔗 Connect With VET S.O.S.
Website: vetsospodcast.com
Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #MilitaryMentalHealth #Veterans #MilitaryLife #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

Most veterans don’t struggle because they lack skills—they struggle because they choose the wrong civilian career.
The military teaches mission focus, leadership, and resilience. What it doesn’t always teach is how to identify a career you’ll genuinely enjoy after service. In this episode, Jordie Kern explains why so many veterans settle for the first opportunity available and how that decision can impact everything from job satisfaction to long-term success.
Drawing from thousands of veteran transitions, Jordie shares how 7 Eagle Group helps service members discover career paths aligned with their strengths, interests, and goals while connecting them directly with employers through SkillBridge and professional networking.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Identify the biggest mistake veterans make during military transition and how to avoid it
• Build confidence in your value before entering the civilian job market
• Understand why networking often matters more than a resume
• Learn how SkillBridge reduces hiring risk and creates opportunities veterans might never access otherwise
• Discover why passion and purpose often outperform qualifications during interviews
About Jordie Kern
Jordie Kern is the Founder of 7 Eagle Group, an organization dedicated to helping transitioning service members and military spouses launch meaningful civilian careers. Inspired by a lifelong admiration for military service, he has built programs that have helped more than 8,000 veterans connect with employers, develop professional skills, and successfully transition into civilian life.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow VET S.O.S. and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps put this show in front of another veteran who needs it right now.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
02:56 - Why Jordie Founded 7 Eagle Group
08:27 - Inside the 7 Eagle Academy Model
11:20 - The Biggest Transition Mistake Veterans Make
16:00 - How SkillBridge Changes Hiring
19:19 - Confidence and Veteran Value
26:31 - Finding Work That Aligns With Passion
31:31 - Closing Thoughts & Resources
🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network
▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong
🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S.
Website: vetsospodcast.com
Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOSPodcast #VeteranPodcast #VeteranTransition #SkillBridge #Veterans #MilitaryLife

Most veterans prepare for a new job. Few prepare for losing their identity.
Episode Description
When Gabriel Axtell medically retired from the Marine Corps during COVID, he expected transition to be challenging. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the loss of mission, brotherhood, and purpose would push him into crisis.
This conversation reveals the life-changing text message that saved his life, the mentorship that helped him rebuild, and the work he’s now doing to help other veterans avoid reaching that same breaking point.
In this episode, you’ll discover
• Recognize the hidden identity challenges many veterans face after leaving military service
• Understand why purpose—not employment—is often the missing piece during transition
• Learn how peer mentorship and community support can interrupt a crisis before it becomes a tragedy
• Discover how faith, family communication, and daily discipline helped Gabriel rebuild his life
• Explore the resources available through The Warrior’s Journey and its network of veteran-serving organizations
About Gabriel Axtell
Gabriel Axtell is a retired Marine with a special operations background who experienced firsthand the challenges of military transition. After surviving a personal crisis and finding support through The Warrior’s Journey, he now helps veterans, service members, and families navigate purpose, resilience, and life beyond the uniform. His personal experience gives him unique insight into what veterans need during their most difficult seasons.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — open the app, search VET S.O.S., scroll down, and tap “Write a Review.” It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
02:42 - Transitioning During COVID
08:08 - The Phone Call That Changed Everything
12:41 - Fixing the Veteran Support Ecosystem
18:32 - Building Daily Resilience
22:07 - The Warrior’s Journey Programs
31:22 - Closing & Resources
🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network
▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong
🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S.
Website: vetsospodcast.com
Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOSPodcast #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Veterans #MilitaryLife #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

Description:Maria Cherjovsky joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran mental health challenges and share insights on transition, family reintegration, and community support systems. In this episode, we explore:
• The hidden impact of mental health struggles on veterans and their families• How the Comaraderie Foundation provides counseling, mentorship, and connection• Why early intervention and community can prevent crisis and restore purpose
Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.
About the Guest:Maria Cherjovsky is CEO of the Comaraderie Foundation and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit management, workforce development, and veteran services. With decades of experience supporting veterans and underserved populations, she is dedicated to improving mental health access and long-term success for military families.
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. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop
Connect with VET S.O.S.:Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #PTSD #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranResources #MentalHealthMatters #TransitionJourney #GrabTheLifeline