VET S.O.S. Podcast

Melissa A. Washington joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how connection, visibility, and purpose shape life after military service for women veterans. A Navy veteran and founder of Women Veterans Alliance, Melissa shares powerful insights on navigating transition, building resilient communities, and creating a legacy of impact.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why women veterans need community-driven connection
• How visibility creates leadership and opportunity
• Resilience, vulnerability, and evolving purpose after service
Whether you're navigating military transition, growing a business, leading a nonprofit, or redefining service beyond the uniform, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration.
Melissa A. Washington is a U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized advocate for women veterans. As founder of Women Veterans Alliance, she has helped elevate thousands of women veteran leaders and business owners worldwide.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses 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
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
#WomenVeterans #VeteranTransition #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranSupport #VETSOS #TheMilitaryEffect #WomenWhoServe #PurposeAfterService #GrabTheLifeline

Leah Stiles, retired Navy Senior Chief and founder of Sea Waves, joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood challenges facing service members and veterans—eating disorders and their impact on mental health, readiness, and suicide prevention.
In this episode, we explore:• Why eating disorders are often hidden in military culture• The connection between trauma, transition, and disordered eating• Leadership blind spots and policy gaps impacting care• How education, advocacy, and early intervention can save lives
Whether you're navigating military transition, serving in a leadership role, or supporting someone in uniform, this conversation provides clear, actionable insight and resources you can use today.
Leah Stiles is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief and the founder of Sea Waves, the nation’s first nonprofit exclusively dedicated to addressing eating disorders within the military and veteran community. She is a national advocate, educator, and author focused on prevention, access to care, and cultural change.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur SpotlightVET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight
Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryTransition #EatingDisorderAwareness #SuicidePrevention #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthInUniform #SeaWaves #LeadershipMatters #GrabTheLifeline

Josh Perschbacher joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into why connection—not duplication—is the missing link in military transition. As a Navy veteran and founder of VetWork, Josh shares how regional ecosystems, mentorship, and smarter coordination help veterans move from service to purpose-driven civilian careers.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why veterans shouldn’t have to choose between jobs, education, and mental health support
• How VetWork deconflicts veteran programs to maximize impact
• The importance of building skills before transition, not after
• Why mentorship and community are critical long after TAP ends
If you’re transitioning, supporting veterans, or building veteran-serving organizations, this episode offers clear guidance, lived experience, and practical next steps.
Josh Perschbacher is a U.S. Navy veteran, veteran education advocate, and founder of VetWork. With years of experience helping veterans navigate GI Bill benefits and workforce pathways, Josh focuses on connecting people, organizations, and opportunities to create stronger veteran outcomes nationwide.
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
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 #VeteranTransition #VetWork #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranCommunity #ItsOurTurnToServe #TheMilitaryEffect #VeteranResources #Mentorship #GrabTheLifeline

Laura Lindsey joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how kayak fishing and outdoor recreation are helping veterans and first responders heal from trauma, reconnect with community, and find peace beyond traditional treatment models.
In this episode, we explore:• Why nature-based therapy reduces PTSD and anxiety• How Heroes on the Water removes barriers to access• The power of community and family-inclusive healing• Proven impact through recreational therapy partnerships
Whether you're navigating military transition, managing mental health challenges, or searching for meaningful support beyond the couch, this conversation offers practical insight and real hope.
Laura Lindsey is the Development Director of Heroes on the Water, a nonprofit serving veterans and first responders nationwide through kayak fishing and outdoor recreation programs designed to heal trauma and restore connection.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. – Operation StartupVET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline
Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #VeteranMentalHealth #HeroesOnTheWater #MilitaryTransition #PTSDHealing #VeteranWellness #OutdoorTherapy #FirstResponderSupport #GrabTheLifeline #VeteranResources

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