In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Alex K. Sebby, a Marine Corps veteran (1999–2003) and the founder of Words of Veterans—an online platform helping veterans preserve their military story in a tangible, family-ready legacy format.

Alex shares a rare side of service you don’t hear often: his MOS as a combat illustrator, his post-service path through digital media and journalism, and the long, honest grind of entrepreneurship—multiple attempts, hard lessons, and learning how to “fail forward” without quitting on the mission.

Most importantly, Alex breaks down how Words of Veterans works and why it matters: veterans can answer guided questions, add photos, and create a hardcover book that documents their service—something their children and loved ones can hold onto for generations. He also shares a major milestone: Words of Veterans received a grant from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, allowing eligible veterans in Virginia to create their book at no cost.

Topics covered:

• Marine Corps service, stop-loss, and what it means to carry your story forward
• The difference between running a business vs. starting a business
• “Failing forward,” acceptable loss, and entrepreneurship as a long game
• Why feedback is everything: how VGA helped Alex improve his platform
• Turning service history into a hardcover legacy book
• Veteran community, consistency, and building something that outlives you

How to create your Words of Veterans book:

1. Go to wordsofveterans.com
2. Sign up + verify your email
3. Answer guided questions (short responses) + upload photos
4. Build your book without the intimidation of “writing a book”

Connect with Alex / Words of Veterans:

• Website: wordsofveterans.com
• Contact + socials are available directly on the site
• You can also connect through the Veterans Growing America directory

Connect with the hosts:

• Coach R.L. Simmons: yourmoneygoat.com
• Veterans Growing America: veteransgrowingamerica.com (Directory + events + marketplace)

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to preserve your service, build legacy for your family, or learn what veteran entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes—this episode is for you.

Like, Subscribe, and Share And as always… Shop, baby.