David C. Reed is a retired veteran with 24 years experience in criminal investigation and specialized law enforcement training.

As a commissioned LE officer for 40 years in Tennessee and Missouri, he specialized in major crimes investigations, especially violent crime and missing persons.

In his second career as a Department of the Army instructor, writer, and analyst, he managed courses as SRT Training Team Lead and later LE Branch Chief in courses ranging from special tactics to policing management worldwide. He retired as the Chief, Force Protection Training Division for the US Army Military Police School.

He continues to be a highly sought-out instructor of state and local police, and has been published for over twenty years in official DoD publications, writing doctrine, policy, and college accredited curriculum.

As to his third career, his first published thriller/mystery novel, "Cold, Dark, and Silent" was released in October 2024, and his second, "The Blockade Runners" was published in April 2025. His third thriller in the Chig Ashe series, "The Elite Watch" will be out March 2026, followed by "Song of the Surrogate" later this year. All available in print, Kindle, and at Audible.com

Tonight, we sat down with Matt Mattison, a Texas veteran and over-the-road truck driver who is proof that your mission doesn’t end when you take off the uniform. From the cab of his International, Matt is building and running the Veterans Breakthrough Network, helping fellow vets find their way forward. ​Tune in to catch his incredible story of grit and purpose!

Last night’s episode of Full Speed Ahead: After Battle hit all the right notes — literally.

We sat down with Mark Stallins, a retired Navy veteran who continues to serve long after hanging up the uniform. Mark shared the powerful mission behind his nonprofit, which provides live bugle services at veteran gravesites and ceremonies, ensuring our fallen are honored with the dignity they earned.

But his service doesn’t stop there. Mark talked about how he transformed his Navy skill set into a new calling — driving buses for special needs students, bringing patience, purpose, and heart to a community that depends on steady hands and compassionate leadership.

It was an episode full of humility, service, and the reminder that the mission doesn’t end when the contract does.