What happens when the mission changes, but the drive to keep pushing never goes away?

Air Force Veteran and OVN Ambassador Athlete Don spent part of his military career as a flight engineer aboard special operations aircraft, including combat missions in the MH-53 Pave Low. Today, that same drive has taken him into a very different arena—Ironman triathlons.

In this episode of No Neutral, Don talks about his military career, discovering endurance sports later in life, and why completing an Ironman is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

After being sidelined for more than a year, Don is now working his way back—rebuilding strength, returning to training, and chasing his next finish line.

It’s a conversation about service, discipline, setbacks, family, and continuing to find something worth pushing toward.

No Neutral — Where Competition Creates Connection.

We would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Operation Vet NOW or its partners.

This podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, mental health, or professional advice.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional or contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

Army Veteran Crystal knows that some of life's greatest challenges are overcome not by standing still—but by moving forward.

From competitive shooting and desert racing to motocross, Crystal shares how demanding sports became more than competition. They became a way to quiet the noise, rebuild purpose, and reconnect with the same sense of community she found during military service.

In this episode, Crystal discusses the transition from military life, the mental focus required to compete, why training often matters more than trophies, and how organizations like OVN help Veterans stay connected long after they leave the uniform.

Whether she's navigating a racecourse, a shooting stage, or life after service, Crystal reminds us that healing often begins by finding something that demands our full attention—and a community that never lets us stand alone.

We would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Operation Vet NOW or its partners.

This podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, mental health, or professional advice.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional or contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

After 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, Josh "Obie" Trice continues to live a life centered on service, connection, and purpose.

In this episode of No Neutral, Obie shares stories from his Coast Guard career, including search and rescue missions in Alaska, life aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinac, and the challenges of serving through the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discusses how motocross, adventure riding, music, and community involvement have helped him maintain balance and stay connected after military service.

Now an OVN Ambassador Athlete, Obie talks about the importance of meeting Veterans where they are, building connection through shared interests, and using sports and hobbies as a gateway to long-term wellness and support.

From helicopters and icebreakers to dirt bikes and guitars, this conversation highlights what it means to keep moving forward and never stay neutral

We would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Operation Vet NOW or its partners.

This podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, mental health, or professional advice.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional or contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.