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