In this inspiring episode of The Scoop from the VET S.O.S. Podcast Network, Kingsley welcomes Shannon Huffman Polson, one of the first women to fly the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopter and the founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon shares how her groundbreaking military career shaped her bestselling book The Grit Factor and her Grit Triad leadership model: Commit, Learn, and Launch.

Through personal stories, lessons from dozens of leaders, and actionable exercises, Shannon reveals how grit is a choice — one that empowers you to overcome adversity, reclaim your story, and lead with purpose.

Perfect for veterans navigating transition, leaders seeking to inspire their teams, or anyone ready to embrace change with courage, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience and leadership.

Learn more at thegritinstitute.com and download the free GRIT Manifesto.

#VETSOS #VeteranLeadership #GritFactor #ResilientMindset #ApacheHelicopterPilot #WomenWhoLead #VeteranTransitionSupport #LeadershipSkills #MilitaryServiceStories #OvercomingAdversity #PurposeDrivenLife

Marine Corps veteran and Homefront SitRep co-host David Willis joins the VET S.O.S. podcast to discuss his military transition journey and his commitment to highlighting grassroots veteran organizations. From reconnecting with fellow Marines to co-founding a podcast that gives voice to boots-on-ground nonprofits, David shares heartfelt stories, lessons from failed nonprofits, and why finding your "tribe" is the key to post-service purpose.

Catch this conversation filled with humor, honesty, and practical advice for any veteran navigating life after service.

Listen, subscribe, and share. Your transition lifeline starts here.
#VeteranPodcastCommunity #MarineCorpsVeteran #MilitaryTransitionSupport #VETSOS #HomefrontSitRep #GrassrootsVeteranSupport #VeteranMentalHealth #FindYourTribe #PurposeAfterService #CombatVeteranStories

In this episode of VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop, Kingsley Scott welcomes Bob Sager, founder of Spearpoint Solutions and author of 101 Freaking Brilliant Business Ideas and More Freaking Brilliant Ideas. Bob reveals how veterans and leaders can leverage scientific creative thinking methods to succeed in business and life after service.

From building a lasting legacy to applying the “Power of Three” and “Making Your Dash Count,” Bob’s strategies are designed to help you thrive in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Whether you’re transitioning from the military, growing a business, or leading a team, these actionable ideas will help you innovate, adapt, and stand out.

🌐 spearpointonline.com | 📚 Bob Sager’s books on Amazon
Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobsager

#VeteranSupport #CreativeThinking #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #MilitaryTransition #Mentorship #CareerSuccess #VeteranEntrepreneur #Innovation #VETSOS

Host Dr. Hira welcomes Kittie Clark, Military Services Coordinator at Augusta Technical College, to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight. With a background in process improvement and a passion for military student success, Kittie shares how Augusta Tech supports over 700 military-affiliated students each semester through:

• A Military Service Center offering VA benefits assistance and a community space

• In-demand programs like cybersecurity and healthcare with hands-on training

• Partnerships with Fort Gordon’s Army Cyber Center of Excellence for credit transfers

• Student Veterans of America chapter activities and national conference participation

• Efforts to expand credit for prior learning and build more career pathways

Whether you’re an active duty member, veteran, spouse, or dependent, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating education, maximizing benefits, and building a strong career foundation.

Listen now and discover how Augusta Tech is helping the military-connected community thrive in higher education and beyond.

#VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryStudents #CareerPathways #HigherEdForVeterans #CybersecurityEducation #MilitarySpouseSupport #CreditForPriorLearning #VETSOS

In this episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh talks with outgoing VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt and incoming Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore about their personal military transition experiences, the evolving role of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and their shared commitment to advocacy and veteran support.

They discuss the importance of programs like “Still Serving,” combat-tested gaming, and partnerships with groups like Irreverent Warriors to engage younger veterans. They also highlight key legislative priorities, including the Forever GI Bill, the PACT Act, and the urgent need to pass the Richard Starr Act.

Carol shares her vision as the first female Commander-in-Chief — focusing on advocacy, the dedication of VFW service officers, and the POW/MIA mission. Together, they reinforce that the VFW remains a place where veterans find community, support, and a voice in Washington.

Tune in to hear how the VFW continues its 125-year mission: for veterans, by veterans.
#VETSOS #VFW #VeteranTransition #MilitaryAdvocacy #VeteranSupport #StillServing #VeteranResources #RichardStarrAct #MilitaryCommunity #POWMIA #VeteranLeadership

In this VET S.O.S. Transition Podcast episode, we welcome Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, for a compelling conversation on post-military purpose and recovery. Ryan opens up about his challenging transition from Marine infantryman to civilian, his battle with alcoholism, and the profound transformation he experienced through service dog programs.

Now leading Clear Path’s multifaceted veteran support initiatives—ranging from ADI-accredited service dog training to wellness therapies and the Operation Socrates SkillBridge program—Ryan brings hope and healing to veterans across the U.S.

His journey is a reminder that with support, structure, and service, veterans can rediscover purpose and thrive in life after the uniform.

🔗 Visit www.clearpath4vets.com to learn more.
🎙️ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring veteran stories.

#VeteranTransition #ServiceDogsSaveLives #MilitaryToCivilian #VETSOS #ClearPathForVeterans #VeteranWellness #AddictionRecovery #VeteranPrograms #PostMilitaryLife #HealingThroughDogs

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, Dr. Hira speaks with Edward Lewis, Vice President of Operations at the Maritime Institute and retired U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief.

Edward explains how veterans with maritime backgrounds can move directly into well-paying civilian roles without starting over—thanks to gap training programs, funding options, and strong industry networks. Learn about the 28-day boot camp program that equips veterans to earn their Merchant Mariner Credential, and hear real success stories from graduates working across the globe.

Whether you’re interested in sailing internationally, working in ports, or starting a shore-based maritime career, this episode is packed with practical tips, funding insights, and career strategies for veterans.

#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #MaritimeIndustry #VeteranEmployment #MerchantMarinerCareer #MilitaryToCivilian #CareerReadiness #GIbillBenefits #VeteranTraining #VeteranSuccessStories #SkillBridgeOpportunities

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Military Transition Resources Show, Shawn and Keith welcome Michelle Keller, Senior Director of Development for Farm2Veteran. This innovative nonprofit is tackling veteran food insecurity by delivering fresh, locally-sourced meals to those who need it most—all at no cost to the veteran.

Michelle discusses the powerful mission behind Farm2Veteran, their national expansion to 9 states in just 5 years, and how partnerships with other veteran service organizations allow them to focus on what matters—feeding heroes with dignity.

Get the inside scoop on the upcoming Farm Fresh Hope Gala featuring comedian David Spade and how this event will help expand support to veterans across the country. Hear real stories from the “scooter brigade” of older vets, the impact of meals during natural disasters, and the organization’s holistic approach to wellness and community.

🌱 It’s not a handout—it’s a heartfelt thank you. Learn more at farm2veteran.com.

#VeteranFoodSecurity #MilitaryTransitionSupport #FarmToVeteran #VETSOS #VeteranStories #HolisticVeteranSupport #MilitaryNonprofit #VeteranWellness #SupportOurVets #DavidSpade