How does someone go from homelessness, illiteracy, and juvenile detention to military service, entrepreneurship, authorship, and leadership coaching?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Sensei Dave Armstrong, Air Force Veteran, author, martial artist, and leadership and resilience speaker, about accountability and the ability to rebuild your life.

Dave shares how he entered the juvenile justice system at 11, lost his mother as a child, moved through foster homes and detention centers, and was homeless at 18. Unable to read or write when he graduated high school, he committed himself to passing the ASVAB and joining the Air Force. Military service gave him structure, mentors, and opportunities that changed his trajectory.

The conversation explores how martial arts reinforced discipline and respect, why Dave struggled to find his identity after service, and how he rebuilt his purpose through education, writing, coaching, and helping at-risk youth. His message for Veterans is simple: accountability can be developed, purpose can be rebuilt, and action starts by refusing to compromise with yourself.

Guest Links:

Speaking: https://www.upna.net/speaking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senseidaveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senseidavearmstrong/

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What happens when headlines oversimplify legislation that could impact millions of Veterans, surviving spouses, and military families?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), about the realities behind Veteran advocacy on Capitol Hill and the legislation shaping the future of military families.

Drawing from her own experience as the daughter of two Veterans who lost both parents to military-related tragedy, Ashlynne shares the deeply personal journey that led her into advocacy. She discusses helping lead the effort to eliminate the "widow's tax," the passage of the Love Lives On Act, and the ongoing debate surrounding the Take Care of America's Veterans Act.

The conversation explains how legislation is built, why misinformation spreads so easily, and what Veterans and their families should understand before reacting to headlines. It is an insightful look at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and service.

Guest & Organization Links:
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
https://www.taps.org/

Take Care of America's Veterans Act
https://www.legion.org/advocacy/legislative/take-care-of-americas-veterans-act

Elizabeth Dole Foundation
https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
https://www.vfw.org

Independent Veterans of America (IAVA)
https://www.ihelpveterans.org/

Wounded Warrior Project
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
https://www.moaa.org/

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What if your biggest failures were actually preparing you for your greatest successes?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Dr. Craig Coleman, retired Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, physician, engineer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Coleman Health Services. From enlisting as a Navy electrician to becoming a Surface Warfare Officer, aerospace engineer, physician, and healthcare innovator, Dr. Coleman has built an extraordinary career by embracing setbacks instead of avoiding them.

Dr. Coleman explains why he calls his life "a series of connected Plan Bs," sharing how failing out of nuclear power school became the turning point that ultimately led him to opportunities he never imagined. He also discusses leadership, innovation in healthcare, cybersecurity, Veteran health, and the importance of recognizing problems before they become crises.

Whether you're navigating failure, transitioning from military service, or building something new, this conversation offers practical lessons on resilience, leadership, and turning setbacks into future success.

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.colemanhealthsvcs.com/landing-page
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcraigcoleman

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