Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
 
Gentlemen thank you for joining today for this special episode.
 
 
American Heroes Network President, Jim Klug shares the desire of our network and podcast to promote and preserve this very special day and to reflect upon the supreme sacrifice of the millions of patriots that have perished to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy today.
 
Topics
 
In our youth, was  Memorial Day, any different than any other federal holiday to you?

 
What do you think when you hear or someone says, “Happy Memorial Day?”

 
What types of activities did your family observe as a tradition, if any?

 
What influences in our upbringing guided us towards honoring those that gave the last full measure?
 
As military service Veterans, what do we desire our Nation to understand and do on Memorial Day?

 
As military service Veterans, discuss the meaning and importance of memorial Day to us.

 
Thank you for listening!
 

Jim Klug - President of American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-klug-90b66480/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-klug-90b66480/</a>
 

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network and a Navy and Marine Veteran
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/</a>
 

Steve Deaton - Co-Host and Interview Scout for American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;----more----&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gentlemen thank you for joining today for this special episode.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American Heroes Network President, Jim Klug shares the desire of our network and podcast to promote and preserve this very special day and to reflect upon the supreme sacrifice of the millions of patriots that have perished to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy today.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Topics&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In our youth, was  Memorial Day, any different than any other federal holiday to you?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What do you think when you hear or someone says, “Happy Memorial Day?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What types of activities did your family observe as a tradition, if any?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What influences in our upbringing guided us towards honoring those that gave the last full measure?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As military service Veterans, what do we desire our Nation to understand and do on Memorial Day?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As military service Veterans, discuss the meaning and importance of memorial Day to us.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you for listening!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Jim Klug - President of American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-klug-90b66480/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-klug-90b66480/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network and a Navy and Marine Veteran&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Steve Deaton - Co-Host and Interview Scout for American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to ...

Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's podcast is a special Memorial Day episode. On today's podcast I have Army Veterans Jim Klug, President of American Heroes Network and Steve Deaton, Co-Host for American Heroes Network.
 
Gentlemen thank you for joining today for this special episode.
 
 
American Heroes Network President, Jim Klug shares the desire of our network and podcast to promote and preserve this very special day and to reflect upon the supreme sacrifice of the millions of patriots that have perished to preserve the very freedoms we enjoy today.
 
Topics
 
In our youth, was  Memorial Day, any different than any other federal holiday to you?

 
What do you think when you hear or someone says, “Happy Memorial Day?”

 
What types of activities did your family observe as a tradition, if any?

 
What influences in our upbringing guided us towards honoring those that gave the last full measure?
 
As military service Veterans, what do we desire our Nation to understand and do on Memorial Day?

 
As military service Veterans, discuss the meaning and importance of memorial Day to us.

 
Thank you for listening!
 

Jim Klug - President of American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-klug-90b66480/
 

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network and a Navy and Marine Veteran
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/
 

Steve Deaton - Co-Host and Interview Scout for American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/

AHN-33 Memorial Day

Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.

You can follow Erik here
Websites
The U.S. Army Center of Military History: <a href='http://www.history.army.mil'>www.history.army.mil</a> (Erik created the WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War commemorative sections. Korea is coming in a few weeks)
 
LinkedIn: <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvillard/'>www.linkedin.com/in/erikvillard/</a>
 
Facebook- Erik's Digital Military Historian group:  <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/290634177756425/'>https://www.facebook.com/groups/290634177756425/</a>
Facebook- Erik's Vietnam War History Org group (over 36,000 members and a non-profit behind it): <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/431374360216330/'>https://www.facebook.com/groups/431374360216330/</a>
 
Twitter: @Erikhistorian
 
Erik also has a bunch of videos on YouTube from various events where he spoke at the National Archives and elsewhere. Here are four videos on CSPAN: <a href='https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard'>https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard</a>
 
Erik good afternoon and how are you doing today?
 
Erik I wanted to start off today by telling you why I think this episode is so important. Jim the President of American Heroes Network and the rest of his team feel as strongly about preserving history as you do! Jim often says that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history and he wants to make sure that doesn't happen. He was also a previous National Historian for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. So we believe in the preservation of history and we believe in your mission and wanted to be sure we share it with as many people as we can. Jim was also in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice, received a Purple Heart, and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive.
 
So Erik tell us about your earlier years, where you grew up, and what first made you interested in military history.
 
Where does the Doctor come in?
 
What made you focus so much interest specifically on the Vietnam War era?

 
You have been involved as a historical consultant in supporting several efforts specifically related to the Vietnam War such as the TV documentary "Raw War: The Lost Film of Dak To", the New York Historical Society's exhibit on the Vietnam War, and the TV documentary "The Vietnam War". Can you tell us about each of these projects?

Are there any others projects you have worked on that you would like to mention like your Google Earth project?
 
Tell us about the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which you created and manage in your spare time.

You have written a couple of books, can you tell us about each of them:
 
The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue
 
Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War
 
Erik tell us about your current job with the Army, what you do, how you enjoy it, and about the websites you are currently producing for the Army about WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War as well as the others you are planning to create to span the entire Army history.
 
How do you connect with the community and share history?

How can understanding history help veterans and others? 
 
Tell us your theory on Dungeons and Dragons.
 
What message would you like to give directly to transitioning military personnel and veterans?
 
Summary
A graduate of Occidental College and the University of Washington, Erik has worked at the U.S. Army Center of Military History since 2000 as a specialist in the Vietnam War. He is the world’s leading expert on the 1968 Tet Offensive and has written two books on the Vietnam War: "The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue" and "Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War".
In his personal time he manages the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which has grown to nearly 36,000 members since its inception in 2014.
His passion for history and specifically military history has lead him to develop an online visual database of the Vietnam War using Google Earth-based 4-D GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. The Google Earth project will layer (South) Vietnam with Photoshop-enhanced military maps, custom icons, contemporary photos, and colored shapes to identify all of the units, installations, lines of communication, terrain features, engagements, administrative boundaries, and any other information that a researcher might want to view.
One of his many goals is to develop a free, crowd-sourced database that will integrate all publicly available information about the Vietnam War for the benefit of veterans, active duty military personnel, simulation experts, educators, students, media organizations, travel groups, and the video gaming community. Erik just loves to help people.
 
Here is a link to his books:
<a href='https://www.amazon.com/Military-Erik-Villard-History/s?rh=n%3A5011%2Cp_27%3AErik+Villard'>https://www.amazon.com/Military-Erik-Villard-History/s?rh=n%3A5011%2Cp_27%3AErik+Villard</a>
 
Thank you for listening!
 

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/</a>
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Chaplain Candidate, Tampa Chapter Leader, & Expansion Team at Veterans For Worship
http://veteransforworship.net/
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

<description>&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;----more----&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can follow Erik here&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Websites&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The U.S. Army Center of Military History: &lt;a href='http://www.history.army.mil'&gt;www.history.army.mil&lt;/a&gt; (Erik created the WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War commemorative sections. Korea is coming in a few weeks)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;LinkedIn: &lt;a href='http://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvillard/'&gt;www.linkedin.com/in/erikvillard/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facebook- Erik's Digital Military Historian group:  &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/290634177756425/'&gt;https://www.facebook.com/groups/290634177756425/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facebook- Erik's Vietnam War History Org group (over 36,000 members and a non-profit behind it): &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/431374360216330/'&gt;https://www.facebook.com/groups/431374360216330/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Twitter: @Erikhistorian&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik also has a bunch of videos on YouTube from various events where he spoke at the National Archives and elsewhere. Here are four videos on CSPAN: &lt;a href='https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard'&gt;https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik good afternoon and how are you doing today?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik I wanted to start off today by telling you why I think this episode is so important. Jim the President of American Heroes Network and the rest of his team feel as strongly about preserving history as you do! Jim often says that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history and he wants to make sure that doesn't happen. He was also a previous National Historian for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. So we believe in the preservation of history and we believe in your mission and wanted to be sure we share it with as many people as we can. Jim was also in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice, received a Purple Heart, and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So Erik tell us about your earlier years, where you grew up, and what first made you interested in military history.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Where does the Doctor come in?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What made you focus so much interest specifically on the Vietnam War era?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You have been involved as a historical consultant in supporting several efforts specifically related to the Vietnam War such as the TV documentary "Raw War: The Lost Film of Dak To", the New York Historical Society's exhibit on the Vietnam War, and the TV documentary "The Vietnam War". Can you tell us about each of these projects?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Are there any others projects you have worked on that you would like to mention like your Google Earth project?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us about the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which you created and manage in your spare time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You have written a couple of books, can you tell us about each of them:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik tell us about your current job with the Army, what you do, how you enjoy it, and about the websites you are currently producing for the Army about WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War as well as the others you are planning to create to span the entire Army history.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How do you connect with the community and share history?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How can understanding history help veterans and others? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us your theory on Dungeons and Dragons.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What message would you like to give directly to transitioning military personnel and veterans?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Summary&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A graduate of Occidental College and the University of Washington, Erik has worked at the U.S. Army Center of Military History since 2000 as a specialist in the Vietnam War. He is the world’s leading expert on the 1968 Tet Offensive and has written two books on the Vietnam War: "The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue" and "Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War".&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In his personal time he manages the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which has grown to nearly 36,000 members since its inception in 2014.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;His passion for history and specifically military history has lead him to develop an online visual database of the Vietnam War using Google Earth-based 4-D GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. The Google Earth project will layer (South) Vietnam with Photoshop-enhanced military maps, custom icons, contemporary photos, and colored shapes to identify all of the units, installations, lines of communication, terrain features, engagements, administrative boundaries, and any other information that a researcher might want to view.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of his many goals is to develop a free, crowd-sourced database that will integrate all publicly available information about the Vietnam War for the benefit of veterans, active duty military personnel, simulation experts, educators, students, media organizations, travel groups, and the video gaming community. Erik just loves to help people.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here is a link to his books:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/Military-Erik-Villard-History/s?rh=n%3A5011%2Cp_27%3AErik+Villard'&gt;https://www.amazon.com/Military-Erik-Villard-History/s?rh=n%3A5011%2Cp_27%3AErik+Villard&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you for listening!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veteran Career Readiness &amp; Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach &amp; Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chaplain Candidate, Tampa Chapter Leader, &amp; Expansion Team at Veterans For Worship&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;http://veteransforworship.net/&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Associate Instructor at FourBlock&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4Vets&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mentor at Veterati&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Onward to Opportunity&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Operation Startup&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Veteran Connections Day&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes N...

Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is an Army Historian of the Vietnam War and the Digital Military Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History. I would like to welcome Dr. Erik Villard.

You can follow Erik here
Websites
The U.S. Army Center of Military History: www.history.army.mil (Erik created the WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War commemorative sections. Korea is coming in a few weeks)
 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erikvillard/
 
Facebook- Erik's Digital Military Historian group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/290634177756425/
Facebook- Erik's Vietnam War History Org group (over 36,000 members and a non-profit behind it): https://www.facebook.com/groups/431374360216330/
 
Twitter: @Erikhistorian
 
Erik also has a bunch of videos on YouTube from various events where he spoke at the National Archives and elsewhere. Here are four videos on CSPAN: https://www.c-span.org/person/?erikvillard
 
Erik good afternoon and how are you doing today?
 
Erik I wanted to start off today by telling you why I think this episode is so important. Jim the President of American Heroes Network and the rest of his team feel as strongly about preserving history as you do! Jim often says that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history and he wants to make sure that doesn't happen. He was also a previous National Historian for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. So we believe in the preservation of history and we believe in your mission and wanted to be sure we share it with as many people as we can. Jim was also in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice, received a Purple Heart, and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive.
 
So Erik tell us about your earlier years, where you grew up, and what first made you interested in military history.
 
Where does the Doctor come in?
 
What made you focus so much interest specifically on the Vietnam War era?

 
You have been involved as a historical consultant in supporting several efforts specifically related to the Vietnam War such as the TV documentary "Raw War: The Lost Film of Dak To", the New York Historical Society's exhibit on the Vietnam War, and the TV documentary "The Vietnam War". Can you tell us about each of these projects?

Are there any others projects you have worked on that you would like to mention like your Google Earth project?
 
Tell us about the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg which you created and manage in your spare time.

You have written a couple of books, can you tell us about each of them:
 
The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles Of Quang Tri City And Hue
 
Staying the Course: October 1967 to September 1968. U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War
 
Erik tell us about your current job with the Army, what you do, how you enjoy it, and about the websites you are currently producing for the Army about WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War as well as the others you are planning to create to span the entire Army history.
 
How do you connect with the community and share history?

How can understanding history help veterans and others? 
 
Tell us your theory on Dungeons and Dragons.
 
What message would you like to give directly to transitioning military personnel and v

AHN-32 with Erik Villard of U.S. Army Center of Military History

Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.

You can follow Michael here
 
Websites: <a href='http://www.NeverForgottenMedia.com'>www.NeverForgottenMedia.com</a>
LinikedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/</a>
Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/'>https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/</a>
YouTube: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw'>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw</a>
 
Michael thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
 
Michael before we just jump right into it I wanted to say I loved something personal I saw in your bio description that shows me you're enjoying life and you have a sense of humor. You said "when you're not knee-deep in pre-production you enjoy unicorn pony puppet shows with your three little princesses and your wife". That was really great so please tell us about your family and life at home right now. It sounds like you're loving it.
 
Tell us about when you joined the military, your rank and what job you did while you served Michael.
 
What was life like in the military for you? 
Mixed  - good and bad but for the most part 15 years of services that I miss. Close friends even when we hated each other and a struggle as a leader in combat with two little boys at home.
 
Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?
I transitioned twice, once from active duty then again after reserve duty back on active orders. Change is never easy, I don’t have it all figured out. But I find my best work helping others in their success.
 
Tell us... your story.
I grew up on the run as a kid, always finding new ways of problem solving. Served me very well in the Marine Corps and further refined my passion for helping other succeed. When I saw firsthand how storytelling can save a Marine, a veteran, and a future I jumped in with both feet. Switched my degree path and set out on a mission to help more veterans transition with learning the media arts as an employable skillset.
 
Tell us about your personal or company's mission.
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets as stepping stones in the forward movement of life.    
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
 
Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world? 
For the most past I would say yes. I think it is a combination of my childhood, growing up in the military, and living life.
 
Do you feel like you fit in?
Not really but that has been my whole life.
 
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?
Trying to fit in. Trying to start a corporate career.
 
How do you connect with the community?
Various veteran organizations, church, and just helping people.


 
What are you doing to help other Veterans? 
June 7 2020, LCA San Diego Career Exploration summit for Veterans with a disability, spouses and caregivers.
I have partnered with a program called Light! Camera! Access! that has been campaigning inclusion and producing events for individuals with disabilities in the media industry for the last 10 years to focus on veterans.
Calling all Veterans with disabilities who are aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and media professionals. We salute you and encourage you to apply to LCA Virtual Career Exploration Summit on Sunday, June 7th. Thanks to LCA Producers Steven Allen, President of PolicyWorks and Michael Wood, CEO of @NeverForgottenMedia - both disabled veterans. Check it out. Application deadline is May 21, at 8pm PT. Picture of cast and crew of the CBS TV series Seal Team, films a scene at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels.

<a href='https://forms.gle/UwPHPGxMJbkMSzQa8'>https://forms.gle/UwPHPGxMJbkMSzQa8</a>

 
What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?
Find a mentor and find another one. 
 
What if any significant military history fact or event would you like to share with us?
Success is superficial and the day we take things for granted, we lose another veteran.
“Chesty” Puller’s son, a decorated Marine Corps officer, Pulitzer prize winner, and created a life with his wife and two children after Vietnam; Lewis Puller Jr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot. “He suffered terrible wounds that never really healed" – Toddy Puller
 
Where can people find you if they want to reach out? 
 
Summary
Born in Colorado, grew up in Louisiana, and landed in California with the Marine Corps.
 
He got to see the world,
continually develop doing more with less,
and refined his passion for helping others achieve their success.
 
After returning from Iraq, Michael pivoted as a single dad of two boys to finish a degree he never planned to start: even with combat injuries and learning disabilities. Then after experiencing the cathartic power of storytelling while with wounded warriors, he took on a new mission.
 
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets that opens new doors that could not be see before.
 
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
 
When Michael is not knee-deep in pre-production or the edit bay, Michael now enjoys unicorn pony puppet shows with his three little princesses and his wife.
 
Thank you for listening!
 

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/</a>
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

<description>&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer &amp; Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder &amp; Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder &amp; Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;----more----&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer &amp; Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder &amp; Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder &amp; Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can follow Michael here&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Websites: &lt;a href='http://www.NeverForgottenMedia.com'&gt;www.NeverForgottenMedia.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;LinikedIn: &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facebook: &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/'&gt;https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;YouTube: &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw'&gt;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Michael thank you for serving and how are you doing today?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Michael before we just jump right into it I wanted to say I loved something personal I saw in your bio description that shows me you're enjoying life and you have a sense of humor. You said "when you're not knee-deep in pre-production you enjoy unicorn pony puppet shows with your three little princesses and your wife". That was really great so please tell us about your family and life at home right now. It sounds like you're loving it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us about when you joined the military, your rank and what job you did while you served Michael.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What was life like in the military for you? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mixed  - good and bad but for the most part 15 years of services that I miss. Close friends even when we hated each other and a struggle as a leader in combat with two little boys at home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I transitioned twice, once from active duty then again after reserve duty back on active orders. Change is never easy, I don’t have it all figured out. But I find my best work helping others in their success.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us... your story.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I grew up on the run as a kid, always finding new ways of problem solving. Served me very well in the Marine Corps and further refined my passion for helping other succeed. When I saw firsthand how storytelling can save a Marine, a veteran, and a future I jumped in with both feet. Switched my degree path and set out on a mission to help more veterans transition with learning the media arts as an employable skillset.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us about your personal or company's mission.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets as stepping stones in the forward movement of life.    &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For the most past I would say yes. I think it is a combination of my childhood, growing up in the military, and living life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Do you feel like you fit in?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not really but that has been my whole life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Trying to fit in. Trying to start a corporate career.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How do you connect with the community?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Various veteran organizations, church, and just helping people.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What are you doing to help other Veterans? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;June 7 2020, LCA San Diego Career Exploration summit for Veterans with a disability, spouses and caregivers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I have partnered with a program called Light! Camera! Access! that has been campaigning inclusion and producing events for individuals with disabilities in the media industry for the last 10 years to focus on veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Calling all Veterans with disabilities who are aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and media professionals. We salute you and encourage you to apply to LCA Virtual Career Exploration Summit on Sunday, June 7th. Thanks to LCA Producers Steven Allen, President of PolicyWorks and Michael Wood, CEO of @NeverForgottenMedia - both disabled veterans. Check it out. Application deadline is May 21, at 8pm PT. Picture of cast and crew of the CBS TV series Seal Team, films a scene at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;a href='https://forms.gle/UwPHPGxMJbkMSzQa8'&gt;https://forms.gle/UwPHPGxMJbkMSzQa8&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Find a mentor and find another one. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What if any significant military history fact or event would you like to share with us?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Success is superficial and the day we take things for granted, we lose another veteran.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Chesty” Puller’s son, a decorated Marine Corps officer, Pulitzer prize winner, and created a life with his wife and two children after Vietnam; Lewis Puller Jr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot. “He suffered terrible wounds that never really healed" – Toddy Puller&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Where can people find you if they want to reach out? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Summary&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Born in Colorado, grew up in Louisiana, and landed in California with the Marine Corps.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He got to see the world,&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;continually develop doing more with less,&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;and refined his passion for helping others achieve their success.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After returning from Iraq, Michael pivoted as a single dad of two boys to finish a degree he never planned to start: even with combat injuries and learning disabilities. Then after experiencing the cathartic power of storytelling while with wounded warriors, he took on a new mission.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets that opens new doors that could not be see before.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When Michael is not knee-deep in pre-production or the edit bay, Michael now enjoys unicorn pony puppet shows with his three little princesses and his wife.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you for listening!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veteran Career Readiness &amp; Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach &amp; Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Associate Instructor at FourBlock&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mentor at Veterati&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Onward to Opportunity&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Operation Startup&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Veteran Connections Day&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists tran...

Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor  to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.

You can follow Michael here
 
Websites: www.NeverForgottenMedia.com
LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw
 
Michael thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
 
Michael before we just jump right into it I wanted to say I loved something personal I saw in your bio description that shows me you're enjoying life and you have a sense of humor. You said "when you're not knee-deep in pre-production you enjoy unicorn pony puppet shows with your three little princesses and your wife". That was really great so please tell us about your family and life at home right now. It sounds like you're loving it.
 
Tell us about when you joined the military, your rank and what job you did while you served Michael.
 
What was life like in the military for you? 
Mixed  - good and bad but for the most part 15 years of services that I miss. Close friends even when we hated each other and a struggle as a leader in combat with two little boys at home.
 
Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?
I transitioned twice, once from active duty then again after reserve duty back on active orders. Change is never easy, I don’t have it all figured out. But I find my best work helping others in their success.
 
Tell us... your story.
I grew up on the run as a kid, always finding new ways of problem solving. Served me very well in the Marine Corps and further refined my passion for helping other succeed. When I saw firsthand how storytelling can save a Marine, a veteran, and a future I jumped in with both feet. Switched my degree path and set out on a mission to help more veterans transition with learning the media arts as an employable skillset.
 
Tell us about your personal or company's mission.
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets as stepping stones in the forward movement of life.    
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
 
Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world? 


AHN-30 with Michael Wood of Never Forgotten Media

Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.

 
You can follow Dan here
Websites: <a href='https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/'>https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/</a> and <a href='http://www.dannevins.com/'>http://www.dannevins.com/</a> and <a href='https://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/'>https://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/</a>
 
LinikedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/wounded-warrior-project/'>https://www.linkedin.com/company/wounded-warrior-project/</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannevins/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannevins/</a>
 
Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/wwp'>https://www.facebook.com/wwp</a> and <a href='https://www.facebook.com/thedannevins'>https://www.facebook.com/thedannevins</a>
Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/wwp/'>https://www.instagram.com/wwp/</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/dannevins/'>https://www.instagram.com/dannevins/</a>
Twitter: @wwp
 
Dan thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
 
So both you and I have a passion for helping veterans!
 
Dan lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury and the emotional wounds of war.  Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor.

 
Topics
 
Tell us about joining and what you did in the military Dan.
I joined out of high school and started as a paratrooper.
February 2004 when Dan deployed to Balad, Iraq, as a squad leader. Later that year, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After several years of recurring infections and countless surgeries, Dan chose to surgically remove his right leg as well, making him a bilateral amputee.

 
Transition from the military for you was unexpected and must have been incredibly hard for you, can you tell us about that time?
Dan spent 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in recovery. In his first days there, he received a backpack from Wounded Warrior Project, a care package that would greatly impact his personal and professional life. Following medical retirement in 2006, Dan relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he joined the staff of the PGA TOUR.
 
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life and how did you end up working for the PGA Tour?
 
Tell us about Wounded Warrior Project and how you personally got involved with them, what was in that backpack they gave you at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

 
I am a huge fan of Wounded Warrior Project and I know several people that work there in Florida, either at the headquarters in Jacksonville or the office in Tampa, which I was able to visit when they hosted IVMF's Onward To Opportunity program that I was part of.
You must be a big fan as well as you eventually joined their team and have worked in several positions, but before that you received their highest award, the George C. Lang Award for Courage. Tell us about that.
 
So Dan I think everyone knows about how Wounded Warrior Project gets Wounded Warriors out of the house and into the community where they can interact with each other at amazing events, but there is so much more to what they do at Wounded Warrior Project. First tell us what are the requirements to be part of the program?
 
Now let's talk about the rest of the amazing programs that Wounded Warrior Project has that people don't know about since they don't get the same visibility as the others. Let's start with the well know Veteran Outreach Program where veterans meet at events and enjoy some great activities.
Combat Stress Recovery Program, Project Odyssey, and the Warrior Care Network
Independence Program
Physical Health and Wellness
Warriors to Work
Soldier Ride
WWP Talk
Benefits
 
Dan aside from everything you do with WWP you also started in yoga and now teach yoga, tell us about that

 
Also tell us about Warrior Spirit Retreat
Set on a serene organic family farm in St. Augustine, Florida, the holistic retreat will offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and will be free of charge to veterans and their families.
 
What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?
 
Where can people find you if they want to reach out? 
 
Summary
Dan Nevins is a professional speaker who has been inspiring audiences around the world with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope for more than a decade, and has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, Fox News, CBS News and ABC News among others.
A highly decorated soldier, Dan was severely injured during combat in Iraq in 2004 after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle. He lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the emotional wounds of war.
Dan credits Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) with his successful rehabilitation, which instilled a “can-do” attitude, positive outlook, and passion for helping his fellow wounded warriors in him. He quickly became an advocate for the organization, inspiring both his peers and the public to create positive change for themselves and those around them, simply by sharing his powerful story. Dan’s charismatic personality and relatable, lively approach resonated with audiences of all shapes and sizes, and he soon found himself sharing his story with hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
In 2008, Dan received WWP’s highest honor, the George C. Lang Award for Courage, for his efforts on behalf of the organization. He went on to become the director of WWP’s Warriors Speak program, where he taught other wounded warriors and their caregivers how to share their stories with the public and serve as spokespeople for the organization, much like he had.

In 2014, Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga and meditation, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor. Dan began teaching yoga in 2015 and is now a Tier 3 Certified Baptiste Yoga Influencer. Dan incorporates the notion of “yoga for every-body” into his speeches and classes, encouraging people from all walks of life – and veterans in particular – to take up the practice.
Word of Dan’s efforts spread quickly, and he has been invited to teach yoga throughout the world, from the White House in Washington, DC to deployed service members in the Middle East as well as Africa Yoga Project in Nairobi, Kenya. Nowadays, when he’s not leading classes for hundreds of participants, Dan can usually be found sharing his passion for life, WWP, yoga and his fellow wounded warriors with the attendees of major events ranging from the Bank of America 500 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and  Stadium of Fire at BYU Stadium to the Wisdom 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.
Dan is continuously searching for new ways to help other veterans. He is passionate about his work with Wounded Warrior Project and <a href='http://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/'>Warrior Spirit Retreat</a>, a non-profit that he founded, which empowers warriors to greater possibilities by providing them with new tools for healing from the invisible wounds of war. The holistic retreats offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and are free of charge to veterans.
Dan is an incredible storyteller who integrates his own powerful and impactful story into a customized keynote or workshop that will inspire your organization with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope.   <a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=FYHHOXH9gF8'>Dan’s Speaker Reel</a>
 
Thank you for listening!
 

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/</a>
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

<description>&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;----more----&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can follow Dan here&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Websites: &lt;a href='https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/'&gt;https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='http://www.dannevins.com/'&gt;http://www.dannevins.com/&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/'&gt;https://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;LinikedIn: &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/wounded-warrior-project/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/company/wounded-warrior-project/&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannevins/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannevins/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facebook: &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/wwp'&gt;https://www.facebook.com/wwp&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/thedannevins'&gt;https://www.facebook.com/thedannevins&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instagram: &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/wwp/'&gt;https://www.instagram.com/wwp/&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/dannevins/'&gt;https://www.instagram.com/dannevins/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Twitter: @wwp&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan thank you for serving and how are you doing today?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So both you and I have a passion for helping veterans!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury and the emotional wounds of war.  Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Topics&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us about joining and what you did in the military Dan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I joined out of high school and started as a paratrooper.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;February 2004 when Dan deployed to Balad, Iraq, as a squad leader. Later that year, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After several years of recurring infections and countless surgeries, Dan chose to surgically remove his right leg as well, making him a bilateral amputee.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Transition from the military for you was unexpected and must have been incredibly hard for you, can you tell us about that time?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan spent 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in recovery. In his first days there, he received a backpack from Wounded Warrior Project, a care package that would greatly impact his personal and professional life. Following medical retirement in 2006, Dan relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he joined the staff of the PGA TOUR.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life and how did you end up working for the PGA Tour?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us about Wounded Warrior Project and how you personally got involved with them, what was in that backpack they gave you at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I am a huge fan of Wounded Warrior Project and I know several people that work there in Florida, either at the headquarters in Jacksonville or the office in Tampa, which I was able to visit when they hosted IVMF's Onward To Opportunity program that I was part of.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You must be a big fan as well as you eventually joined their team and have worked in several positions, but before that you received their highest award, the George C. Lang Award for Courage. Tell us about that.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So Dan I think everyone knows about how Wounded Warrior Project gets Wounded Warriors out of the house and into the community where they can interact with each other at amazing events, but there is so much more to what they do at Wounded Warrior Project. First tell us what are the requirements to be part of the program?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now let's talk about the rest of the amazing programs that Wounded Warrior Project has that people don't know about since they don't get the same visibility as the others. Let's start with the well know Veteran Outreach Program where veterans meet at events and enjoy some great activities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Combat Stress Recovery Program, Project Odyssey, and the Warrior Care Network&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Independence Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Physical Health and Wellness&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Warriors to Work&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soldier Ride&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;WWP Talk&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Benefits&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan aside from everything you do with WWP you also started in yoga and now teach yoga, tell us about that&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Also tell us about Warrior Spirit Retreat&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Set on a serene organic family farm in St. Augustine, Florida, the holistic retreat will offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and will be free of charge to veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Where can people find you if they want to reach out? &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Summary&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan Nevins is a professional speaker who has been inspiring audiences around the world with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope for more than a decade, and has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, Fox News, CBS News and ABC News among others.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A highly decorated soldier, Dan was severely injured during combat in Iraq in 2004 after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle. He lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the emotional wounds of war.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan credits Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) with his successful rehabilitation, which instilled a “can-do” attitude, positive outlook, and passion for helping his fellow wounded warriors in him. He quickly became an advocate for the organization, inspiring both his peers and the public to create positive change for themselves and those around them, simply by sharing his powerful story. Dan’s charismatic personality and relatable, lively approach resonated with audiences of all shapes and sizes, and he soon found himself sharing his story with hundreds of thousands of people around the world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2008, Dan received WWP’s highest honor, the George C. Lang Award for Courage, for his efforts on behalf of the organization. He went on to become the director of WWP’s Warriors Speak program, where he taught other wounded warriors and their caregivers how to share their stories with the public and serve as spokespeople for the organization, much like he had.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2014, Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga and meditation, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor. Dan began teaching yoga in 2015 and is now a Tier 3 Certified Baptiste Yoga Influencer. Dan incorporates the notion of “yoga for every-body” into his speeches and classes, encouraging people from all walks of life – and veterans in particular – to take up the practice.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Word of Dan’s efforts spread quickly, and he has been invited to teach yoga throughout the world, from the White House in Washington, DC to deployed service members in the Middle East as well as Africa Yoga Project in Nairobi, Kenya. Nowadays, when he’s not leading classes for hundreds of participants, Dan can usually be found sharing his passion for life, WWP, yoga and his fellow wounded warriors with the attendees of major events ranging from the Bank of America 500 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and  Stadium of Fire at BYU Stadium to the Wisdom 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan is continuously searching for new ways to help other veterans. He is passionate about his work with Wounded Warrior Project and &lt;a href='http://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/'&gt;Warrior Spirit Retreat&lt;/a&gt;, a non-profit that he founded, which empowers warriors to greater possibilities by providing them with new tools for healing from the invisible wounds of war. The holistic retreats offer a curriculum centered on yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and are free of charge to veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dan is an incredible storyteller who integrates his own powerful and impactful story into a customized keynote or workshop that will inspire your organization with his message of perseverance, resiliency and hope.   &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&amp;v=FYHHOXH9gF8'&gt;Dan’s Speaker Reel&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you for listening!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veteran Career Readiness &amp; Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach &amp; Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Associate Instructor at FourBlock&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mentor at Veterati&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Onward to Opportunity&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Operation Startup&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Veteran Connections Day&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project...

Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is an Army Combat Veteran who suffered severe injury due to an IED in Iraq. He transformed his life to serve in another way and helps veterans both physically and mentally. He is the Director of Warriors Speak at Wounded Warrior Project, and the Founder of the Warrior Spirit Retreat. I would like to welcome Dan Nevins.

 
You can follow Dan here
Websites: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ and http://www.dannevins.com/ and https://www.warriorspiritretreat.org/
 
LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wounded-warrior-project/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannevins/
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwp and https://www.facebook.com/thedannevins
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwp/ and https://www.instagram.com/dannevins/
Twitter: @wwp
 
Dan thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
 
So both you and I have a passion for helping veterans!
 
Dan lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury and the emotional wounds of war.  Dan discovered the life-changing power of yoga, which has enabled him to heal from the invisible wounds of war in a way that nothing else could. He quickly realized that other wounded warriors could benefit from yoga in the same way and knew he had to become an instructor.

 
Topics
 
Tell us about joining and what you did in the military Dan.
I joined out of high school and started as a paratrooper.
February 2004 when Dan deployed to Balad, Iraq, as a squad leader. Later that year, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After several years of recurring infections and countless surgeries, Dan chose to surgically remove his right leg as well, making him a bilateral amputee.

 
Transition from the military for you was unexpected and must have been incredibly hard for you, can you tell us about that time?
Dan spent 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in recovery. In his first days there, he received a backpack from Wounded Warrior Project, a care package that would greatly impact his personal and professional life. Following medical retirement in 2006, Dan relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he joined the staff of the PGA TOUR.
 
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life and how did you end up working for the PGA Tour?
 
Tell us about Wounded Warrior Project and how you personally got involved with them, what was in that backpack they gave you at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

 
I am a huge fan of Wounded Warrior Project and I know several people that work there in Florida, either at the headquarters in Jacksonville or the office in Tampa, which I was able to visit when they hosted IVMF's Onward To Opportunity program that I was part of.
You must be a big fan as well as you eventually joined their team and have worked in several positions, but before that you received their highest award, the Georg

AHN-29 with Dan Nevins of Wounded Warrior Project

Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.

 
You can follow Jon here
 
Website: <a href='http://www.westpointband.com'>www.westpointband.com</a> and <a href='https://www.westpointband.com/westpointmusicresearchcenter.html'>https://www.westpointband.com/westpointmusicresearchcenter.html</a>
LinikedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-crane-3b851a145/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-crane-3b851a145/</a>
Facebook: <a href='http://facebook.com/westpointband'>http://facebook.com/westpointband</a>
Instagram: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47
Twitter: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47
<a href='https://www.americansforthearts.org/users/20525'>https://www.americansforthearts.org/users/20525</a>
 
 
Jon thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
 
So Jon, you talk about working at the intersection of music, science, and media. I think we both feel that music is therapeutic and beneficial to health, happiness, ad healing. But you're on a mission to prove it. I look forward to talking about this today but first, we would like to get to know about you…
 
Topics
 
Tell us about your military career so far. Where are you from, when did you join, why did you join, and what did you do in the Army before you became part of the band.

Did you already have a personal love for music before joining the Army Band?
 
Tell me about the Army Bands Program focused on how music affects people across all domains.
 
I am stationed at West Point, NY where we have an Analytics Team and a Music Research Center.

How do you quantify and articulate music’s effects on Soldiers and its ability to connect those Soldiers to the public they defend?
 
Let's talk about music therapy, what it really means, and how it works.
 
Many who come back from ware are impacted for the rest of their life. Has your research shown that music has a health impact on veterans, especially for PTSD, TBI, and everyday stress relief?
 
In your article "Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military" you talk about the functional use of music in the military as well as traditional songs in the military for comfort and camaraderie. Can you explain how those shared musical experiences are vital to psychological and emotional recovery after war.
 
I know Military Musicians were recently awarded the National Medal of the Arts by the President. Can you tell us about that?
 
You wrote another article called "Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum". Can you talk about how sound could influence the mind, body, and spirit and how early in military history music would bring comfort to soldiers who had been injured?
 
How are you currently impacting the active-duty military with your research and have you also been able to make an impact in the community of post-service veterans and their families?
 
You talked about the increased need for creative arts therapies. With the pandemic we are currently facing do you think these things can help now with all the anxiety in the nation?
 
How can someone get started?
 
What advice do you have for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families when it comes to music or other forms of therapy and how they can make an impact in lives at a time when everyone is home together, schools are shut down, and life is anything but normal?
 
Cadet rock band, starting a band?

How would you like to be contacted if people want to reach out?
 
Jon's articles and other links
Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum
<a href='https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/26/music-engagement-for-health-and-wellness-across-the-military-continuum'>https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/26/music-engagement-for-health-and-wellness-across-the-military-continuum</a>
 
Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military
<a href='https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/08/music-bonds-veterans-across-generations-the-essential-role-of-music-in-the-military'>https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/08/music-bonds-veterans-across-generations-the-essential-role-of-music-in-the-military</a>
 
Recent Article Jon wrote for the AGCRA
<a href='https://www.agcra.com/army-bands-keep-us-connected/'>https://www.agcra.com/army-bands-keep-us-connected/</a>
 
NEA Creative Forces Initiative- <a href='https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/creative-forces'>https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/creative-forces</a>
 
SoundHealth- <a href='https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/sound-health/'>https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/sound-health/</a>
 
Italians Singing during Lockdown- <a href='https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shows-quarantined-italians-singing-together-from-their-windows-while-country-is-on-lockdown/'>https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shows-quarantined-italians-singing-together-from-their-windows-while-country-is-on-lockdown/</a>
 
Institute for Music and Neurologic Function- <a href='https://www.imnf.org/'>https://www.imnf.org/</a>
 
 
Thank you for listening!
 

Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network
<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/</a>
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79

<description>&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;----more----&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can follow Jon here&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Website: &lt;a href='http://www.westpointband.com'&gt;www.westpointband.com&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.westpointband.com/westpointmusicresearchcenter.html'&gt;https://www.westpointband.com/westpointmusicresearchcenter.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;LinikedIn: &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-crane-3b851a145/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-crane-3b851a145/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facebook: &lt;a href='http://facebook.com/westpointband'&gt;http://facebook.com/westpointband&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instagram: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Twitter: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.americansforthearts.org/users/20525'&gt;https://www.americansforthearts.org/users/20525&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Jon thank you for serving and how are you doing today?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So Jon, you talk about working at the intersection of music, science, and media. I think we both feel that music is therapeutic and beneficial to health, happiness, ad healing. But you're on a mission to prove it. I look forward to talking about this today but first, we would like to get to know about you…&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Topics&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell us about your military career so far. Where are you from, when did you join, why did you join, and what did you do in the Army before you became part of the band.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Did you already have a personal love for music before joining the Army Band?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tell me about the Army Bands Program focused on how music affects people across all domains.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I am stationed at West Point, NY where we have an Analytics Team and a Music Research Center.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How do you quantify and articulate music’s effects on Soldiers and its ability to connect those Soldiers to the public they defend?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let's talk about music therapy, what it really means, and how it works.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many who come back from ware are impacted for the rest of their life. Has your research shown that music has a health impact on veterans, especially for PTSD, TBI, and everyday stress relief?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In your article "Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military" you talk about the functional use of music in the military as well as traditional songs in the military for comfort and camaraderie. Can you explain how those shared musical experiences are vital to psychological and emotional recovery after war.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I know Military Musicians were recently awarded the National Medal of the Arts by the President. Can you tell us about that?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You wrote another article called "Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum". Can you talk about how sound could influence the mind, body, and spirit and how early in military history music would bring comfort to soldiers who had been injured?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How are you currently impacting the active-duty military with your research and have you also been able to make an impact in the community of post-service veterans and their families?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You talked about the increased need for creative arts therapies. With the pandemic we are currently facing do you think these things can help now with all the anxiety in the nation?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How can someone get started?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What advice do you have for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families when it comes to music or other forms of therapy and how they can make an impact in lives at a time when everyone is home together, schools are shut down, and life is anything but normal?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Cadet rock band, starting a band?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How would you like to be contacted if people want to reach out?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Jon's articles and other links&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/26/music-engagement-for-health-and-wellness-across-the-military-continuum'&gt;https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/26/music-engagement-for-health-and-wellness-across-the-military-continuum&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/08/music-bonds-veterans-across-generations-the-essential-role-of-music-in-the-military'&gt;https://www.americansforthearts.org/2019/11/08/music-bonds-veterans-across-generations-the-essential-role-of-music-in-the-military&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Recent Article Jon wrote for the AGCRA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.agcra.com/army-bands-keep-us-connected/'&gt;https://www.agcra.com/army-bands-keep-us-connected/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt;NEA Creative Forces Initiative- &lt;a href='https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/creative-forces'&gt;https://www.arts.gov/national-initiatives/creative-forces&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt;SoundHealth- &lt;a href='https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/sound-health/'&gt;https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/sound-health/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt;Italians Singing during Lockdown- &lt;a href='https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shows-quarantined-italians-singing-together-from-their-windows-while-country-is-on-lockdown/'&gt;https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shows-quarantined-italians-singing-together-from-their-windows-while-country-is-on-lockdown/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt;Institute for Music and Neurologic Function- &lt;a href='https://www.imnf.org/'&gt;https://www.imnf.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="margin:0in;font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you for listening!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veteran Career Readiness &amp; Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach &amp; Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Associate Instructor at FourBlock&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mentor at Veterati&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Onward to Opportunity&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Operation Startup&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speaker at Veteran Connections Day&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show h...

Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.
----more----
Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
 
Today's guest is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Two in the Army and was the Company Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps Band. He now holds a role as a research analyst for the U.S. Army Band Program. Through research he wants to show how music impacts soldiers. I would like to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Two Jonathan Crane.

 
You can follow Jon here
 
Website: www.westpointband.com and https://www.westpointband.com/westpointmusicresearchcenter.html
LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-crane-3b851a145/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/westpointband
Instagram: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47
Twitter: @WestPointBand and @kontrabass47
https://www.americansforthearts.org/users/20525
 
 
Jon thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
 
So Jon, you talk about working at the intersection of music, science, and media. I think we both feel that music is therapeutic and beneficial to health, happiness, ad healing. But you're on a mission to prove it. I look forward to talking about this today but first, we would like to get to know about you…
 
Topics
 
Tell us about your military career so far. Where are you from, when did you join, why did you join, and what did you do in the Army before you became part of the band.

Did you already have a personal love for music before joining the Army Band?
 
Tell me about the Army Bands Program focused on how music affects people across all domains.
 
I am stationed at West Point, NY where we have an Analytics Team and a Music Research Center.

How do you quantify and articulate music’s effects on Soldiers and its ability to connect those Soldiers to the public they defend?
 
Let's talk about music therapy, what it really means, and how it works.
 
Many who come back from ware are impacted for the rest of their life. Has your research shown that music has a health impact on veterans, especially for PTSD, TBI, and everyday stress relief?
 
In your article "Music Bonds Veterans Across Generations: The Essential Role of Music in the Military" you talk about the functional use of music in the military as well as traditional songs in the military for comfort and camaraderie. Can you explain how those shared musical experiences are vital to psychological and emotional recovery after war.
 
I know Military Musicians were recently awarded the National Medal of the Arts by the President. Can you tell us about that?
 
You wrote another article called "Music Engagement for Health and Wellness Across the Military Continuum". Can you talk about how sound could influence the mind, body, and spirit and how early in military history music would bring comfort to soldiers who had been injured?
 
How are you currently impacting the active-duty military with your research and have you also been able to make an impact in the community of post-service veterans and their families?
 
You talked about the increased need for creative arts therapies. With the pandemic we are currently facing do you thin

AHN-28 with CW2 Jonathan Crane on Music In The Military

“Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom”

The American Heroes Network Podcast

Details

Recent Episodes