Military Retirement Podcast

John and Vic welcome former Marine T Shane Johnson, co-owner of Big Guns Coffee, for an extraordinary conversation that blends entrepreneurship, extreme physical challenge, and the power of family purpose.Shane shares the incredible story of building the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S. with his daughter, Charlie, and how he leverages his experiences—including a near-death incident and multiple world record runs—to serve the veteran community.Key Topics and Takeaways:Building Big Guns Coffee: Shane shares how a conversation with his daughter led to building an American-grown and American-made coffee company focused on supporting veterans and revitalizing rural American farming communities [13:18].The Power of the Marine Mindset: Shane discusses how the core Marine lesson of never quitting provides an unmatched competitive advantage in the civilian and business world [27:52].From Death to Dedication: Shane opens up about a nearly fatal incident early in his career where he flatlined three times. He describes the profound choice to live—and the commitment to paying "rent" for his second chance through continuous service to others [33:46].Father-Daughter Leadership: Learn Shane's unique philosophy on raising his daughter as his business co-owner, teaching her confidence, business acumen, and public speaking by allowing her to pitch big-box retailers [18:03], [30:16].World Records and Service: Shane details his incredible physical feats, including running across America four times and breaking the 12-hour push-up world record, all done to raise awareness and funds for veteran and homeless causes [49:14], [53:30].Entrepreneurship and the Veteran Gap: Shane passionately addresses the need for better funding and mentorship for veteran entrepreneurs, arguing that their proven track record of managing high-stakes missions makes them a guaranteed investment [24:31], [01:07:08].Mentioned Resources & Updates:Big Guns Coffee: Find their American-grown coffee, including the "Motivator" and "Charlie" blends, in Sprouts stores nationwide starting May 2025: https://www.bigguns.coffee/ [01:29:40]Frontline to Farm Program: A program at Appalachian State that helps veterans learn agricultural skills, which Shane is using to train future coffee farmers [58:57].Coursera Certification: Veterans and Active Duty can get free, valuable certifications (like Google Analytics or IT Support) through organizations like the USO or VTS (Veterans Transition Services) [09:20].Veteran Honors Ceremony: Vic shares information on a plaque dedication ceremony for Medal of Honor recipient Gunner Sergeant John Basilone in La Jolla, CA, on February 19th [01:33:11].#VeteransHelpingVeterans #MilitaryToCivilian #MilitaryCoffee---------If you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

John and Vic are joined by special guest Dr. Frank Forgnoni, an experienced Optometrist and Army LTC Reservist, for a critical discussion on preventative health—specifically, eye and vision care for veterans and their families.Dr. Forgnoni shares his decades of expertise, breaking down common vision myths, explaining the importance of early intervention, and discussing specialized treatments for service members.In this episode, we cover:The Power of Preventative Vision Care: Dr. Forgnoni explains his motto, "Better Vision for Better Living," and highlights the importance of regular eye exams, discussing topics like vision therapy and light therapy [19:15].Vision and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Learn how blast injuries and other trauma can disrupt vision pathways and why vision therapy is a key part of the recovery team for many service members [22:08].Digital Eye Strain & The 20-20-20 Rule: With everyone spending more time on devices, get actionable tips—like taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look 20 feet away—to reduce eye strain and prolong vision health [24:03]. We also discuss the use of blue light blockers and their proper timing [34:39].Presbyopia and Aging Vision: Understand why vision changes around the age of 40 and the difference between various lens options like progressives and multifocals, as well as what to look for in lens quality [25:04].VA and Surgery Coverage: Dr. Forgnoni addresses audience questions about whether the VA covers eye surgery (like LASIK/refractive surgery vs. medically necessary procedures) and natural supplements for eye health [43:40], [51:19].Crucial Veteran Updates: John and Vic open the episode by discussing current events, including the impacts of the federal hiring freeze and return-to-work executive orders on the veteran and federal workforce [06:38]. Dr. Forgnoni also shares his personal experience in pursuing a VA claim for Long COVID-related conditions [01:32:34].Links and Resources Mentioned:Dr. Frank Forgnoni's Website (Endearing Endeavors): Check out his books, resources, and doctor locators for vision therapy: https://endearingendevors.com [59:43]Undercover Clip: Vic shares his functional invention for carrying eyewear in military covers [01:41:05].Syracuse University IVMF: Information on no-cost Google Cyber Security and Six Sigma certificates for veterans and military spouses [01:46:07].

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic celebrate reaching 1,000 subscribers and discuss the challenges of modern media and recruiting. The highlight of the show is an interview with Rudy Muriel, a veteran and Outreach & Recruitment Specialist for the federal government. Rudy provides invaluable, demystified advice for veterans and military spouses looking to land a federal job.The discussion covers a range of topics including:The "three gatekeepers" of the federal hiring process and why a good resume is about more than just keywords [01:25:54].The biggest hurdles veterans face, such as translating military experience into civilian language, and practical solutions for overcoming them [18:21].Insights into how the federal government views an applicant's military rank versus their actual skills and knowledge [22:15].The VOW Act and how it allows transitioning service members to be onboarded for a federal job up to 120 days before their separation date, preventing a gap in pay [01:20:28].The surprising ability to negotiate a higher starting salary in certain federal jobs [56:57].Rudy’s advice for military spouses on finding and applying for federal positions, even without a resume [01:27:01].How to get free help and training from Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and local employment offices upon landing in a new community [34:01].This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the transition to a civilian career, offering practical, expert advice that goes far beyond what is typically covered in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).Key Timestamps:[00:46] The Military Retirement Podcast hits 1,000 subscribers and discusses future goals.[13:37] Introduction of guest Rudy Muriel, a federal government Outreach and Recruitment Specialist.[18:21] The biggest hurdle for veterans in federal hiring: identifying and translating transferable skills.[22:15] Dispelling the myth of military rank equivalency in federal pay grades.[34:01] The crucial role of Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOPs) counselors.[56:57] How to negotiate a higher step or salary for federal positions.[01:03:04] The importance of "buying back" military time for your federal retirement plan.[01:20:28] Explanation of the VOW Act and its benefits for new hires.[01:25:54] The "Three Gatekeepers" of the USAJOBS application process.[01:32:35] How and where to find Rudy Muriel's workshops and resources.Resources Mentioned:Rudy Muriel's LinkedIn: For job seekers and those interested in his workshops. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-m-165a0515/USAJOBS: The official website for federal employment. https://usajobs.govThe VOW Act: For transitioning service members to get onboarded early. https://www.benefits.va.gov/vow/Military Retirement Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroupPortraits for Patriots: An organization that provides free professional photos for transitioning veterans. https://portraitsforpatriots.org/Operation Headshot: An alternative organization offering similar services and photography education for veterans. https://www.operationheadshot.com/

In this comprehensive episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic welcome Jane Babcock, a veteran and expert educator on VA benefits. Jane, with over a decade of experience helping thousands of veterans and widows, uncovers some of the most underutilized but crucial benefits available.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the Wartime Veteran and Surviving Spouse's Pension, a powerful but often overlooked program that can provide significant financial support. Jane clarifies eligibility, income thresholds, and how this benefit can make a huge difference, especially for older veterans and widows.

The conversation then moves to recent updates and critical advice for navigating VA claims:

New PACT Act Conditions: Learn about the four new conditions signed by the president, specifically related to urinary and kidney cancers, and how to expedite claims for terminal diagnoses like ALS.

The Neer Claim & Back Pay: Jane explains this landmark Supreme Court case that led to substantial back pay for Agent Orange veterans and even their surviving family members.

Understanding VA Claims & Nexus Letters: Get expert advice on what to do when your claim is denied, the importance of reading VA letters, gathering evidence (including "buddy statements"), and when it's time to consider a lawyer.

VA Healthcare Access: Discover how veterans can utilize VA healthcare even with private insurance, including walk-in clinics and emergency room visits covered under the COMPACT Act.

Caregiver Support & Aid and Attendance: Jane outlines benefits for caregivers, including potential compensation and assistance for daily living tasks.

DD214 Importance: Learn why certain copies of your DD214 are crucial and how Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can help retrieve lost records.

This episode is packed with invaluable information, practical tips, and powerful stories designed to empower veterans and their families to access the benefits they've earned.

Key Timestamps:

[00:11:11] The most unused veteran benefit: Wartime Veteran and Surviving Spouse's Pension.

[00:17:01] New conditions added under the PACT Act (urinary/kidney cancers, secondary conditions from SSRIs).

[00:18:45] Reassurance that VA ratings are generally not reduced unless fraud occurred.

[00:19:13] How to expedite VA claims for terminal diagnoses (e.g., ALS, late-stage cancers).

[00:21:16] The crucial role of Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in filing and expediting claims.

[00:25:45] Explanation of the Neer claim and its impact on retroactive benefits for Agent Orange exposure.

[00:32:13] Understanding "Blue Water" Agent Orange exposure and qualifying ships.

[00:36:38] When to consider getting a lawyer for your VA claim and the importance of Nexus letters.

[00:47:44] Advice on honestly describing pain during VA medical exams (CMP exams).

[00:51:13] Insights into the VA rating process and why you rarely speak directly to a rater.

[00:58:16] Information on adaptive housing grants and VA-provided hearing aids.

[01:07:25] Caregiver support, Aid and Attendance benefits, and resources like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

[01:13:06] Clarification on getting extra GI Bill months and the VA Education Benefits phone number.

[01:16:41] Importance of DD214 and how VSOs can help retrieve it.

[01:22:38] Advice for Desert Shield/Storm veterans denied benefits multiple times.

[01:29:06] Using VA Healthcare even with private insurance, including the COMPACT Act.

Resources:

Jane Babcock (Veteran Benefits Educator) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebabcock/

Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF): https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/

Grant Chatter (YouTube Channel): For information on grants available to veterans and civilians. @grantchatter

Elizabeth Dole Foundation: For military and veteran caregiver support: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

Military Retirement Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup