We're back!
Deavon and I go right into discussing our recent life changes that led to us being off the air and how they led us to recording yet again. We dive into the idea that our transition out of the military was almost a decade ago at this point and looking back it seems less of a challenge than our more recent ones.
The conversation is pretty freeform, but should be enjoyable!
A little late in sharing this story, but I'm happy I got to tell it. I got to serve next to amazing Americans who all on their own volition drove and flew down to Texas to help in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. I'm truly honored that I got to join the teams from Mountain Primal Meat Co. and Merging Vets with Players in bringing aid to the Beaumont, TX area.
Deavon runs the interview on this one, and we cover:
Jeremy Starr always knew he wanted to serve his community and during high school he made the decision to join the ranks of the United States Marines. He wanted to help in the Global War on Terrorism and ended up serving two tours in Iraq with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, as a mortarman within the Weapons Company.
His active duty service would not be his only call to duty. After leaving the Marine Corps he decided to pursue a career as a firefighter, eventually starting his career in Milwaukee, his hometown. Now, he's recently been promoted to lieutenant of Special Teams, where he trains for urban rescue operations. On top of that, he's still serving in the Marine Corps reserves, which he joined two years after leaving the active service.
In this episode Jeremy and I discuss the important of finding your "why," not just in life, but in your everyday decisions. We tackle the challenges of feeling like the old guy amongst younger peers, and the loss of the "I've got your 6" mentality that is bred into your as a Marine.
Here are some links to important topics we discuss on the show:
The book The Tribe, by Sebastian Junger.
The MEPS Triangle (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual). I couldn't actually find a solid lead on this concept but I did find an amazing speaker, Andrew Wittman, who speaks with retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Folchetti about the concept.
The Paddy Brown Program which "provides support and financial assistance to post-9/11 veterans ensuring they have the resources needed to transition into civilian life."
Looking for top notch t-shirts made specifically for veterans by veterans? Visit Inkfidel now and get your hands one some great looking and fitting clothing. www.inkfidel.com
In this episode of Veteranology Marine Corps infantry veteran Liam Fuller shares his story of leaving the Corps, finding his next path, and building a business that not just benefits him, but the lives of his employees as well.
Liam has built Blackguard Customs LLC, a custom metal & wood fabrication shop that specializes in functional works of art. Under his leadership and with the help and guidance of many friends, family members, and mentors the company grown into a great success. He didn't start off with the goal of building this business, and he didn't know it'd become as big as it is now when he got started.
Top quote from the episode:
"It's not about the dollar at the end of the day, it's about the quality of life for my staff and my family."
If you would like to contact Liam or purchase Blackguard Customs products you can visit the website here: http://blackguard-customs.myshopify.com/
To learn more about the Cpl. Chad Eric Oligschlager Foundation for PTSD and difference it is making in the lives of our troops and veterans: http://www.cplchado.org/
Looking for top notch t-shirt made specifically for the veterans by veterans? Visit Inkfidel now and get your hands one some great looking and fitting clothing. www.inkfidel.com
Redmond Ramos is a former FMF Navy Corpsman and founder of Redmond Ramos STS, where is he continues to serve as a motivational speaker. During a deployment to Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, where he joined up with the marines and sailors as a combat replacement, Redmond was struck by an IED, severely injuring his left leg. After failed attempts to save his leg he decided to have the medical staff perform a below-the-knee amputation.
Shortly after Redmond has his leg removed he continued his fight through physical therapy. He was not about to be stopped by his injury, nor let it define him. It would merely become a part of who he was. He began to train for the Warrior Games, an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill and injured service members. He doesn't stop there and his incredible story is one of the greatest Veteranology has gotten to host to this point.
Redmond Ramos STS - http://www.redmondramos.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redmondramos.com
The Travis Manion Foundation: http://www.travismanion.org/
The DoD Warrior Games: http://warriorgames.dodlive.mil/
Challenged Athletes Foundation: http://www.challengedathletes.org/
This episode of Veteranology is with Travis Blair, an Army with 10 years active duty and now serving his second year in the Texas National Guard. Travis is currently a special education teacher at the elementary level and has now written his first children's book. When I asked him if he considered himself an entrepreneur he said he liked to use his father's words and calls himself a "Stuff-Maker."
Travis got told "no" a lot while trying to publish his first book and he shares his wisdom about persistence and determination. My favorite quote from the episode: "But if you feel it's something that you want, do not let anyone take it from you."
Travis also shares his belief in the importance of community and urges veterans to not only tend to their military relationships on social media but to put effort into building and fostering new relationships in your local area.
If you'd like to help fund his Kickstarter there are still a few days left to get yourself an early copy of his book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2140811709/the-knitting-chicken
If you would like to reach out to Travis you can do so on Twitter: @Zarf
Intro Links:
Inkfidel: www.inkfidel.com
Don't forget to use coupon code Veteranology at checkout for 10% off your order!
Veteranology survey: http://goo.gl/forms/s79vY9BBGJ