Retired Marine Major, and #1 Best Selling author of Echo in Ramadi reached out to me to touch base with the #YearOfTheVet family, and fill us in on what he’s been up to since the last conversation between us!

Echo in Ramadi, describes Scott’s account during the winter of 2006 through the spring of 2007, where two-hundred-fifty Marines from Echo Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines fought daily in the dangerous, dense city streets of Ramadi, Iraq during the Multi-National Forces Surge ordered by President George W. Bush. The Marines' mission: to kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces. Their experience: like being in Hell.

During his career spanning ten deployments, he operated in over 60 countries worldwide. Throughout his numerous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa he planned, led, and conducted hundreds of combat missions under some of the most austere and challenging conditions.

Scott is a published author since 2005. Echo in Ramadi is a snapshot in time that changed the face of operations on the battlefield; a captivating story of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Second Battle of Ramadi in support of the Multi-National Forces (MNF) Surge Strategy in 2006. His true-life account provides keen insights into what may be an unfamiliar world to readers, but very familiar to those, like Scott, who lived it and endured this historic fight.

On this episode of #YearOfTheVet, we welcome Travis Collier to the show! Travis joins us as a Keynote Speaker, a Transition Coach/Advisor, and Organizational Performance Consultant, and most recently the author of, "Command Your Transition: Declare Your Intent, Craft Your Mission, Make it on the Outside."


Travis brings a unique perspective on transition, being that Lieutenant Commander Collier is still active duty in the Coast Guard, during the time of this conversation. Thinking that he was going to accept early retirement, Travis had gone through the mental and physical motions of military to civilian transition, and through his process—he was able to notice some key elements missing in the generic exit classes, and decided to write the book that he wishes he could have during transition.

Show Notes
During this conversation we hit some key elements of his book such as:
- When is the right time to start thinking about your transition back into to the civilian world
- How to set yourself up for success in both the military and the civilian side
- Networking
- How long you should take to unwind from the service, and
- How long you should expect to be on your job search for the salary you believe you are worth.

There is so much more spoken about in this conversation, and I expect that everyone will pull something from it.

I'm honored to introduce the first non-Marine to the show, and a hero on and off the proverbial battlefield—Andrew Nathan Pierce, Esq..

Andrew served his country in a time of war and continues to serve his country, by serving his community as a Legislative/Executive Assistant to the City Council of Edmonds, Washington. No more than 45 days into his new position, he was recognized for his hard work and dedication to his craft, and he credits that to his military mindset, but most of all—the support from his family to chase the fight.

Andrew served his country in a time of war, and continues to serve his country, by serving his community as a Legislative/Executive Assistant to the City Council of Edmonds, Washington. No more than 45 days into his new position, he was recognized for his hard work and dedication to his craft, and he credits that to his military mindset, but most of all—the support from his family to chase the fight.

Our conversation can be summed up in two words, and that's... Process Improvement—for he mentions it as a term to label his profession, however the term itself has a home in the overall theme of all that is introduced in this episode of #YearOfTheVet!

In our conversation we venture into a quick discussion on voting responsibilities, marijuana use, mentorship, and learning to 'Fail Fast' in order to succeed.

From a 19D Calvary Scout Recon in the Army, to pursuing his dream in the City of Angeles, Ozzy Ramirez joins the #YearOfTheVet family to deeply share his experiences leading into the man he’s become today.

Life has always been a journey for Oz, literally, as Ozzy recounts hiding in a truck driven by hired smugglers, across the border into a life away from corrupted government and the cartel. Moving all across California in his youth, Oz found himself finally settling down in Riverside in the 6th grade, only to find himself becoming the man of the house and the mentor to 3 young men at the age of 16—when his father walked away from his family.

The Guadalajaran—and self-proclaimed nerd, found himself teaching himself Jujitsu via VHS (remember those), and from those moments, he learned what it meant to be confident.

That confidence carried over into the Army, where he held his own in hand-to-hand combat, as well as behind the rifle—and then into casting calls and in the spotlight in theatrical shows like “Basketball Diaries.”

Ozzy shares his passions and his goals with me in this conversation, and has a call for action for those looking to get out the military soon: Prepare if you can, Start a business if you can, and Separate yourself from the pack, by starting fresh in a new place… if you can.

--------------------
Show Notes
--------------------

 Pre-Army Oz (7:15)

 Working on “The American Accent” (9:06)

 The Dojo of Riverside (9:58)

 Immigrating to America (17:33)

 Having to become the Man of the House (21:03)

 All roads lead to the Army (23:33)

 Oz apologizes to his mother (26:14)

 Role-modeling to 3 younger brothers (27:47)

 Life in Green (29:41)

 Oz confirms that the DMZ is one of the craziest fucking places, EVER! (30:33)

 The Transition: All roads leave to… Barstow??? (32:51)

 Battling the Bottle (41:48)

 How Life stopped Death (45:44)

 Opening Pandora’s Box (48:05)

 Sticking with vulnerability (50:09)

 All-in (52:35)

 I could be the serial… rapist (54:53)

 My personal stint in “THE INDUSTRY” (56:27)

 The difference(s) between theatre and film (58:57)

 Hollywood is embracing the veteran community right now… but you’re not entitled to success (1:01:03)

 Becoming an overnight success (1:00:00)

 An actor’s struggle with “no” (1:05:03)

 Taking the suit off and being in your own skin (1:09:18)

 They’re just human beings who have a job (1:15:23)

 Ozzy Ramirez: Making Nerds Sexy… (1:15:49)

 We got to Mars… (1:19:08)

 For those getting out… (1:22:14)

--------------------
Shout Outs:
--------------------

Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans

Rommel Dunbar

Suzanne Kent

Anthony Montez

Hector

American Legion Post 43

Joe Sapien joins the #YearOfTheVet family to seemingly just have a good time on the mic! I brought Joe in to talk purely about veteran benefits and to break some myths, but before record was even pressed, Joe and I had already had about 20-30 minutes of quality off-air time that felt like two friends meeting up after a long weekend to fill each other in; and I feel that as you listen, you’ll begin to feel the same way.

Joe is a Veteran Service Officer with California Vet (that’s a VSO for CALVet if you’re hip with the lingo), and he has made a name for himself as one of the go-to guys in the system, that will be upfront with you, work hard for you… but most importantly—really give a shit about whether or not you leave his office satisfied (or at least with the next step to satisfaction).

Outside of the show notes below, there isn’t much more to pre-load you with—but I do want to let you know… TAKE HIM UP with reaching out to him to have your questions answered about anything veteran benefits. BUT ALL I ASK OF YOU if you do take him up on the offer of reaching out to him… Please please please send an email with as much information as you can provide… as much and as honest information as you can, because the easier you make it for him to help you, I promise the process will go easier than if you don’t.

Here’s the show notes of our conversation and his contact info hidden in there somewhere so that you have to read it all!

AND...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Show Notes
Costa is THE DUDE… I’m just the “co-host.” (5:25)

The ripples involved with getting people their claims no matter the era of vet, or backstory of the past. (6:05)

“We’re talk suck it up deal with it, I believe 80% of the stuff hasn’t been reported” Tying the dots of a undocumented past. (6:35)

Signed up with the Army on April’s Day 2001. “Where are all these drunk pilots coming from?” (8:15)

Joe’s thoughts on Operation Iraqi Freedom. (11:55)

Joe’s outlook on people. (14:05)

The wild wild of transition. (15:56)

How I got my birthday shoes…(19:45)

Joe’s gripe with suits. (21:09) (1:56:06)

Judging a book by its cover. (22:02)

Conversations I’m bringing back from the California DAV conference. (25:00)

Vets taking care of vets, “the only way we can keep the VA on a straight line, is if we keep ourselves in a straight line. (26:45)

The VA Benefit talk starts… listen to this if you’re not receiving VA benefits. (27:24)

Why it’s important to go get seen for certain issues like sleep apnea, and now in the news… Anthrax. (29:28)

Joe’s good and all… but he has some flaws too. (32:30)

“I’m Good to Go…” (36:07)

Joe’s case load, and success rate… (37:45)

Joe talks about pushing through and filing your claims, getting out of the mindset of “give it to somebody that deserves it.” (40:20)

Joe’s call to action: Let’s link up as veterans and be as big as the NRA, where we will stand up as one veteran in times where vets need support. (43:12)

I’m really just “Joe.” Joe starts to talk about how he became the guy, who like Madonna, people know solely by first name basis. (46:11)

The one grudge that Joe holds dear to his heart… (49:17)

“Why not? Let them say no.” Joe talks about applying to jobs he wasn’t qualified for… ultimately landing his county job (50:52)

**Always do the right thing, because you never know who know’s who… it’s a small world… the same thing happened to me with Mark Manculich…”

The time when Joe was the Veteran of the Game at Dodger stadium (56:45)

Humble beginnings living in Modesto, California (1:00:39)

Finding gratitude in the shittiest moments in your life (1:02:04)

“If I tell you, come back tomorrow… I’m afraid you won’t come back for 6 years…" (1:04:45)

How to help homeless vets: (1:05:00)
- Volunteers of America - https://www.voa.org/veterans
- P.A.T.H (People Assisting the Homeless) - www.epath.org/site/PATHServices/VeteranConnections/home.html
- US Vets - https://www.usvetsinc.org/programs-services/
- New Directions - https://www.ndvets.org

Branching out for growth. (1:10:15)


******PART TWO*******


“I have a giant head…” (2:30)

Benefits you never hear about. (4:45)

Benefit: Myth Breaking (11:10)

Conspiracy…? (22:15)

Lessons learned from misreading situations when it comes to vets (24:43)

Always pay attention to changes in politics, and explore some of the rumors to see if there’s truth behind them. (28:10)

VocRehab (31:25)

Joe’s approach on how we should live a day-to-day life. (40:43)

I ask Joe about his favorite or best success story as a VSO. (50:25)

What would you tell vet’s who are struggling today? What’s your best advice for those transitioning? (55:55)

Joe’s Podcast: VET2VET (Veto if you’re looking for it on youtube) (1:00:06)

Episode #20 features Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Guevara; but what it REALLY features is a mirror for a lot of the vets I’ve met. A mirror that shows the struggle of trying to fit in to a world—whether it’d be a professional, educational, social, or any other society that you try to slip in to without understanding that you are not the same type of person that you once were.

Jimmy shares his story (that turns into a two-part episode) about his journey into and through the Marine Corps. He shares very personal moments that, if you knew Jimmy… these moments he shares… really had to be pulled out over a period of time after having established a trust with him. But why I think they are important and urged him to share—is because I have a very similar story, and if I have that story… many other people do too!

Stories like losing his grandfather who was murdered over political views, being in an abusive home, having alcoholic role models, joining ROTC because he had a feeling that he needed a stable structure. Stories like leaving the Marine Corps he loved so much, to take care of external obligations… for him, his mom. Stories that he has about himself from being a college dropout and what seemed to employers as “stubborn” and “insubordinate,” into an extremely relevant and trustworthy key player in the advocacy movement for the student veteran at two (going on three) colleges! But it’s not that he was stubborn or defiant, he is a Marine; A Marine that tried to assert a higher level of standard—one of quality vs. quantity—in the places he sought employment, which sometimes (as most of us have experienced) doesn’t fit well in a place that isn’t looking to let go of some of the qualities keeping them from being exceptional.


Yes I’m biased.

Jimmy is a storyteller, so my intention was to give Jimmy the platform, and let him go! Jimmy throughout this conversation talks about his troubled high school career that was primarily a gap filler of time that was a hurdle between he and the Corps; he talks about his deployments and almost being a casualty to “friendly-fire,” and his short-yet-much-needed career in the Corps. We talk about legacy, and what it takes to rebuild oneself from the moments that seemed like failure.

As a student veteran, Jimmy found himself creating a college that he wished he had the first time around. Not knowing anything about the red tape of most programs, or even programs in general, Jimmy found himself becoming knowledgeable on all the benefits available for the veterans in college and created a team to take care of all the veterans looking for financial aid, a place to stay, study help, VA benefit enrollment, and even found himself advocating for vets to have a safe haven where vets can come and be around people who wouldn’t judge us for our personalities that don’t quite fit in other groups around campus.

Jimmy gives a theory about why vets don’t do well in school, and mentions that “there is actual power in being a student instead of sitting in the background.”

I love this conversation because Jimmy is the epitome of “if there’s a will there’s a way…” From forging signatures to change his education programs in order to be able to go into the Marine Corps, dropping 75 lbs to become a Marine, and then realizing that just because you’ve failed once at something does not mean you’re a failure… only that the way you tried it before, wasn’t the way that works to see success!

“I worked too hard to quit!”

Jimmy’s last note… “The More Veteran’s we help, the more support we’re gonna get!

----------------------
Show Notes
----------------------

Some other key points to the conversation were:

•Networking

•How we should get out of the mindset of “transitioning…” and change the mindset to “acclimatizing” or “adapting,” (which is actually an interesting thought)

•Feeling stuck

•Finding your identity

•What it’s like being an only child in a service that becomes family

•How leadership comes from watching leadership be leaders

•Learning from your teaching mistakes to become a better instructor

•Putting on a Mask to fit in with the Marines who couldn’t wait to get out

•Taking “One Class at a Time!”

•How to advocate for veterans… “Bring what you know!”



Most importantly we talk about Jimmy’s Call to Action! Give Back! Stand up for your vets!

Shout outs to Boogie (Alfred Wilson) and Carter

My Very First Podcast, I introduce, my friend... my brother... My Guide.... Marine Corps Veteran....

Lorenzo McNulty joins us today as the very first guest of the #YearOfTheVet podcast, to talk about his transition from the service, to where his is today!
Founder of The Wealth Academy, and author of "A Girl's Gotta Have Her Own Money: Pretty | Powerful | Profitable," McNulty has focused his energy into providing both men & women the information and tools, to become financially independent, and not have to struggle the way he did on his journey to his children's independence.

McNulty started from the bottom of sales, all the way to the corner offices—training Fortune 500 CEO's... this is a "wealth" of knowledge to listen to... pun intended.

*I have to apologize for the dissonance of the two mic levels and the first few couple of minutes of tech problems, but WHEN YOU GO LIVE, YOU'RE LIVE BABY!

Keep listening... because it was such a great conversation that may help you in some way, shape, or form!

The #YearOfTheVet family welcome Shannon Corbeil… that’s Corbeil like Sorbet. An Air Force veteran who answered the call to service after 9/11, Shannon joins us to talk about her road to the silver screen.

Right off the bat, you notice that Shannon’s ability to create a calm, fun, and enjoyable environment breaks through, and that same energy is held throughout our conversation.

In her past life, she served as an Intelligence Officer… but luckily for her, while stationed in Maryland she rekindled with her passion and fell into her future—one she had memories of starting as early as 8 years old.

A LOT is talked about, and sometimes we go on tangents… well… sometimes, I go on tangents, but one thing’s for sure—Shannon is the real deal. She gives guidance to aspiring artist, she shares stories of advice that was given to her—in order for her to be able to make film her career. She shares a little about the not-so-glorifying aspect of fighting to get noticed, yet still in all that—we tell each other jokes. Like… actual jokes.

Shannon makes time to give back to our community, and not just by being a guest on the show… but by involving herself in the world that was created to give back to the veterans. She shares about her involvement with the phenomenal Architecture in Motion group, Diavolo… and also her connection with Pin-Ups For Vets—a non-profit that uses the money it raises to provide the VA and other facilities aiding veterans, with new, updated, or missing medical equipment that would help provide better care for our brothers- and sisters-in-arms.

In fact, if you would like to pre-order your copy of the newest Calendar to be released next year, please visit www.PinUpsForVets.com, and reserve your copy today! Shannon can be found in November—so after listening to today’s conversation, you can tell people, “I know her… kinda…”

I highly encourage you to reach out to Shannon, regarding any questions covering breaking into show business, classes to start out with, We Are The Mighty, Diavolo, Pinups For Vets… or anything we’ve covered in the show. I had a blast with the soon to be household name, and I hope you do too!

----------
Show Notes

 Corbeil like Sorbet (04:22)

 Pre-Air Force Shannon (08:14)

 Shannon’s pivoting point into patriotism (10:57)

 Slightly off-topic conversation about Moorpark, Ca. (12:15)

 She REALLY hates frozen things… like really hates them (13:43)

 The time my best friend wanted me to punch him in the face (14:57)

 We Are the Mighty (16:23)

 Back to business… more ROTC talk (17:43)

 Why Shannon said enough to the service (20:11)

 Going for it! (22:00)

 Why not military contractor? (23:50)

 Has Hollywood paid off? (26:36)

 Gratitude & Gratefulness (29:03)

 How the military helped prep for the life of an artist? (32:45)

 Shannon’s extensive theatrical training (35:53)

 ATTENTION GAME OF THRONES & STAR WARS!!!!

Need look no further for your next superstar to kill off at some point down the line right when you just start to enjoy their character… (38:29)

 Shannon’s advice for seeking out quality training in a flooded industry (41:30)

 Diavolo: Architecture in Motion (43:24)

 Miss November, or one of… (47:08)

 Branding yourself as an actor (51:08)

 I made a shitty reference to Jurassic World that I’m sure nobody listening got… so here’s a Tumblr link to redeem myself https://www.tumblr.com/search/jurassic%20world%20heels (55:05)

 If you don’t have the job, create it (55:15)

 #YearOfTheVet turns Comedy Hour with Heroes (59:31)

 HOLLYWOOD… City of Angels, or Broken Dreams? (1:08:57)

 Shannon’s advice to vets who are struggling (1:10:32)

 Is acting for you? (1:11:50)

 Advice for her younger self… TRUST. (1:19:32)

 Wrapping up with Cosmic Pole Dancing and Fire Eating (1:26:08)

*Put in your dues… the best thing is to learn both sides of the camera*

----------
Shout Outs:

The Actors Center in Maryland

Gina Elise

Self-Management for Actors (book)

Diavolo

Pin-Ups For Vets

Dennis Baker

SAG AFTRA

Matt Pearce

Hi Mom, Hi Dad! (1:22:50)

Monica Kay & Amy King

Fire Groove Entertainment

Rachel Hetzel, Founder of “OnPATH LLC,” joins the show to wrap up this year’s Women’s History Month.

This conversation I had with Rachel was so good, that we ended up talking for a half hour after we finished recording, and then even more into the next week. Rachel talks about how one day, she “woke up,” found herself unemployed, and literally accidentally drove into her newfound purpose of her new life. That drive changed her “path” to focus her to where she is today!

OnPATH LLC, Rachel’s consulting firm, I learned—is an acronym for Purpose, Action, Transformation, Health, which makes a lot of sense after listening to how Rachel has used the lessons learned through her “mentors” in life, to help her personal growth… but in this sense, she explains “mentors,” as being experiences in life—as well as individual people she comes across on her daily journeys.

She explains that, “everything you experience is preparing you for something,” and when you’re feeling stuck in life, “you need to step up your game or step out,” because it’s the moment you step out of your comfort zone, that change in your life can be facilitated.

“When the Discomfort outweighs the fear, you’re going to make a change.”

----------
Show Notes

Some other topics we talk about:

• Growth Mindset: learning from your successful and or failed situations

• Taking a more deliberate approach with each stage of your decision-making process

• Modeling successful people to become successful in your own life

• Knowing what your skill set, your experience, and what your potential is valued at

• Negotiation tips for job interviews.

• Intentional resume writing.

• Post Traumatic Growth (PTG)…

And much more fit into one hour of conversation. One thing that I hope the female vet get from this conversation is that, “on average females come in and ask for a pretty significant percentage less than most male because they don’t think that they’re worth it,” therefore Rachel stresses to recognize what your worth is and be prepared to advocate from it.

If you’ve found anything Rachel said interesting, and would like to contact Rachel for more conversation, or even individual work, her contact information is:

Lastly she definitely made sure to make me include the link to the Boulder Crest Retreat team. I’ve taken a look at the website and read through everything they have to offer. And Believe I will be taken advantage of this for both myself and my family! I ask you to visit their site and see what they have to offer, for yourself!

http://www.bouldercrestretreat.org/

Maximilian Lopez, a Marine Corps veteran, joins us today on the #YearOfTheVet podcast to talk about his transition from the service to where his is today!

Nerd of the Marine Corps (5948 - Radar Technician) turned civilian Engineer, Lopez shares with us his continued journey of transition—and we're talking life... not just military!

Born into poverty, Lopez found a way out—HIS way out... and from that moment on, the only reason he looked back was to remember why he was moving forward.

----------
Show Notes

Some topics of interest? Loyalty, gratitude, family, resilience, and most important of all—mental and personal preparation for forward process toward your goals! Lopez brings to the table that ALL transition isn't BAD transition—and that transitioning out of the service doesn't have to be a headache... which is something that we all should know!

I urge you to give yourself the opportunity to listen to this conversation, even if it has to be in smaller chunks, because the quality of the words that Max brings to the table almost made me forget I was hosting the podcast—because I could listen to his story in depth all day!

PLEASE ENJOY, SHARE, LIKE, and COMMENT!

Manny Garcia finally joins the #YearOfTheVet family to open up about his transition journey from his past life of 9-years in the Marine Reserves, to the life of a Student Veteran...itching to re-enlist.

But don't let the "R" word fool ya. He wasn't just a weekend warrior looking to fight for college credits. Manny lived, breathed, and engulfed himself into the life of an active duty Marine; volunteering for as many deployments as possible—finding himself walking on the same path as many active duty Marines find themselves after falling in the rabbit hole... looking for himself in all the wrong spots.

Getting Manny to be as socially vulnerable as he was in this conversation, was a gift... and I hope this episode is able to connect with you and convey the reasons why I coerced him to join me.

I met Manny at California State University Northridge, in the CSUN Veterans Resource Center—where Manny aides veterans map their way through college and into their new lives as student veterans into life outside of the schoolhouse as the Student Administration Support Assistant. As a natural leader, Manny found himself taking on the role as President of the Veteran fraternity Sigma Tau Alpha (ΣΤΑ), where working with a skeleton crew, he still managed to create and implement an annually hosted 5K that supports The Soldiers Project, a 501(c)(3) devoted to helping the veteran and their families by providing free counseling services.

Manny and I talk about the road the lead him from HMLA-775 to the Intel community. We also explore the mindset of going back into the service after separating... but more importantly we talk about purpose, identity, and how easy it is to find yourself not being true to yourself.

The conversation between the two of us takes us into an area of solution... more-so for Manny, but a solution that could possibly help others get past their demons, and get out of their own way. For Manny, this absolutely requires discipline, routine, as well as a thirst for knowledge.

Once again... from this conversation I hope that you pull, that like many others who've served, Manny is a veteran who does not often share emotions—nor venture far outside of his circle of trust. And to have Manny come on to #YearOfTheVet, I am honored that this is the platform that a veteran of this caliber can come and open up for others that follow behind him to potentially learn from, by relating to.


----------
Show Notes

 Pre-Marine Corps Manny (11:09)

 Keeping a small circle (12:54)

 Joining the Corps… in a Mexican family (13:28)

 The road from Aviation Mechanic Technician to Intel guy (18:00)

 That moment when you thought you knew someone, and then they blow your mind with “let’s scratch that” (20:57)

 Just because you’re a reservist… (22:34)

 Reserve/Life Balance (23:46)

 The end of an era (24:48)

 The “Break Up” (26:46)

 Hey HQMC, I know you’re listening… (27:49)

 Leaders are Magnetic (30:19)

 Identity (32:23)

 Shout out to Tim Ferris (35:16)

 Books, Books, Books (35:37)

 You can take the boy out the Corps (40:58)

 Manny’s Daily Routine (42:26)

 I don’t read so good…(43:53)

 “Of Mice and Men” Spoiler Alert… (45:02)

 Explaining “Work Study” (45:48)

 The Veteran Resource Center East Coast WORLD TOUR… (47:00)

 The reason you should EAS and move to Connecticut (47:32)

 The Birth of the Beard, and the Re-Birth of Manny (49:10)

 “Who is that person in the mirror?” (52:48)

 Tipping back the bottle (55:35)

 The next big thing (1:02:01)

 Manny’s advice to those separating from the service (1:05:36)

 Guidance to Recruit Garcia (1:09:43)

 Ask those that have been in your shoes…(1:12:33)

----------
Shout Outs:

 Jimmy Guevara

 HMLA-775

 John Bui

 Jun

 Tim Ferris

 Capt. Timothy Jones