Veterans Never Stop Serving

Sep 21 2023
Veterans Never Stop Serving Podcast artwork

Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom (SOF), a national non-profit that assists severely wounded and injured, post-9/11 veterans in their efforts to become productive and self-sufficient members of their communities as they transition back into civilian life. SOF went national in 2007 with an ad-hoc group of professional business people in order to create a citizen lead program to support severely wounded post-9/11 veterans and since has helped over 700+ wounded and injured veterans onto a path of success with their Bridge for Education program. www.sentinelsoffreedom.org

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Soldiering On, Overcoming PTSD and Mentoring Others

Sep 21 2023 22 mins  
Today Mike welcomes Chief Warrant Officer Mike Gonzalez, a United States Army veteran. He shares his story of starting from a challenging upbringing to a arriving at a distinguished military career and his subsequent battle with PTSD. Mike joined the military in 1992 as an infantryman, eventually rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He later transitioned to becoming a warra

Education, Entrepreneurship and The Complexity of Recruitment

Sep 14 2023 24 mins  
On today's episode, Mike is joined by Captain Anthony T., a former Special Operations Soldier from the 75th Ranger Regiment. Anthony shares his journey from military service to civilian life, highlighting the unique challenges and transitions each veteran faces. He discusses his decision to pursue education and eventually earn a JD/MBA from Northwestern University, utilizing

Four Legged Therapy Gives a Soldier His Second Chance

Sep 07 2023 33 mins  
Today Mike welcomes Chris L., U.S. Air Force retired. He shares his incredible journey from serving in the military for a decade, including deployments with special operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to his post-military life. Chris expresses his deep gratitude for the support from Sentinels of Freedom, emphasizing the importance of trust between veterans and those offering assist

Do I Lay Here and Die or Get Up To Face Another Day?

Aug 31 2023 53 mins  
Today Mike Welcomes John Arroyo, U.S. Army retired to the podcast. John has an amazing story to tell, and he is also a wonderful and inspiring storyteller. He begins speaking about his childhood and the absence of a father figure and the vital role that his mother and grandmother played in raising him as a boy. He reveals how his search for affirmation as he went into his teens led

She Joined The Army as an Immigrant, and Now Helps Other Vets With Their Transition

Aug 24 2023 16 mins  
Today Mike welcomes Sandra Ambotaite, a former Army Staff Sergeant, to share her inspiring journey of selfless service, transition, education, and career growth. Sandra was born and raised in Lithuania during the USSR era. Her path took a turn when she won the diversity lottery, moving her family to Brooklyn, New York. Overcoming language barriers and cultural shock, she eventuall

From The Battlefield To The Bar Exam

Aug 17 2023 19 mins  
Today Mike welcomes U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Brian Taghadossi who is gearing up for his bar exams in California and Texas. Brian's story begins with his decision to join the Army at 19, feeling fairly confident that the country wouldn't be going to war anytime soon. But that changed in just a little over a year of his signup. He recounts his deployment to Iraq, transition

Setting Out On a New Mission

Aug 10 2023 37 mins  
Today Mike welcomes Bill Schnarr, U.S. Army Veteran deployed to Iraq in 2010. Bill tells his story of transition from active duty, navigating challenges like PTSD, and finding a renewed sense of purpose through community service. He and Mike discuss the unique dynamics of the veteran community and the importance of support networks. Bill also discusses his involvement in collabora

Big Goals and Big Purpose, Helping Others with Physical and Mental Stability

Aug 03 2023 18 mins  
Today Mike welcomes Sentinel Marlene, a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army and a wounded veteran who has graduated from their Bridge for Education Program. Marlene shares her journey, beginning with her recovery from injuries sustained during her time in the military, her graduation from Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, and her work

From Marine Raiders to Real Estate and Teaching

Jul 27 2023 19 mins  
In this episode, Mike welcomes Sam Schoenheit, a Marine Corps veteran with an inspiring story of courage and determination. Sam shares what motivated him to join the Marines and how he ended up in the elite Marine Raiders after a grueling selection process. He recounts surviving a severe head injury during his last tour and the challenging road to recovery, including losing his abi

A Marine's Unstoppable Drive

Jul 19 2023 22 mins  
On today's episode, Mike has the honor of hosting Janet Mayo, U.S. Marine Veteran who has triumphed over challenges to build a remarkable life. Janet shares her story of transitioning from the Marine Corps to higher education, earning two master's degrees, and her upcoming pursuit of a Ph.D. in criminal justice. Serving in the Military Police, Janet was initially stationed