VET S.O.S. Podcast Weekly Updates 03MAR25

Don't Drown in the Sea of Transition, Grab the VET S.O.S. Lifeline!

Welcome to this week’s VET S.O.S. Newsletter, where we continue our mission of connecting veterans, service members, and military spouses with invaluable resources. This edition highlights key discussions on military transition, entrepreneurship, and education, featuring inspiring guests who are making a difference in the veteran community. From Abigail G. Manning’s transformative Authentic Health curriculum to Sam Westfall’s entrepreneurial journey in archery therapy, and Randy Spade’s commitment to enhancing veteran education, there’s something for everyone. Stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s build a stronger veteran community together!

Stay tuned, get inspired, and take action toward your next chapter. Let’s dive in!

VET S.O.S. Podcast Military Transition Episode S5/E8

Join us every Tuesday at 7 PM EST for the VET S.O.S. Transition Podcast. We talk various veteran support organizations and key personnel within the veteran support community to educate veterans, service members, and military/veteran spouses about services available to them in transition from the military and throughout their lives.

Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc. - Abigail G. Manning

?? Empower Your Veteran Transition with Authentic Health! ??

We recently had an inspiring conversation with Abigail G. Manning , founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc. Abigail transformed her personal journey of overcoming significant traumas into a powerful, action-oriented curriculum called Authentic Health, designed to help veterans and individuals unlock their potential and thrive during life's transitions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Purple Threads – Identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences.
• Authentic Health Framework – A holistic approach to mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial well-being.
• Overcoming Fear – Strategies for facing challenges with courage and resilience.
• Building Trust and Connection – Developing meaningful relationships post-military service.

Thank you, Abigail, for providing this fantastic resource to support the veteran community!

Check out the VET S.O.S. Blog to learn more about Abigail and her organization.

VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight

Join us every Wednesday at 7PM EST for VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight. We talk to veteran and veteran spouse entrepreneurs to learn insights about and from their specific entrepreneurial journeys. This includes best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and resources utilized.

Sam Westfall - Valor Archery Challenge

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Sam Westfall— 美国军队 veteran, serial entrepreneur, and competitive archer—who shares how archery therapy became a life-changing tool for healing, focus, and community. After facing challenges in his military transition, Sam discovered the therapeutic power of archery and launched the Valor Archery Challenge , a nationwide initiative helping veterans find camaraderie and purpose through archery.

?? In this episode, we cover:

? How archery therapy is now recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a mental health tool

? Sam’s entrepreneurial journey & veteran business resources

? The Valor Archery Challenge and its impact on veterans

? The power of community and outdoor therapy

?? Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM ?? Watch the full episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast

?? Follow us for more veteran stories & resources: @vetsospodcast on all platforms!

?? Don’t drown in transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!

Check out the VET S.O.S. Blog to learn more about Sam and his Company.

The Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight is sponsored by SpearPoint Solutions LLC . Check out all the valuable offerings at spearpointonline.com and remember to use the code “VETSOS” on anything you purchase there.

VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resource Spotlight

Join us every Thursday at 7 PM EST for the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight. We talk to those who run the veteran programs/resource centers on campus and other veteran educational resources available to you so you can learn about specific school programs and resources and how they are helping you pursue your educational goals.

Ashland University - Randy Spade

How can universities truly support military-connected students? In this episode, we sit down with Randy Spade , Executive Director of Admissions and founding director of Ashland University 's Jack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center, to explore how Ashland has transformed veteran education.

From the Battle of the Branches competition to 24/7 veteran-exclusive spaces and mental health support, Ashland is setting a new standard for veteran-friendly campuses.

? How Ashland grew from 14 veterans to 400+ military-connected students

? The importance of identifying ALL military-connected students, not just GI Bill users

? Innovative programs designed to help veterans transition, thrive, and graduate

?? If you're a veteran, military spouse, or educator looking for ways to enhance veteran success in higher ed, this episode is a must-listen!

?? Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM ?? Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast

Check out the VET S.O.S. Blog to learn more about Ashland University.

Who's Who Weekly List of Resources

Last week's Who's Who list continued our focus on people you should be following in military transition. Make sure to follow each of them to learn valuable information that will help you during your transition.

Robby Hedrick, Ed.D., MBA, M.A.A.L., LSSGB - Director of Transition Services Coffee Bunker

Nick Padlo - Founder/CEO Sophros Recovery

Chad Rohr - Engagement Director Mission43

Kathryn Poynton - Military & Veteran Organization Task Force Director National Veteran Business Development Council - NVBDC

Sam Lee - Veteran Advocate

Kelly Stull - Work and Family Life Consultant Fleet and Family Support Center

Kayla LaFond - Virginia Military Spouse Liaison Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Ann O'Keeffe Rodgers - Manager, Advocacy and Support K9s For Warriors

James M. - Jr. Enlisted Program Transition Specialist Hire Heroes USA

Andrew T. Yarbrough - Veteran Advocate

Featured Jobs/Career Information

Cross-Connection Control Specialist – Closes 09 Mar 2025

Hourly Range - $19.97 - 34.44 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Role type: Full-Time

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Cross Connection Control Specialist in the City of Tucson’s Water Department inspects and protects the City's potable and reclaimed water systems from contamination through cross-connection; administers and enforces state and City regulations; assists and coordinates with City Departments for various investigations i.e., fire suppression systems and well-site investigations.

This position reports to the Inspection Supervisor. ?This position does not supervise.

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F5yTka

Finance Administrator – Closes 09 Mar 2025

Hourly Range - $42.80 - 73.83 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Role type: Full-Time

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Finance Administrator position at the City of Tucson’s Business Services Department (BSD) oversees the planning, delivery, and implementation of financial functions such as reporting, budgeting, contracting, and special projects, working closely with City department directors, finance managers, and support staff to manage and support the City’s financial goals. ?

Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of the Business Services Department. This Position exercises supervision over the Finance Manager personnel.

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/4hPyRLV?

Survey Instrument Technician – Closes 08 Mar 2025

Hourly Range: $19.97 - 34.44 USD

The Full Hourly Range reflects the City of Tucson's pay range at the time of posting. The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Role type: Full-Time

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Survey Instrument Technician position at the City of Tucson’s Department of Transportation & Mobility obtains, processes and analyzes primary field survey data collected from electronic survey equipment and global positioning system equipment.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Land Surveyor. This position does not supervise.

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/42SHFMx

**All current information including positions like Project Manager, Trades, IT, and many others are posted on the City of Tucson website - https://bit.ly/3pyH8xU

**If you are interested in learning more about DoD Skillbridge/Career Skills Program (CSP) internships with the City of Tucson, please visit the DoD Skillbridge website (search City of Tucson) for additional details and contact information.

Veterans Sharing Our Stories (VET SOS) aims to give a voice to our veteran community, providing education and support to assist others with their transition out of the military. By sharing your story, you create a living legacy, a roadmap that can help countless Veterans navigate their own paths.

Imagine if your story could help someone put down the pills, step away from the brink, or find the strength to keep going. That's the power of sharing. Every story has the potential to save a life, to offer hope where there was none, and to remind every Veteran that they are not alone.

We are on a mission to stand up Veterans Sharing Our Stories (501c3). You can join us on this mission by supporting us at https://gofund.me/3865d545. You donation will support our efforts to launch this organization and help countless veterans through the power of story.

Be the Beacon of Hope in the Sea of Transition!

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