NFL Player, Founder of Adaptive Training Foundation, and Idaho Alumnus: David Vobora (Pod #022)

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Former NFL Player and Founder of the Adaptive Training Foundation, David Vobora, opens up in his conversation with BVH. From his identity crisis and struggles with addiction after leaving the NFL to rediscovering his purpose and passion by providing physical fitness training in the gym for military veterans and civilians with physical disabilities, David covers it all while letting his drive and passion shine. You’re in for a great listen with this one!  

To learn more about Adaptive Training Foundation and David Vobora’s work:

• Website: https://adaptivetrainingfoundation.org/

• Instagram: @davidvobora

• Facebook: @davidvobora58

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CAF Spotlight Pt 3, Navy Vet and Blind Waterskier: Scott Leason (Pod #021)

In this episode from Summer 2019, Brian and Bryan sit down with Navy veteran and blind adaptive athlete Scott Leason. Scott shares his journey from honorably serving for 7 years in the U.S. Navy to being shot in the head and losing his sight while working at a convenience store. 

Scott faced many challenges adapting to the loss of his sight, but eventually found the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Operation Rebound. In 2008, he received CAF Operation Rebound support for his waterski training and has since competed in multiple IRONMAN races and was the sole visually impaired athlete on Team USA at the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship. 

Oh yeah, he became an adaptive athlete in his 50s.  Listen to this incredible story!

Enjoy!

To learn more about the Challenged Athletes Foundation and their Operation Rebound Program:

• Website: https://www.challengedathletes.org/

• Website: https://www.challengedathletes.org/programs/operation-rebound/

• Instagram: @cafoundation

• Facebook: @CAForg

• Twitter: @CAFoundation

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CAF Spotlight Pt 2, Navy SEAL and Ultra-Athlete: Carlos Moleda (Pod #020)

In episode 020, we check-in with Navy SEAL and legendary adaptive athlete, Carlos Moleda. Carlos talks openly about leaving Brazil at age 18 with $300 in his pocket, joining the US Navy, learning to swim, and being shot in Panama during military operations to capture Manuel Noriega.

Since his injury, Carlos has become a world-renowned athlete. He won the 367-mile Sadlers Ultra Challenge handcycle race in Alaska, is a two-time National Handcycling Champion, and a four-time Hawaii Ironman Champion.

Enjoy!

To learn more about the Challenged Athletes Foundation:

• Website: https://www.challengedathletes.org/

• Instagram: @cafoundation

• Facebook: @CAForg

• Twitter: @CAFoundation

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Hire Heroes USA CEO: Ross Dickman (Pod #019)

In episode 019, Hire Heroes USA Interim CEO, Ross Dickman highlights the company’s 15 years of work and the 10,000+ military veterans and spouses HHUSA has helped find employment. Ross also imparts a message of optimism as his team continues virtually assisting clients in finding meaningful employment.

Enjoy!

To learn more about Hire Heroes USA and their outstanding mission, visit https://www.hireheroesusa.org/ or https://www.mission43.org/employment.

• Instagram: @hireheroesusa

• Instagram: @hireheroesusaidaho

• Facebook: @HireHeroesUSA

• Twitter: @HireHeroesUSA

• Linkedin: @hire-heroes-usa

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Retired USAF Chief Master Sgt & Veteran Leadership Scholar: Jen Anthony (Pod #018)

In Episode 018, retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and President G.W. Bush Institute Veteran Leadership Scholar, Jen Anthony, talks with BVH about her time in service, rising up in the ranks as a woman and her personal struggles with loss of identity and purpose after departing active military service. Through therapy, self-reflection, and intentional efforts, Jen has become a positive voice and example for women service members and transitioning veterans.

Enjoy!

• Website: https://www.omfcares.com/omfc-vision-2020/

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Travis Manion Foundation President & Gold Star Family Member: Ryan Manion (Pod #017)

In episode 17 of the M43 Podcast, BVH welcomes Ryan Manion: Gold star family member, President of the Travis Manion Foundation, and co-author of the book The Knock at the Door. Ryan shares with BVH her military upbringing and how she and her family transformed the grief from her brother Travis' death in Iraq into purpose and leadership through a national non-profit.

Enjoy!

• Website: https://www.travismanion.org/

• Facebook: @TravisManionFoundation

• Linkedin: @travis-manion-foundation

• Twitter: @TMFoundation

• Instagram: @travismanionfoundation

• Book: The Knock at the Door

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Director of Veterans Programs at Philanthropy Roundtable: Shaun Rieley (Pod #016)

In Episode 016, Shaun Rieley, U.S. Army veteran and the Director of Veterans Programs at the Philanthropy Roundtable, takes BVH on a philosophical journey about rethinking how we address military veterans in the future. Shaun discusses legacy Veteran Service Organizations, the rise of post-9/11 veteran organizations, and the current philanthropic efforts to change the veteran narrative.

Enjoy!

• Website: https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/

• Facebook: @PhilanthropyRoundtable

• Linkedin: @philanthropy-roundtable

• Twitter: @PhilanthropyRnd

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Founder and Executive Director of Team RWB: Mike Erwin (Pod #015)

In Episode 015, BVH and Mike Erwin, the Founder and Executive Director of National Veteran Non-Profit Team RWB, cover a lot of ground — from farm chores and pigs to the importance of competition, veteran health and wellness, and social interaction. For more information on Team RWB’s efforts, visit the links below.

Enjoy!

• Website: https://www.teamrwb.org/

• Instagram: @teamrwb

• Facebook: @teamrwb

• Twitter: @teamrwb

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Executive Director of Mission Roll Call: Garrett Cathcart (Pod #014)

The Mission43 Podcast goes virtual!

Mission43 Director Brian Von Herbulis has a lively conversation with Garrett Cathcart, the Executive Director of Mission Roll Call, a new national initiative that provides veterans a powerful and unified voice to inform public policy. Garrett and his team are on a mission to take the messages, views, experiences, and insights shared by our military members and deliver them directly to our leaders in order to speak truth and enact positive change.

Garrett is a U.S. Army veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom where he served in the US Army Cavalry. Beyond his position at the helm of Mission Roll Call, Garrett serves as an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Military Science at Georgia Tech. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and a 2019 George W. Bush Veteran Leader Program Scholar.

Enjoy!

• Website: https://www.missionrollcall.org/

• Instagram: @missionrollcall

• Facebook: @missionrollcall

• Twitter: @missionrollcall

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Extreme Athlete, Humanitarian, and Retired Marine Sergeant: Kirstie Ennis (Pod #013)

In February 2020, Mission43 was lucky to get Kirstie Ennis to come out to Idaho for our speaker panel series, 43INC, in conjunction with Challenged Athletes Foundation - Idaho. Kirstie is as fascinating as they come and her passion palpitates through everything she does and says. Check out this inspirational episode as Brian and Dan sit down and chat with former Marine Sergeant, adaptive athlete, humanitarian, and role-model for episode 013 of the M43 Podcast.

• Website: https://kirstieennisfoundation.com/

• Instagram: @kirstie_ennis

• Instagram: @thekirstieennisfoundation

• Facebook: @kirstieennis2

• Facebook: @thekirstieennisfoundation

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Paralympian, Purple Heart Recipient, and Marine Scout Sniper: Josh Sweeney (Pod #012)

Mission43’s Brian and Dan were lucky to sit down with Josh Sweeney, a truly inspirational role model. While serving as a Marine Scout Sniper in Southern Afghanistan in October of 2009, Josh lost both of his legs and function of his right arm to an IED blast, but that didn’t slow him down. By 2011 he made the US National Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, and subsequently won a series of world and Olympic Championships. Never satisfied and never complacent, Josh has now set his sights on conquering a new field of Paralympic competition, specifically triathlon.

Josh exemplifies what it means to be a veteran, and not a victim. If you’re in need of a motivational kick in the pants, listen in and check Josh out!

• Website: https://www.thejoshsweeney.com

• Instagram: @thejoshsweeney

• Facebook: @thejoshsweeney

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President and CEO of Project Recover: Derek Abbey (Pod #011)

In this episode of the M43 Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Derek Abbey, CEO/President of Project Recover, where we learn about his impressive resume that includes experience in the US Marine Corps, higher education, and nonprofit leadership. Watch or listen below and make sure to subscribe to our podcast!

Learn more about Project Recover:

• Website: https://www.projectrecover.org/

• Instagram: @projectrecover

• Facebook: @ProjRecover

• Twitter: @projrecover

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College Athlete, Purple Heart Recipient, & New Director of Engagement: Dan Nelson (Pod #010)

In this episode of the M43 Podcast, we sit down with Dan “The Manimal” Nelson, new Mission43 Engagement Director. There’s a lot covered here in this episode, but it’s all amazing stuff and we learn about how he’s now shaping his passion into his purpose through his role in Mission43. Check it out and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast!

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CAF Spotlight Pt 1, Senior Manager of Operation Rebound: Nico Marcolongo (Pod #009)

In this episode of the M43 Podcast, we sit down with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Senior Manager of Operation Rebound, Nico Marcolongo. Nico joined CAF after 14 years of service as a United States Marine Corps Officer and is a veteran of the war in Iraq.

What CAF has done in their support of veterans and first responders through Operation Rebound is no less than remarkable. They have provided countless opportunities and empowered those with physical injuries by providing adaptive sports equipment and training grants to these individuals.

Nico helps us learn more about Operation Rebound and tells us some inspirational stories of individuals who have benefited from this program.

Do you know anyone who can benefit from Operation Rebound?

Fill out the form below and we’ll get you connected to CAF’s Operation Rebound team.

Learn more about the Challenged Athletes Foundation Operation Rebound:

• Website: https://www.challengedathletes.org/programs/operation-rebound/

• Instagram: @cafoundation

• Facebook: @CAForg

• Twitter: @CAFoundation

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The Real Rudy Reyes! (Pod #008)

In this episode of the M43 Podcast, Brian and Bryan get to talk to Rudy Reyes: Veteran, actor, advocate, leader, philanthropist, and so much more. Hear about his upbringing, time serving in the military, trials with transitioning into civilian life, triumphs with his new mission, and more in this dynamic and impassioned interview!

Learn more about Rudy’s work:

• Website: https://www.rudyreyes.com/

• Organization: Force Blue

• Book: Hero Living

• Instagram: @realrudyreyes

• Facebook: @rudyreyes

• Twitter: @realrudyreyes

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Founder of Team RWB and The Character & Leadership Center: Mike Erwin (Pod #007)

M43 PODCAST EPISODE: 007

MIKE ERWIN FOUNDER OF TEAM RWB & THE CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP CENTER

Brian and Bryan sit down with the highly energetic and accomplished Mike Erwin.  Mike shares how Team RWB came about and his thought-provoking perspective on leadership and positive psychology.  Mike also discusses his work as the co-founder of the Positivity Project, his book Lead Yourself First, his work with the Character & Leadership Center and his participation in the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship.

Learn more about Mike’s endeavors:

• Website: http://characterleadership.center/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeygunz29

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PosProject/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharacterAndLeadershipCenter/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erwinrwb/

Learn more about the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship:

http://www.mission43.org/leaders-fellowship

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Guild Education Advisor: Alison Garrow (#006)

Brian and Bryan sit down with the ever-energetic and knowledgeable Alison Garrow, the Veteran & Servicemember Liaison at Guild Education/Mission43. They discuss the background on the selection of Guild as the education partner for Mission43 and why Guild Education is so successful in supporting Mission43 members in their academic pursuit.

You will learn about the extent of Guild Education’s services that include success advising and partner universities with a robust lists of degree and certificate programs. You will also gain a keen sense of why a conversation with Alison is helpful to anyone considering using their GI Bill education benefits and starting their education journey off right.

Oh yeah, you will also learn that she likes shooting whistle pigs!

• Learn More: http://www.mission43.org/education

• Contact Alison: alison.garrow@guildeducation.com

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The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship (Pod #005)

In this episode, Brian and Bryan go in depth into the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship Program. They discuss the importance of this program and the commitment to investing in the leadership skills of Mission43 members who seek increased self-awareness, personal and professional development, and those who are always on the path to be better versions of themselves.

The inaugural cohort of 24 participants is scheduled to kick off on May 2, 2019 with the Mike Erwin’s Lead Yourself First workshop. Applications for the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship will be accepted through Friday, April, 19th.

• Learn More: http://www.mission43.org/leaders-fellowship

• Qustions? Email brian.vonh@mission43.org

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Outdoor Youth-Mentorship Program Co-Founders: Brian and Kevin Bjornson (Pod #004)

Brian and Kevon Bjornson are native Idahoans and the co-founders of Generation Wild.  As young boys, they experienced the outdoors with their father who taught them the simple pleasures to be found while hiking, camping and fly fishing.  As they got older, Brian and Kevon grew in their appreciation for the outdoors and wanted to share their experience with the youth here in the Treasure Valley.  After mentoring youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Brian and Kevon decided to embark upon creating their own youth mentorship program and Generation Wild was formed.

Generation Wild is a 501c3 non-profit that leverages the outdoors and the natural beauty of Idaho to make a positive impact on the lives of our younger generation.  Through fly fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors they strive to develop friendships, share their passion for the outdoors, teach life-long skills, and create leaders for the future. Their goal is to help the younger generation find direction in their lives through spending time in solitude.

Mission43 is looking forward to working with Generation Wild in the future. Learn more about Generation Wild and connect with them to get invovled:

• Website: https://www.gwildidaho.org

• Email: generationwildidaho@gmail.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generationwildidaho

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generationwildidaho

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Director of Veteran Programs at The Marcus Institute For Brain Health: Spencer Milo (Pod #003)

Spencer Milo is the Director of Veteran Programs at the Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH) in Denver, Colorado. He’s as good as they come and you could say he is over-qualified for his role in this position. He was seriously wounded in both Iraq and Afghanistan, suffering blast injuries that changed his life forever, but now influence his approach to helping other veterans and their families who have experienced similar injuries.

Through an incredible $30 million seed grant from the Marcus Foundation (Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot), the Marcus Institute for Brain Health was launched in 2016 at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. They exist because we now know that there are clear changes in functioning after brain injury. MIBH fills this critical need with comprehensive and customized care totally free to military families.

Mission43 is proud to work closely with Spencer Milo and the Marcus Institute for Brain Health in connecting those we know who have suffered brain injuries in combat or training. We are confident in saying they are best-in-class for treatment of TBI in the country.

Learn more about the Marcus Institute for Brain Health:

• MIBH Website

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MI4BH/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi4bh

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CONNECT DIRECTLY WITH SPENCER MILO & THE MARCUS INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN HEALTH