Vets And Badges

Vets And Badges

Vets And Badges, where real-life heroes share their triumphs and tribulations. Join Robert Asencio, a former Fla. State Rep, ret. police Capt. and Army Vet (Spec. Ops), alongside ret. police Chief and Historian, David Magnusson, and other professionals as they delve into the experiences of military vets, 1st Responders, and community supporters. Each week, we explore the challenges of serving our Nation. Fellow Americans provide insight and understanding of public and private sector lived experiences. - From confronting adversity to celebrating victories - ⁠ ⁠www.VetsAndBadges.com

Episodes

June 26, 2025 28 mins

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs Deputy Director Robert "Bob" Asztalos details the benefits and services available to military veterans in Florida.


About Deputy Director Bob Asztelos:


https://www.floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FDVA-Bob-Asztalos-2021-Biography.pdf


Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Veteran Support

03:08 - Personal Experiences in Combat

06:09 - Understanding PTSD and Its Impact

0...

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Discussing healthcare, medical, and compensation benefits often denied or unknown to injured police officers, firefighter and correctional officers.

Attorney Paolo Longo of https://bichlerlaw.com/ explains how to protect your job, pocket and ensure your on-duty injuries are not career ending. Or, worse!

About Vets And Badges Podcast Hosts:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Vete...

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American Hero: Miami Beach Police Department Assistant Chief Daniel Morgalo provides a view into his career, leadership, and law enforcement agency. A discussion focusing on overcoming the challenges and adversities of police work.


#mentalhealth #wellness #history


About Vets And Badges Podcast Hosts:


Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of...

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Preventing disease and staying healthy by what you eats. St. Thomas University Professor Ivan Valcin shares a 101 on good and bad eating / diets.

About Vets And Badges Podcast Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience.

#wellnessjourney

Info@VetsAndBadges.comhttps://ww...

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May 9, 2025 29 mins

Miami Dade College School of Justice Director Richard Clements explains his commitment to wellness through training - from the police academy to in-service classes.

Director Clements provides insight into his career with the Miami Beach Police Department where he rose to the rank of Chief after being shot on-duty by a violent offender. A true #AmericanHero.

About Vets And Badges Podcast Hosts:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Cap...

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"Cops are not open about their PTSD.” A discussion for career police officers and first responders. Reflecting on his 44 years in law enforcement (almost 30 in Homicide) Gonzalez details the impact of experiences on his life. Follow us: https://www.VetsAndBadges.comApple, Amazon, IHEART @ VetsAndBadgesAbout Vets And Badges Podcast Hosts:Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Ve...

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American Hero Miami PD Detective Sgt. Confessor Gonzalez (Ret) reveals case file details in the 1990's Miami robberies that led to the homicide of Genrman tourist Barbara Jensen Meller. This discussion focuses on the investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of two violent criminals. #HistoryIn 1993 repeated "tourist robberies" in South Florida made international headlines. Sgt. Gonzalez and fellow law en...

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Ret. NYPD Det. Thomas Howell’s insight on history of one of organized crime’s big money trade in New York City - 1980’s.



Watch Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/77BuHuggtAvGRcJQis4Mts?si=DzW64icnRcy50d63jw5miw

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From New York City to Miami; how did crack cocaine, organized crime and politics change police work? From 1980's to present, Ret. Det. Thomas Howell provides an insider's view of the NYPD.

Follow us: www.VetsAndBadges.com

#Podcast #lwenforcement

About Vets And Badges Podcast Hosts:Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations ...

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Was it fear or lack of courage? Miami Police Department officer sits in police vehicle while a civilian is violently beaten by a mob of offenders. On ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.VetsAndBadges.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, as a member of the press, Michael Miller joins Robert and David to discuss overcoming fear.



Michael Miller is the published of Miami's ⁠⁠⁠CommunityNewspapers.com⁠⁠⁠.

Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our Channel,



#Podcast #lwenfo...

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Retired SWAT Police Commander explains benefits of Procedural Justice training to community relations, officer wellness, and our mental health.


After retiring from the City of Miami Police Department, Dr. Raimundo "Ray" Socorro served as the Miami Dade College CJI Dean. Currently, Dr. Socorro serves as the Director of NLA training at Indian River State College in Florida.


#podcast #LawEnforcement #communitypolicin...

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Chief Charles (Chuck) R. Press shares a story of bravery to overcome the impact of police service resulting from trauma, loss, and personal challenges.



Chief Press retired from the Village of Key Biscayne, Florida. During his 47 years he also served with the City of Miami Beach where he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to command level.



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About Vets...

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On ⁠www.VetsAndBadges.com⁠ with no US law enforcement standard, this discussion focuses on Impact of trauma on police SWAT officers / teams and need for wellness programs.



Guest: Francisco Fernandez is currently the Assistant Chief for Police Operations in the City of Sweetwater, FL. Fernandez served in the US Marines prior to joining and retiring from the City of Miami Police Department as a Major. During his accomplished 30 year ...

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February 3, 2025 33 mins

On www.VetsAndBadges.com a soldier’s war story: The "Battle For Ramadi" did not end in Iraq for US Army ret. MSG. Jeremy Gann as he fights to overcome his memories of war and military service to our Nation.

#podcast #wellness #pain#loss #addictionrecovery

About www.VetsAndBadges.com Host:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special...

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On www.VetsAndBadges.com from American Sniper to Psychologist: Dr. Benjamin Iobst shares his powerful journey from the battlefields of the Gulf War and the Battle for Ramadi to the streets as a police officer, and ultimately to a career as an Organizational Psychologist. In this candid interview, he opens up about his struggles with PTSD and alcohol abuse, offering invaluable insights into effective and ineffective treatments for m...

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On www.VetsAndBadges.com Dr. Benjamin T. Iobst shares his fight and treatment for PTSD experienced by veterans, First Responders and retirees. Matthew Alan Livelsberger's Jan 1, 2025, cyber truck explosion in Las Vegas screens of the critical urgency for greater understanding of the struggle with PTSD many active and fellow former service members live with.

Witnessing the 9/11 attacks, Benjamin felt a call to action, joining the...

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On www.VetsAndBadges.com Middle East Affairs Professor, Dr. Anna Ceney details the reactions of Middle East Leaders gathered in Doha, Qatar during the fall of Assad. Dr. Caney provides a breakdown of security concerns of the US, its military and regional interests moving forward.

About www.VetsAndBadges.com Hosts:

Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a m...

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A shocking revelation! Former FBI Agent Thomas J. Baker exposes the alleged "Fall of the FBI" in this explosive interview. Based on his book, Baker details how the Bureau, under Robert Mueller after 9/11, shifted its focus from investigating facts to pursuing politically motivated agendas. He claims this transformation led to the disregard of investigative guidelines and a dangerous politicization of the FBI. This is a must-watch f...

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Laura Kelly joins Robert Asencio and David Magnusson to discuss overcoming fear from the uncertainty of life to achieve personal wellness. In this insightful interview, they share experiences, strategies, and advice on how to navigate life's complexities and cultivate a positive mindset.

Discover how they have overcome adversity and found strength in the face of fear.

#podcast #police #veterans

About www.VetsAndBadges.com...

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On August 1, 2020, pre-Gulf War veteran, Slatington Borough Police Department Sergeant David Alecia was struck by an AK-47 round during a firefight with a wanted subject. In this Vets And Badges exclusive, Sgt. Alercia details the facts that led to this made for movies violent encounter resulting in both the subject and him being shot.

In reliving his story, Sgt. Alercia describes the real life dangers, tactical challenges, and ...

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