Combat Vet Vision

I state unequivocally at the outset that the paramount message of our conversation is that there is hope for veterans ensnared by addiction, PTSD, and the disorienting vicissitudes of transition. I, alongside Chef JB Brown, engage Daniel “Smoke,” a United States Marine, who recounts his trajectory from enlistment and frontline service to a decade-long struggle with substance abuse, incarceration, and profound moral inju...

We foreground veteran transition as our principal concern, emphasizing education about VA home loan benefits and a SkillBridge pathway into real estate as concrete means to facilitate post‑service stability. I introduce Master Chief Ron, a retired leader who delineates his trajectory from immigrant origins to a twenty‑eight year naval career and now to mentorship and real estate advocacy, and who elucidates how chiefs adjudicate ad...

I foreground Kenny Hernandez’s transformation from a combat Ranger and military intelligence soldier into a sober, purpose-driven filmmaker who now channels his lived experience into veteran advocacy. We recount his enlistment after 9/11, his service and Ranger indoctrination, and the profound difficulties he endured during transition, most notably alcohol dependence and PTSD. I describe his multi‑year recovery, the vocationa...

From enlisted Marine to retired Major, William Frazier Jr. shares a career shaped by service, logistics, leadership, and continued purpose.

Combat Vet Vision welcomes William Frazier Jr., United States Marine Corps Major, Retired, for a conversation about his Marine Corps journey and the leadership experiences that shaped his career.

From Lanett, Alabama, Frazier’s career spanned enlisted and officer service. He ultimately serv...

Aaron Q. Seibert, Brian Colburn and Chef James “JB” Brown discuss what has been happening over the past several weeks, share updates from the nonprofit organizations and veteran initiatives with which they are involved, and provide information about upcoming community events, fundraisers and golf tournaments.

The conversation gives listeners a look behind the scenes at the work being done throughout the veteran community...

What if distressed buildings could become permanent homes and a foundation for a second chance?

Noble Woods III, MBA, founder, Chairman and Executive Director of Elysian Shores Supportive Housing, joins Combat Vet Vision to discuss a mission centered on converting distressed hotels, motels and commercial properties into permanent supportive housing for veterans and families.

Elysian Shores is a veteran-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit bas...

What does leadership look like when the mission changes, but responsibility for people does not?

On Episode 305 of Combat Vet Vision, Aaron Q. Seibert and Chef James L. “JB” Brown welcome Mark J. O’Loughlin, Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps, Retired, Founder and CEO of Validated Leadership and author of Validated Leadership.

Mark served 30 years on active duty in the Marine Corps. His career included infan...

What happens when the mission changes, but the drive to keep moving forward remains?

Combat Vet Vision welcomes Giovanni Perez, a retired U.S. Army combat engineer, wounded veteran, adaptive motorcycle and off-road competitor, and veteran advocate whose post-service journey has taken him from Afghanistan to some of the toughest terrain in off-road racing.

Giovanni lost his left arm while serving with the Army in Afghanistan. After re...

In Episode 303 of Combat Vet Vision, host Aaron Q. Seibert and the Combat Vet Vision team welcome Sherman Watson Jr., a husband, father, United States Marine Corps veteran, three-time Purple Heart recipient, community leader, and veteran advocate.

This conversation focuses on combat service, transition, housing stability, education, peer support, community leadership, and the continued mission to serve after the uniform comes off.

In this episode of Combat Vet Vision, Chief Aaron Seibert welcomes U.S. Air Force veteran Ed McLean, founder of Warriors2Racers (W2R). Ed shares how his nonprofit is helping veterans rediscover purpose, camaraderie, and teamwork through organized motorsports. Rather than simply offering race experiences, Warriors2Racers develops veterans into drivers, pit crew members, race engineers, and team volunteers while creating a mission-fo...

QRFup is a veteran-led organization focused on crisis intervention, peer support, community action, and helping veterans and others who may feel isolated or abandoned. Its central philosophy is that people in crisis need more than awareness; they need individuals willing to respond, remain present, and help connect them to ongoing support.

The organization was founded by Rameses Yebra, a retired Marine Corps and Army veteran. QRFup ...

In this milestone 300th episode of Combat Vet Vision, Chief Aaron Seibert sits down with retired United States Army Master Sergeant Brady Fowler to discuss a lifetime of service—from Army aviation leadership and combat deployments to continuing his commitment to veterans and his Colorado community.

Brady shares his experiences serving as a Chinook Helicopter First Sergeant, surviving traumatic brain injuries sustained during c...

In this episode of Combat Vet Vision, host Aaron Q. Seibert welcomes Jessica Povey, a registered nurse with nearly two decades of experience in emergency, trauma, aviation, and motorsports medicine. Jessica shares her journey through some of healthcare's most demanding environments, from emergency departments and flight nursing to providing medical support at professional motorsports and off-road racing events.

The conversation expl...

The salient theme of this podcast episode revolves around the experiences of female veterans, with a particular focus on the journey of Julia, an Army veteran who navigates her service and subsequent challenges with resilience and determination. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the complexities of her military career, touching upon her motivations for enlisting, the unique dynamics faced by women in combat roles, and the pr...

This podcast episode delves into the intricate narratives of military service, specifically focusing on the experiences and reflections of veterans. Our guest, Jim, provides a profound account of his journey through the Navy, highlighting significant moments that shaped his life, including his transition from active duty to civilian life. The discussion underscores the importance of community connections and the invaluable support ...

This podcast episode centers on the urgent and poignant narrative of Dennis, a Vietnam veteran who faces the imminent threat of homelessness after residing in his home for 46 years. Our guest, Kristen Maddox, passionately advocates for veterans and shares her profound commitment to ensuring that Dennis does not lose his home in the twilight of his life. Through her extensive involvement in the veteran community, Kristen recounts he...

This podcast delves into the profound experiences of RJ Rowe, a distinguished United States Air Force veteran and co-founder of the Veterans Transition Resource Center. We explore his motivations for enlisting in the Air Force, which stemmed from a desire to take responsibility for his education and future. Throughout our discussion, RJ shares his remarkable journey from piloting helicopters to his pivotal role in supporting vetera...

This podcast episode delves into the multifaceted narratives of veterans, emphasizing the significance of storytelling as a therapeutic endeavor for those who have served. We provide a platform for veterans to articulate their experiences, transitions, and the myriad opportunities presented to them through various nonprofit organizations. Our esteemed guest, Colonel Mack, shares insights into his writing journey, highlighting his c...

This podcast episode serves as a poignant platform for veterans to share their narratives, emphasizing the significance of community and camaraderie among those who have served. We are privileged to welcome Brandon Jenkins, a distinguished United States Naval Officer with an extensive 24-year career, who shares his compelling journey from the Naval Academy to commanding a squadron. Jenkins articulates the profound impact of mentors...