Advertise on podcast: Eye on Veterans

On Wednesday Apr 22 we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Army Ranger Pat Tillman who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. A unique Ranger in that he left a pro football career with The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals to join the Army shortly after 9/11, along with his brother. On the evening of April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged, canyon terrain of eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers led to his tragic death. Today we’re not only honoring his memory but also hearing how his incredible legacy lives on through the Pat Tillman Foundation. We’re joined by Tillman Foundation CEO Dr. Katherine Steele, and scholar recipient, Army veteran Maj. Bernard Toney Jr. Steele shares unique memories of Pat and how the Tillman Foundation grew from donations to his alma mater Arizona State University, to helping high caliber veteran students complete college and become the leaders of tomorrow. Army veteran Bernard Toney Jr. shares how he went from the Special Forces community (serving in the same area as Tillman, just 4 months after his death) to serving in The White House. And, how he hopes to make an impact in Public Health and improve the lives of Americans from all socio-economic backgrounds. Support The Pat Tillman Foundation here: https://pattillmanfoundation.org/ CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re checking out the Spring ski action in Snowmass Co, at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Every year incredible wounded warfighters gather for a week of skiing, boarding and the kind of healing only mother nature can provide. Our guest is Retired Army Major, Dr. Lisa Maddox, who overcame a leg amputation and proves that with the right mindset anything is possible. Lisa Maddox describes the feeling of shredding the slopes on a mono ski, and how it fuels her passion. She also shares how her injury has never stopped her from becoming a nationally renowned adaptive sports athlete who loves skiing, pickle ball, basketball, softball and more! We trace her journey from the guard changing ceremony at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, to West Point. She tracked her entrance into medical school and the rare medical condition that resulted in her leg amputation. But losing a leg would never stop this Army veteran. Maj. Maddox shares how, after her surgery, she continued to serve her fellow vets as an MD at the Augusta VA and competed in The National Veterans Wheelchair Games. She’s also had some amazing experiences, including a cool story about attending the famed Masters Golf Tournament in her hometown of Augusta, and having a VIP view of the hit musical Hamilton. Check out more from Dr. Lisa Maddox, a US Army veteran, West Point graduate and an overall sports enthusiast, speaking to Detours at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ffR9f1XMgk See more from the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here: https://www.wintersportsclinic.org/ CBS Eye on Veterans Host; Phil Briggs [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take control of your financial future with the Command Your Cash course. Whether you are currently serving, a veteran, or a military spouse, this comprehensive personal finance course addresses the unique challenges of military life. The program is designed to be self-paced, helping learners sharpen their skills through key topics to build, grow, and protect their finances. We talked with two veterans about the course. Army veteran, former Artillery Officer, West Point football player and USAA Educational Foundation Executive, David Evetts, shared how this unique course helps service members and vets with everything from their finances to home buying tips to effective ways to destroy debt. Marine Corps veteran, and University of Maryland Global Campus student, Thomas "Dillon" Hale, described his experience with the "Command Your Cash" course and how it improved his family’s financial strategy and how the credits he earned helped him complete his degree even sooner. Find out more about this innovative and free financial course here: https://lms.usaaef.org/product?catalog=Command-Your-Cash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a deeper look at the rapidly escalating War with Iran, with former Ranger, Special Forces and National Security writer Jack Murphy. We open with how veterans across the country feel about it, considering many have already endured decades of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Murphy also discusses the news of Special Forces veteran Joe Kent, whose resignation from National Counter Terrorism Center stirred up controversy earlier this week. And he highlighted what some have called antisemitism woven within the letter of resignation. Murphy also examines US leadership from President Trump’s decision to strike Iran to the effectiveness fellow Army veteran, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. We also examine the stark and troubling contrast between Murphy’s memories of Iraq policy and what is unfolding with Iran today. We also take a deeper look at veteran influencers and podcasters who push stories of terrorist sleeper cells within the US, and ask if fears of future attacks are warranted. For more of Jack Murphy’s National Security reporting, see ConnectingVets.com and his weekly podcast The Team House: http://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamHousePodcast To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we discuss Operation Epic Fury, with Army veteran and former SFOD-Delta, Lt. Colonel Brad Taylor. A veteran with years of covert operations experience, best-selling author and detailed researcher, Taylor looks at all sides of this war with Iran, which has broadened to a level not seen since WWII. We begin with what initiated the US-Israeli attack on Iran, and the dangers the world now faces. We looked back at Iran’s support of murderous terrorist groups, i.e., Hamas, Hezbollah, IRGC, Quds Force, and how Iran has been conducting asymmetric warfare for decades. We also take a deeper look at previous wars, and how killing our enemies is only half the battle. Taylor describes deadly lessons from Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, and the true cost of leaving behind a failed state. He also offers lessons on successful US “dislocation strategies”, but pairs it with a brutally honest look at the current situation in Iran. And he describes a few end game scenarios, which leaves The Middle East and The United States with more questions than answers. More from Special Forces, OD-Delta veteran and best-selling author Brad Taylor here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ Check out his new book “Shadow Strike” (Coming April 21, 2026) https://bradtaylorbooks.com/all-books/shadow-strike/ [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we meet Navy veteran John Gully, who went from Navy ships and sonar frequencies to a career behind the mic on radio frequencies. Today he’s the Evening News Anchor for Prescott Tonight on News Talk Radio 103.5 FM in Prescott, AZ, but broadcasting was not his original plan. Gully shared memories of his days aboard ship and what it was like being a Sailor during the Cold War era … and any dangerous encounters with Russians? Gully revealed how after the Navy an impromptu attempt on the mic landed him a DJ shift at local radio station in San Diego. We discussed his career, how radio has evolved and why the owners dominating today’s media landscape have strayed from what originally made radio so popular. We also discussed his latest project, Warrior Voices Radio, and Internet radio station designed exclusively for the veteran community. Gully shares how he and their veteran team are unafraid to break radio format rules, play whatever they want (over 3K songs in the library) and how they can help their fellow veterans host their own radio show or create a podcast. Gully expressed how being on the radio took him on the journey of a lifetime, and how Warrior Voices Radio is there to help our fellow vets launch their own journey too. Check out the killer playlist and podcasts on Warrior Voices Radio here: https://warriorvoicesradio.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we honor a fallen Marine, Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, who was KIA during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, at Abbey Gate in Kabul, on Aug 26, 2021. Our guest is Jared’s father, Mark Schmitz, who founded the non-profit organization “The Freedom 13”. He shared his mission and details about the veteran retreat and recreation center being built on a beautiful 171-acre property in the heart of Missouri. We begin with how Jared was born to be a Marine and how the way he lived his life inspired everyone who knew him. Schmitz shared how Jared’s impact was felt around the world. In a story that reveals the highest level of heroism, he recalled how at a large event he had a chance encounter with an Afghan refugee, who spoke of being rescued from Kabul by a young Maine with “Schmitz” on his uniform’ name badge. During our conversation we talked about the disastrous US withdrawal from Afghanistan and its impact on the veteran community. Schmitz described how his son and the others who served so bravely that day, inspired him to create a place where veterans, first responders and their families will always have a place to find comfort and healing. We discussed the scenic property in Bourbon, MO, which will feature 13 buildings where vets and their families can stay. Plus a ton of outdoor recreation like; fishing, shooting, pickleball and even all terrain golf carts to explore more of the great outdoors. Schmitz also shared his vision to eventually build more centers in all 50 states. Check out The Freedom 13 Veteran Retreat and Recreation Project here: https://thefreedom13.org/ Support The Freedom 13 here: https://thefreedom13.org/pages/donate-landing-page Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Maddie Smith quit drinking, she just didn’t know what to do with her hands ... until she discovered Cross Fit and built her epic physique! Now she’s a top contender for “Ms. Health and Fitness 2026”, and she’s doing it all for a veteran nonprofit. We talked about how she overcame alcoholism, an eating disorder, and endured recovery groups that didn’t understand her trauma. Now, in peak physical condition she shared advice on conquering addictions and helping veterans through a partnership with Shields and Stripes, a veteran support program founded by Steve Nisbet, fellow athlete and Air Force Pararescue Specialist veteran. Nisbet described the life of an elite “PJ”, conducting casualty evac missions in combat zones, the tragic death of a fellow PJ, the Army's betrayal and the emotional toll of his service. But he powered through the pain and used his physical training expertise to create the acclaimed Shields and Stripes veteran support program. The program draws from the type of sports therapy used by pro athletes and Special Operations teams and combines it with customized nutrition plans and therapy from experienced psychologists. Nisbet described the incredible results attendees experienced at recent programs in Arizona and Florida, and shared stories of vets who no longer need the medications doctors said they couldn’t live without. Smith also expressed her shared love of fitness as medicine, and what she will do if crowned contest winner, “If I win, I’m donating the $20K prize to the Shields & Stripes Foundation. I’m competing to break the stigma around recovery & mental health, not to win money. Giving the prize to a nonprofit founded by someone who rebuilt his life after tragedy & now helps others find their strength, means more than anything $20K could buy me.” Vote for Maddie Smith, fitness pro and Army spouse, here:https://mshealthandfit.com/2026/madeline-smith Check out the innovative, healing programs for veterans at Shields and Stripes, here:https://shieldsandstripes.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Navy vets Joe Lloyd and Loaman “Nelly” Nelson served together aboard USS San Diego, they never dreamed they would be attending the Super Bowl. But thanks to the Wounded Warrior Project and Jacksonville Jaguars Devin Lloyd, this weekend, they’re living a football fantasy! During Media Week, we swapped sea stories about ship life, port calls, and casinos, and lessons about what it takes to be a true leader. Joe Lloyd shared how those leadership lessons helped him guide his son, Devin Lloyd, to become an elite college football player, a #1 NFL Draft pick, and a Pro-Bowl Linebacker with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They described how, together with Devin, they served their fellow vets at Project Odyssey, a healing retreat that offers outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, rafting, skiing, boarding, and more. Afterward, Devin Lloyd gave the coveted tickets to Nelly, and he described his call to Joe, announcing their epic road trip to San Francisco to attend the big game. From leadership to fatherhood to a love of sports, these two veterans represent what it means to be a football fan and a friend! More on Project Odyssey, outdoor adventures here: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/project-odyssey Support our veterans and donate to Wounded Warrior Project here: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Phil Briggs [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking about Physical and Mental fitness with Army combat veteran entrepreneur, speaker, and Founder of Soldier Fit, training centers, Danny Farrar. He achieved success as a business owner, MMA fighter and endured events like the Pentagon on 9/11 and combat in Iraq. But we open with one of Farrar’s most challenging chapters- his childhood. Like he’s done for thousands of fitness clients over the years, Farrar preached lessons he learned from his past, the military and one vivid memory of almost getting choked-out during a mixed martial arts match. However, whether it’s a lesson from his life or an observation of society today, Farrar consistently helps people believe they can achieve anything. From fitness to career goals to just wanting to live a better life, Farrar gives the hard truth and often surprising advice. Farrar also shared how the ongoing wave of polarizing news stories; ICE, immigration, social media anger and political unrest, actually reveals a deeper issue within ourselves. And once we conquer it, “anything is possible”. Reach your fitness goals with Soldier Fit here: https://soldierfit.com/ Check out The Herd, Mindset Coaching here: https://www.instagram.com/dannyfarrar_theherd Get a daily dose of motivation from Danny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.farrar1 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Netflix documentary “In Waves and War” reveals the stunning results of psychedelic therapy and how medicines like Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT are proving to help warriors overcome their demons, which all too often drive them to suicide. Former Navy SEAL Chief Anthony Rivera completed this groundbreaking treatment back in 2020 and shares vivid memories from his experience. We start with a gripping look at what life on the SEAL teams was like, and the troubling after effects of combat. After attempting to fight the battle alone, Rivera was eventually convinced by a fellow team mate to undergo a powerful medically assisted session in Mexico, thanks to Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions. Rivera described in detail, the vivid images and feelings he experienced during the sessions. And he shared the profound connection between psychedelic therapy and feeling the presence of God. As the medicine coursed through his veins, the results that he and hundreds of other Special Operations veterans experienced, are nothing short of miraculous. Rivera also makes a powerful case for why psychedelic therapy is more effective than traditional mental health treatment and the overwhelming number of medications widely prescribed. Now a devout Christian, Rivera continues to serve his fellow veterans through his company Vetavize, which helps them navigate the VA benefit claims process, and receive the benefits they earned. Watch In Waves and War on Netflix https://vetsolutions.org/news/netflix-in-waves-and-war-vets/ For more on Medical Psychedelic Therapy Sessions, check out Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) here: https://vetsolutions.org/ For VA claims assistance using AI-powered Vetavize, Connect with SEAL veteran, Anthony Rivera here: https://vetavize.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a deep dive into the covert mission where Delta Force, Navy SEALs and the Night Stalkers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment boldly extracted the notorious Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and brought him to the US to face drug trafficking charges. Special Operations, Ranger, and acclaimed journalist Jack Murphy shares some fascinating insight. Murphy’s deeply classified and anonymous sources in the Intelligence and Special Operations community offer us a glimpse at how these operations are conducted. Murphy deftly examines covert mission tactics, the legal set up for the mission, the Trump administration’s admission of their desire to control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. We also hear more about CIA sources on the ground, what may have turned them toward supporting the US strategy and how they cleared the way long before the strike was launched. Murphy also describes an interesting connection between Black Ops and the FBI’s elite counter-terrorism tactical unit, Hostage Rescue Team (HRT). We also dive deeper into the exfil timeline, the role of USS Iwo Jima, some key take ways about the use of Joint Special Operations forces and how this mission echoes the not so distant sounds of unresolved wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. For more incredible National Security reporting check out The High Side: https://thehighside.substack.com/ And to hear fascinating interviews with Special Operations veterans check out Jack Murphy and Dave Parke on The Team House Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamHousePodcast CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luxury purses, handbags and carry-ons can’t compete with story behind the handmade leather and canvas bags from “R Riveter”. Military spouse Lisa Bradley co-founded the company and revolutionized the fashion manufacturing industry, by recruiting military spouses located across the country, to stitch together the bags in their homes. Now, a multi-million-dollar business, we hear how this military spouse founded brand got its humble start in an attic. From a small home-based endeavor, Bradley shares how she was inspired to enlist her fellow military spouses, who often have challenges finding reliable employment, to join the company. After initial success, Bradley described how they scaled revenue, expanded operations and eventually made an appearance on the network TV show, Shark Tank. Bradley spoke about working with business icon Mark Cuban, and how despite their growth, R. Riveter stayed true to the original mission- helping military families. Over the years R. Riveter has sold thousands of bags, and Bradley offered a story about a family who is able to keep their father’s memory alive, through a truly unique line of handbags. Check out R. Riveter Bags, for women and men here: https://www.rriveter.com/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans Phil Briggs, Host [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a former Afghan ally attacked West Virginia National Guard troops in Washington DC, killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding SSgt Andrew Wolfe, we’re hearing a National Guard veteran’s view of these deployments to major US cities, and the vetting process of allies seeking asylum. National Guard veteran and CEO of The Chamberlain Network, Chris Purdy has served both in Iraq, and with organizations to bring our Afghan allies to the US for their safety. Purdy offers a deeper look at the intended role of National Guard troops, the issues related to being assigned law enforcement duties, and the actual results of these deployments. Purdy shares his personal experience assisting Afghani asylum seekers who fought along US forces, and discusses missteps often made in resettling foreign allies. He also describes how The Chamberlain Network seeks to amplify veteran voices in an effort to solve many local and national issues . Learn more about veteran advocacy and activism from The Chamberlain Network here: https://www.chamberlainnetwork.us/ Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Eye on Veterans and Connecting Vets, Reporter Julia LeDoux had an informative conversation with VA Secretary Doug Collins. We asked many of the questions veterans have today. Collins shared his goals of lowering benefit claims processing times, simplifying the system and a revealed plans to overhaul the application. We also got a rare look at his military background as an Air Force Reserve Colonel, Chaplain and deployment to Iraq. He shared memories of a Thanksgiving, while stationed at Balad Air Base, and how his experience and faith guide his work today. We dove into topics like; veteran mental health, what's being done to lower veteran suicides and the connection between mental health and the medications so many veterans are prescribed. We asked his position on alternative treatments like psychedelics and cannabis. We also sought an explanation for why Congress recently blocked passage of The Maj. Richard Star Act. which defends veterans ability to receive both retirement and disability benefits. And we learned who he's (always) rooting for in college football! Find your VA benefits, and resources for all veterans here: https://www.va.gov/ Connect: CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs [email protected] Connecting Vets.com, Senior Veteran Affairs Reporter, Julia LeDoux [email protected] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices