Borne The Battle

Army Veteran Terrence Hayes is the director of communications and public affairs for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has worked in public affairs for over 20 years, as a soldier and civilian alike. Hayes never saw an Army recruiter until the day he decided to call one and ask about the jobs that were available in the military. He ended up joining and reported for basic training only a few months after graduating high school. With his excellence in English, he decided to work in public affairs for the Army.At the beginning of his service Hayes intended to serve only five years and then enter the workforce. He ended up serving for two decades. He credits the Army with teaching him the importance of putting others before oneself and how selflessness in a leader encourages dedication in the entire team.After spending some time teaching at the Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy at Fort Meade, Maryland, and working as a media relations specialist at VA, Hayes became the director of communications and public affairs

This week's episode of Borne the Battle features one of its largest panels to date, as representatives from VA and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) break down the details of the Alaska Native Veterans Program of 2019. This episode features: Program manager Paul Krabacher (BLM). Acting Chief, Adjudication Services Section, Native Allotment Lead Candy Grimes (BLM). Land Transfer Resolution Specialist and Acting Native Liasion Ralph Eluska (BLM). Deputy Communications Director and Marine Corps Veteran Eric Tausch (BLM). Tribal Government Relations Specialist for the Continental/Midwest/North Atlantic Regions and Marine Corps Veteran Peter Vicaire (VA). The Alaska Native Veterans Program of 2019 allows Alaska Native Veterans who served in the Vietnam era, or an heir of theirs, to claim between 2.5 and 160 acres of land in Alaska. The BLM website hosts information about the program, including contact information, proposed rules for the program, a link to available lands, answers to frequently asked questions, a

Blake Stilwell shares his story of starting his career as a combat photographer and eventually becoming a professional writer for Military.com.Stilwell had only spent a year in the Air Force when he became the youngest and for a time lowest-ranking member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron. Despite early challenges, he was grateful for the opportunity to learn from his friends and mentors. He said they taught him how to take his work seriously while also having fun. He still considers it one of his best jobs.After nearly six years in the Air Force, Stilwell left to enroll at Syracuse University, using his GI Bill to graduate from the Television, Radio, and Film program. He used the skills he had learned in the Air Force and at Syracuse in various enterprises, including covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics and working at The White House Communications Agency.Stilwell eventually returned to Syracuse to study International and Public Relations, and spent some time at the Near East Foundation. In 2015, he was recrui

Army Veteran Erik Schlimmer has camped over 1,000 nights, climbed over 2,000 summits and hiked over 15,000 miles. In 2010 he hiked the entire Trans Adirondack Route – which spans over 230 miles – over just a few weeks. Schlimmer believes that hiking is one of the best ways for anyone – Veteran or otherwise – to improve their health and their happiness.After completing two years of military service and four years of college, Schlimmer chose to spend his twenties and thirties enjoying nature by working the hiking trails of the Northeastern United States. He worked seasonally as a trail-builder, ranger, and expedition leader, living simply and spending all his free time hiking. He currently works as a therapist, helping others to return the favor for all who have helped him in the past.After transitioning to civilian life, Schlimmer longed for the camaraderie he experienced in the Army. But he also loved the freedom and sense of personal accountability he found when being alone in nature.It was his love of the A

Many male Veterans find it difficult to address the challenges of being a husband and a father, during and after their military service. Marine Corps Veteran Ben Killoy was one of these Veterans. He created the Military Veteran Dad Podcast to help men like himself come home “both physically and mentally to their marriage and their family.”Killoy became interested in the Marines after meeting a recruiter in 2002. He was in the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2007 and served as a generator mechanic stationed in Okinawa, Japan. According to Killoy, his time as a Marine mechanic taught him the value of taking pride in his work. He said he carried that lesson with him in his transition to civilian life.Killoy struggled with the challenges of being a father. He found online communities of other men going through the same struggle. He spent years learning to blog, write, and connect with other people. Killoy then founded his Military Veteran Dad Podcast in 2018. He shares stories and helps Veteran fathers be more present

Congress has provided $300 million through the CARES Act this year to help the VA address the problems faced by homeless and at-risk veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. John Kuhn, National Director of the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, explains on this episode how the VA is using that funding to support veterans and their families.The Supportive Services for Veterans Families, or SSVF, was founded in 2011 to help veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The SSVF transfers its funds to nonprofit organizations that are close to their communities, and these grantees ensure that money is directed to wherever it is needed most. The SSVF provides money for rent to veterans who have homes but are struggling and helps veterans and their families who are homeless to find housing.CLICK HERE FOR THE 2020 SSVF PROVIDER LISTWhile the SSVF is dedicated to helping veterans and their families find long-term housing, the Grant and Per Diem Program focuses on helping v

This 200th episode of Borne the Battle features Air Force Veteran Aerial Johnson, better known by her wrestling name “Big Swole,” Aerial shares her time in the military and how she transitioned into civilian life to eventually became a professional wrestler.Johnson joined the Air Force in 2008 to be a fire truck mechanic. She was stationed at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. On April 3, 2008, on a day she and her family would come to call her “second birthday,” Johnson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after being told she had half an hour to live. She survived a round of emergency surgery and was told that she would never be able to have children or engage in high-impact sports. However, Johnson didn't let her diagnosis stop her from doing what she wanted to do. When her Crohn’s disease worsened, she had to leave Air Force in 2010 but she didn't stop to pursue other dreams.CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CROHN’S DISEASEHull returned to her hometown of Clearwater, Florida, wher

Army Veteran Josh Strickland is a family man, the lead singer of the Phoenix-based band the Bayou Bandits, and a registered nurse who has worked through the COVID-19 pandemic in some of the hardest-hit areas of the United States.Music has always been a part of Strickland’s life. When he was growing up in Walker, La., he sang in his church’s choir, and his father and brother were both singers. After his service, Strickland played music at a saloon in Scottsdale, Ariz., and eventually founded his own band with his friends, Jeremy Magid, Paul Williams and Stevie Belcastro.The Bayou Bandits had been preparing for a tour when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Strickland started working as a travel nurse with COVID-19 patients in New Jersey in early March, before eventually returning to Phoenix to continue respond to local outbreaks in Arizona.Strickland has also worked with nonprofits focused on helping Veterans, such as the Southern Arizona Musicians for Healing, which uses music to raise awareness and funds for Vete

On this week’s episode of Borne the Battle, Marine Corps Veteran Beau Higgins shares his story of how he transitioned out of the military and started working for Amazon, helping veterans and families of veterans find meaningful employment.Higgins retired from the Marine Corps after 25 years of service in 2014. When he did, Veteran unemployment was higher than the national average. Things started to change when various companies dedicated themselves to hiring more veterans and military spouses.In 2016, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos made a pledge to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses by 2021. Higgins joined Amazon, where he started by helping recruit candidates for important positions. Now he leads the talent division pillar of Amazon’s Military Affairs team.In this episode, Higgins shares his thoughts on his service and how it has impacted him. He also talks about how his family has supported him, how he ended up working for Amazon, and how he remains connected to Veteran community through his work and life.Hig

“Fun, freedom, and community” is the motto of KC Crew, an adult sports and events company founded by Army Veteran and KC Crew Founder Luke Wade.After serving in the National Guard, Wade founded KC Crew. Centered in Kansas City, the group helps his community stay active and connected.Since its beginning, KC Crew focused on the idea of finding a place for people to play sports. Wade was able to create a community around people’s love for sports and events which also helped to revitalized the city.However, with the onset of COVID-19, staying true to KC Crew’s motto and goal seemed to be impossible. The COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down any gathering of more than 10 people.In this podcast episode, Wade discussed how he was able to take immediate action to adjust his business model after hearing about Kansas City’s shutdown. With the help of his wife and team, Wade found new ways for KC Crew to stay active. He emphasized how KC Crew focuses on giving people a needed social experience even if places are physi

On this week's episode, Borne The Battle featured Navy Veteran Bryan Bergjans. He spoke about what he does with Caliber Home Loans and how he was able to become the National Director of Military and VA lending. He also discussed bridging the educational gap between the VA Home Loan Benefit and future military and veteran homeowners, and realtors.Bryan Bergjans uses different platforms to educate and provide information to service members, Veterans and eligible spouses about the VA Home Loan Benefit.These include Home Owner Heroes and Military Spouse Mondays which are published on YouTube through the Mortgage News Network.The shows also provide information and answer questions for mortgage professionals. He discusses some of the major opportunities and debunks common misconceptions. Bergjans also shares unknown facts that are in place through the VA Home Loan Benefit.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO BORNE THE BATTLE #150: VA HOME LOAN PROGRAMVA helps service members, Veterans or eligible surviving spouses become homeow

Navy Veteran Prince Taylor believes that military service develops perseverance and discipline—traits that are useful for Veterans even after they the military.But transitioning out of the Navy wasn't easy for Taylor. This week's episode of Borne the Battle is a discussion with Taylor about his journey from multiple entry level jobs into dead-end companies, into VA's human resources system, to organizing TEDx Veterans Affairs.Taylor's transition struggle is one that many Veterans can relate to, but he stresses that the situations he faced allowed him to develop skills to be quick on his feet and to think outside the box – just like in the Navy. Fortunately, he found VA and a direct career path that broadened his military skills.Now, after a decade in VA's HR, Taylor serves as the Deputy Director for VA's Voluntary Services, and is a great example of a successful military-to-civilian transition for Veterans employed by VA. Highlighting Veterans' stories – their bravery, struggles and redemption – remains his t

COVID-19 update on VA benefits (GI Bill, Home Loan, etc.) featuring the Undersecretary of the Veterans Benefits Administration, Dr. Paul Lawrence, as he breaks down recent changes in veterans' benefits. 

As a big reader, G. Michael Hopf had a great desire to explore the world and have adventures.However, a near death experience led him to reconsider his career. With help from his father, Hopf found a new direction working as a private security detailer.During all of these adventures, he was always dabbling in writing. From journaling to short stories, Hopf kept in touch with his love of telling stories.After just dabbling with writing and self-publishing an illustrated children’s book, Hopf was inspired to try writing a novel. He decided to stop being a dabbler and make writing his job.Working on a novel while still working was not easy, but Hopf found the process fun and interesting. But in the end, all the effort had been worth it when his book suddenly hit peak sales.Noticing the success of Hopf’s novel, Amazon offered a pre-order option for a second novel. This sequel hit best-seller on Amazon as soon as the pre-orders were opened. This event led him to get signed by the largest publisher in the world: Pe

Through founding Team Red White and Blue, Army Veteran Mike Erwin discovered that he didn’t have to be in the military to serve the nation. There are many different ways to serve our nation. Erwin’s mission as a social entrepreneur is to build non-profits that help make communities and our country better. The goal of Team Red White and Blue is to enrich Veterans by helping them have  Better physical and mental health Stronger relationships A sense of purpose Veterans can sign up for Team Red White and Blue through the app. In the app, they can search for any physical activity they are interested in and see what events are nearby. The app also encourages Veterans to improve their physical health through different challenges throughout the year.Deciding to focus on other projects, Erwin took a several-years hiatus from his executive director position at Team RWB. In that time, he co-wrote and published Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude. When he wasn't writing, he founded the Positivity

While most people do their best to be independent, sometimes life gets in the way. It's in these difficult moments when even strong, independent people reach out for help.This is what LTG (ret.) Raymond V. Mason learned from key mentors and leaders throughout his 35 years in the Army. Mason led the 82nd Airborne as the Support Commanding Officer, and also served in Grenada. Later, Mason served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, for HQ, US Army G-4 during his last tour on active duty.In this episode of Borne the Battle, LTG Mason talks about his belief that receiving help in times of struggle is a sign of great strength. LTG Mason continues to carry on this truth as he serves as the Director of the Army Emergency Relief (AER), sharing how qualified Veterans can access financial support in hard times.In this podcast, Mason shares AER’s support and resources: Support during disasters Scholarships for secondary education Assistance during childcare And far more EXCLUSIVE content Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Ar

Profiling has often been given a negative perspective. In this episode of Borne the Battle, Marine Corps Veteran Brian Marren explains how Human Behavior Pattern Recognition and Analysis is a scientific form of human behavior profiling, and how it's not based on race or religion but rather on how all humans behave.The world today seems far smaller and connected than the decades before it, bringing about stronger trade and increased diversity. However, a more integrated world has inevitably led to a greater need for security and safety.As a former Marine Scout Sniper, Marren believes that both the military and civilians need to be prepared psychologically for any situation. His master’s degree in Applied Pyschology--and Marine Corps background--have proved pivotal in developing his passions.Today, Marren focuses most of his efforts at Arcadia Cognerati, where he helps people learn how to recognize danger and then act on it.In this podcast, Marren discusses the following topics: Mentors that gave taught him dis

This week's Borne the Battle podcast breaks down how the VA Debt Management Center is executing the president's directive to suspend or extend all VA Debt Collection due to coronavirus, or COVID-19.Joseph Schmitt is director of VA's Debt Management Center and Jason Hoge is director of operations. The recently answered questions virtually from the House Veterans Affairs Committee Disability and Mortuary Affairs Subcommittee. The focus was how Veterans are getting debt management relief from VA due to COVID-19. Much of the questions focused on how Veterans receive communication from VA.VA announced April 3 a number of actions to provide Veterans with financial, benefits and claims help amid VA's COVID-19 response.The financial relief actions include the following until further notice: Suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department. Suspending collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, as the Veteran prefers. For benefit debts, Veterans can

Two new VA coronavirus websites are online. Update on the Wheelchair and Golden Age Games. VA suspends veteran debt collection. Update on COVID-19 support from New Jersey Medical Center. Interview with Army Veteran Chad Butters, who early on, transformed his Pennslyvania distillery into a hand sanitizer production facility.

While they only knew him for one day, Army Veterans Phil Hall and Fred Navarro remember the man that sacrificed his life for them and their fellow brothers in Vietnam. They both signed statements of recommendation to upgrade Airman William H. Pitsenbarger’s Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor. In December 2000, 32 years after the Battle of Xa Cam My, Phil and Fred were able to attend Pitsenbarger’s Medal of Honor ceremony. The film, The Last Full Measure, is based on both battles that Phil and Fred faced, both in Vietnam and in DC.