Description:

Derik Board joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the healing power of music and how creative storytelling can help veterans process their experiences and share their stories with the world. As the founder of Commemorate Through Chords, Derik helps veterans transform their military journeys into original songs that preserve their legacy and provide an outlet for healing.

In this episode, we explore:
• The emotional challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service
• How songwriting can help veterans process trauma and reconnect with purpose
• The mission of Commemorate Through Chords and how it’s preserving veteran stories through music

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a veteran, or searching for powerful ways to express and preserve life experiences, this episode offers insight into how music can become a lifeline for healing and connection.

About the Guest:

Derik Board is an Air Force National Guard veteran, musician, and veteran advocate from the Ohio Valley. As the founder of Commemorate Through Chords, he works directly with veterans to turn their stories into music, creating a powerful legacy through songwriting and storytelling.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VeteranTransition
#VeteranStories
#MusicTherapy
#MilitaryCommunity
#VeteranSupport
#VeteranMentalHealth
#VETSOS
#MilitaryPodcast
#HealingThroughMusic
#GrabTheLifeline

Christian Meza joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into legacy, loss, faith, and continued service through The Military Effect campaign. As a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient and Regional Impact Officer, Christian shares how personal grief became a lifelong mission to support military families.

In this episode, we explore:• How military service impacts families long after the uniform comes off• Turning loss into purpose through service and leadership• Building community through Folds of Honor and golf-based fundraising• Why storytelling saves lives and strengthens legacy

Whether you're navigating military transition, dealing with grief, or searching for purpose beyond service, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real-world perspective.

Christian Meza is a Regional Impact Officer for Folds of Honor and a proud military son. After losing his father to service-connected injuries, Christian became a national advocate for military families, helping raise awareness, funding scholarships, and building community impact across the country.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. — Operation StartupVET S.O.S. — Learning LifelineVET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #FoldsOfHonor #VeteranStories #MilitaryLegacy #PurposeDrivenLeadership #GoldStarFamilies #TheMilitaryEffect #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Jane Babcock joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into one of the most critical topics for veterans and their families: understanding VA benefits that are often overlooked.

A U.S. Army veteran and former County Veteran Service Officer, Jane spent more than a decade helping veterans successfully file VA claims and access the benefits they earned. Today, she continues educating the veteran community on how to navigate the VA system and protect their families’ futures.

In this episode, we explore:

• Survivor death compensation (DIC) and benefits available to veteran families
• Military funeral honors and memorial benefits veterans are entitled to
• How Aid & Attendance benefits help veterans and spouses with long-term care
• Why connecting with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can change everything

Whether you're navigating military transition, planning for the future, or helping a veteran family member access their benefits, this episode provides actionable guidance that could have a lasting impact.

About the Guest:

Jane Babcock served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1982 to 2004 and later worked 11.5 years as a nationally accredited County Veteran Service Officer, filing over 1,200 claims for veterans and their survivors. She now volunteers her time educating veterans and families about the benefits available to them.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#VeteransBenefits
#VAClaims
#VeteranSupport
#MilitaryTransition
#AidAndAttendance
#VeteranResources
#VeteranFamilies
#DICBenefits
#GrabTheLifeline

Kerry Steuart joins the VET S.O.S. Network to explore how yoga, breathwork, and intentional living can help veterans heal from PTSD, chronic pain, and the invisible wounds of military service.

In this episode, we explore:
• How breathwork calms the nervous system and reduces trauma
• Why self-care is a strategic survival skill for veterans
• The role mindfulness plays in post-military identity
• How to move from survival mode into purpose and fulfillment

This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection — it starts with presence.

Kerry Steuart is an Air Force Gulf War veteran, yoga instructor, and life coach who helps veterans reconnect with their bodies, minds, and purpose. Through his Live Bliss wellness programs, Kerry guides individuals toward healing, resilience, and intentional living.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

• VET S.O.S.
• VET S.O.S. — Operation Startup
• VET S.O.S. — Learning Lifeline
• VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranHealing #MilitaryTransition #PTSDRecovery #VeteranWellness #MindfulnessForVeterans #TheMilitaryEffect #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Marine Corps veteran Ashton Kroner joins the VET S.O.S. Network to discuss the mission behind the Veteran Cancer Network and the urgent need for better cancer detection and resources within the veteran community.

After her husband was diagnosed with late-stage cancer following a misdiagnosis, Ashton helped launch a nonprofit dedicated to improving early cancer screening, veteran awareness, and peer support for those navigating diagnosis and treatment.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why veterans face increased cancer risk from military exposures• The role of multi-cancer early detection blood tests• How the Veteran Cancer Network supports veterans and families

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a loved one through illness, or trying to take control of your health, this conversation offers actionable insights for veterans and families facing one of life’s toughest battles.

About the Guest:

Ashton Kroner is a Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of the Veteran Cancer Network, a nonprofit organization focused on improving cancer awareness, screening access, and support resources for veterans and their families.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#VeteranCancerNetwork
#VeteranHealth
#CancerAwareness
#MilitaryTransition
#VeteranSupport
#CancerScreening
#VeteransHelpingVeterans
#BurnPitExposure
#GrabTheLifeline

Evie King, President of Independent (InDependent) and 2023 Military Spouse of the Year, joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military spouse wellness, leadership, and holistic wellbeing as part of The Military Effect campaign.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why military spouse wellness must be addressed holistically
• How education and access reduce wellness disparities
• Mental health, nutrition, and daily habits in military life
• Redefining spouses as leaders—not just supporters

Whether you're navigating military life, supporting a spouse, or looking for meaningful resources, this episode provides clear, actionable insight to help you thrive.

Evie King is an Army spouse and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing military spouse wellness worldwide. As President of Independent, she leads research-driven programs that remove barriers to wellness access and empower military families across the globe.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. – Operation Startup
VET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #MilitarySpouseWellness #TheMilitaryEffect #VeteranFamilies #MilitaryLeadership #HolisticWellness #MilitarySpouseSupport #VeteranResources #NonprofitImpact #GrabTheLifeline

Anna Larson joins the VET S.O.S. Network for a milestone Episode 200, bringing long-overdue attention to the realities military spouses face during transition.

As the founder of MilSpouse Transition, Anna shares how military transition impacts not just service members—but spouses, children, careers, identity, and wellbeing. From sudden ETS decisions to retirement, healthcare gaps, and employment challenges, this episode highlights why transition planning must include the entire family.

In this episode, we explore:• The emotional and identity challenges military spouses face after service• Why spouses are often excluded from transition resources• Differences between ETS, medical separation, and retirement transitions• Practical tools and questions spouses should be asking early

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a spouse, or working in the veteran support space, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and next steps.

Anna Larson is the founder of MilSpouse Transition, a Gallup-Certified Wellbeing Coach, and longtime military spouse. She advocates for holistic transition support that centers families, wellbeing, and long-term stability.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. – Operation StartupVET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #MilitarySpouseTransition #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport #SpouseAdvocacy #TransitionResources #MilSpouse #GrabTheLifeline #Episode200 #FamilyReadiness

James “Bart” Bartelloni joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how surf therapy, community connection, and alternative healing modalities are helping veterans recover from PTSD and TBI.

In this episode, we explore:
• Surf therapy as a tool for presence and neurological healing
• Why community matters more than isolation after transition
• Sound, frequency, and biohacking approaches to wellness
• Expanding veteran recovery beyond traditional medication

Whether you're navigating military transition, searching for new healing options, or supporting veterans on their wellness journey, this conversation provides clear, actionable insight you can use today.

James “Bart” Bartelloni is a former F-14 Naval Aviator, Top Gun graduate, founder of The SUP Veterans, and board member of Behind Thin Lines. He supports veterans and first responders through alternative therapies focused on holistic healing and recovery.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

#VETSOS #VeteranMentalHealth #SurfTherapy #PTSDHealing #TBIRecovery #AlternativeHealing #VeteranWellness #MilitaryTransition #TheMilitaryEffect #GrabTheLifeline