David C. Reed is a retired veteran with 24 years experience in criminal investigation and specialized law enforcement training.

As a commissioned LE officer for 40 years in Tennessee and Missouri, he specialized in major crimes investigations, especially violent crime and missing persons.

In his second career as a Department of the Army instructor, writer, and analyst, he managed courses as SRT Training Team Lead and later LE Branch Chief in courses ranging from special tactics to policing management worldwide. He retired as the Chief, Force Protection Training Division for the US Army Military Police School.

He continues to be a highly sought-out instructor of state and local police, and has been published for over twenty years in official DoD publications, writing doctrine, policy, and college accredited curriculum.

As to his third career, his first published thriller/mystery novel, "Cold, Dark, and Silent" was released in October 2024, and his second, "The Blockade Runners" was published in April 2025. His third thriller in the Chig Ashe series, "The Elite Watch" will be out March 2026, followed by "Song of the Surrogate" later this year. All available in print, Kindle, and at Audible.com

Tonight, we sat down with Matt Mattison, a Texas veteran and over-the-road truck driver who is proof that your mission doesn’t end when you take off the uniform. From the cab of his International, Matt is building and running the Veterans Breakthrough Network, helping fellow vets find their way forward. ​Tune in to catch his incredible story of grit and purpose!

Last night’s episode of Full Speed Ahead: After Battle hit all the right notes — literally.

We sat down with Mark Stallins, a retired Navy veteran who continues to serve long after hanging up the uniform. Mark shared the powerful mission behind his nonprofit, which provides live bugle services at veteran gravesites and ceremonies, ensuring our fallen are honored with the dignity they earned.

But his service doesn’t stop there. Mark talked about how he transformed his Navy skill set into a new calling — driving buses for special needs students, bringing patience, purpose, and heart to a community that depends on steady hands and compassionate leadership.

It was an episode full of humility, service, and the reminder that the mission doesn’t end when the contract does.

This week, we welcome Shawn Laurie — The Veteran Guy — a U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served nine years in the South Carolina National Guard, including two tours in Afghanistan. After being injured on his second deployment, Shawn spent two years at Fort Gordon’s Wounded Transition Unit, where he was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and severe anxiety before medically retiring in 2012.

But Shawn’s story didn’t end there.

He battled addiction. Faced suicidal thoughts. Lost his best friend to suicide in 2016.

And then — he chose recovery.

Now, Shawn is the author of Veteran Mindset 2.0 and Dear Friend, host of the podcast From Struggles to Success, and a powerful voice in the fight against veteran suicide and addiction. His message is raw, real, and unforgettable:

“Your diagnosis does not define you. Don’t just talk about it — be about it. Turn your mess into your message.”

In this episode, Shawn shares his journey from the edge to empowerment — reminding every listener that you are not battling this alone.

Lean on your people.

Reach out when it gets heavy.

And watch your true friends rise to the occasion.

This is more than a conversation.

It’s a lifeline.

Tune in to Full Speed Ahead — where we speak truth, honor the struggle, and fight for the ones still in the battle.