In this VET S.O.S. Transition Podcast episode, we welcome Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, for a compelling conversation on post-military purpose and recovery. Ryan opens up about his challenging transition from Marine infantryman to civilian, his battle with alcoholism, and the profound transformation he experienced through service dog programs.

Now leading Clear Path’s multifaceted veteran support initiatives—ranging from ADI-accredited service dog training to wellness therapies and the Operation Socrates SkillBridge program—Ryan brings hope and healing to veterans across the U.S.

His journey is a reminder that with support, structure, and service, veterans can rediscover purpose and thrive in life after the uniform.

🔗 Visit www.clearpath4vets.com to learn more.
🎙️ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring veteran stories.

#VeteranTransition #ServiceDogsSaveLives #MilitaryToCivilian #VETSOS #ClearPathForVeterans #VeteranWellness #AddictionRecovery #VeteranPrograms #PostMilitaryLife #HealingThroughDogs

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, Dr. Hira speaks with Edward Lewis, Vice President of Operations at the Maritime Institute and retired U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief.

Edward explains how veterans with maritime backgrounds can move directly into well-paying civilian roles without starting over—thanks to gap training programs, funding options, and strong industry networks. Learn about the 28-day boot camp program that equips veterans to earn their Merchant Mariner Credential, and hear real success stories from graduates working across the globe.

Whether you’re interested in sailing internationally, working in ports, or starting a shore-based maritime career, this episode is packed with practical tips, funding insights, and career strategies for veterans.

#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #MaritimeIndustry #VeteranEmployment #MerchantMarinerCareer #MilitaryToCivilian #CareerReadiness #GIbillBenefits #VeteranTraining #VeteranSuccessStories #SkillBridgeOpportunities

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Military Transition Resources Show, Shawn and Keith welcome Michelle Keller, Senior Director of Development for Farm2Veteran. This innovative nonprofit is tackling veteran food insecurity by delivering fresh, locally-sourced meals to those who need it most—all at no cost to the veteran.

Michelle discusses the powerful mission behind Farm2Veteran, their national expansion to 9 states in just 5 years, and how partnerships with other veteran service organizations allow them to focus on what matters—feeding heroes with dignity.

Get the inside scoop on the upcoming Farm Fresh Hope Gala featuring comedian David Spade and how this event will help expand support to veterans across the country. Hear real stories from the “scooter brigade” of older vets, the impact of meals during natural disasters, and the organization’s holistic approach to wellness and community.

🌱 It’s not a handout—it’s a heartfelt thank you. Learn more at farm2veteran.com.

#VeteranFoodSecurity #MilitaryTransitionSupport #FarmToVeteran #VETSOS #VeteranStories #HolisticVeteranSupport #MilitaryNonprofit #VeteranWellness #SupportOurVets #DavidSpade

Mary Fisk, Marine Corps veteran and Student Veteran Career Counselor at Penn State University, joins us to talk about proactive veteran career support and how higher education can be a powerful anchor in the military-to-civilian transition.

Mary shares how Penn State offers one-on-one advising, career fairs, lunch & learns, and hybrid-access workshops to support more than 3,000 military-connected students across 24 campuses and its World Campus. She also gives advice on internships, resume building, and why engaging early in your career journey is essential for success.

If you're a veteran or military-affiliated student looking to thrive after service, this episode is packed with insight, tools, and motivation.

🎓 Learn more at vetsospodcast.com
📬 Contact Mary: svcc@psu.edu
🎙 Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

#VETSOS #VeteranCareerSupport #PennStateVeterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuccess #StudentVeterans #CareerCounseling #VeteranReadiness #MilitarySupport #HigherEducationForVets #GIbillResources

In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Military Transition Podcast, we speak with Ashley Sard, an Air Force veteran and Community Partnership Specialist at Empath Health. Ashley shares her deeply personal military transition story, from medical retirement and career uncertainty to championing hospice and palliative care for veterans in Florida.

We explore:

• The impact of medical retirement on military families

• Women Veteran advocacy at the VA

• Empath Health’s veteran-focused hospice, palliative, and grief support services

• Unique programs like “We Honor Veterans” and personalized pinning ceremonies

Ashley’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and compassionate service. If you’re a veteran or caregiver, this episode offers crucial insights on community resources and how end-of-life care can honor military service.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how one veteran turned transition challenges into lasting impact.
#MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #HospiceCare #PalliativeCare #EmpathHealth #WomenVeterans #VeteranAdvocacy #EndOfLifeCare #WeHonorVeterans #VETSOS

Christian Echeverri, Navy veteran and outreach lead at Best Military Resume and Hire Valor, joins the VET S.O.S. Podcast to share how cutting-edge AI is helping veterans bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment.

He dives into the challenges of rediscovering identity after retirement, adjusting post-COVID, and how his journey led him to help others find meaningful careers. Christian explains how Best Military Resume’s AI system builds tailored resumes and elevator pitches while Hire Valor acts as a job placement ally—not just a recruiter.

Tune in to hear how this combination of tech and human connection is creating better career outcomes for transitioning veterans and military families.

🎙️ Catch every Wednesday at 5 AM EST for more inspiring stories.

#MilitaryTransition #VeteranEmployment #HireValor #BestMilitaryResume #TransitionSupport #VETSOS #VeteranCareerHelp #MilitaryToCivilian #CareerCoaching #JobSearchAI

Marine Corps veteran and resiliency coach Garret Biss joins us on the VET S.O.S. podcast to share his journey through anxiety, addiction, and identity loss—and how those experiences led to the creation of Valiant Path, a revolutionary program in Veteran Resilience Training.

Garret explains how most veterans lose more than just a job when they leave the military—they lose connection, meaning, and identity. Through the lens of applied positive psychology and post-traumatic growth, he introduces a powerful framework for rebuilding emotional strength and direction. You’ll learn about the Three C’s—Confidence, Competence, and Capacity—and how they help veterans reclaim control of their future.

We also discuss his work with incarcerated veterans, his collaboration with Boulder Crest Foundation’s Warrior PATHH program, and the urgent need for strength-based recovery solutions in the veteran community.

If you or someone you know is navigating life after military service, this episode will give you hope, insight, and a practical blueprint for resilience.

💡 Download Garret’s free guide: www.thewarriorreset.com

#VeteranResilienceTraining #ValiantPath #VetSOS #VeteranMentalHealth #PostTraumaticGrowth #VeteranSupport #WarriorPATHH #MilitaryTransitionHelp #PositivePsychology #VeteranReintegration

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, hosts Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant talk with Katie Helbling, content creator at ClearanceJobs and host of the Security Clearance Careers podcast. Katie brings her trademark humor and honesty as she discusses how veterans can successfully navigate the security clearance job search after leaving the military.

Katie offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ClearanceJobs platform and explains how it differs from other job boards like USAJobs and LinkedIn. Learn why creating your profile early—before your out date—is crucial, how to maintain your clearance status under the new two-year policy, and what recruiters are really looking for when hiring cleared professionals.

Topics include:

• Building a strategic job search timeline

• Translating military skills for civilian hiring managers

• Busting myths about “automatic” job placement for senior leaders

• The power of niche platforms in federal and defense employment

• Katie’s sassiest memes and why humor is a powerful transition tool

We also explore ClearanceJobs' ecosystem: job groups, newsletters, virtual bootcamps, and new initiatives like FedWork.net and ClearanceJobsBlog.com.

Whether you're six months out or just getting started, this episode will give you real tools and advice to succeed in your post-military career journey.

🌐 More at: www.vetsospodcast.com
🔎 Check out: www.clearancejobs.com
📧 Contact Katie: katie.helbling@clearancejobs.com
🎙️ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on all platforms @vetsospodcast

#SecurityClearanceJobs #VeteranCareerAdvice #MilitaryTransition #ClearanceJobs #DefenseContracting #VeteranSupport #FedCareers #MilitaryToCivilian #VETSOS #CareerStrategy