HOMEFRONT SITREP

Country Music | Veterans Advocacy | Love Tattoo Foundation | Service Beyond the Uniform What happens when a love for traditional country music meets an unwavering commitment to honoring America’s military veterans? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds welcome Richard and Donna Lynch, a husband-and-wife team whose passion for music, patriotism, and giving back has become a mission much bigger than the stage. Richard Lynch is an award-winning traditional country music singer, songwriter, and member of the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame. With a career spanning more than four decades, Richard has dedicated his life to preserving the authentic sounds and storytelling of country music. But beyond the spotlight, Richard and his wife Donna have built something truly special. Together, they operate Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, Ohio, a place where traditional country music, community, and American values come together. More importantly, they have turned their platform into an opportunity to support those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Through their involvement with the Love Tattoo Foundation, Richard and Donna are helping bring awareness, compassion, and support to military veterans carrying both visible and invisible wounds of war. Inspired by the powerful story behind Richard’s song Love Tattoo, their charitable mission demonstrates how music can become a force for healing, connection, and meaningful change. In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• Richard’s journey through more than 40 years of traditional country music.
• The love story and partnership behind Richard and Donna’s shared mission.
• The inspiration behind the song Love Tattoo and the foundation it helped inspire.
• How Keepin’ It Country Farm became a gathering place for music, patriotism, and charitable giving.
• The importance of supporting veterans struggling with physical injuries, PTSD, and the invisible wounds of military service.
• How country music can tell the stories of sacrifice, resilience, and the American spirit.
• The challenges and rewards of organizing benefit concerts and supporting veteran-focused organizations.
• Why honoring our nation’s heroes must continue long after their military service ends.

This conversation is about more than country music. It’s about faith, family, service, sacrifice, and using your God-given talents to make a difference in someone else’s life. Richard and Donna Lynch remind us that you don’t have to wear a uniform to serve those who have. Sometimes, all it takes is a song, a helping hand, and a heart committed to giving back. Join Willis and Gunny for an inspiring conversation filled with music, meaningful stories, and a shared commitment to making sure America’s veterans are never forgotten. Because at HomeFront SitRep, our mission remains the same: You’re Not Alone. Be Someone’s Stranger. Ask the Next Hard Question. Semper Fidelis! #HomeFrontSitRep #RichardLynch #DonnaLynch #LoveTattooFoundation #KeepinItCountry #VeteransSupportingVeterans #CountryMusic #VeteranAdvocacy #MilitaryVeterans #YoureNotAlone #BeSomeonesStranger #AskTheNextHardQuestion #VeteranPodcast

They serve our country. They defend our freedom. But who is making sure their families have food on the table? On this powerful episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny welcome Raymond E. Foster, U.S. Coast Guard veteran, retired Los Angeles Police Department lieutenant, author, educator, and passionate advocate for military families. Raymond joins us to discuss Feeding Military Families, a grassroots initiative dedicated to addressing one of the most overlooked challenges facing America's active-duty military community: food insecurity. While our service members stand ready to protect our nation, some military families face difficult financial decisions every day. Rising grocery prices, housing expenses, military relocations, and the challenges of maintaining military spouse employment can leave families struggling to make ends meet. Founded in 2022 through the efforts of Rotary members and community partners, Feeding Military Families has worked to provide food and essential supplies to military families at installations including Camp Pendleton, Twentynine Palms, and Fort Irwin. But this mission goes far beyond delivering groceries. It's about restoring dignity, strengthening communities, and reminding our military families that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: 🇺🇸 Raymond Foster's journey through military service, law enforcement, education, and community leadership. The inspiration behind Feeding Military Families and how the initiative began. The reality of food insecurity among active-duty service members and their families. Why junior enlisted military families can face significant financial hardships. How Rotary Clubs, local businesses, volunteers, and community organizations are making a difference. The importance of supporting military spouses and children. How ordinary Americans can get involved and help combat military hunger. Why service, compassion, and leadership don't end when the uniform comes off. No one who serves our nation should have to worry about feeding their family. At HomeFront SitRep, we believe supporting our troops means more than waving a flag or saying, "Thank you for your service." It means standing beside them, recognizing their struggles, and taking meaningful action. This episode is a reminder that service doesn't end with the uniform, and taking care of our military families is a responsibility we all share. Join Willis, Gunny, and Raymond Foster for an inspiring, informative, and eye-opening conversation about military service, food insecurity, community involvement, and the power of people coming together to make a difference. 📅 LIVE: Sunday, October 25, 2026 ⏰ 7:00 PM Eastern 🎙️ HomeFront SitRep with Willis & Gunny 🌐 Learn more about Feeding Military Families: https://feedingmilitaryfamilies.org/

HomeFront SitRep | Special Guest: Mark Blacknell LIVE Monday, October 19, 2026 What happens when the battles you face after leaving the military become harder than the ones you faced while wearing the uniform? On this powerful episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny welcome Mark Blacknell, United States Marine Corps veteran, author, meditation instructor, and founder of Stare at the Wall, for an honest and unfiltered conversation about military service, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and the long road toward healing. After leaving the Marine Corps in 1993, Mark faced nearly two decades of personal struggles. From battling mental health challenges and alcohol misuse to broken relationships, instability, and moments of hopelessness, his journey took him to places he never imagined. Like so many veterans, he found himself fighting an invisible war long after his military service ended. But becoming a father changed everything. Determined to build a better future for himself and his family, Mark made a life-changing decision to seek professional help through the Department of Veterans Affairs. That decision began a journey of recovery, self-discovery, and ultimately finding purpose through meditation. Today, through Stare at the Wall, Mark shares a simple yet powerful approach to mindfulness, helping veterans, incarcerated individuals, senior citizens, and others struggling with life's challenges discover the value of stillness, self-awareness, and personal growth. During this episode, we'll explore: Mark's upbringing and what led him to join the United States Marine Corps. His military experiences and the difficult transition into civilian life. The realities of living with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. How fatherhood became the turning point that motivated him to seek help. The importance of VA mental health services and breaking the stigma surrounding treatment. How meditation became part of his recovery and inspired his book and Stare at the Wall initiative. His work bringing mindfulness practices to veterans, correctional facilities, and underserved communities. Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. What he wants other veterans who are struggling in silence to understand. This isn't just a conversation about meditation. It's about survival, accountability, second chances, and discovering that your past doesn't have to determine your future. Whether you're a veteran struggling with the transition to civilian life, a family member supporting someone through difficult times, or simply someone searching for a little peace in a chaotic world, Mark's story offers an important reminder: recovery is possible, purpose can be rediscovered, and no one has to fight their battles alone. Join Willis and Gunny for another meaningful conversation about life after service, the battles we don't always see, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. Learn more about Mark Blacknell: https://stareatthewall.org/ HomeFront SitRep — Real Veterans. Real Stories. Real Conversations. 🇺🇸 You're Not Alone. 🇺🇸 Be Someone's Stranger. 🇺🇸 Ask the Next Hard Question. #HomeFrontSitRep #MarkBlacknell #StareAtTheWall #MarineCorpsVeteran #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #VeteranSuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranStories #SemperFi #YoureNotAlone #BeSomeonesStranger

Special Guest: Cory McCaskey | Entrepreneur, Speaker, Survivor & Co-Founder of Before I'm Gone What if you were given a second chance at life? Would you live differently? What stories would you tell, what lessons would you pass down, and what would you want your family to remember when you're gone? On this powerful episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds welcome Cory McCaskey, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, real estate expert, survivor, and co-founder of Before I'm Gone, for an unforgettable conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and preserving the legacy we leave behind. Cory's journey is anything but ordinary. Emancipated at just 14 years old, he was forced to navigate the challenges of adulthood long before most teenagers begin thinking about their futures. But the greatest test of his life was still ahead. A devastating motorcycle accident left Cory with five shattered vertebrae and in a coma for approximately 48 days. Doctors questioned whether he would survive, much less walk again. Against incredible odds, Cory fought his way back, learning to walk again and discovering a powerful truth: Surviving isn't the same as living. Over the next two decades, Cory transformed his experiences into a successful career in entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, coaching, and public speaking. But after witnessing the devastating impact of cancer, illness, and personal loss, he realized that life's greatest accomplishments aren't always measured by success, money, or recognition. They're measured by the lives we touch and the memories we leave behind. That realization helped inspire Before I'm Gone, a family preparedness and legacy platform designed to help individuals organize life's important details while preserving their voices, stories, wisdom, wishes, and personal messages for the people they love. As the son of a veteran, Cory recognizes the importance of preserving the stories of those who served. Too often, military experiences, family sacrifices, hard-earned lessons, and personal histories disappear when someone passes away. His mission is to help ensure those stories live on for generations. In This Episode, We'll Discuss: Growing up through hardship and becoming emancipated at 14. Surviving a catastrophic motorcycle accident and a 48-day coma. Learning to walk again and discovering a renewed purpose. Building success through leadership, sales, coaching, and entrepreneurship. The inspiration and mission behind Before I'm Gone. Why preserving family history and personal stories matters. The importance of documenting veterans' experiences and sacrifices. Fatherhood, resilience, second chances, and what it means to truly live. How families can prepare for the unexpected while creating a lasting legacy. This isn't just a conversation about surviving the impossible. It's about recognizing that tomorrow is never guaranteed and understanding that the greatest gift we leave our families may not be what we own, but who we were, what we believed, and how deeply we loved. Join HomeFront SitRep for an emotional, inspiring, and thought-provoking conversation that challenges us all to ask one important question: If tomorrow never comes, what part of your story will live on? HomeFront SitRep — Real Stories. Real People. Real Impact. 🇺🇸 You're Not Alone. 🇺🇸 Be Someone's Stranger. 🇺🇸 Ask the Next Hard Question. #HomeFrontSitRep #CoryMcCaskey #BeforeImGone #Veterans #VeteranStories #LegacyMatters #SecondChances #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #FamilyLegacy #NeverForgotten #VeteranPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PurposeDrivenLife

You served your country. You earned your benefits. But do you really know what you're entitled to? On this powerful and informative episode of HomeFront SitRep, we welcome retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Patricia “Jane” Babcock, a 21-year Army and Army Reserve veteran, former nationally accredited County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), and dedicated veterans-benefits educator. Jane spent more than two decades serving her country in uniform before continuing her mission on the home front. Following her military career, she dedicated approximately 11½ years to helping veterans and their families navigate the complicated Department of Veterans Affairs system, filing more than 1,200 claims for veterans and survivors. Today, Jane continues her commitment to the veteran community as the Veteran Education & Benefits Coordinator with Operation Meraki, educating veterans, surviving spouses, caregivers, and military families about the benefits and resources available to them. Tonight, we're tackling the questions every veteran and military family should be asking: What VA benefits are veterans missing out on? What are the biggest mistakes veterans make when filing disability claims? How do you establish service connection for a disability? What are secondary conditions, and how can they affect a claim? Why are medical records, buddy statements, and supporting evidence so important? What benefits are available to surviving spouses and families? What is the difference between VA disability compensation, pensions, and Aid & Attendance? How can veterans find legitimate, accredited assistance without falling victim to scams? What should every service member know before leaving the military? We'll also explore Jane's military journey, her experiences transitioning into civilian life, and why she continues fighting to ensure veterans and their families receive the information, respect, and support they deserve. This isn't just another conversation about paperwork and disability ratings. It's about education, advocacy, accountability, and making sure those who served aren't forgotten once the uniform comes off. Whether you're a newly separated service member, a veteran who has been out for decades, or a family member trying to understand the VA system, this is an episode you won't want to miss. LIVE Monday, October 12, 2026, at 7 PM Eastern! Join Willis and Jane Babcock for a conversation that could help you better understand the benefits you've earned. HomeFront SitRep — You're Not Alone. Be Someone's Stranger. Ask the Next Hard Question. #HomeFrontSitRep #JaneBabcock #VeteransBenefits #VADisability #VAClaims #ArmyVeteran #VeteransHelpingVeterans #OperationMeraki #VeteranAdvocacy #MilitaryFamilies #YoureNotAlone

Special Guest: Samantha Juan | U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Bronze Star Recipient & Founder of Unmasked Warrior What happens when the battles you face after coming home become more difficult than the ones you fought overseas? This week on HomeFront SitRep, the team welcomes Samantha “Sam” Juan, a U.S. Army combat veteran, Bronze Star recipient, former Cultural Support Team (CST) member, Pat Tillman Scholar, artist, writer, speaker, and founder of Unmasked Warrior. From supporting elite U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan to navigating the difficult transition from military service to civilian life, Samantha's journey is one of courage, resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. As one of the pioneering women who served in the Army's Cultural Support Team program, Samantha operated alongside Special Operations personnel, helping bridge cultural barriers and supporting critical missions in Afghanistan. But when her military service ended, a different kind of battle began. Through her experiences with trauma, addiction, identity, and recovery, Samantha discovered the power of creativity, storytelling, and alternative approaches to healing. Today, she uses her experiences to challenge the stigma surrounding veterans' mental health, encourage authentic conversations, and help others rediscover their purpose beyond the uniform. In this powerful episode, we'll explore: Samantha's journey from Bahrain to serving in the United States Army. Her experiences supporting Special Operations missions in Afghanistan. The challenges and accomplishments of women serving in combat environments. The invisible wounds of war and the struggles many veterans face after returning home. Her personal journey through trauma, addiction, recovery, and rediscovering purpose. The founding of Unmasked Warrior and its mission to empower others. How art, creativity, and storytelling can become powerful tools for personal transformation. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and exploring new approaches to veteran wellness. What it truly means to take off the mask, embrace vulnerability, and begin healing. From combat operations to creative expression, Samantha Juan's story reminds us that the end of military service doesn't mean the end of our mission. Sometimes, our greatest purpose is discovered after the uniform comes off. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about service, sacrifice, survival, second chances, and finding the courage to become who you were meant to be. HomeFront SitRep — Real Stories. Real Veterans. Real Impact. You're Not Alone. Be Someone's Stranger. Ask the Next Hard Question. Connect with Samantha Juan: Website: https://www.the1samjuan.com Unmasked Warrior: https://www.unmaskedwarrior.com#HomeFrontSitRep #SamanthaJuan #UnmaskedWarrior #Veterans #ArmyVeteran #WomenVeterans #SpecialOperations #CulturalSupportTeam #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDawareness #VeteranRecovery #PatTillmanScholar #VeteranStories #YoureNotAlone #BeSomeonesStranger #FromCombatToCanvas

What happens when the uniform comes off, the career changes, and the battles you’re fighting become ones nobody else can see? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny sit down with U.S. Navy veteran Matthew States for a powerful conversation about military service, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, faith, recovery, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Matthew brings more than 24 years of combined military and Department of Defense experience, including service as a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman and work involving aircraft maintenance, munitions, and ordnance. But his story isn't defined by his résumé. Matthew has openly shared his journey through some of the darkest chapters of his life—alcohol addiction, divorce, homelessness, incarceration, and reaching a point where much of what once defined him was gone. Then came the decision to rebuild. Today, Matthew is using those experiences to help others through Divine Chosen Ones and Soul Shine Struggle, with a mission centered on recovery, faith, identity, accountability, community, and helping veterans discover purpose beyond their struggles. We get into the questions that aren't always easy to ask: Who are you when the uniform is gone? What happens when simply getting sober isn't enough? How do you rebuild your identity after hitting rock bottom? And what do you say to the veteran who believes they've gone too far to come back? This isn't just a story about addiction. It's a story about service, consequences, faith, redemption, second chances, and building a life worth fighting for. 🇺🇸 Matthew States — U.S. Navy Veteran Survivor. Builder. Advocate. Because no matter how dark the battle becomes: You’re Not Alone. Be Someone’s Stranger. Ask the Next Hard Question.

What does leadership look like when you’ve experienced it from the lowest ranks of the Army all the way to the strategic level? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny sit down with Tony Caldwell, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Pentagon strategic planner, leadership coach, and founder of The 2326 Group. Tony’s military journey began as an enlisted Soldier—a Private First Class—before he earned his commission and eventually rose to Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his career, he served in roles involving communications, force management, cyber operations, organizational planning, and strategic leadership. But taking off the uniform didn't end Tony's mission. Today, through The 2326 Group, Tony helps leaders and organizations move beyond reactive decision-making and understand how today's choices can create consequences far into the future. Central to his work is the concept of 4th & 5th Order Thinking—looking beyond the immediate outcome and asking one critical question: “And then what happens?” We dig into Tony's journey from enlisted Soldier to officer, lessons learned from more than two decades of military leadership, his experiences working at the Pentagon, the transition from military service into corporate America, and what ultimately drove him to build The 2326 Group. We also discuss the difference between leadership and authority, the importance of developing middle leaders, translating military experience into the civilian world, organizational culture, accountability, burnout, and why great leaders must think beyond the problem directly in front of them. From Private to Lieutenant Colonel. From the Pentagon to the boardroom. From Soldier to strategist and mentor. This is a conversation about service, leadership, transition, purpose, and building leaders capable of seeing what others don't. You’re Not Alone. Be Someone’s Stranger. Ask the Next Hard Question. HomeFront SitRep — Veterans telling veterans’ stories. #HomeFrontSitRep #TonyCaldwell #The2326Group #ArmyVeteran #Veterans #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranLeadership #Leadership #VeteranTransition #USArmy #Podcast #YoureNotAlone

When veterans come together, the conversation hits differently. *Tip of the Spear: A Veterans Roundtable* brings together veteran podcasters, advocates, leaders, and voices from across the military community for an open, unscripted discussion about the issues that matter to veterans, service members, military families, and Americans. No scripts. No talking points. No echo chamber. In this episode, the roundtable tackles current issues facing the veteran community, shares perspectives shaped by military service and life after the uniform, and discusses where veterans can make a difference in their communities. The conversation can go anywhere—from veteran mental health, transition and VA benefits to nonprofit work, military culture, leadership, current events, family, community service, and the challenges veterans face after leaving the military. Different branches. Different generations. Different experiences. One table. *Tip of the Spear* isn't about everyone agreeing. It's about veterans being willing to sit at the same table, ask the difficult questions, listen to different perspectives, and have the conversations others may avoid. Featuring voices from across the veteran media and advocacy community, including **HomeFront SitRep, The MisFitNation, Oscar Mike Radio, Triple Threat Vets, The Decision Hour**, and fellow veteran creators and advocates. We served together. We came home together. And we still have a responsibility to look out for one another. *This is Tip of the Spear: A Veterans Roundtable.* 🇺🇸 *Veterans leading the conversation. Veterans supporting veterans.*#TipOfTheSpear #VeteransRoundtable #Veterans #VeteranVoices #VeteranCommunity #MilitaryVeterans #VeteranPodcast #HomeFrontSitRep #YoureNotAlone #BeSomeonesStranger

Welcome to another episode of HomeFront SitRep, the veteran-led podcast where the mission continues long after the uniform comes off. Hosted by David Willis and “Gunny” Samuel Deeds, USMC, HomeFront SitRep brings you real conversations with veterans, military families, nonprofit leaders, veteran-owned businesses, authors, advocates, and everyday Americans who are making a difference in their communities. This isn’t about polished talking points. It’s about real people, real struggles, real victories, and real stories. On HomeFront SitRep, we talk about the issues that matter—from transitioning out of the military and finding a new mission to mental health, veteran resources, entrepreneurship, leadership, family, community service, and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that continue long after military service. Our mission is simple: give people a platform, amplify organizations doing the work, connect veterans and families with resources, and remind everyone listening that they are not alone. Sometimes the conversation is serious. Sometimes it gets loud. Sometimes Willis and Gunny get completely off track. But it’s always authentic. 🇺🇸 You’re Not Alone. 🤝 Be Someone’s Stranger. 🎙️ Ask the Next Hard Question. This is HomeFront SitRep. Listen. Share. Get involved. And help us continue the mission.

What happens when a Marine spends 20 years building leaders, reaches the rank of Sergeant Major, takes off the uniform—and suddenly finds himself navigating what he calls “The Wild”? Join Willis and Gunny on HomeFront SitRep as they sit down with retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Joe “Trainer Joe” “Bulldog” Adcox for a conversation about leadership, fitness, transition, brotherhood, mental health, and finding a new mission after military service. Joe's journey took him from difficult years after high school to the United States Marine Corps, where he built a 20-year career that included serving as a Marine Drill Instructor and ultimately as a Sergeant Major. We’ll talk about what wearing the campaign cover really meant to him, the difference between having authority and being a leader, and the lessons he still carries from the drill field today. After leaving the Corps, Joe took those lessons into a new arena through Bulldog Essential Fitness, using fitness, accountability, discipline, and individualized coaching to help people improve their lives. We'll also discuss his work training people facing significant physical challenges—including his documented work with a client living with Parkinson’s disease—and why Joe believes fitness should focus on what a person can do, not simply what they can't. But this episode goes far beyond the gym. Joe shares his transition from Sergeant Major to civilian, the importance of rediscovering purpose and brotherhood, his connection with the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, and the relationship between physical fitness, mental health, identity, and having a tribe after leaving military service. We'll ask the hard questions: Who are you when the rank disappears? Who checks on the Sergeant Major? And how do you find a new mission when the mission you've known for 20 years is over? As Trainer Joe puts it: “Life is a sport; be good at it.”

What happens when your entire life changes in a matter of seconds—but your mission isn't over? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny sit down with Colonel Gregory D. “Greg” Gadson, U.S. Army (Ret.)—West Point graduate, decorated combat veteran, former battalion commander, wounded warrior, actor, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized leader. Col. Gadson served nearly 25 years in the U.S. Army, with operational service spanning Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Iraq. On May 7, 2007, while commanding the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq, Greg was catastrophically wounded by an IED. His injuries ultimately resulted in the loss of both legs above the knee and severe damage to his right arm and hand. But the mission didn't end. Greg remained on active duty and continued serving. He worked with the Army Wounded Warrior Program and later made history as the first double amputee to command a major U.S. Army installation when he took command of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir. His extraordinary journey also connected him with the New York Giants during their Super Bowl XLII championship season and eventually took him to Hollywood, where he appeared as Lt. Col. Mick Canales in the 2012 film Battleship. But this conversation goes far beyond Greg's résumé. Willis and Gunny talk with Col. Gadson about: • Combat leadership and responsibility • Surviving the May 7, 2007 IED attack • Recovery and rebuilding after catastrophic injury • Identity after the battlefield • The real meaning of resilience • Learning to accept help • Leadership after becoming a wounded warrior • His connection with the New York Giants and Super Bowl XLII • His experience filming Battleship • Finding purpose when your original mission changes • What struggling veterans need to hear today This isn't simply a story about what Greg Gadson lost. It's about what he chose to do with the life that came afterward. 🎙️ HomeFront SitRep with Willis & Gunny Real Veterans. Real Conversations. Real Impact. 🇺🇸 You're Not Alone. 🤝 Be Someone's Stranger. 🎯 Ask the Next Hard Question. #HomeFrontSitRep #GregGadson #Veterans #USArmy #WoundedWarrior #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories #Leadership #Resilience #WestPoint #Battleship #VeteranCommunity

What happens when the war ends—but the battle follows you home? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny sit down with CW2 Bob Zahn, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient and former Huey gunship pilot, alongside his wife of more than five decades, Angie Zahn. Bob served in Vietnam during 1967–1968 and flew more than 1,100 combat missions. At only 21 years old, he was an aircraft commander flying Hueys during one of the most intense periods of the Vietnam War. Bob survived Vietnam and came home—but Vietnam came home with him. For decades, memories of combat, the loss of fellow service members, anger and unresolved trauma remained beneath the surface. And while Bob carried those experiences internally, Angie experienced their effects from the other side of their marriage. Eventually, after decades together, Angie reached a point where something had to change. That conversation helped Bob begin another mission—one that required a very different kind of courage. Bob sought counseling through a Vet Center and began confronting experiences he had carried since Vietnam. Through counseling, veteran fellowship, Warrior's Ascent, meditation, yoga and reconnecting with fellow veterans, Bob began finding ways to understand and live with what had followed him home. Tonight, we hear both sides of the story. Bob takes us into the cockpit of a Huey over Vietnam and talks about combat aviation, the Tet Offensive, surviving war, losing friends and returning to an America that often didn't know what to say to its Vietnam veterans. Angie shares what that same journey looked like from the spouse's perspective—the years of marriage, the warning signs, the difficult conversations and what happened when she finally told the man she loved that he needed help. We also discuss Bob's mission today: encouraging veterans to seek help, reconnect with one another and tell their stories before those stories disappear forever. This episode isn't simply about surviving Vietnam. It's about surviving what came afterward. It's about marriage. It's about invisible wounds. It's about the families who carry those wounds alongside their veterans. And it's about discovering that whether you've been home for six months or sixty years, it's never too late to ask for help. One year of war. Sixty years of memories. More than fifty years of marriage. One incredible story of service, love, perseverance and healing. Join Willis and Gunny for a powerful conversation with CW2 Bob and Angie Zahn on HomeFront SitRep. Real Veterans. Real Conversations. Real Impact. You're Not Alone. Be Someone's Stranger. Ask the Next Hard Question.

What happens to an American flag when its service is complete? For the Old Glory Retirement Foundation, the answer is about much more than properly retiring a piece of cloth. It is about honor, remembrance, education, and ensuring the stories of those who served beneath Old Glory are never forgotten. On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, Willis and Gunny sit down with U.S. Army veteran and Old Glory Retirement Foundation founder Adam Hunter to talk about the mission behind an organization dedicated to giving worn and unserviceable American flags the dignified retirement they deserve. Founded from a commitment to service and respect for the American flag, the Old Glory Retirement Foundation brings veterans, families, youth organizations, and communities together through meaningful flag retirement ceremonies. But their mission doesn't stop when the final flame goes out. We'll talk with Adam about why he started the foundation, the proper way to retire an American flag, and how these ceremonies can become powerful opportunities to honor veterans and preserve their stories. We'll also discuss the importance of teaching the next generation about flag etiquette, service, sacrifice, and the responsibility of carrying these traditions forward. This conversation isn't about politics. It's about service. It's about remembrance. It's about understanding that behind the flag are generations of Americans who raised their right hand, put on the uniform, served their communities, and sacrificed for something larger than themselves. Join us as we learn how the Old Glory Retirement Foundation is making sure that when Old Glory reaches the end of her watch, she receives the honor she deserves—and that the veterans who stood beneath her are remembered along the way.

HomeFront SitRep is a veteran-led podcast built on a simple belief: the uniform may come off, but the mission doesn’t end. Hosted by U.S. Marine Corps veteran David Willis alongside co-host “Gunny” Samuel Deeds, HomeFront SitRep brings real conversations from the veteran and military-connected community to the microphone. The show provides a platform for veterans, military spouses, nonprofit organizations, veteran-owned businesses, authors, musicians, advocates, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who continue serving their communities long after military service. There are no scripted talking points and no polished personas—just authentic conversations about service, transition, leadership, mental health, veteran advocacy, entrepreneurship, family, purpose, and life after the uniform. HomeFront SitRep also shines a spotlight on grassroots organizations and individuals doing meaningful work that may never receive national attention. Whether it’s helping a veteran through a difficult transition, supporting military families, building stronger communities, or simply reminding someone that they are not alone, these are the stories worth telling. At its core, HomeFront SitRep is about connection, community, and continuing the mission. Real Veterans. Real Conversations. Real Impact. #YoureNotAlone | #BeSomeonesStranger Because sometimes one conversation, one connection, or one stranger willing to ask the next hard question can make all the difference. HomeFront SitRep — The mission continues here at home.

This Labor Day, HomeFront SitRep honors the men and women whose hard work keeps America moving. From construction sites and factories to farms, utilities, transportation, communications, public safety, small businesses, and countless other trades and professions, American workers show up every day and get the job done. And among them are millions of veterans who carried the values of service, teamwork, discipline, and mission accomplishment from the military into the civilian workforce. In this special Labor Day 2026 episode, we talk about what connects the veteran community with America's workforce: purpose, pride, sacrifice, and the responsibility to look out for the person beside you. The uniform may change. The job title may change. The mission continues. We'll discuss the importance of skilled trades, veteran employment, supporting veteran-owned and American businesses, recognizing the families behind our workforce, and remembering that America's strength has always been built by ordinary people willing to put in extraordinary work. Whether you wear combat boots, steel-toed boots, work boots, scrubs, a hard hat, a uniform, or a business suit, today we recognize your contribution. Different jobs. Same purpose. A stronger America. 🇺🇸 LABOR DAY 2026 — WORK • SERVICE • COMMUNITY • STRONGER TOGETHER From all of us at HomeFront SitRep, thank you to America's veterans, workers, families, and communities who continue answering the call every single day. HomeFront SitRep Real Veterans. Real Conversations. Real Impact. #HomeFrontSitRep #LaborDay2026 #Veterans #AmericanWorkers #VeteransInTheWorkforce #SkilledTrades #VeteranOwned #SupportVeterans #StrongerTogether #BeSomeonesStranger #YoureNotAlone

#HomeFrontSitRep #EdHinman #TheBarbarianInYou

What happens when a Marine infantry officer, historian, professional protector, and lifelong student of leadership asks a simple question: Have we become too comfortable? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with Ed Hinman, United States Marine Corps veteran and author of The Barbarian in You: Living with Vigor, Wonder & Fellowship, for a conversation about service, brotherhood, leadership, purpose, and what it means to truly participate in your own life. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Ed served eight years as a Marine officer, leading Marines and operating around the world, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Following his military service, he transitioned into the professional security and executive protection industry, where his experiences protecting others continued to shape his understanding of leadership, preparedness, responsibility, and human connection. But Ed's story doesn't end with the Marine Corps. His experiences as a Marine, historian, protector, traveler, and leader ultimately helped inspire The Barbarian in You—a philosophy built around three powerful ideas: VIGOR — Choosing challenge over comfort. Testing yourself physically and mentally and refusing to become a spectator in your own life. WONDER — Remaining curious. Exploring the world, studying history, seeking adventure, and refusing to lose the sense of awe that makes life worth experiencing. FELLOWSHIP — Building genuine relationships. Finding your tribe, developing friendships, and rediscovering the brotherhood and human connection increasingly missing from modern life. During this conversation, we'll explore Ed's journey from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps, his experiences leading Marines, the transition from military service into civilian life, and the lessons he carried into the world of professional protection. We'll also dive into The Barbarian in You and ask some bigger questions: Have convenience and technology made us more disconnected? Why do so many veterans miss the fellowship they experienced while serving? Do people need hardship and challenge to grow? And how can we bring adventure, purpose, curiosity, physical challenge, and genuine human connection back into our lives? This isn't about becoming reckless or abandoning modern society. It's about becoming more engaged with life. Live August 31, 2026 at 7 PM EST. 🇺🇸 Veteran Stories. Real Talk. Real Impact. HomeFront SitRep #HomeFrontSitRep #EdHinman #TheBarbarianInYou #USMC #MarineCorps #Veterans #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryPodcast #Leadership #Brotherhood #Fellowship #Purpose #VeteranStories

On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we welcome Stephanie Settles, City Clerk & Treasurer for the City of Paris, Kentucky, for a deeply personal conversation about public service, family, community, veterans, and the legacy we leave behind. Stephanie is a Kentucky Certified Municipal Clerk and has earned the internationally recognized Certified Municipal Clerk designation through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Her career in municipal government reflects a commitment to professionalism, accountability, and serving the people of her community. But Stephanie's story begins long before City Hall. She spent the first 15 years of her life in Owsley County in Eastern Kentucky before moving to Bourbon County, where she now lives with her husband, Tony Settles. She is the proud mother of two sons: Kenneth, 23, who has special needs, and 12-year-old Arlo. Her experiences as a mother have helped shape her commitment to serving others and creating opportunities where individuals of all abilities can contribute, work, and belong. That commitment can also be seen through her service as a volunteer board member with AccuTran Industries, a nonprofit providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, as well as her work with CASA and other nonprofit and community organizations. A Family Legacy of Service Service runs deep in Stephanie's family. Her grandfather served his country as a Staff Sergeant, E-6, in the United States Army during World War II, establishing a family legacy rooted in service, sacrifice, responsibility, and hard work. Stephanie is also the proud sister of her late brother and only sibling, who served in both the National Guard and United States Army Reserve. We will respectfully touch on his service and the influence he had on Stephanie while recognizing that his loss remains a sensitive and deeply personal part of her family's story. And that military connection may be continuing into another generation. Stephanie's 12-year-old son, Arlo, has discovered an interest and talent in sharpshooting—leaving his family wondering whether a future calling to military service might just be somewhere in his DNA. Legacy of Freedom One of the centerpieces of our conversation will be Legacy of Freedom, a special effort in Paris and Bourbon County to recognize veterans and preserve their stories. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Legacy of Freedom gives veterans an opportunity to share the experiences behind their service, sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism. Through the involvement of professional songwriters, those experiences can become something extraordinary: original songs inspired by the veterans who lived them. For HomeFront SitRep, that mission hits close to home. We have always believed that every veteran has a story worth hearing. Those stories are part of our families, our communities, and our nation's history. When we lose the veteran without preserving the story, we lose a piece of that history with them. We'll talk with Stephanie about what Legacy of Freedom means to Kentucky, why recognizing veterans at the community level matters, and why America's 250th anniversary provides an opportunity not simply to celebrate our freedom—but to remember the men and women whose service protected it. We'll also go behind the scenes of municipal government to discover what a City Clerk & Treasurer actually does, the challenges of serving the public, the importance of transparency and accountability, and the lessons Stephanie has learned throughout her career. Ultimately, this isn't simply an episode about someone who works at City Hall. It's the story of an Eastern Kentucky girl, wife, mother, sister, daughter and granddaughter whose life has been influenced by family, disability advocacy, military service, loss, community, and a belief that serving others still matters. From Owsley County to Bourbon County, from her grandfather's World War II service to the veterans being honored through Legacy of Freedom, this is a conversation about the thread connecting generations of Americans: SERVICE. SACRIFICE. COMMUNITY. LEGACY. Because freedom has a history. And every generation has a responsibility to remember the people who helped write it. 🇺🇸 Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact. This is HomeFront SitRep

What happens when veteran podcasters stop competing for an audience and start working together for the veteran community? Welcome to Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable—a collaborative platform bringing together veteran podcast hosts, advocates, community leaders, and subject-matter experts for real, unfiltered conversations about the issues affecting veterans, service members, and military families. Tip of the Spear was built on the foundation of five founding shows: HomeFront SitRep, The MisFitNation, Oscar Mike Radio, Triple Threat Vets, and The Decision Hour. What started with five independent veteran-media platforms coming together around one table has grown into a much larger network of voices committed to informing, connecting, and advocating for the veteran community. Today, regular contributors include Conversations with a Vet with Carolee, Mil2Vets with Chris, VetSOS with Shawn Welsh, Double S Podcast with Gene Campbell, The People's Patriot Project, Everyday's A Saturday USMC Vet with Bryan Roof, Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, The Oath We Took with Tab Bartley, The BunkHouse Podcast with Jonathan Cole, Tim Thomas with Breath Work in Bed, and Philippa Bagley with Journey to Purpose. The roundtable tackles the conversations that matter: VA healthcare and benefits, veteran legislation, mental health, suicide prevention, transition, homelessness, employment, veteran-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, military culture, current events, advocacy, and accountability within the veteran community. And nobody at the table is required to agree. That's the point. Different branches. Different generations. Different experiences. Different opinions. Different microphones. But everyone comes to the table with a shared belief that the veteran community becomes stronger when we communicate, collaborate, and amplify one another instead of competing against each other. This isn't just another veteran podcast. It's veteran media working together. It's a place to ask difficult questions, challenge ideas, share firsthand experiences, spotlight organizations doing the work, and make sure the voices of veterans and military families aren't lost in the noise. Five founding shows. A growing network of contributors. One table. One veteran community. One collective voice. This is Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable. Veterans leading the conversation about the issues that affect veterans.

What happens when military intelligence, martial arts, preparedness, and a passion for teaching others come together? On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran Stephen Page, founder of VT3C — Venom Tactical Techniques, Training & Consulting, for a conversation about his journey from military service to building a mission focused on preparedness, awareness, training, and empowering people with practical skills. Stephen served in the United States Army as a 35M Human Intelligence Collector (HUMINT), including a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His military career placed him in an environment where understanding people, gathering information, evaluating situations, and maintaining situational awareness weren't simply professional skills—they could directly affect the mission. But Stephen's story didn't end when he left active duty. Outside the military, he pursued another demanding discipline: martial arts. His experience includes high-level competition in Olympic Taekwondo, along with training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. That combination of military intelligence, martial arts, and real-world experience would eventually help shape the philosophy behind VT3C. Through Venom Tactical Techniques, Training & Consulting, Stephen works to give people practical knowledge they can use when circumstances don't go according to plan. The emphasis isn't about living in fear—it's about developing the skills, awareness, confidence, and mindset to respond effectively when something goes wrong. Willis and Gunny talk with Stephen about: His decision to join the U.S. Army and become a 35M HUMINT Collector Experiences and lessons from his military career Transitioning from the structured environment of the Army into civilian life How military intelligence influenced his approach to situational awareness His journey through competitive martial arts The difference between self-defense and simply knowing how to fight Why awareness can often be more important than physical confrontation Emergency preparedness and developing a realistic survival mindset Common mistakes people make when preparing for emergencies Building confidence through legitimate training rather than fear The importance of first-aid and emergency-response knowledge Why civilians should develop practical preparedness skills The creation and mission of VT3C Veteran entrepreneurship and turning military experience into a new mission What Stephen hopes students take away from VT3C training This conversation goes beyond tactical equipment and survival gear. It's about developing something far more important: the ability to think, recognize problems early, make decisions under pressure, and take action when it matters. For veterans, Stephen's journey also demonstrates that the skills developed in uniform don't have to disappear when military service ends. Leadership, discipline, observation, adaptability, and mission planning can become the foundation for an entirely new purpose.