Military Veterans Podcast

Full Episode: Ep 028 - Sgt Joe O'Connor - British Army Veteran.In this Viewpoint: Joe talks about wanting to challenge himself, away from the Royal Engineers, and in 1999 went on Special Forces Selection. During training with the SF team, late at night with bad weather and visibility, Joe gets taken to hospital after being blown off the side of a cliff, which ended up breaking his neck.He shares the challenges he faced to rebuild his life after this life changing incident, before leaving the military and becoming a veteran in civilian life, where he has managed to continue his success in the financial industry.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/7VAeBpLs_QYPart 2: youtu.be/dv6SkhyhfcsTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Ian joined the Royal Navy in 1975, and served for 16 years as part of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), reaching the rank of Leading Aircraft Engineering Mechanic (Weapons Electrical) (LAEM(WL)).In this episode Ian talks about his journey in joining the Royal Navy, and what it was like being one of the last courses to go through basic training, at HMS Ganges. He also shares some insights into life at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), and deploying on HMS Sirius (F40).Ian also discusses what it was like preparing some of the Navy’s aircraft for the Falklands War, prior to being stood down himself, and not deploying. He moves to RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey), before being deployed on HMS Glasgow (D88). After this deployment and attending career courses, he spends some time as part of an Aircraft Maintenance Group (AMG), before seeing out his last 6 months within Edinburgh's Careers Office.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/ROIBj3zsmFkPart 2: youtu.be/KgEbaiYKVbETikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 027 - Lt Tom Moore from 10th August 2022.In this Viewpoint: Tom talks how the end of his career came to be, and how this was difficult for him to come to terms with, causing him to be depressed. However, through help, he came to terms with it all and tackled his thoughts to move back to civilian life...which included leave without pay.This was a challenge to get a new job, away from the military, but he pursued in these next steps in life and took on jobs he didn't enjoy, but these were the stepping stones to co-founding a company called With You With Me. This company helps others find the right job, which includes the veteran community.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/_4A8hmCKSSIPart 2: youtu.be/VlbMmzaoJT0TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Tony joined the British Army in 1995, as a Probationary 2nd Lieutenant on a Short Service Limited Commission, and later joined both the Regular and Reserve services. He served a total of 19 years, reaching the rank of Major (Maj).In this episode Tony talks about growing up and his ambition to join the British Army, sharing his journey with courses at Sandhurst on multiple occasions, and being part of Regular Army units as an officer. This included over seeing tasks for the 2001 country wide epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease, before seeing the impact of 9/11, and as a result deploying to Iraq.Tony shares his deployment to Iraq and the return home, which included his transfer to the Army Reserves. Whilst carrying out his duties as part of the Army Reserves at home in the UK, he moved to the Philippines and worked with the British Embassy, and then later worked alongside the British Army in Afghanistan as the chief of operations in a civilian contractor capacity. After leaving the British Army he found a role with the charity Walking With The Wounded.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/99wbqzVWC9MPart 2: youtu.be/5elzVly52vATikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 026 - SNO Sue Warner from 10th July 2022.In this Viewpoint: Sue talks about returning from Afghanistan and needing to take a career break, due to a tough period in her life, and after this break she returned to nursing.Sue also shares how sport has helped her recovery, with the support of Help for Heroes. Plus during the crazy times of COVID-19, she stepped forward and used her nursing skills to help others.Lastly, she gives some great advice for people thinking of joining the military, and more great advice for people about to leave and become a veteran.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/0dcxvK80ACEPart 2: youtu.be/RlnW-yMjs4sTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Gary joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery (RA) in the British Army twice, once in 1999 and again in 2004. He served for 12 years in total, reaching the rank of Bombardier (Bdr).In this episode Gary talks about his journey in joining the British Army, and why he left and then rejoined a few years later. He shares his time completing many courses, which prepared him for operational tours of Iraq and 2 deployments to Afghanistan. These tours saw him be part of a Close Protection Team, a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), and be a Forward Observer.During Gary’s 2nd operational tour to Afghanistan, he was part of a mission, which sadly lost a life of a team member. During this event, Gary consciously risked his life, on three separate occasions, and it was a miracle he himself was not killed. For his actions on this day, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC), second only to the Victoria Cross (VC). After this tour, he suffered a shoulder and leg injury, which meant his career was cut short. However, he set new goals with recurve archery (a sport he’s excelled in from a young age), and took on the challenge of being part of the inaugural Invictus Games in London 2014, where he won Team Gold and Individual Silver.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/sGeuhXiGb4sPart 2: youtu.be/G-MCt9vQaBwTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 025 - Cpl Barney Gillespie from 10th June 2022.In this Viewpoint: Barney shares his journey after leaving hospital and going through rehabilitation, since his incident with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). There were darks days, but he battled through, learning how to use his new prosthetic leg.With his new mindset, he managed to set new goals and challenges, including taking part in the Sydney 2018 Invictus Games, the Dakar Rally, and becoming an Army Cadet Instructor.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/KQUsmTFWcD8Part 2: youtu.be/qHO1WA5_R0ITikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Bob joined the United States Army (USA) in 2002 as part of Airborne Infantry, and served for 4 years, reaching the rank of Specialist (SPC).In this episode Bob talks about his journey in joining the U.S. Army, and what it was like going through Basic Training, then onto Army Airborne School. He shares what it was like being sent to the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment (1st of the 508th - Red Devils), in Italy, before being deployed to Iraq. This deployment saw his unit parachute into the country, being his 1st jump since Airborne School, and his 6th jump ever.Bob also shares what it was like returning home after 1 year away in a war zone, and then getting orders to join the 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. After arriving at the 101st, he deploys to Iraq for the second time, ahead of his transition back to civilian life. After leaving the U.S. Army, Bob goes on a journey to become sober, with writing being part of his therapy, which has lead him to releasing multiple books - his first being Warflower.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/pXDu0kjW2y4Part 2: youtu.be/X3itIUREDhsTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 024 - Capt Phil Klay from 10th May 2022.In this Viewpoint: Phil talks about using the G.I. Bill to help getting a writing degree and go to teachers college, when leaving the U.S. Marine Corps. This included going into a graduate creative writing program.He also shares some of the books that he has written, which have done well enough, for him to become a writer full time. These books include Redeployment (Award winning) and Missionaries. Phil has also been part of a different podcast called American Veteran: Unforgettable Stories.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/Cl-yb6EW9iUPart 2: youtu.be/IVgSBANOPqITikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Mike joined the United States Navy (USN) in 2003, as part of the Aviation branch, before becoming a Navy SEAL. He served for 10 years, reaching the rank of Petty Officer First Class (PO1).In this episode Mike talks about his ambition to become a Navy SEAL at a young age, and his journey in joining the Navy, to begin this pursuit. There were challenges to over come, including going through the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training twice, before getting the SEAL Trident. Between these attempts at BUD/S, he got orders to Japan, as part of the aviation unit.Mike also shares what it was like being part of SEAL Team 4, and deploying to Afghanistan on multiple occasions. Whilst deployed he was able to work with Special Forces from different countries, including the Polish SF. He made the decision to apply to business schools before leaving the Navy, which was the start of a different journey in businesses, including co-founding ZeroEyes - Save time. Save lives.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/vexSleIot-cPart 2: youtu.be/mWsglISs5V8TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 023 - LH(Police) Larry Roke from 10th April 2022.In this Viewpoint: Larry shares the abrupt end to his career in the Royal Navy, and how he had to cope with the realisation that he won't continue within the military, and what could he do as a civilian.He had a hobby with fixing vehicles, which he really enjoyed, and therefore looked into becoming a mechanic as a new career. Looking into the charity Mission Motorsport to help in taking this step forward, with experience and qualifications to move forward within the sector.Larry also gives some information about the aftermath of beating testicular cancer, which we spoke more about in his main episode. Plus how he is having regular checkups, and dealing with applying testosterone on a daily basis.With these steps and what he has gone through, he shares some great advice for people about to leave the military, and also some great advice for anyone thinking of joining.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/yoQUSBm0tGwPart 2: youtu.be/tDhb1uSy5xcTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Ben joined the Parachute Regiment within the British Army in 1997, and served 23 years across multiple areas including, the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME), Pathfinders (PF), and finishing with the British Special Air Service (SAS), reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt).In this episode Ben talks about growing up and wanting to join the Royal Marines, before ending up joining the Parachute Regiment, in the British Army. He shares life with 2 PARA before transferring to the REME, and then transferring back to 2 PARA, with a deployment to Iraq in 2005.Ben wanted and needed more challenges, so went into the Pathfinders and shares what “The Cadre” was like to successfully become part of this advance force, and then deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. After sometime with the Pathfinders, Ben went on Selection and joined 22 SAS where he saw out his career, completing just under 12 years within the Special Forces. Lastly, as he transitioned out of the military, Ben created HR4K based in Hereford, UK, which is a veteran owned community hub. Bringing good people together.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/4pyCPdMN_mAPart 2: youtu.be/JRvGwZhLxNUTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 022 - WO2 Joey Jordan from 10th March 2022.In this Viewpoint: Joey shares his transition back into civilian life, after achieving his big goal in his military career, to become a Warrant Officer Class 2.He talks about the courses he looked at, the difficulty with buying a house for the first time, and other steps he had to take ready to move away from his military life. During this time, he saw an opening to work with the charity Mission Motorsport, where he has been working since leaving. Joey also shares some great advice for people wanting to join the military, as well as advice for people about to leave and become a veteran.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/OPnGthfGOLkPart 2: youtu.be/ZFB5o6u3-U0TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Steve joined the British Army in 1986 and served for 12 years, as part of The Queen’s Regiment, which later amalgamated and became part of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR). He reached the rank of Lance Corporal (LCpl).In this episode Steve talks about joining the British Army as a Junior Soldier at Shorncliffe, before heading to Bassingbourn Barracks. He shares being posted to Canterbury, then moving over to Aldergrove in Northern Ireland, and followed by a move over to Episkopi in Cyprus.Steve also shares a tour to the Falkland Islands, and then another posting to Northern Ireland, this time in Omagh. During this time, the Regiment amalgamates with The Royal Hampshire Regiment and Steve talks about the challenges with these Regiments merging. After leaving the British Army and finding his feet, Steve becomes a Fire Fighter, and completes another 12 years service. Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/HqHRXl6oqQEPart 2: youtu.be/ecfN02GJcb0TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 021 - Cpl Tony Brooks from 10th February 2022.In this Viewpoint: Tony talks about his mental health when he returns back to the USA after operational tours with Special Ops, and how he got help to deal with scenes from Operation Red Wings 2.He shares his journey in becoming a Chiropractor,  as well as writing his book 'Leave No Man Behind', plus some great advice for others in joining the military or leaving to become a veteran.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/HqxFChZRJNwPart 2: youtu.be/IqXabCeX5j4TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Full Episode: Ep 020 - Sgt Richard Foster from 10th January 2022.In this Viewpoint: Richard talks about living with PTSD and coping by being busy and structuring his life around having no down time. This included becoming a lawyer and owning his own ranch.He also wrote a book about his time in the Vietnam War, to help others understand what it's like fighting a war on the ground,  called Kilo 3.Lastly Richard gives some great advice for people thinking of joining the military and also great advice for veterans out there - talk to another veteran.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/1eovBSLy20EPart 2: youtu.be/DzoGTv5G7rcTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Full Episode: Ep 019 - SSgt Gaz Crick from 10th December 2021.In this Viewpoint: Gaz talks about his transition out of the British Army, creating his own business Northern Signs/Northern Wraps, which is still going strong and growing.He gives advice to people leaving the military and wanting to venture down the route of building their own business and following their passion.He also gives advice for anyone wanting to join the military, and the opportunities that might show up.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/H7ftyzYk5WcPart 2: youtu.be/4UNLq6VjcbMTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Stu initially joined the Royal Marines Commandos in 1998, then moved over to the Parachute Regiment in the British Army and served for a total of 17 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant (Sgt). He specialised as a Sniper.In this episode Stu talks about going through and completing training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), before choosing to move over to the British Parachute Regiment. He shares operational tours in Northern Ireland and Iraq, and was also part of exchange programs with American and Italian Paras. Plus the steps he took in becoming a Sniper.Stu also shares operational tours in Afghanistan, with the first including a life changing incident where a mine strike took place in Kajaki. He would loose his right leg from the blast, but he was eager to rejoin his team on tour, and after rehabilitation became the first amputee to redeploy out to Afghanistan. Stu went back to the crater in Kajaki where the incident happened, which helped him with his mental recovery. Later a movie would be released based on this event called ‘Kajaki’, or ‘Kilo Two Bravo’ for the U.S. market.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/G1ItjhpKrPEPart 2: youtu.be/vw1zuXJh0ZwTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 018 - SCPO Thom Shea from 10th November 2021.In this Viewpoint: Thom discusses the challenge of leaving the military and the SEAL teams after 23 years service, with steps forward in writing books and creating a leadership company to help businesses and individuals.Thom also shares some great advice for people thinking of joining the military, and advice for veterans out there, which includes finding something that scares you.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/-I3ugxVDOF4Part 2: youtu.be/PqJEZa5oxy4TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Sally joined the British Army Reserves (previously Territorial Army) in 1998, and served for 22 years, reaching the rank of Major (Maj). Sally was a Physiotherapist within the Royal Army Medical Corps.In this episode Sally talks about joining the Officers’ Training Corps, and shares how she also joined the British Army Reserves. She did 8 years as part of the Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS), which included a deployment to Afghanistan in her role as a Physiotherapist, and being the Officer Commanding (OC) for her department.Sally also shares her journey leaving the British Army Reserves, and the challenges she faced with her mental health, after being diagnosed with Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder. Sally is now a National Ambassador for the Army Cadet Force, holds multiple Guinness World Records for marathons around the world, and has an MBE for services to mental health and charities.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/2_ZlHP6DR4oPart 2: youtu.be/e869X8F25i8TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show