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Eye on Veterans

Eye on Veterans

By: CBS News
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About this listen

 Each week, Navy veteran and journalist Phil Briggs looks at life from the military veteran's perspective. We highlight veterans finding success as business owners and industry leaders. We also examine topics like treating PTSD, TBIs with innovative alternative therapies; hyperbaric oxygen, cannabis, psychedelics, etc. Plus, we hear dramatic stories from combat veteran authors, discover job openings, and meet celebrity actors, athletes, and musicians.© 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Internet Radio that Rocks! Warrior Voices Radio and the Navy vet behind the mic

    Internet Radio that Rocks! Warrior Voices Radio and the Navy vet behind the mic
    Feb 27 2026
    This week we meet Navy veteran John Gully, who went from Navy ships and sonar frequencies to a career behind the mic on radio frequencies. Today he’s the Evening News Anchor for Prescott Tonight on News Talk Radio 103.5 FM in Prescott, AZ, but broadcasting was not his original plan. Gully shared memories of his days aboard ship and what it was like being a Sailor during the Cold War era … and any dangerous encounters with Russians? Gully revealed how after the Navy an impromptu attempt on the mic landed him a DJ shift at local radio station in San Diego. We discussed his career, how radio has evolved and why the owners dominating today’s media landscape have strayed from what originally made radio so popular. We also discussed his latest project, Warrior Voices Radio, and Internet radio station designed exclusively for the veteran community. Gully shares how he and their veteran team are unafraid to break radio format rules, play whatever they want (over 3K songs in the library) and how they can help their fellow veterans host their own radio show or create a podcast. Gully expressed how being on the radio took him on the journey of a lifetime, and how Warrior Voices Radio is there to help our fellow vets launch their own journey too. Check out the killer playlist and podcasts on Warrior Voices Radio here: https://warriorvoicesradio.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Honoring The Freedom 13: Gold Star Father building Veteran Retreat in Missouri

    Honoring The Freedom 13: Gold Star Father building Veteran Retreat in Missouri
    Feb 20 2026
    This week we honor a fallen Marine, Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, who was KIA during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, at Abbey Gate in Kabul, on Aug 26, 2021. Our guest is Jared’s father, Mark Schmitz, who founded the non-profit organization “The Freedom 13”. He shared his mission and details about the veteran retreat and recreation center being built on a beautiful 171-acre property in the heart of Missouri. We begin with how Jared was born to be a Marine and how the way he lived his life inspired everyone who knew him. Schmitz shared how Jared’s impact was felt around the world. In a story that reveals the highest level of heroism, he recalled how at a large event he had a chance encounter with an Afghan refugee, who spoke of being rescued from Kabul by a young Maine with “Schmitz” on his uniform’ name badge. During our conversation we talked about the disastrous US withdrawal from Afghanistan and its impact on the veteran community. Schmitz described how his son and the others who served so bravely that day, inspired him to create a place where veterans, first responders and their families will always have a place to find comfort and healing. We discussed the scenic property in Bourbon, MO, which will feature 13 buildings where vets and their families can stay. Plus a ton of outdoor recreation like; fishing, shooting, pickleball and even all terrain golf carts to explore more of the great outdoors. Schmitz also shared his vision to eventually build more centers in all 50 states. Check out The Freedom 13 Veteran Retreat and Recreation Project here: https://thefreedom13.org/ Support The Freedom 13 here: https://thefreedom13.org/pages/donate-landing-page Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Live Life to the Fittest! Army spouse conquered booze, trains for Shields and Stripes

    Live Life to the Fittest! Army spouse conquered booze, trains for Shields and Stripes
    Feb 14 2026
    After Maddie Smith quit drinking, she just didn’t know what to do with her hands ... until she discovered Cross Fit and built her epic physique! Now she’s a top contender for “Ms. Health and Fitness 2026”, and she’s doing it all for a veteran nonprofit. We talked about how she overcame alcoholism, an eating disorder, and endured recovery groups that didn’t understand her trauma. Now, in peak physical condition she shared advice on conquering addictions and helping veterans through a partnership with Shields and Stripes, a veteran support program founded by Steve Nisbet, fellow athlete and Air Force Pararescue Specialist veteran. Nisbet described the life of an elite “PJ”, conducting casualty evac missions in combat zones, the tragic death of a fellow PJ, the Army's betrayal and the emotional toll of his service. But he powered through the pain and used his physical training expertise to create the acclaimed Shields and Stripes veteran support program. The program draws from the type of sports therapy used by pro athletes and Special Operations teams and combines it with customized nutrition plans and therapy from experienced psychologists. Nisbet described the incredible results attendees experienced at recent programs in Arizona and Florida, and shared stories of vets who no longer need the medications doctors said they couldn’t live without. Smith also expressed her shared love of fitness as medicine, and what she will do if crowned contest winner, “If I win, I’m donating the $20K prize to the Shields & Stripes Foundation. I’m competing to break the stigma around recovery & mental health, not to win money. Giving the prize to a nonprofit founded by someone who rebuilt his life after tragedy & now helps others find their strength, means more than anything $20K could buy me.” Vote for Maddie Smith, fitness pro and Army spouse, here:https://mshealthandfit.com/2026/madeline-smith Check out the innovative, healing programs for veterans at Shields and Stripes, here:https://shieldsandstripes.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
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