In this powerful episode of the Rebel Vets Podcast, host Derek sits down with his oldest friend, Marine Corps veteran and Iraq War veteran Tyler Speck, for an unforgettable conversation about service, sacrifice, and life after combat.

Tyler shares his journey from growing up with a deep-rooted family legacy of military service to the life-altering moment he witnessed 9/11 unfold as a college student. Inspired to serve, Tyler joined the Marine Corps infantry, deployed to Iraq, and took part in the legendary push into Baghdad—including clearing Saddam Hussein’s palaces and living through grueling conditions like spending six weeks in full MOPP gear.

With raw honesty and dark humor, Tyler recounts wild moments from the battlefield—including being attacked by a bat in Babylon and getting caught on an ammo crate during a Scud missile attack.

After the Marines, Tyler pursued a fire science degree and became a firefighter in Colorado, determined to serve his community in a new way—by saving lives instead of taking them. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the burden of trauma, and how having a clear purpose helped him rebuild.

In this episode of Rebel Vets, host Derek sits down with Dr. Fred Hogan, a Navy veteran and Desert Storm participant, for an engaging and candid conversation. Dr. Hogan shares his journey from a small town in Georgia to joining the Navy at just 17 years old. He recounts his experiences as an aviation machinist mate, including intense deployments aboard the USS Fife during Operation Desert Storm and the challenges of ship life, such as constant rotations and limited family communication. Hogan also opens up about the moment he realized he needed to pivot, which led him to pursue higher education while still in the Navy. After earning a his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, he transitioned to civilian life, motivated by a desire to be more present for his daughter. Dr. Hogan experienced the boom and bust of the Dot-com Era that led him into a career with the Social Security Administration. During that time he entered into the PhD program with Southeastern University and completed his PhD in Education.

In this episode of Rebel Vets, host Derek speaks with Rayshawn Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and Las Vegas native who served during the initial invasion of Iraq. Rayshawn shares his powerful story of joining the military through the Delayed Entry Program, deploying twice to Iraq, and the struggles he faced after leaving the service. He opens up about battling addiction, experiencing incarceration, and overcoming personal setbacks. Through resilience and the support of VA education benefits, Rayshawn turned his life around—earning multiple degrees, including in criminal justice and social work, and now works as an academic coordinator at UNLV’s Sullivan Center. He’s currently pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Leadership with plans for a Doctor of Social Work degree. Rayshawn's story is a compelling journey of redemption, education, and dedication to helping others facing similar struggles. His experience is a testament to the strength and potential of veterans finding new purpose through higher education.

In this episode of Rebel Vets, host Derek welcomes Leroy Hudson, an Air Force veteran and current graduate student at UNLV studying social work. Leroy shares his journey from a sports-driven youth in Ohio to joining the military for structure and purpose following 9/11. Initially hoping to be a firefighter, Leroy ended up in security forces and later transitioned into a K-9 handler role. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working with military dogs, including intense training, building trust with aggressive dogs, and a harrowing experience where one of his K-9 partners turned on him. Despite the physical scars, Leroy highlights the deep camaraderie and personal growth gained throughout his service. Now president of Rebel Vets, Leroy reflects on how military service shaped his identity and why he's passionate about supporting fellow student veterans as they navigate life after the uniform.

In this episode of the Rebel Vets Podcast, host Derek sits down with Jeff Dietrich, an Army veteran, UNLV alumnus, and former president of Rebel Vets. Jeff shares his journey from growing up as a military brat with both parents in the Army to joining the service himself in 1999. He recounts his father’s advice to follow his own path, his early years working construction, and the moment he decided to enlist. Jeff reflects on the shift in military culture post-9/11, his time in training commands, and eventually deploying to Iraq as a senior medic for a scout company. He offers candid insight into life as a medic—from field training to frontline care during combat patrols. Now director of adult education at UNLV’s Sullivan Center, Jeff also discusses the transition from military to civilian life and the power of education in shaping a new future for veterans.

In this episode of the Rebel Vets podcast Derek sits down with Air Force Veteran Eric Herman. Eric shares his journey from life as a military brat from Georgia to his enlistment into the Air Force at the suggestion of his father. Eric was trained as a Aircraft Armament Technician and was responsible for loading munitions onto aircraft. Eric's military career took him all over the world but he developed a love for Germany during his time there. Eric found that he had a love for solving technical problems during his time in the Air Force, and this led him to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at UNLV. His involvement with the Rebel Vets allowed him to network and find a position at Northrup Grumman after receiving his degree.

In this episode of the Rebel Vets Podcast, host Derek sits down with his longtime friend Randy, a newly retired Air Force veteran. Randy shares his journey from growing up in Hazlett, New Jersey, to enlisting in the Air Force in 2001, just before 9/11. Originally drawn by a desire to travel and work with his hands, Randy's career took him across the globe—from Okinawa and South Korea to Italy and England. He reflects on learning aircraft maintenance, embracing life abroad, meeting his wife, and adapting to various assignments. The two discuss the challenges of his final post in Mountain Home, Idaho, and Randy's determination to complete his education, earning a master’s degree by the end of his service. It's an inspiring conversation about military life, personal growth, and the transition into civilian life—highlighting the many layers of the veteran experience.

In this episode of the Rebel Vets Podcast, host Derek sits down with Becca Watt, a psychology student at UNLV and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. They reminisce about their first meeting in Journalism 107—where an unusual coincidence involving two redheaded Becca's sparked a lasting connection—and dive into Becca’s unexpected path into military service.

Originally hesitant about the military lifestyle, Becca shares how a well-timed suggestion from her dad and a persuasive Coast Guard recruiter changed everything. She walks us through the highlights of her three-year service: from grueling boot camp inspired by both the Marine Corps and the Air Force, to learning the ropes as a cook on land and at sea.

Becca opens up about the challenges of mastering eggs to order, the rewarding rhythm of mess hall life, and the unique experience of being a night baker aboard the historic Coast Guard Cutter Eagle—a sailing vessel still used to train officers. She reflects on her love of Seattle, life on the water, and the simple joy of serving up midnight snacks to shipmates on the night shift.

This episode is full of humor, insight, and heart as we explore the realities of military service, the transition to college, and the shared experiences that connect veterans in the classroom and beyond.