Today we’re talking with (Ret.) Army Lt. Colonel Jim Whaley, CEO of the veteran organization, Mission Roll Call. Every year they continually survey the veteran community with thought provoking polls about a wide variety of issues. Then apply pressure to law makers to ensure their needs are met. We begin with stories from Whaley’s Army aviation days, as a combat helicopter in Germany during the height of the Cold War.

From the ominous threat of Russia in the 80’s to the complex terrorism threats we face today; Whaley describes how underserving generations of war fighters has profoundly negative affects our national security.

Whaley also describes the top veteran issues today- suicide prevention, access to health care and post military transition … and he says there are obvious ways to solve these complex problems.

Whaley discusses where the VA needs to improve, and why the suicide crisis demands our government start researching and using more alternative medical treatments, including psychedelics. And why our government needs to look beyond its past reputation.

Join Mission Roll Call's movement and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill

Sign up here:

https://www.missionrollcall.org/

To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

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@EyeOnVeterans

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Today we’re honoring Memorial Day with a tribute to 1st Lt Nainoa Hoe, a Hawaiian soldier who became an inspiring Army Officer bravely leading his men in Mosul, Iraq.

But his story begins with an American family who, like many Hawaiians, bravely serve in the military for generations.

His father Allen Hoe, a former Army combat medic in Vietnam, begins this incredible tribute with memories of his service in Vietnam during the late 1960s.

Hoe eventually returned to his native Hawaii and settled into family life raising two wonderful sons. He shares how they were inspired by visits from Dad's Vietnam buddies and stories from their deployments.

In a touching comparison to his own combat experiences, Hoe shares how his brave son, 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe was killed during combat Operation Iraqi Freedom, the deep impact he had on his men and how his legacy lives on today.

Watch Allen Hoe and the story of 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe during the National Memorial Day Concert

Sunday May 26, 2024 8p on PBS

https://www.pbs.org/show/national-memorial-day-concert/

To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow on X

@philbriggsVet

@EyeOnVeterans

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re talking with Tim Jensen, Marine Corps combat vet and outspoken leader of “Grunt Style” apparel. Grunt Style T-shirts are loved by military vets and easy to spot with the infantry battle flag and crossed rifles on the sleeves. Jensen shared how this multi-million-dollar apparel company started with the founder selling shirts out of his car.

More than just apparel with massive veteran appeal, Grunt Style often steps up and becomes a loud voice supporting important veteran causes. (Like investing several years fighting Congress to pass Toxic Exposure legislation.) Jensen shared more on their latest cause- calling out the city of Chicago (and Marine Corps) for closing a Marine Corps monument in front of a building that has become housing for immigrants.

Jensen also shared strong feelings about VA managed veteran health care and a lack of transparency on the heavy amounts of prescription meds they still doll out to vets. We also hear how the Grunt Style Foundation is giving vets access to alternative treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which the VA still refuses to utilize for treatment of TBI, PTSD, etc.

We also discussed some of the hilarious shirt designs just released for Summer. Jensen, the "1st Sgt of Fashion" explains how GS shirts are more than just patriotic, but they actually help build a community among vets, patriots and anyone who loves whiskey, bacon and freedom!

Check out Grunt Style apparel and the Grunt Style Foundation here:

https://www.gruntstyle.com

To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow on X

@philbriggsVet

@EyeOnVeterans

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.