The Military Wire with Mike Schindler

How YOU can Separate Yourself from the Pack - Former Navy SEAL Garrick Fernbaugh

You CAN separate yourself from the pack. In this episode, former BUD/s instructor and Navy SEAL Garrick Fernbaugh, now founder and president of Red Frog, a Tactical Curriculum Development / Security Consulting Company that is breaking new ground in the science of tactical training, shares how he took his desire to prove himself to become one of America's Elite.

He shares the steps he took - steps you can take - that have positioned him to influence an industry. That desire to continue to prove himself wasn't without challenges. Transition wasn't easy. Finding mission and purpose wasn't easy. Starting his company wasn't easy. 

But it wasn't about easy. It was about proving he could do it and making a difference. 

Everyday we all have a choice to make: get up, go along, go to bed OR get up, prove you are here to make a difference, go to sleep knowing you haven't wasted oxygen. 

Check out Garrick's company - what he and his team teach could save your life and make a generational difference. 

How to Find Opportunity in Every Day - Glen Eberle - Former Olympian, Fighter Pilot and Founder of Eberlestock

Take yourself to the next level of performance. In this episode you'll hear from Olympian, former fighter pilot, and CEO of Eberlestock, Glen Eberle on how he is changing the world. And how you can change the world as well.

In life we’ll face adversity, challenges, and events that can be crippling – if we let them. Glen rose above. He took a bad situation and made good from it.

I sat down with Glen Eberle of Boise-based Eberlestock , a company that designs, manufactures and sells a range of sporting gear and tactical gear for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and military tactical combat units. In this episode you'll hear how his company almost collapsed due to a warehouse fire years ago. That fire left him with only a few smoke-scented inventory items.  He and his wife packed those items up in their truck and left for SHOT SHOW in Vegas – and came away with a considerable order that gave his company a new beginning.

In life's transitions we'll have many of our own "warehouse fires." Events that are demoralizing and devastating.

But we can learn from those events. And those events can help us become world-changers. 

Watch the Eberlestock story here.  

How Mentorship Can Shape Your life - Former Army Ranger and CEO of Briggs Core Dynamics Scott Wealing

Mentorship will change your life. In this episode you'll learn how Scott Wealing, Former Army Ranger, CEO of Briggs Core Dynamics, and one of America's Elite soldiers embraced mentorship at a young age, how it influenced his life and is one of the core reasons he is on the frontlines of improving the safety of communities nationwide. 

You may not have the skills that Scott has - but you can certainly incorporate the secret to his success in your own life. 

Dig in and discover why a mentor can change your life. 

And while your at it, check out Briggs Core Dynamics. What they teach just may save the life of someone you love. 

 

Changing the Vietnam Veteran Narrative - Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Ford

What will your story be? In this episode learn how Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Ford succeeded in his transition and is now changing the Vietnam Veteran narrative across the country. 

Bob also has a new book. In his gripping memoir, Black Cat 2-1: The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew (Brown Books Publishing Group), Bob Ford delivers a vivid portrait of camaraderie, danger, and survival. From July 1967 to July 1968, Ford flew over one thousand missions in Vietnam.

On November 3, 2018, Ford was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, and was awarded the Major General Douglas O. Dollar Distinguished Public Service Award.  Named for the founder of the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, the award recognizes exemplary public and community service and support of veterans. Ford has funded college educations and student expenses for needy families; placed computers in schools; and donated bicycles for Christmas Santa drawings. In September 2017 he donated a Huey helicopter to the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for permanent display. Ford’s decorations include the Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters with one for Valor and the Bronze Star Medal.

A gifted storyteller, Ford shared his experiences in a StoryCorps segment recorded in Oklahoma City in March 2018. In September 2018, Ford narrated the audio book version of Black Cat 2-1, available now on Audible/Amazon and iTunes.  For more information, visit http://www.blackcat2-1.com/   

You can view Ford's book trailer here: https://youtu.be/G082NxzX9dE. 

Sometimes the Battle Follows You Home – Hollywood Actor Max Martini and Army Veteran Luis Bordonada

In this podcast you’ll hear from Army Veteran Luis Bordonada and Hollywood actor Max Martini that “asking for help is NOT a show of weakness.” You’ll also get the “behind the scenes” on what makes the movie, written and directed by Max Martini, Sgt. Will Gardner a MUST-WATCH on working through issues related to combat and transition.

“You can’t heal unless there is a dialogue.” Max Martini, who has long portrayed roles of great warriors in such movies as Saving Private Ryan, The Unit, and 13 Hours once again delivers an incredible performance as Sgt. Will Gardner, an Iraq War Veteran, who suffers from PTSD and the lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which he sustained years earlier when he and his platoon, led by his fellow soldier and best friend, Tops (Hardwick), came under attack. Enduring painful flashbacks to his harrowing combat days and humiliating setbacks in the present, Will sets out on a spirited motorcycle journey across America in hopes of reconciling with his young son and former wife (Röhm). Along the way, he encounters other veterans and a young woman (Rabe) who will push him to confront some of his most painful memories in hopes of finally finding some peace and closure.

He is joined by a powerful cast: Omari Hardwick(Starz's POWER, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU), Lily Rabe(F/X’s American Horror Story), Dermot Mulroney(INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3), Robert Patrick(CBS’s Scorpion, Terminator 2), Elisabeth Röhm(Law & Order), JoBeth Williams(Poltergeist), Luis Bordonada(Barracuda), Leo Martini(Edge) and Gary Sinise(CBS’s CSI: NY, Forrest Gump).

Mona Vista Productions will donate a portion of the film’s proceeds to three charities which support veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), PTSD and veteran homelessness: Higher Ground, Warriors Heart and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Cinedigm will release the picture in select theaters, On Demand and Digital in January 2019 with a Blu-ray™and DVD release to follow in February 2019.

Check out Sgt. Will Gardner today.

Finding Yourself in Transition: From Cult to Army Captain to Corporate Trainer - Interview with Daniella Young

In this episode with female Combat Veteran Daniella Young you'll learn how to navigate your transition to a successful outcome.  After growing up in a seriously bad religious cult, she went on to became a Captain in the US Army, and is now doing CEO forums and has an upcoming TEDx talk – 

Daniella is one of the first women to serve on a ground combat team in active war and is now a Speaker, Writer, and owns her own company. 

 

How to Effectively Leverage LinkedIn - LinkedIn's Head of Military and Veterans Programs, Dan Savage, Provides Insider Tips

In this episode, you'll learn how one Veteran became a top voice at LinkedIn and how you can effectively leverage LinkedIn to gain the career you desire. 

Daniel Savage, Head of Military & Veterans Programs at LinkedIn, is a West Point graduate, has a Masters from Harvard, and helped launched the Onward to Opportunity program, through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, which helps active duty prepare for life after the military. 

But it wasn't always easy. In Dan's words, “Career transitions are never easy. As a military veteran, I found the transition from military to civilian life to be daunting, and the ambiguity around choosing a civilian career path to be disorienting. I’ve been incredibly fortunate – along my journey, a handful of key leaders have invested in me, and I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work on numerous projects geared toward helping others navigate their own transition.”

This episode will provide some insight and a bit of "what to do" and "what not to do" when it comes to your own transition. 

Check out Dan's LinkedIn.

How One of America's Most Influential and Decorated Combat Veterans, BG Carol Eggert, positioned for Success

If you are getting ready to transition or have transitioned - and want a corporate career - this is a must-listen. "How you navigate the military civilian divide" will be revealed in this session.

Carol Eggert is Senior Vice President, Military and Veteran Affairs. In this role, she works collaboratively across Comcast NBCUniversal to provide strategic leadership to all aspects of programs and outreach engaging the military and veteran community, including recruiting, hiring and building talent at all levels of the organization.

Carol brings more than 30 years of military and civilian experience to Comcast. In her civilian role, she assisted various organizations in the private, government and non-profit sectors with their initiatives in knowledge management, strategic planning and project management. During her career, she served in the Army, the Army Reserve and the National Guard, serving in a variety of command and staff positions, including Assistant Adjutant General, Battalion Commander and Chief of Staff and recently retired as a Brigadier General.

She also has worked with members from all branches of the military, completed numerous overseas deployments, including a 15-month combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Chief of the Women’s Initiatives Division and Senior Liaison to the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, where she conducted a full-scale analysis of women’s initiatives and developed a strategic plan for the economic and political empowerment of Iraqi women under the U.S. Secretary of State.

She is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations in recognition of her contributions to the military, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal.

Carol is a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where she also served on the faculty and was later selected as the Deputy Commandant for Reserve Affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, two master’s degrees in instructional design and strategic international studies, and a doctoral degree in organizational leadership. Carol serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for West Chester University, and the Boards of Directors for Valley Forge Military Academy Board, the Philly POPS, and PsychArmor.

Her leadership in the private sector has been recognized by HillVets, who placed her on their 2016 list of the 100 most influential veterans in America, and by the Philadelphia Business Journal, who named her one of their 2016 Veterans of Influence.

U.S.VETS is honoring BG Carol Eggert at their annual Gala on November 8 in Beverly Hills. She is receiving their Harry Pregerson Public Service Award for her support of Veterans.

Find out more about Carol Eggert here.

Shaping Your Future After Transition - Interview with GEN. Wesley Clark

If you are transitioning, this interview is a must with General Wesley Clark. **please note, due to the General's location, there are some breaks/deadspots in the interview.

The secret to success. Overcoming challenges and adversity. Global warming. And now, a new film that will challenge what we do and why we do it. It’s not every day one gets to interview one of America’s most accomplished soldiers and leaders and gain insight on why he does what he does and how others can follow in his footsteps.

General Wesley K. Clark was always drawn to the military for an unknown reason. It could have had something to do with his father’s service in the Navy that influenced his decision to serve. Regardless, the young Wesley Clark went on to become a West Point valedictorian, a Rhodes Scholar, the Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, an author, co-chair of Growth Energy and now a subject matter expert in how we use and leverage energy resources in Jeff Bridges’ Award-Winning Documentary ‘Living in the Future’s Past.’

This podcast unpacks what makes General Wesley Clark stay one of America's Greatest Assets and how you can follow in his footsteps. 

Life After the Sniper Scope - interview with Rod Rodriguez GWOT Memorial Foundation

Viewing life through a sniper's scope was a daily practice for Special Forces, Green Beret Rod Rodriguez. Getting blown up was just a part of life. And when it came time to transition - not by choice - but through a med board, suddenly his daily practice was truly foreign - and more traumatic than his military experience. 

When life changes unexpectedly, how will you respond? 

In this episode, President and Chief Executive Officer at Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation Rod Rodriguez chronicles his military experience, how his wife's transition was polar opposite of his, and his journey to becoming one of America's Greatest Assets after his military experience.

Rod will tell you that he is just a normal kid from New Mexico. And this normal kid from New Mexico, after serving our country with honors, is on a new mission to bring tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in America's longest conflict. 

The Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation, the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation is tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C..  

Former President George W. Bush was named as its honorary chairman.

What you'll learn from this podcast is that success takes work. And Rod's humble approach to achieving success is one that many can duplicate. Rod chose to give back as his next mission and purpose. 

What will be your next mission and purpose after military service?

"Continuing my service to others first through established leadership in the military and civilian communities through teamwork as well as collaboration." - Michael "Rod" Rodriguez