Success After Service

Podcast Description Today on Success After Service, we explore a remarkable journey that starts on a Georgia baseball diamond, runs through three combat tours in the Middle East, and circles back to a major league field. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel David Leverett shares his path from playing professional independent league baseball to serving 21 years in the military as a Ranger-qualified officer. David reflects on applying the teamwork learned in baseball to leading soldiers in combat, the thrill of being selected for the 2024 Atlanta Braves Fantasy Camp, and sharing the field with Braves legends like Steve Avery and Dale Murphy. David is also joined by his wife, retired Army LTC Kristen Leverett, for a candid conversation about the realities of transitioning to civilian life, raising a family after retirement, and why asking for mental health support is an act of courage, not selfishness. Learn more and nominate a veteran for future opportunities at [thewarrioralliance.org].See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does success after military service look like for women veterans in Georgia? In this episode of Success After Service on the Warrior Alliance Network, hosts Scott and Tug speak with Dr. Sharmon Monaghan—a U.S. Navy and Georgia Army National Guard veteran, educator, author, cancer survivor, and chair of the Georgia Women Veterans Advisory Board. Dr. Monaghan shares how military service shaped her leadership, resilience, structure, and commitment to helping others. She also discusses why many women who served do not initially identify as veterans, the unique ways housing instability and healthcare challenges can affect women veterans, and why early connection to VA benefits and community resources matters. The conversation explores the growing need for women-veteran support across Georgia—from Metro Atlanta to rural communities—and how collaboration, listening sessions, and the Warrior Alliance Women Veterans Think Tank can help transform veteran concerns into real solutions. If you are a woman who served, a veteran family member, an employer, a service provider, or someone committed to supporting Georgia’s military community, this episode offers practical insight and a meaningful call to action. Connect with the Warrior Alliance and explore veteran resources at thewarrioralliance.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Parks shares his remarkable journey from U.S. Air Force canine handler and Federal Air Marshal to veteran entrepreneur and founder of Daystar Photography. In this episode of Success After Service, Michael talks about military leadership, the bond between handlers and working dogs, post-9/11 aviation security, and how discipline, purpose, and mentorship helped him build a thriving photography, videography, and drone business. He also explains how veteran partnerships with organizations like The Warrior Alliance and Syracuse University’s IVMF are helping service members and families access resources, opportunity, and community support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Army Cavalry Scout and Purple Heart recipient David Kendrick Jr. shares his powerful journey from being shot by a sniper in Baghdad at 20 years old to becoming a national mental health advocate, NAMI ambassador, author, and speaker. He opens up about survivor’s guilt, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a suicide attempt—and how therapy, community, and purpose helped him rebuild his life. In this episode of “Success After Service” on The Warrior Alliance Network, David discusses: - The Father’s Day mission in Iraq that changed everything - Healing from life‑threatening injuries and invisible wounds - How NAMI and the NAMI Homefront program support veterans’ families - Turning pain into purpose through advocacy, his memoir “Cavalry,” and the Lion Speaking Agency - Practical ways veterans and families can recognize warning signs and seek help   If you’re a veteran, family member, mental health professional, or supporter, this conversation offers real insight, hope, and tools for navigating life after service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Army veteran Jeremy M. Walker joins Success After Service to share his powerful story of enlisting at 16, earning a Bronze Star for Valor in Afghanistan, overcoming injury and PTSD, and redefining purpose after a 22-year military career. He explains how founding Helmets to Boots helps veterans and their families navigate transition, mental health, VA benefits, and entrepreneurship, and why community partnerships like The Warrior Alliance and the Atlanta Black Chamber are critical. Hear candid insights on identity after taking off the uniform, turning pain into service, and using leadership skills to build businesses, strengthen communities, and prevent veteran suicide.exposureninjaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Army Signal Corps veteran and Chief Warrant Officer II (Ret.) Sheena Parker reveals how she went from 20 years in uniform to building a thriving facility management and government contracting company, Foresight Industries (4SYT), and a fast-growing education platform, GovCon Now. She shares how military discipline, warrant officer leadership training, and sheer resilience helped her transition into entrepreneurship, win contracts with agencies from MARTA to major sports venues, and create opportunities for other veterans and second-chance hires. Discover how she launched her SheenaPreneur YouTube channel, teaches her three-tier contractor methodology at universities like Texas A&M and Syracuse, and helps small businesses secure federal, state, local, and corporate contracts—often starting with nontraditional opportunities like plant care and construction cleanup. If you’re a veteran, spouse, or small business owner looking to break into government contracting, this episode breaks down where to find contracts, how to avoid bidding mistakes, and why you should “find the thing” that truly satisfies you—not just the highest paycheck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Army veteran and Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier joins Success After Service to share how he turned a life of military service into civic leadership and veteran advocacy. He discusses lessons from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, his role representing District 4 on the Atlanta City Council, and why he is pushing for a dedicated Office of Veteran Services in Atlanta to better support homeless and at-risk veterans. He also breaks down Hire Heroes USA’s impact, including more than 110,000 veteran and military spouse job placements and nearly $1B in economic impact, and explains how their partnership with The Warrior Alliance helps veterans access housing, legal, and employment resources. Veterans will hear practical advice on getting involved in their communities, leveling up careers, and finding purpose after service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how The Warrior Alliance is helping veterans and their families find true “success after service” with holistic support, trusted navigation, and powerful community partnerships. In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, hosts Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Cowart sit down with Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mark Eister, Vice President of Operations, to unpack the real value the organization delivers—meeting veterans where they are and addressing the full 360 of their lives. Mark shares his own challenging transition from a 21-year Army career to civilian life, why “you don’t know what you don’t know” after separation, and how Warrior Alliance fills those gaps with housing, legal, financial, wellness, and benefits navigation. You’ll hear moving success stories, including a Vietnam veteran given the dignity he deserves at end of life, and veteran Luis Algarin, who went from needing help to serving alongside the Alliance at outreach events. The conversation highlights what makes the Warrior Alliance “secret sauce” work: real people answering the phone, staying on the line, asking “how are you really doing?” and uncovering needs veterans didn’t realize they had. Mark explains how a disciplined operations culture, 40+ vetted partners (from the VA and Georgia Department of Veterans Service to the Atlanta Braves), and a growing statewide footprint are creating a seamless safety net for warriors and families—whether they left the military last week or 50 years ago. If you’re a veteran who thinks “I’m good,” this episode will challenge that mindset and show why getting registered now creates a safety net for whatever comes next—and how you can move from receiving support to serving other warriors. Visit TheWarriorAlliance.org to learn more, register, or get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran David Scott shares his transformation from two decades of Army service—including six combat deployments—to helping fellow veterans regain purpose through The Eden Project. Hosted by Scott Munn and Tug Cowart from The Warrior Alliance Network, this inspiring episode reveals how mental health awareness, community, and wholehearted living can reignite purpose and healing after service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Captain Grover Henry shares his journey from enlisted airman to officer, combat leader, educator, and founder, and how he’s empowering veterans through Bunker Labs, Syracuse University’s IVMF, Warrior Alliance, drone innovation, and the “Vets Do That” movement. Listeners will hear powerful insights on leadership, failure, faith, family, community, and how veterans can turn their skills into successful businesses and lifelong service after the uniform comes off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.