Antoinette Balta identified a problem while providing social services for Veterans who had fallen through the cracks, and she started building a legal group to serve them. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Veterans Legal Institute, Antoinette has provided pro-bono services for Veterans in need. She joined Next Gen Warrior to discuss building a non-profit, enduring rejection, how she stays sharp on a daily basis and offers words of wisdom to Veterans interested in pursuing a legal career. We discussed taking care of yourself before taking care of others, and how her faith and fitness played a critical role in maintaining mental health during difficult moments.

Voices of Veterans

EP 84: Antoinette Balta, ESQ – Veterans Legal Institute

Motivated by the loss of his friends in the service and wanting to provide meaningful employment for those he served with, Hernán Luis y Prado founded @workshopsforwarriors in his garage in 2008. Workshops for Warriors has a campus in San Diego that began as a 400 sq ft space. They train Veterans and active-duty personnel in high-skilled manufacturing trades and then place them in well-paying jobs in machining, 3D printing, and more. Hernán discussed the incredible need for skilled labor, how Veterans can fill that void, and what he does to stay sharp as CEO.

EP 83: Hernán Luis y Prado– CEO Workshops for Warriors – Navy Veteran

A new episode of Next Gen Warrior is live! We joined Artist and Air Force Veteran Jenn Hassin in her Buda studio, just south of Austin. She walked us through her journey from pursuing a dental career, to discovering her passion for art. We discussed her latest piece that will be featured in Dallas, her famous Google Doodle on Veterans Day in 2020, and her piece on display in the Pentagon. Jenn uses art as a way to help other Veterans process their traumatic experiences.

EP 82: Jenn Hassin – Air Force Veteran – Artist

US Army Veteran and G.I. Jobs Magazine writer James Payton joined Next Gen Warrior to discuss his article “Multiple Paths to Success: College Isn’t for Everyone.” We discussed how education can be pursued through multiple avenues, whether that is going to college or getting a professional certification. Be sure to read the article from the August edition of G.I. Jobs Magazine.

Author’s Corner: James Payton – Army Veteran – Writer

Next Gen warrior was joined by Babs Chase, Vice President of Military and Veterans Programs at The Manufacturing Institute. We discussed how the manufacturing industry is a perfect fit for Veterans and how it has an incredible need for Veterans to fill open positions. The Manufacturing Institute’s “Heroes MAKE America” program can help train and place Veterans in those well-paying jobs. She also looked back on her career moves, from finance to public policy, to the Department of Defense, and how each different role contributed to her success.

EP 81: Babs Chase - VP of Military and Veterans Programs at The Manufacturing Institute

Army Veteran and G.I. Jobs contributing writer James Payton joined Next Gen Warrior to discuss his article “(Reverse) Engineer Your Career”. We discuss back planning your military transition and career growth after service. Be sure to read the article from the May edition of G.I. Jobs Magazine and stay tuned for future conversations with James!

Next Gen Warrior hit the road for our 80th episode! In a conversation with Jon Allman, Retired Air Force Veteran & CEO and President of @Endeavors, we discussed their new Veteran’s wellness facility, and the services Endeavors provides for Veterans and their families. He has a passion for a holistic approach of serving the mental and physical health needs of the military and Veterans Community. Jon also shared his experience flying a medevac after the tragic bombing of the USS Cole. Check out the episode to hear his advice on leadership and serving the Veteran community.

EP 80: Jon Allman – Air Force Veteran – CEO & President of Endeavors

Tim Stroud joined the Army at 27, and after leaving the service he poured himself into the Veterans Rotary, Toastmasters, and the Chamber of Commerce in Houston. He points out the importance of relationship building and credits his relationship with mentor Paul J Meyer for setting him up for success. Hear how the death of his Father and Mother affected him and how the Army set him up for a lifetime of service to his community.

EP 79: Tim Stroud - Army Veteran - Director of Community Relations at ABGi USA

Founder of Free to Feed and Army Reservist Dr. Trill Paullin joined Next Gen Warrior. She is using her molecular biology expertise to solve a problem that deeply impacted her children, severe infant food sensitivities. After both of her infant daughters had severe allergic reactions to breast milk, Dr. Paullin was determined to figure out why this was a problem and why a solution didn’t exist. Thus, Free to Feed was born. She now stands ready to help mothers and families as she grows her business. Dr. Paullin discusses her approach, her love of being in the lab, and how her work at Free to Feed balances with her military service.

EP 78: Dr. Trill Paullin, Ph.D. - Army Reservist - Owner Free to Feed

Mark Ledlow is a man of many titles, Marine Corps Veteran, host of Fearless Mindset podcast, and owner of Ledlow Security Group. He joined Next Gen Warrior to discuss business, podcasting, and Veteran life. A remarkable trait that stood out was Mark’s ability to pivot, reinvent himself, network, and grow. We learned about his time in the Marine Corps, his mindset and heard about life in the executive security industry.

EP 77: Mark Ledlow – Marine Corps Veteran, Fearless Mindset podcast, Ledlow Security Group

You won’t want to miss this new episode of Next Gen Warrior. Chris Cassidy is the embodiment of elite. He is a recently retired US Navy SEAL and NASA Astronaut. He’s served in combat in Afghanistan and as Commander of the International Space Station. We compare and contrast his military training and astronaut training, discussed what he missed most about earth while in space, how he prepared for short notice spacewalks, and his advice for the Veteran community. This episode reflects true leadership and expertise gained from a life of service!

EP 76: Chris Cassidy – US Navy SEAL - NASA Astronaut

A special edition Next Gen Warrior is live. Today is Women Veterans Day and Mea Williams has a message for female Veterans: “You are not alone”. Mea spent 6.5 years in the U.S. Navy and she is the President and CEO of Grace After Fire. Grace After Fire is a non-profit that empowers women Veterans and connect them to the resources they need to transition back into civilian life. They provide comradery, financial aid, and mental/physical health support for women Veterans through support groups and an annual retreat. Check out how Grace After Fire taught Mea to be a leader, and why even when she was afraid, she took risks to grow professionally after leaving the military to continue to serve and lead in her community.

Ep 75: Mea Williams – Grace After Fire

In episode 74 of the #NextGenWarrior show, we hear from Mia Garcia, Earl Lundy, and Nichole Moffett about Combined Arms and the state of Texas partnership, the Texas Veterans Network (TVN). TVN is a collaborative of Veteran-serving community-based organizations and government agencies that serve Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard, all Veterans, and their family members. Texans should be proud of this great organization that has connected Veterans to support systems across the state. Mia, Earl, and Nichole highlight the programs, resources, and success stories of the Texas Veterans Network (TVN).

EP 74: Mia Garcia, Earl Lundy, and Nichole Moffett – Texas Veterans Network

David Fivecoat, (Ret.) Army Colonel, executive leadership coach through the Fivecoat Consulting Group, and self-published author of the up and coming book Grow Your Grit joined NGW for an in depth conversation. We dove into topics like the importance of learning how to be a follower, how to approach mid-career military transition for officers, and the importance of taking risk-taking in your civilian career.

EP 73: David Fivecoat - Fivecoat Consulting Group - Retired Army Colonel

Army Veteran James Lambert is a testament to tribulation and triumph of military transition. After leaving the service he fought addiction, experienced homelessness, and searched for his purpose. After meeting a fellow Soldier he served with, James recommitted himself to getting back into the workforce, earned a degree from Texas State, and now works as a Peer Service Coordinator at the Samaritan Center. James is the embodiment of continued leadership and service even in the face of challenges experienced after taking off the uniform. His story is eye-opening, moving, and uplifting.

EP 72: James Lambert - Peer Service Coordinator at Samaritan Center

Many Veterans struggle to find meaning in their work after service. Next Gen Warrior reminds Veterans that their service continues to make an impact on the people of Texas, even though it might not make headlines or save lives. The program’s mission is to provide inspiration for Iraq and Afghanistan era Veterans as they step off the battlefield and into civilian life.

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Voices of Veterans

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