Veteran Voices

Supply Chain Now

As the voice of supply chain, Supply Chain Now is committed to giving a voice to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Join host and Army Veteran Mary Kate Soliva as she sits down with veterans and veteran advocates for insights, perspectives and stories from serving. Powered by Supply Chain Now, the Guam Human Rights Initiative, and the Military Women's Collective, Veteran Voices highlights the challenging transition from active duty to the private sector while shining a light on the most vital issues facing veterans today. Hear from a variety of guests and leaders in the veteran community as they share their stories in and out of the military. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Journey of Service: From Marine Corps to Civilian Success featuring Kevin Horgan
Dec 1 2023
Journey of Service: From Marine Corps to Civilian Success featuring Kevin Horgan
In this new, candid episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes listeners to a conversation brimming with personal narratives and invaluable insights. As the episode unfolds, guest Kevin Horgan, shares the rich tapestry of his life, unveiling the profound impact of his Marine Corps journey on his identity and subsequent civilian career.Through anecdotes and reflections, Kevin shares his story—a narrative woven with moments of resilience, self-discovery, and the ever-evolving pursuit of purpose. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to the pivotal decision to join the Marine Corps, every step illuminates the complexities of a life shaped by service.Join this compelling dialogue as it navigates through themes of mentorship, resilience, and the art of navigating transitions, and traverses the landscapes of service, personal growth, and the enduring spirit that defines the veteran experience. Through shared stories and heartfelt wisdom, this episode embodies the essence of Veteran Voices, embracing the humanity behind the uniform and offering a profound glimpse into the life of one remarkable individual.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/journey-service-marine-corps-civilian-success-vv85
Resilience, Sacrifice, and Service: John Wayne Walding's Unforgettable Green Beret Journey
Oct 6 2023
Resilience, Sacrifice, and Service: John Wayne Walding's Unforgettable Green Beret Journey
Every Veteran Voices episode delves into the inspiring stories of individuals who have served their country and are now making a difference beyond the uniform, but few stories are as powerful and uplifting as that of John Wayne Walding. John Wayne lost his leg to a sniper during battle in the mountains of Afghanistan, only to continue fighting, become the first amputee to become a Green Beret Sniper, and later found his own logistics company dedicated to overcoming and delivering on the impossible.In today's episode, sponsored by Pegasus Logistics Group, host Mary Kate Soliva, along with special co-host Tevon Taylor with Pegasus, welcomes John Wayne Walding, CEO and Founder of Gallantry Global Logistics to the show.Listen in as John Wayne Walding shares his inspiring journey, taking us from a small Texas town to the frontlines of Afghanistan, where he faced overwhelming odds as a Green Beret, and also as Mary Kate, John Wayne, and Tevon share their experiences, insights, and their mission to give back to the communities that they hold dear. Join us as we explore stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience, and discover how vital it is to continue to make a positive impact in the world. Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/resilience-sacrifice-service-green-beret-journey-vv84
Being the Light in a Darkened Room featuring Alex Ortiz, Student Veterans of America
Sep 22 2023
Being the Light in a Darkened Room featuring Alex Ortiz, Student Veterans of America
Sometimes the transition from military service to civilian life happens gradually over time. In other cases, it happens in an instant. Neither path is necessarily easy, but maintaining a sense of purpose is key to successfully finding a new path in life.Alex Ortiz is a 1L law student at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Law, a 2022 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellow, and a 2022 SVA Student Veteran of the year finalist. Before starting his legal studies, he served as a wheel vehicle mechanic while on deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division.In this interview, Alex speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Being medically discharged from the U.S. Army and suddenly needing to discover a new path and a new purpose• Why he thinks is can be such a challenge connecting Veterans with the programs and services that exist to support them• How life and military service are experienced differently from a U.S. territory like Puerto RicoAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/being-light-darkness-vv83
One Team, One Fight featuring Alicia Washkevich, Chief Operating Officer, New Politics
Sep 8 2023
One Team, One Fight featuring Alicia Washkevich, Chief Operating Officer, New Politics
Nothing demonstrates the importance of building a mission-driven cohesive team culture like spending time in the military. On a Naval ship, people from different ranks, different backgrounds, and even civilians all have to come together and learn to collaborate to achieve stated goals. They must all learn to adapt and overcome.Alicia Washkevich led logistics with the Expeditionary Action Group One, foreign militaries, and the United Nations for anti-piracy and security operations during the Global War on Terrorism. She was awarded the Navy’s Commendation Medal for coordinating aid given to 21 released hostages, repairs to 3 pirated vessels, and the repatriation of ten Somali personnel under custody (aka “pirates”) into Mombassa, Kenya. Today, she applies many of the lessons learned while on active duty in her role as Chief Operating Officer at New Politics.In this interview, Alicia speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Why she had to watch Top Gun before attending the Naval Academy• The importance of seeing each day’s challenges as tomorrow’s great stories• How the world of non-profits became her passion, her profession, and her reason for getting out of bed every dayAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/one-team-one-fight-vv82
Breaking the Cycle of Cognitive Distortions feat. Matthew Brown, Co-founder & CEO of Chimney Trail
Jun 9 2023
Breaking the Cycle of Cognitive Distortions feat. Matthew Brown, Co-founder & CEO of Chimney Trail
There are some common traits shared by most people fighting anxiety and depression or struggling with thoughts of suicide. And while the awareness and understanding of mental health issues have both improved, many of the solutions that are in place today don’t make the required difference for people who need help right now.Matthew Brown earned his degree from the US Naval Academy in 2005. He went on to serve as the captain of USS SCOUT (MCM-8) and as part of US Navy SEAL TEAM 17, as a strategic studies Fellow for the Chief of Naval Operations, as aide-de-camp for Strategy & Policy at US Joint Forces Command, and as leader of the Coalition Indirect Fires Group in Baghdad, Iraq.In this interview, Matthew speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• The decision he made to leave active duty so he can help people, regardless of their military or Veteran status, deal with mental health challenges• How Chimney Trail is taking a different approach to addressing 10 common cognitive distortions associated with depression and suicide• The effort underway to continually improve their solutions and the impact they are able to have for those struggling with their mental healthAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/breaking-cycle-cognitive-distortions-vv81
You Can’t Win If You’re Not in the Ring featuring John Renken, CEO of Sales Platoon
May 26 2023
You Can’t Win If You’re Not in the Ring featuring John Renken, CEO of Sales Platoon
The difference between violence and competition is the willing participation – or not – of the people involved. When UFC fighters step into the ring, that is a competition. Everyone is a willing participant, which makes it a sport. Unfortunately, there will always be abusive people in the world who will take advantage of people who are not willing participants in the fight, and because of that we need violence – and a well-trained military.John Renken is the CEO of Sales Platoon. He spent three years in the Army, and was a member of the national Taekwondo team, ranked third in the nation. He then spent 20 years training Special Forces in hand-to-hand combat. Today he helps transitioning Veterans apply their skills to a different kind of combat: sales.In this interview, John speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• The added challenge of transitioning out of the Army during a time of low public awareness and understanding about the value of military training• How he connected with the team at Sales Platoon and became their CEO• His advice for transitioning Veterans that are wondering whether they have the characteristics to be successful in salesAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/cant-win-ring-ceo-sales-platoon-vv80
Being Comfortable While Having Uncomfortable Conversations featuring Bruce Thompson, Marine Corps (Ret.)
May 12 2023
Being Comfortable While Having Uncomfortable Conversations featuring Bruce Thompson, Marine Corps (Ret.)
Successfully transitioning from the military to civilian life is a journey. It also takes a lot of conscious effort, hard conversations, and active opportunities to reconnect with the military community.Bruce Thompson is a Retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant who spent his 23 years of service working as a human resource manager, logistics manager, communication electronics technician, and in maintenance management, where he oversaw all communication electronics maintenance for an organization of over 1,000 employees spread across 7 companies.Today he helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with their military-to-civilian transition planning, execution, and employment search. He works with individuals locally, in Florida, and across the globe. His goal is to engage with leaders to have uncomfortable conversations so they can build trust and respect.In this interview, Bruce speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Why it is absolutely critical for Veterans to preserve that sense of camaraderie that they benefitted from while they were in the military• The importance of communication with and between family members during the process of transitioning out of the military• What it is about his current work that makes him get up in the morningAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/being-comfortable-having-uncomfortable-conversations-marine-vv79
Keep the Rubber Side Down featuring Brian Russell
Apr 28 2023
Keep the Rubber Side Down featuring Brian Russell
In over 70 episodes, Veteran Voices has heard a lot of reasons for people joining the military or picking a particular branch of service. In this episode we hear a brand new one… advice from one’s future father-in-law. In Brian Russel’s case, it was a win-win (win).Brian recently retired after serving 27 years in the United States Marine Corps – an impressive feat to be sure. Brian is also an avid mountain biker, and that’s where his advice to “keep the rubber side down” comes from. Even in adventurous situations, he reminds us that it is important to stay safe and keep yourself on track.In this interview, Brian speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• The humbling feeling he gets when he thinks of his fellow Marines, each of which is willing to give it all for the person on the left and the person on the right• Why it is so important that post-transition jobs do more than just pay the bills for Veterans• The value of organizations like the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, where Brian currently serves as League DirectorAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/keep-rubber-side-down-vv78
Moving Up in the World featuring Navy Veteran David Trenholm
Apr 14 2023
Moving Up in the World featuring Navy Veteran David Trenholm
Navy Veteran David Trenholm inherited two things from his family that ultimately helped him succeed. One was a solid blue-collar work ethic and the other was a multi-generation tradition of service in the United States Navy.David served in the Navy for over 20 years, but his service did not end with that phase of his life. Today he is an Assistant Vice President at Bank of America and sits on the board of Directors with Operation New Uniform where he helps new Veterans find careers in the private sector.In this interview, David speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• How his path from enlisted service to the officers’ program ultimately helped him stay connected to the sailors around him• What it felt like to fly missions over Iraq and Syria as the caliphate fell• The cultural fit considerations that Veterans should keep in mind as they transition from the military to jobs in the private sectorAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/moving-world-navy-veteran-vv77
Living with Soul: Service, Opportunity, Unity, and Leadership feat. Katherine Martinez, Navy Veteran
Mar 31 2023
Living with Soul: Service, Opportunity, Unity, and Leadership feat. Katherine Martinez, Navy Veteran
Growing up in a bilingual home comes with challenges as well as opportunities. For this episode’s guest, it helped ease the transition into another ‘language’ altogether, distinguishing what submarines, torpedoes, whales, dolphins, surface ships, and supply ships sound like underwater.Katherine Martinez is a U.S. Navy Veteran who spend her four years of active duty service as a Sonar Technician, STG2, stationed onboard the USS Winston S. Churchill. Even though she had served, she still had a hard time embracing her veteran’s status – until she discovered the Student Veterans of America.In this interview, Katherine opens up to host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Why an in-service injury that ended her military career made it hard to feel like she belonged in the veteran community• How her multiple forms of service led her to be part of the Travis Manning Foundation, working with Gold Star families, veterans, and transitioning service members• What it was like being selected as the Student Veterans of America Student of the Year in 2021, and passing the torch to another deserving student in 2022Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/living-soul-service-opportunity-unity-leadership-navy-veteran-vv76
Celebrating the Veteran Journey: Veteran Voices Kicks Off Season IV
Mar 17 2023
Celebrating the Veteran Journey: Veteran Voices Kicks Off Season IV
The Veteran Voices podcast – now in its fourth season on Supply Chain Now – gives a voice to those that have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans and Veterans advocates sit down with Army Veteran and host Mary Kate Soliva to talk about the challenges associates with transitioning from active duty to the private sector as well as large scale issues impacting Veterans today. Just as important, they share their stories, their motivation for joining the military, and talk about what they learned along the way.To celebrate the new season of the show, Mary Kate was joined by Scott Luton and Marina Rabinek, Founder and President of the Military Women’s Collective, to reflect on the past and look forward to the great things yet to come.In this livestream-based conversation, Mary Kate, Scott, and Marina discuss:• Favorite episodes and moments from season three• The unique challenges faced by women in active service as well as in the Veteran community• Critical Veterans’ issues that everyone should be more aware of• Some of the amazing and impactful non-profit organizations affiliated with the show and its guestsAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-veteran-journey-veteran-voices-seson-vv75
Lifting as He Climbs featuring Iron Mike Steadman, Marine Corps Veteran
Mar 3 2023
Lifting as He Climbs featuring Iron Mike Steadman, Marine Corps Veteran
Students at the U.S. Naval Academy are required to select a sport. Many continue sports that they played in high school or while growing up. ‘Iron Mike’ Steadman selected boxing, something that would go beyond meeting a graduation requirement to become his greater mission.Iron Mike Steadman is a Marine Corps Veteran, a published author, three-time National Boxing Champion, a Naval Academy Graduate and the founder of IRONBOUND Boxing. He went on deployment in Afghanistan, Japan, and the Philippines before finishing his time in service and finding his way back to boxing, a sport he picked up while at the Naval Academy.In this interview, “Iron Mike” speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Why he thinks military leadership is so different than private sector management• How he uses boxing to help inner city kids become world-class humans, an ecosystem of champions both in and out of the gym• The unique opportunity that exists within the black veteran entrepreneurial communityVeteran Voices is produced in partnership with Supply Chain Now, the Guam Human Rights Initiative, and the Military Women's Collective.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/aboutLearn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/lifting-climbs-marine-corps-veteran-vv74
Veteran Voices Classic: Don’t Ever Mistake Kindness for Weakness
Dec 2 2022
Veteran Voices Classic: Don’t Ever Mistake Kindness for Weakness
Respect for other people should exist and be earned on an individual level, but that doesn’t mean differences of opinion and perspective based on things like appearance and gender don’t continue to present challenges.In this classic Veteran Voices episode, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Mary Bell, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Team Themis and a Veteran of the United States Navy who joined at age 17. She spent her years in the Navy as a linguist, serving most of her time in Iraq but also being stationed in Africa and AfghanistanIn this episode the two “MKs” talk about Mary Bell’s 10 years of active duty and 13 years in the reserves:• Which mentors and officers made the greatest impression on her and how those impressions became the source of lasting change• The importance of following and maintaining the chain of command no matter what happens, personally or professionally• Why you can’t take transition advice from someone who hasn’t transitioned from active duty to the reserves or from service to civilian lifeAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-classic-mistake-kindness-weakness-vv72
Veteran Voices Classic: Reimagine, Reassess, Reinvigorate- Becoming The First Black Female Combat Pilot
Oct 7 2022
Veteran Voices Classic: Reimagine, Reassess, Reinvigorate- Becoming The First Black Female Combat Pilot
Some barriers are harder to break than others – at least until the right person comes along. Vernice “Flygirl” had to fight to get into the Marine Corps, but once she got in, she was determined to rise to the top and seize every opportunity.Vernice is a retired United States Marine Corps Officer and holds the distinction of being the first black female combat pilot in the U.S. military. She is also a bestselling author, an in-demand keynote speaker, a successful coach and entrepreneur, and served two tours of duty in Iraq.Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, host of Digital Transformers, were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Vernice about:• Overcoming the fear of following your passion through conventional thinking and artificial barriers• Why providing people with access to information and exposure to ideas can be a solution and a “gutsy move”• Her key for successful networking – which involved asking people how she could be of service instead of asking what they did for a livingAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-classic-reimagine-reassess-reinvigorate-vv68