Eye on Veterans

The Last Prisoner Project: Fighting for veterans convicted of cannabis crimes

We’re discussing veterans, cannabis, incarceration and a story brought to us from The Last Prisoner Project. Alicia Deals tracks the story of her father, Air Force veteran Robert Deals, who was arrested, convicted and sentenced on cannabis related charges in Arizona, over a decade ago. In 2020 Arizona residents voted to legalize cannabis. (Now legal for both medical and recreational use). In an ironic twist, Alicia Deals was awarded a state license to operate a dispensary in Tempe, AZ. Yet her father remains behind bars. Deals shares more details of her father’s case and describes where cannabis tax dollars are currently being spent. The Last Prisoner Project’s Executive Director, Sarah Gersten describes other veteran cannabis cases from around the country and highlights their work to reform drug policy on both the state and federal level. We also discuss Deals’ current plea for clemency and share the response we received from the Arizona Governor’s office. See more from The Last Prisoner Project here: https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Power of Dogs: Vets share how incredible canines saved their lives

It’s National Service Dog Month and we’re honoring the dogs from Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). We talked with two veterans whose stories demonstrate how these dogs truly save lives. We begin with a look at the military service of Marine Corps Sgt Major John Ploskonka and Army Cavalry veteran and Purple Heart recipient Phil Bauer. Bauer shared memories of the Chinook helicopter crash which resulted in the loss of his leg and Ploskonka shares how life after the military became a struggle, as he grappled with suppressed childhood trauma. Both offered a glimpse of what it’s like living with anger, paranoia and constant anxiety. Until the dogs entered their life. They each described how these dogs respond to their unique needs and the astounding ways they can read their minds. We also hear a fascinating scientific theory about they’re capable of doing it. Check out Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities and donate to support programs like Project HEAL here: https://www.ecad1.org/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Psychedelic Therapy the suicide solution? Combat vet says “I am still here because of Ibogaine”

This week we’re talking about Ibogaine Psychedelic Therapy with former Army Paratrooper, decorated combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Clayton Smith. We discussed his experience with ibogaine treatment which he reluctantly did, just so he could say he "tried everything" before ending his life. Instead, it completely transformed him and gave him a new mission- healing fellow veterans through the nonprofit “Beond Service” which helps fellow vets gain access to this life-changing, and remarkable treatment. We begin by unpacking common myths about psychedelics. We also hear descriptions of his combat deployments and the uncomfortable truth about how trauma is not always related to war, but equally from events like military sexual assault or even childhood. Not all trauma is the same, but all are equal. Smith explained, “… one thing I want to share with the veteran community is that we don’t compare trauma.” We talked about how despite VA therapy, Smith always felt like he was still broken and shared details of the plan he devised to end his life. Inspired to try one last treatment, Smith shares vivid memories from his Ibogaine therapy session, and the life-changing lessons he learned from the experience. We also hear stunning results for other vets who attended Beond therapy sessions. We wrap our discussion with details about the non-profit “Beond Service” which is changing the lives of veterans and their spouses. And we learn how anyone struggling with PTSD, depression or anxiety can find relief through the “Beond Ibogaine” treatment center in Mexico. Find out more about Beond Service for veterans and the Beond Ibogaine therapy program at their campus in Cancun, Mexico: https://beondibogaine.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cyber Command vet shares AI, data threats and how to become a Cyber Warrior

We’re talking all about Cybersecurity with Dr. Calvin Nobles, (Ret.) U.S. Navy Cryptologic Warfare Officer and Dean of Cybersecurity & Information Technology at University of Maryland Global Campus. We unpack the threats that exist all around us including how the military is defending against rogue nations, evolving AI, and drone technology. Nobles shared the threats he witnessed while commanding Cyber Operations for the US Navy and his time at the National Security Agency. We also learned about cyber security education pathways and the certifications required for jobs in this rapidly growing field, which is actively recruiting veterans. For more on cybersecurity opportunities, connect with Dr Calvin Nobles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinnobles/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Armed with AI: Navy SEAL’s Vetavize aims at VA to help vets get their claims approved!

Navy SEAL veteran Chief Anthony Rivera shares an inside look at Vetavize, the digital platform he founded to navigate the complex and frustrating VA Disability Benefit process. Powered by artificial intelligence, it guides veterans through filing their claim while helping them identify conditions and gather medical evidence needed to get their claims approved. Rivera shared how after leaving the Navy he took a tactical approach and successfully managed his own VA claim, and then began personally assisting other veterans while working at Amazon. Rivera shares how Vetavize is being used by local governments and law enforcement agencies to help their veteran employees. We also discuss how Rivera has hope that the VA and Congress will start using this highly effective program to help all vets receive the benefits they earned. And, how he has some powerful, combat-tested allies in Congress- former Navy SEALs! Find out more about Vetavize to get your correct disability rating and the benefits you’ve earned here: https://vetavize.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices