The American Heroes Network Podcast
Business:Non-Profit
Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.
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Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.
Today's guest is a Marine Combat Veteran who served in Iraq. He uses his talents as a Visual Storyteller and a Multimedia Producer & Instructor to helps military veterans and others tell their stories on a completely different level and assists transitioning veterans and those with disabilities to build new relationships and skill sets. He is the Co-Founder & Curator of Grow With Media, and the Founder & Owner of Never Forgotten Media. I would like to welcome Michael Wood.
You can follow Michael here
Websites: www.NeverForgottenMedia.com
LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wood/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverForgottenMedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsKx8Cqcgi2Xn-xiOAGoxEw
Michael thank you for serving and how are you doing today?
Michael before we just jump right into it I wanted to say I loved something personal I saw in your bio description that shows me you're enjoying life and you have a sense of humor. You said "when you're not knee-deep in pre-production you enjoy unicorn pony puppet shows with your three little princesses and your wife". That was really great so please tell us about your family and life at home right now. It sounds like you're loving it.
Tell us about when you joined the military, your rank and what job you did while you served Michael.
What was life like in the military for you?
Mixed - good and bad but for the most part 15 years of services that I miss. Close friends even when we hated each other and a struggle as a leader in combat with two little boys at home.
Was transition from the military easy or hard for you?
I transitioned twice, once from active duty then again after reserve duty back on active orders. Change is never easy, I don’t have it all figured out. But I find my best work helping others in their success.
Tell us... your story.
I grew up on the run as a kid, always finding new ways of problem solving. Served me very well in the Marine Corps and further refined my passion for helping other succeed. When I saw firsthand how storytelling can save a Marine, a veteran, and a future I jumped in with both feet. Switched my degree path and set out on a mission to help more veterans transition with learning the media arts as an employable skillset.
Tell us about your personal or company's mission.
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets as stepping stones in the forward movement of life.
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
Has your military experience helped you survive in the civilian world?
For the most past I would say yes. I think it is a combination of my childhood, growing up in the military, and living life.
Do you feel like you fit in?
Not really but that has been my whole life.
What were some of the challenges you faced in returning to civilian life?
Trying to fit in. Trying to start a corporate career.
How do you connect with the community?
Various veteran organizations, church, and just helping people.
What are you doing to help other Veterans?
June 7 2020, LCA San Diego Career Exploration summit for Veterans with a disability, spouses and caregivers.
I have partnered with a program called Light! Camera! Access! that has been campaigning inclusion and producing events for individuals with disabilities in the media industry for the last 10 years to focus on veterans.
Calling all Veterans with disabilities who are aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and media professionals. We salute you and encourage you to apply to LCA Virtual Career Exploration Summit on Sunday, June 7th. Thanks to LCA Producers Steven Allen, President of PolicyWorks and Michael Wood, CEO of @NeverForgottenMedia - both disabled veterans. Check it out. Application deadline is May 21, at 8pm PT. Picture of cast and crew of the CBS TV series Seal Team, films a scene at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels.
What action items would you give transitioning Veterans in order to be successful?
Find a mentor and find another one.
What if any significant military history fact or event would you like to share with us?
Success is superficial and the day we take things for granted, we lose another veteran.
“Chesty” Puller’s son, a decorated Marine Corps officer, Pulitzer prize winner, and created a life with his wife and two children after Vietnam; Lewis Puller Jr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot. “He suffered terrible wounds that never really healed" – Toddy Puller
Where can people find you if they want to reach out?
Summary
Born in Colorado, grew up in Louisiana, and landed in California with the Marine Corps.
He got to see the world,
continually develop doing more with less,
and refined his passion for helping others achieve their success.
After returning from Iraq, Michael pivoted as a single dad of two boys to finish a degree he never planned to start: even with combat injuries and learning disabilities. Then after experiencing the cathartic power of storytelling while with wounded warriors, he took on a new mission.
Never Forgotten Media helps clients and organizations use visual storytelling to connect more deeply with their audiences, strategically. At the same time, assisting transitioning veterans and those with disabilities build new relationships and skill sets that opens new doors that could not be see before.
A production company focused on inspiring clients to create meaningful connections while helping more veterans transition more significantly.
When Michael is not knee-deep in pre-production or the edit bay, Michael now enjoys unicorn pony puppet shows with his three little princesses and his wife.
Thank you for listening!
Pete Blum - Host of American Heroes Network
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteblum/
Veteran Career Readiness & Entrepreneurial Trainer ✯ Veteran Outreach & Retention ✯ Transition Expert ✯ Podcast Host ✯ Navy and Marine Veteran ✯ Christian
Technology Trainer and Associate Instructor at Project Transition USA
Associate Instructor at FourBlock
Facilitator at Action Zone Tampa
Webmaster and Social Media Manager at Racing4 Vets
Mentor at Veterati
Speaker at Onward to Opportunity
Speaker at Operation Startup
Speaker at Startup Week Tampa Bay
Speaker at Veteran Connections Day
American Legion Member, Paradise Post 79
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