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#YoureNotAlone #BeSomeonesStranger
In this laid-back episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds take a break from the guest interviews and sit down for an old-school conversation between two Marines who aren't afraid to say what's on their minds.
From veteran life and current issues affecting the military community to the stories behind the newest HomeFront SitRep merchandise, Willis and Gunny go back and forth with the humor, honesty, and brotherhood that listeners have come to expect.
The conversation covers everything from the meaning behind the new #YoureNotAlone, #BeSomeonesStranger, Marine It Down, R.E.D., and Spicy Pineapple shirts, to why building connections in the veteran community matters now more than ever.
No script. No filters. Just two veterans talking about life, service, community, and the mission that continues long after the uniform comes off.
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, military family member, or simply someone who supports those who serve, this episode offers laughs, perspective, and a reminder that none of us fight alone.
Episode Highlights
The stories behind the new HomeFront SitRep merchandise
Why veteran connection matters
Current challenges facing the veteran community
Mental health, accountability, and checking on your people
Marine Corps humor and military banter
Building a community that supports veterans year-round
What's next for HomeFront SitRep
Featured Merch
HomeFront SitRep Logo Tee
Marine It Down Tee
#YoureNotAlone Tee
#BeSomeonesStranger Tee
R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Tee
The Spicy Pineapple Tee
Because the mission doesn't end when the service does.
HomeFront SitRep — Real Veterans. Real Conversations. Real Impact. -
What happens when a Navy aviation mechanic trades the flight deck for the digital world and builds a mission-driven life helping others succeed?
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with Navy veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, and digital marketing strategist Trish Leto to discuss her remarkable journey from military service to business leadership.
Trish served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, working on CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and supporting critical aviation operations. Like many veterans, her transition from military life came with challenges, uncertainty, and the search for a new mission.
After spending years in the mortgage industry, Trish reinvented herself once again—becoming a recognized voice in live video marketing, content creation, and social media strategy. Today, she helps entrepreneurs, brands, and veteran-owned businesses tell their stories, build authentic connections, and grow their audiences with purpose.
But this conversation goes far beyond marketing.
Trish opens up about resilience, personal growth, overcoming adversity, her sobriety journey, and the lessons she's learned through multiple career transitions. We also discuss the unique challenges facing women veterans, the power of authentic storytelling, and why veterans continue to bring unmatched leadership and adaptability into the business world.
Whether you're a veteran navigating transition, a business owner trying to find your voice, or someone searching for inspiration to start over and build something meaningful, this episode delivers valuable insights and powerful takeaways.
In This Episode:
Trish's service in the United States Navy
Life as an Aviation Structural Mechanic
Transitioning from military service to civilian life
Building a successful career in entrepreneurship
The evolution of live video and social media marketing
Veteran-owned businesses and community support
Recovery, resilience, and personal transformation
Women veterans in leadership and business
Finding purpose after the uniform
Memorable Quote:
"Your military service may end, but your mission doesn't have to."
About the Guest
Trish Leto is a U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, digital marketing strategist, and content creator. She is known for helping businesses and entrepreneurs leverage authentic storytelling, live video, and user-generated content while continuing to advocate for veterans and military-affiliated entrepreneurs.
#HomeFrontSitRep #VeteranPodcast #NavyVeteran #TrishLeto #WomenVeterans #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #ContentCreation #VeteranCommunity #PodcastLife #VeteranStories #StillServing #MissionContinues -
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“Tip of the Spear, A Veterans Roundtable” is a veteran-led collaborative podcast and media initiative built around bringing multiple veteran voices, creators, and platforms together for unfiltered discussions about issues impacting the military and veteran community.
The concept is rooted in the military phrase “tip of the spear,” referring to frontline forces leading the mission. The roundtable takes that idea and applies it to post-service life — emphasizing that the mission continues after the uniform comes off.
The roundtable was formed roughly 18 months before its 2026 episodes as a response to what organizers described as a need for:
real veteran conversations,
authentic connection,
collaborative leadership,
and community-driven dialogue beyond surface-level podcasting.
The project regularly connects veteran-led shows and personalities including:
HomeFront SitRep,
The MisFitNation,
Triple Threat Vets Podcast,
I Am Pitts,
Oscar Mike Radio,
Tim Thomas "Breathwork in Bed"
Journey to Purpose podcast,
Everyday's a Saturday USMC Vet
and contributors tied to networks like Heroes Media Group.
Recurring themes include:
veteran transition,
mental health,
leadership,
policy,
identity after service,
community building,
podcasting/media influence,
and continuing service through advocacy and storytelling.
A major part of the roundtable’s identity is that it is intentionally unscripted and conversational. The emphasis is on veterans from different branches and backgrounds having honest discussions without “red tape” or corporate filtering.
The roundtable ecosystem also appears to function as a force multiplier for veteran creators — using podcasting, livestreams, and collaborative media as tools for outreach, mentorship, awareness, and community engagement. -
This episode of HomeFront SitRep shines a spotlight on one of Kentucky’s most powerful veteran-centered events — the Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck.
H.E.R.O. stands for Honor Earned, Remembrance Owed — and this mission goes far beyond crossing a finish line. It’s about remembering the fallen, honoring those still carrying the invisible weight of war, and bringing veterans, families, first responders, and the community together under one purpose: never forgetting those who served and sacrificed.
Hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds dive into the heart behind the Louisville H.E.R.O. Run, discussing how events like this create healing through movement, camaraderie, and community connection. From rucking in memory of fallen brothers and sisters to raising awareness for veteran mental health and suicide prevention, this event represents what happens when a community refuses to leave its veterans behind.
The conversation also highlights the organizations and people working behind the scenes to support veterans and military families throughout Kentucky while continuing the mission long after the uniform comes off.
This isn’t just a race.
It’s remembrance in motion.
It’s brotherhood on the pavement.
It’s proof the watch is still being stood. -
This episode of HomeFront SitRep dives into the mission behind Heroes on the Water — a nonprofit organization changing lives through kayak fishing, camaraderie, and the healing power of the outdoors.
Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water was built on a simple but powerful idea: sometimes healing doesn’t happen in a clinic… sometimes it happens on the water. Through free kayak fishing events across the country, the organization creates a place where veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families can reconnect, decompress, and find community without judgment or pressure.
Hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds explore how something as simple as paddling a kayak and casting a fishing line can become a lifeline for those battling stress, isolation, PTSD, transition struggles, and the invisible wounds carried long after service ends.
This conversation highlights the organization’s “Paddle. Fish. Heal.” philosophy, the volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting veterans, and the impact outdoor therapy and peer connection can have on mental wellness. From wounded warriors recovering at military rehabilitation centers to veterans simply looking for a place to belong again, Heroes on the Water continues to prove that healing often starts with connection.
This episode is about more than fishing. It’s about purpose, brotherhood, resilience, and creating spaces where veterans know they are not alone.
Because sometimes the best therapy doesn’t come from four walls —
it comes from open water, fresh air, and the people beside you. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Samuel Deeds sit down to spotlight a Kentucky-based veteran-owned business that is turning craftsmanship into community impact — Elite Engraving LLC.
What started as a passion for quality work and custom design has grown into a mission-driven company dedicated to serving businesses, organizations, veterans, and everyday Americans through personalized engraving, branded merchandise, leather patch hats, bourbon barrel creations, awards, and promotional products built with purpose.
But this conversation goes beyond products.
The team behind Elite Engraving shares the realities of transitioning from military service into entrepreneurship, the discipline veterans bring into the business world, and why supporting veteran-owned companies matters now more than ever. From long nights building a brand from the ground up to helping nonprofits, podcasts, and community organizations create lasting impressions, this episode highlights the grit, sacrifice, and determination required to succeed after the uniform comes off.
Listeners will also hear about the importance of community partnerships, supporting local businesses, and how craftsmanship can become a way to continue serving others long after military service ends.
This is a conversation about mission, identity, resilience, and building something bigger than yourself — one engraving at a time.
Real stories. Real craftsmanship. Real impact. Only on HomeFront SitRep. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we dive into the story of Carol Whitmore — a retired U.S. Army veteran who shattered barriers by becoming the first female Commander-in-Chief in the history of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
From her decades of military service, including deployments to Iraq, to leading one of the most recognized veteran service organizations in America, Carol Whitmore represents a new chapter in veteran leadership while carrying forward the mission of those who came before her.
The hosts break down what the VFW truly is beyond the letters on the building sign. Founded in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has become a lifeline for combat veterans across generations — fighting for VA benefits, mental health resources, veteran advocacy, military family support, and preserving the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood forged through service overseas.
This episode explores:
The history and purpose of the VFW
Who qualifies for membership and why it matters
How local VFW Posts impact communities nationwide
Carol Whitmore’s rise from Army service to national leadership
The evolving role of veteran organizations in today’s America
Why connection, advocacy, and community remain critical for veterans after the uniform comes off
As always, HomeFront SitRep keeps the conversation real, unfiltered, and mission-focused — highlighting the people and organizations continuing to serve long after active duty ends.
Because the mission never really stops… it just changes uniforms. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with Ryan L. Doerrfeld, better known behind the mic as Th30ry—a United States Marine Corps veteran who turned his battlefield experiences into a powerful voice in the world of independent hip-hop.
Born and raised in Chicago, Th30ry’s journey isn’t your typical music story. It’s one forged through service, sacrifice, and the realities of life after the uniform. From his time in the United States Marine Corps to navigating the transition back into civilian life, Ryan found a new mission—using music as a way to process, connect, and lead from the front in a different kind of fight.
We dive into:
How the Marine Corps shaped his mindset and discipline
The transition struggles many veterans face—and how he channels that into music
Building an independent music career from the ground up
The message behind his sound: raw, real, and unapologetically honest
Collaborations, recognition in the industry, and staying true to your identity
This isn’t just about music—it’s about purpose after service. It’s about taking everything you’ve been through and turning it into something that reaches others who might still be in the fight.
As always, HomeFront SitRep brings you real conversations with real people making a real impact—and Th30ry is doing exactly that, one track at a time.
🎧 Real stories. Real transition. Real impact. -
This isn’t just another podcast… this is what happens when the mission continues beyond the uniform.
Forged roughly 18 months ago out of a need for real conversation and real connection, Tip of the Spear unites a coalition of veteran-led platforms including HomeFront SitRep, Triple Threat Vet Podcast, The MisFitNation, and I Am Pitts. What started as a small circle of voices has evolved into a growing network of veteran leaders, creators, and advocates committed to one thing—keeping the conversation going when it matters most.
You’ll hear perspectives from across the spectrum of service and experience, with contributors and collaborators like Adam Bird, Shawn Welsch, Tim Thomas, Philippa Bagley, and Gene Campbell—each bringing their own voice, perspective, and fire to the table.
This roundtable isn’t scripted. It’s not filtered.
It’s real veterans having real discussions about the issues that don’t make headlines—but impact lives every single day.
From mental health and transition struggles to leadership, policy, and the global landscape, Tip of the Spear tackles it all with honesty, grit, and a level of understanding that only comes from those who’ve lived it. It’s about bridging the gap between military service and civilian life—while continuing to serve in a different capacity.
Because here’s the truth—
The tip of the spear isn’t just on the battlefield anymore…
It’s right here at home.
This episode pulls back the curtain on how this roundtable came to life, why it continues to grow, and how it’s becoming a force multiplier for veteran voices across the country.
No red tape. No fluff. Just mission-driven conversation.
This is more than a podcast—
It’s a movement. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with Sailor Jerri—a Navy veteran turned singer-songwriter who’s using her voice to carry the stories of those who served.
From life on the deckplates to life behind the mic, Sailor Jerri shares her journey of transition—trading uniform for guitar, and finding purpose in music that speaks directly to the heart of the veteran community. Her songs aren’t just melodies—they’re missions. Each lyric reflects the realities of service, the weight of sacrifice, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward after the military.
We dive into the inspiration behind her powerful renditions like her veteran tribute version of Hallelujah, and discuss how she’s tackling tough issues like veteran suicide awareness through music that connects on a deeply human level. This is about more than entertainment—it’s about impact.
As always, HomeFront SitRep brings you real stories from real people making a difference. Sailor Jerri is doing exactly that—one song, one story, one veteran at a time.
🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Transitioning from military service to music with purpose
Using songwriting as a tool for healing and connection
The role of music in veteran advocacy and awareness
Why authenticity matters when telling the veteran story
Mission Focus:
Amplifying veteran voices and supporting mental health awareness through music and community. -
On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we go beyond the algorithm and into the heart of community-driven business with Social 502 Media and its founder Jennifer Reasor Gilpin—a leader who’s built her career at the intersection of service, strategy, and connection.
Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and marketing industry, starting with a pastry degree from Sullivan University and evolving into managing and marketing multiple restaurant brands. But her story doesn’t stop at business—it expands into mission.
Her journey led her into community-focused work through Mission, where she spent years alongside local heroes, foundations, and nonprofits—learning how to plan impactful events, build strong partnerships, and bring people together for something bigger than themselves.
Now, as the driving force behind Social 502 Media, Jennifer helps businesses grow their digital presence while continuing her passion for outreach. She actively supports initiatives like Toys for Tots and works with local hero groups to organize events, manage logistics, and create meaningful experiences—from food service planning to full event execution and engagement.
This episode breaks down what it really means to build a brand with purpose—where marketing meets mission, and business becomes a vehicle for impact. Because Jennifer believes something we talk about often here on HomeFront Sitrep: real change happens when businesses and communities come together.
Real stories. Real impact. Real people.
Because on the HomeFront… the mission never stops. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we step into a powerful and unexpected chapter of military history through the lens of A Wingman for Miss Universe by L. Wright Wallace—a story where war, duty, and fate collide in the summer of 1967.
At the center of this narrative is Dennis Peek, a Marine Corps aviator navigating the realities of the Vietnam War, whose mission takes an unexpected turn when he’s assigned to escort Sylvia Hitchcock. What unfolds is more than a simple assignment—it’s a moment frozen in time where the worlds of combat aviation and global spotlight intersect, revealing a deeply human story behind the uniform.
Drawing from research connected to the Van of Valor initiative—an effort dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of American service members—this short but impactful 59-page historical novel captures a side of war rarely told: the homefront emotions, the fleeting connections, and the lasting imprint of service on the soul.
In true HomeFront SitRep fashion, this episode goes beyond the surface. We explore the significance of telling stories like this—stories that remind us that behind every mission is a man or woman with a life, a heart, and sometimes, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that changes everything.
With themes of service, sacrifice, and destiny, A Wingman for Miss Universe offers a compelling look at how even in the middle of war, moments of humanity and connection can define a lifetime.
Release Note: The book officially releases April 21, 2026, and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
Tagline:
Real stories. Real people. And one unforgettable moment where a Marine met Miss Universe—and history took note. -
In this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we spotlight Camo & Carnage LLC—a veteran-founded apparel and lifestyle brand built on the principles of resilience, brotherhood, and purpose.
This isn’t just another clothing line. Camo & Carnage was created to represent the grit, identity, and mindset of veterans, patriots, and hardworking Americans who refuse to quit—no matter the odds. Founded by a military veteran, the brand is rooted in a deeper mission: bridging the gap between service and civilian life by creating opportunity, community, and a renewed sense of purpose after the uniform comes off.
Operating in a space alongside heavy hitters like Grunt Style and Nine Line Apparel, Camo & Carnage is carving its own lane—focused less on hype and more on impact. From custom leather patch hats to purpose-driven apparel, every product reflects the values of service, sacrifice, and strength.
But what sets them apart is their commitment to giving back. Through a direct partnership with the Veterans Aid Network, a portion of every sale goes toward supporting veterans facing real-world challenges—from financial hardship to the struggles of reintegration. This isn’t performative support—it’s boots-on-the-ground impact.
In this episode, we dig into:
The reality of launching a veteran-owned brand from the ground up
How entrepreneurship becomes the next mission after military service
Creating income pathways and opportunities for veterans and their families
The responsibility of brands that claim to serve the veteran community
Why movements—not just merchandise—are what truly make a difference
Camo & Carnage stands as more than a business—it’s a movement. A movement committed to ensuring that those who served are never left behind, and that the bond of brotherhood continues long after the battlefield.
This is what we do on HomeFront SitRep—real stories, real people, and real impact. Because once you’ve worn the uniform, you’re family for life. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with Michael D’Angelo—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has redefined what it means to continue serving after the uniform comes off.
Raised in the chaos of Las Vegas and forged in the discipline of the Marine Corps as a machine gunner, Michael learned early that humor isn’t just entertainment—it’s survival. In the most high-pressure environments, laughter became a tool to cut through stress, build trust, and keep Marines moving forward.
But like many veterans, transition brought a new fight—loss of identity, loss of mission, and the challenge of finding purpose beyond the military. Instead of following a conventional path, Michael leaned into what had always been there: the ability to make people laugh when they needed it most.
That instinct turned into action with the creation of the Rapid Fire Comedy Tour—a nonprofit delivering free, high-impact comedy shows directly to active-duty service members and first responders across the country. Built from the ground up with grit, persistence, and a mission-first mindset, Rapid Fire isn’t your typical entertainment—it’s boots-on-the-ground morale support.
Performing everywhere from training areas to remote bases, Michael and his team bring authentic, unfiltered comedy rooted in real military experience. No scripts, no fluff—just laughter that hits home. And in a culture where stress is constant and vulnerability isn’t always spoken, that laughter becomes something bigger: a reset, a release, and a reminder that no one is carrying the weight alone.
This episode goes beyond the stage, diving into the psychology of humor in the military, the power of shared experience, and why laughter might be one of the most underutilized tools in veteran mental health and force readiness.
Michael’s story is proof that purpose doesn’t disappear after service—it evolves. And sometimes, the next mission looks a lot like a microphone and a room full of warriors who need to laugh. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with U.S. Army Colonel Dave Howe, a leader who has spent over three decades serving both in uniform and in the civilian sector—proving that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
From his early days in the 82nd Airborne Division to his time with the 12th Special Forces Group, and later supporting critical missions in Army Reserve medical units, Dave’s military career is rooted in service, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. But his impact didn’t stop there.
Transitioning into the civilian world, Dave built a powerhouse career spanning 30+ years in professional services, including leadership roles with major firms like Deloitte Consulting. He’s helped generate billions in revenue, guided organizations through strategic and operational planning, and developed systems that have created real wealth and opportunity for others.
But what truly sets this episode apart is Dave’s mission today.
Through his work with the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation and his partnership with Ken Rusk Literary, he’s bringing a powerful concept to veterans, families, and businesses alike: Life Planning.
🔥 What We Cover
Why “failing to plan is planning to fail” isn’t just a saying—it’s a reality
How to build a clear vision for your life after service
The step-by-step framework for goal setting, execution, and accountability
Integrating personal life plans into corporate culture and leadership
How Life Planning can support mental health and suicide prevention
The importance of giving back, especially to Gold Star families
Lessons from Blue Collar Cash and why skilled trades are making a comeback
🎯 The Mission Continues
The Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation is doing critical work—providing free life-planning services to the families of our fallen heroes, helping them rediscover purpose, direction, and hope.
This episode isn’t just about success—it’s about legacy, impact, and making sure no one gets left behind.
⚡ Bottom Line
Col. Dave Howe brings a message every veteran—and every American—needs to hear:
Live a “No Regrets” life. Build your plan. Execute your mission.
📣 Call to Action
If you’re ready to take control of your future:
Explore the Life Planning program at kenrusk.com
Check out the book Blue Collar Cash
Or connect directly for a customized plan
And if you want to support something bigger than yourself, consider partnering with the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation—because taking care of our Gold Star families is a mission we all share. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep, we sit down with retired U.S. Army officer and author Frank Demith to go beyond the headlines and into the real complexity of modern warfare—where trust is fragile, loyalties shift, and the battlefield isn’t always what it seems.
Following the success of his debut novel Of Vital Interest, Demith returns with Defending The Eagle, a powerful continuation that dives even deeper into the gray zones of war—where identity, allegiance, and survival collide.
Drawing from nearly three decades in uniform, Demith brings an insider’s perspective to a story that explores:
The unseen role of interpreters and linguists in combat zones
The tension between mission success and moral responsibility
The reality that sometimes the enemy… looks just like an ally
At the center of Defending The Eagle is a layered narrative that doesn’t just follow American forces—but also gives voice to those on the other side of the fight. It’s a raw look at what happens when war becomes personal, and when the lines between friend and foe begin to blur.
This isn’t Hollywood.
This is the human side of war—told by someone who lived it.
In true HomeFront SitRep fashion, this conversation goes beyond the book and into the mission:
Why telling these stories matters for today’s veteran community
The mental and emotional weight carried long after deployment
How storytelling becomes a form of service after service
You’ll hear how Demith transitioned from soldier to storyteller—and why his work is helping bridge the gap between those who’ve served and those who want to understand. -
On this episode of HomeFront SitRep takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through memory, sacrifice, and long-overdue recognition—centered around Honor Flight, the powerful work by Jeff Gottesfeld.
But this episode isn’t just about a book—it’s about a moment that thousands of veterans carry in their hearts for decades.
About the Author: Jeff Gottesfeld
Jeff Gottesfeld has built a career on telling stories that matter—stories rooted in history, humanity, and the voices that are too often overlooked. As a novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, he has worked across multiple platforms, but his most impactful work comes from his ability to take real-world experiences and translate them into narratives that connect across generations.
What sets Gottesfeld apart is his approach to military storytelling. He doesn’t sensationalize service—he studies it, respects it, and presents it with authenticity. His work reflects a deep understanding that these stories don’t belong to him—they are entrusted to him. That distinction matters, especially when telling the stories of those who served, sacrificed, and in many cases, returned home without recognition.
With Honor Flight, Gottesfeld continues that mission—capturing not just a journey, but a reckoning.
The Heart of the Episode: The Honor Flight Experience
At its core, Honor Flight tells the story of veterans—many in the later chapters of their lives—who are given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor.
But what unfolds is far more than a trip.
It’s:
A return to brothers and sisters they never forgot
A confrontation with memories long buried
A moment of reflection at monuments that carry names, faces, and stories
And, for many, the first time they truly feel welcomed home
For Vietnam veterans especially, this journey carries a different weight. Many came home to silence—or worse. Honor Flight becomes a corrective moment in history… a chance for a nation to say, “We see you now.”
What This Conversation Uncovers
This episode dives into the layers behind both the book and the real-life program, including:
🇺🇸 The Meaning of Recognition
Why acknowledgment—no matter how delayed—still holds immense power. Why being seen matters just as much as serving.
🪖 Brotherhood Beyond Time
How veterans who have never met can connect instantly through shared experience. The unspoken bond that doesn’t fade with years.
🕊️ The Weight of Memory
What happens when a veteran stands before a name etched in stone… and remembers everything.
📖 Storytelling as Service
How Jeff Gottesfeld views his role—not as an authority on military life, but as a steward of its stories. This perspective creates a bridge between civilian audiences and the realities of service.
Why This Episode Matters
This is what HomeFront SitRep is built for.
Not headlines.
Not politics.
Not surface-level conversations.
This is about:
Real people who carried the burden long after the uniform came off
Real impact through programs like the Honor Flight Network
Real stories that remind us service doesn’t end when the war does
This episode challenges listeners—civilian and veteran alike—to think about what it truly means to honor service. Not just with words, but with action, remembrance, and presence. -
You get Tip of the Spear: A Veterans Roundtable—a growing force inside the veteran community that’s doing more than just talking… it’s leading.
In this episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Samuel Deeds pull back the curtain on a powerful collaboration that’s reshaping how veterans connect in the digital space. This isn’t just another podcast—it’s a convergence point. A place where multiple veteran-led shows, leaders, and creators come together to share insight, challenge perspectives, and stay engaged in the fight—just on a different battlefield.
Rooted in the military concept of being “the tip of the spear,” this roundtable flips that identity into the civilian world. The mission didn’t end—it evolved. And now, the fight is for purpose, connection, mental health, leadership, and impact within our own communities.
This episode takes you inside the ecosystem behind the roundtable, featuring collaboration and influence from platforms like HomeFront SitRep, The MisFitNation, Triple Threat Vets Podcast, and I Am Pitts, along with key voices from Heroes Media Group led by Adam Bird. These aren’t just podcasts—they’re platforms with missions, and when they align, the reach and impact multiply.
🔥 What We’re Breaking Down in This Episode:
🔱 The Origin of the Roundtable
How a need for real conversations—beyond surface-level content—sparked the creation of a multi-platform veteran alliance. What started as a conversation has turned into a movement.
🧠 The Power of Collective Perspective
Different branches. Different backgrounds. Different experiences. One mission. This roundtable proves that when veterans come together, the conversation gets deeper, sharper, and more impactful.
🎙️ Podcasting as a Force Multiplier
How veteran creators are using microphones as tools for leadership, storytelling, and advocacy. This isn’t entertainment—it’s influence.
🪖 Life After the Uniform
Real talk about transition, identity loss, rebuilding purpose, and finding your place again. The kind of conversation that doesn’t happen enough—but needs to.
🤝 Building a Tribe, Not Just an Audience
Why community matters more than downloads. How Tip of the Spear is creating a space where veterans aren’t just listeners—they’re part of the mission.
⚙️ Why This Matters Right Now
Veterans are navigating a world that often doesn’t understand them. Isolation, lack of purpose, and disconnection are real threats—but so is the power of community.
Tip of the Spear answers that call.
It breaks down silos between veteran voices. It connects platforms that would normally operate independently. And most importantly—it reminds veterans that they’re not alone, and they still have a role to play.
🇺🇸 The Bottom Line
This isn’t just a roundtable.
It’s not just a podcast.
It’s a continuation of service—driven by those who refuse to sit on the sidelines.
Because once you’ve been the tip of the spear…
you don’t stop leading.
You just find a new direction to push forward. -
When the uniform comes off, the structure fades, the mission shifts—and for many veterans, the path forward isn’t always clear.
In this hard-hitting episode of HomeFront SitRep, hosts David Willis and Gunny Samuel Deeds sit down with Adam Peters, widely known as The Strategic Veteran, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the veteran community today: what comes after service—and how to win at it.
Adam Peters brings a direct, no-excuses approach rooted in the same principles that define military success—clarity of mission, disciplined execution, and unwavering accountability. But this time, the battlefield is different. It’s the civilian world, where structure isn’t handed to you, identity isn’t defined for you, and success depends on how well you can adapt, plan, and execute on your own terms.
This episode goes beyond surface-level motivation. It’s about building a strategic framework for life after the military.
🔥 Inside This Episode
David, Gunny, and Adam dive into real conversations that many veterans are having behind closed doors—but not enough are saying out loud:
🧠 The Identity Shift
Who are you when the rank, the title, and the uniform are gone?
Adam breaks down the psychological transition veterans face and why so many struggle to redefine their purpose—and how to rebuild it with intention.
🎯 From Reaction to Strategy
Too many veterans leave the service and fall into reactive living—taking jobs, making decisions, and moving through life without a clear plan.
Adam challenges that mindset and introduces the concept of operating with a personal strategic plan, just like a mission in the military.
🛠️ Translating Military Skills into Civilian Success
Leadership, discipline, accountability—veterans have them all.
So why do so many feel stuck?
This conversation tackles how to properly translate those skills into value that the civilian world understands—and pays for.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls After Service
From lack of structure to loss of community, Adam calls out the traps that derail veterans:
Drifting without direction
Undervaluing their experience
Chasing short-term comfort over long-term purpose
Isolating instead of building a new tribe
And more importantly—how to avoid them.
🧭 Building Your Next Mission
This is where the rubber meets the road.
Adam lays out what it actually looks like to:
Create a clear mission for your life post-service
Develop a repeatable system for execution
Stay accountable without the military framework
Build something meaningful—whether that’s a career, business, or legacy
🇺🇸 Why This Episode Matters
At HomeFront SitRep, we don’t just tell stories—we highlight solutions. And Adam Peters is bringing exactly that to the table. His message resonates because it’s real, it’s direct, and it’s rooted in lived experience.
This episode is for:
The veteran who just got out and feels lost
The veteran who’s been out for years but knows they’re capable of more
The leader looking to sharpen their edge in the civilian world
Anyone ready to stop drifting and start executing
🎯 Mission-Ready Takeaways
You don’t lose your identity when you leave the military—you rebuild it.
Success after service requires strategy, not just motivation.
Your skills are valuable—but only if you know how to apply them.
You are still on mission—you just need to define it.
🎧 Final Word
This isn’t just another transition story.
This is a blueprint for taking everything the military gave you—and using it to dominate your next chapter.
Because at the end of the day…
The mission didn’t end. You just got promoted to writing it. -
On this episode of HomeFront Sitrep, we go beyond the surface with Theresa Zaino—a woman who has spent a lifetime mastering discipline, adapting to new battlefields, and building platforms that elevate others.
An 8th-degree black belt in GoJu-Ryu Karate, Theresa didn’t just compete—she endured. Years of training, sacrifice, and relentless repetition forged a mindset rooted in precision, control, and mental toughness. But like many who dedicate their lives to a craft, the question eventually came: what’s next?
Instead of stepping away, she pivoted.
Theresa transitioned from the intensity of the dojo into the high-stakes world of Hollywood, becoming a theatrical talent agent and media producer. In an industry known for unpredictability, she applied the same warrior ethos—discipline over emotion, consistency over hype, and long-term vision over short-term wins.
But this isn’t just a story about success—it’s about purpose after the fight.
Through her work with MASBTV Network and her production efforts, Theresa has created a lane where fighters, veterans, and overlooked voices can be seen and heard. Her storytelling goes deeper than entertainment—it shines a light on the realities many in the veteran community face, including identity loss, PTSD, and the struggle to redefine meaning after service.
At the heart of it all is a deeply personal mission—telling the story of her husband, a combat veteran and martial artist, through her book “Born to Compete: A Man Without A War.” It’s a raw look at what happens when a warrior comes home… but the war doesn’t leave him.
This episode isn’t just about martial arts or Hollywood—it’s about transition, resilience, and finding your next mission when the one you knew is gone.
🔥 What We Cover:
What it really takes to earn—and live up to—an 8th-degree black belt
The psychological crossover between combat training and business leadership
Breaking into Hollywood and surviving as a talent agent in a volatile industry
Building MASBTV Network to spotlight martial artists and veteran stories
The hidden battles veterans face after service—PTSD, identity loss, and purpose
How storytelling can be used as a tool for healing and impact
Why discipline, not motivation, is the foundation of sustained success
🎯 Why This Episode Matters:
For many veterans, athletes, and high-performers, the hardest fight isn’t during the mission—it’s after it ends.
Theresa’s journey highlights a critical truth:
You don’t lose your identity when one chapter ends—you refine it for the next.
Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, stepping away from a career, or searching for direction, this episode delivers a clear message:
👉 Your skills still matter. Your mission just needs to evolve.
🎧 Call to Action:
If you're navigating life after service, chasing a new purpose, or building something bigger than yourself—this episode is for you.
Subscribe to HomeFront Sitrep, share this episode with someone in your circle, and stay connected to stories that matter.
Stay in the fight. - Vis mere
