Operation Onward

MISSING IN ACTION: Derek Abbey on Project Recover, 81,000 MIAs & Bringing Heroes Home | OOP #012

Marine Corps combat veteran and CEO of Project Recover, Dr. Derek Abbey joins Operation Onward to discuss the 81,000 American service members still missing in action, and the mission to bring them home. Project Recover conducts historical research, underwater and jungle recovery missions, and works alongside the Department of Defense to locate and repatriate fallen heroes from previous wars. From World War II aircraft recovery sites to deep ocean dives in the Pacific, Derek shares what it takes to fulfill America’s promise to never leave a service member behind.

TOM TRAN PURPLE HEART | Iraq War Combat Veteran, PTSD and Transition, VA Claim Took 20 Years

Actor and comedian Thom Tran Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient joins Operation Onward to talk about getting shot on his fourth day in Iraq April 3 2003 losing his roommate SPC Charles Edward Bush and the reality of transition after coming home. Thom shares how fast life moves after out processing why so many veterans isolate how his VA claim took 20 years to settle and what he is building now including his standup tour comedy album and a new podcast focused on cryptids and comedians.

FROM COMBAT TO RESILIENCE | Green Beret Nick Lavery on Sacrifice, Leadership & Life After Injury | OOP #011

Army Green Beret Nick Lavery joins Operation Onward to share his journey from combat injury to resilience, leadership, and purpose. After losing his leg in Afghanistan, Nick fought to remain on active duty and became the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. This episode explores sacrifice, discipline, identity after trauma, and the mindset required to keep moving forward. A must-listen for veterans, leaders, and anyone facing adversity.

LIFE AFTER SPECIAL OPERATIONS: Patrick Flood Owners in Honor | OOP #010

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Patrick Flood, former Green Beret and founder of Owners & Honor, joins Operation Onward to share his incredible journey from combat to entrepreneurship. Patrick discusses his time in Special Forces, being bitten by a cobra in Afghanistan, and how his organization now helps veterans buy, grow, and sell small businesses. This conversation dives into leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to find purpose after service. Learn more: https://www.ownersandhonor.org

“IF NOT ME, THEN WHO?” | Ryan Manion on the Legacy of Travis Manion & Gold Star Families | OOP #009

Gold Star Sister Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, joins Operation Onward to share the powerful story of her brother, 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, whose mantra “If Not Me, Then Who?” became a national call to service. Ryan opens up about Travis’s legacy, the founding of the Travis Manion Foundation, and how programs like Character Does Matter are helping veterans and Gold Star families heal through leadership, mentorship, and purpose. This episode is a tribute to sacrifice, resilience, and community — reminding us all to live lives worthy of those who gave everything.