USA Cares Podcast

America’s Top Enlisted Leader: Ramón “CZ” Colón-López | USA Cares Podcast

Retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López joins the USA Cares Podcast for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, leadership, and life after the military. A decorated U.S. Air Force Pararescueman and Special Operations veteran, CZ served more than three decades in uniform and rose to become the highest-ranking enlisted service member in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, he shares lessons from combat, leadership at the highest levels, resilience under pressure, and the importance of supporting veterans and military families through the transition to civilian life. From his roots in Puerto Rico to special operations missions around the world and ultimately advising the nation’s top military leaders, CZ’s story is one of courage, purpose, and service. Watch this episode of the USA Cares Podcast to hear an inspiring conversation with one of America’s most respected enlisted leaders. Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, military leaders, advocates, and changemakers supporting those who served.

From the Battlefield to Brotherhood MVP’s William Johnson Jr. | USA Cares Podcast

On this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we are joined by two incredible leaders and veterans — Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny and Sgt. Maj. William Johnson Jr., Regional Manager for Merging Vets and Players (MVP). Together, they dive deep into the realities of military service, leadership under pressure, the transition from active duty to civilian life, and the importance of finding purpose and community after service. William Johnson Jr. also shares how MVP is helping veterans and former professional athletes build connections, battle isolation, and strengthen mental wellness through peer support and teamwork. This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, brotherhood, service, and the ongoing mission to support those who have sacrificed for our country. Topics include: • Life lessons from military leadership • The challenges veterans face after service • Mental health and finding purpose • The mission behind Merging Vets and Players (MVP) • Building community and accountability • How organizations like USA Cares continue to support veterans and military families If you support our veterans, believe in the power of community, or want to hear incredible stories of leadership and perseverance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations from the USA Cares Podcast. #USACares #Veterans #Military #MVP #MergingVetsAndPlayers #Leadership #VeteranSupport #Podcast #MentalHealth #Army

From Service to Purpose 🇺🇸🐾 | Mark Pfeifer on Military Life, Mission, and Building Wigglewow

In this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with Mark Pfeifer, founder of Wigglewow, for a conversation that blends service, sacrifice, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Mark shares heartfelt stories from his and his wife’s journey in the military—offering a raw and personal look at the challenges, transitions, and values shaped by their service. But the story doesn’t stop there. Out of that foundation, Mark built Wigglewow—a unique dogtrot-style retail concept with a mission that goes far beyond business. Wigglewow is dedicated to employing and creating meaningful career opportunities for adults with special needs, proving that impact and innovation can go hand in hand. This episode is about more than business—it's about purpose, people, and building something that truly matters. 🔹 Military life & lessons learned 🔹 Transitioning from service to entrepreneurship 🔹 The vision behind Wigglewow 🔹 Creating careers for adults with special needs 🔹 Leading with purpose and impact 👉 Don’t miss this inspiring story of service continuing beyond the uniform. #USACares #Veterans #Entrepreneurship #Wigglewow #SpecialNeeds #PurposeDriven #MilitaryStories

5 Million Steps: Jay & Monica France on Purpose, Perseverance, and Supporting Our Veterans

On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with Jay Franze and his wife Monica France for a powerful conversation about commitment, resilience, and walking with purpose. Jay shares the story behind his incredible milestone — 5 million steps — and the mission that fueled every single one of them. What started as a physical challenge became something much deeper: a statement of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering support for the veteran community. Monica joins the conversation to give a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support a goal of this magnitude. Together, they open up about sacrifice, accountability, partnership, and why serving those who served matters so much to their family. This episode is about more than steps. It’s about movement — in body, in spirit, and in community. If you believe in supporting veterans and honoring those who have worn the uniform, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🇺🇸 Learn more about USA Cares and how you can get involved.

Purple Heart, Unbreakable Spirit: Joseph Bates’ Story of Service and Strength

In this powerful episode of USA Cares, we sit down with Purple Heart recipient Joseph Bates to share a story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Joseph opens up about his military service, the life-changing moments that earned him the Purple Heart, and the challenges he faced transitioning beyond the battlefield. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of supporting those who have served. This episode honors not only Joseph’s service, but the mission of USA Cares to stand beside veterans and their families when they need it most.