Episode 152: Larry Brant

Episode 152: Larry Brant

Experienced and compassionate minister, chaplain, and victim advocate with over 30 years of civilian and military pastoral service. Provides holistic spiritual care and counseling to diverse populations, including veterans and their families. Skilled in crisis management, grief counseling, teaching, trauma-informed care, interfaith ministry, and ethical leadership.QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARYSpiritual Care and Counseling: 16 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain and 25 years in civilian ministry. Provides pastoral care, counseling, and guidance to all. Conducts worship services, religious rites, memorials, and interfaith observances.Program Development and Training: Designs and implements programs such as Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training and Building Spiritual Strength. Teaches and mentors chaplains, clergy, and staff. Conducts classes, workshops, and seminars on discipleship, moral injury, resilience, and pastoral care.Crisis Response and Intervention: Leads Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefings. Provides immediate pastoral care during emergencies and traumatic events. Offers steady spiritual presence during high-stress situations.Leadership and Advisory: Serves as trusted advisor to commanders and staff on ethics, morale, and spiritual well-being. Partners with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and leadership teams. Promotes inclusion and religious freedom.

Episode 150: Christohper Rivers

Christopher Rivers is a former US Army officer and combat veteran who enlisted at 17 and served in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a focus on Nuclear Engineering, as well as master’s degrees in Public Policy and Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Following his military service, Rivers worked as a policy advisor and problem-solver at the US Department of State and later in the private sector, helping organizations navigate complex operational and strategic challenges. His career spans national security, diplomacy, corporate problem-solving, and candidacy for statewide political office—giving him a unique perspective on how power is exercised across institutions. You Shouldn’t Have to Kill to Get Ahead is his first book.

Episode 149: Kevin Lombardo

Kevin B. Lombardo is a nonprofit leader and co-founder of Boots to Beaches, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing restorative vacations for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star military families. He brings 11 years of experience in the tourism industry, applying that expertise to mission-driven programs that create meaningful and impactful experiences.Kevin is a passionate supporter and advocate for services provided to those who have served, as well as numerous nonprofit organizations and PTSD-focused programs across the services. He remains committed to fostering connection, healing, and renewal for individuals and families who have sacrificed in service to others.

Episode 148: Elizabeth Johnson

ELIZABETH JOHNSON, Navy Veteran, Honor H.E.R. FoundationOur MissionHonor HER is committed to providing meals, lodging, access to medical care and job placement services for identified women veterans who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. No woman veteran should be homelessOur VisionTo provide shelter and restore hope, honor, and dignity in every female veteran who seeks comfort, support, and assistance through our programs.Our focus is on homeless single women veterans, in the Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.We live out our mission through our service programs, volunteer efforts, and community education of the needs of veterans.

Episode 147: Matt Jablonski

Matthew T. Jablonski brings extensive expertise in mortgage finance and strategic growth, cultivated over a career dedicated to facilitating homeownership and optimizing financial partnerships. His background encompasses a deep understanding of lending operations, client advisory, and business development within the financial services sector. Matthew's current role as Manager, Partnerships & Strategic Growth for the Victor Alpha Team at CrossCountry Mortgage highlights his commitment to innovative growth strategies. This specialized team focuses on empowering military veterans through a dedicated VA Mortgage Academy, transforming them into competent loan officers equipped to serve their communities. This initiative underscores a dedication to professional development and leveraging earned benefits for veterans.