Overcoming Adversity w/ Special Guest Jessy Lakin

From Walter Reed to the Ranch, The Story of Forged Valor

What does healing look like for a combat veteran after war? In this episode of Operation Mission Possible, Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret.) and CEO of Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), sits down with Forged Valor co-founders Col. John Mayer (Ret.) and Mo Smith. They discuss how Forged Valor grew out of work with catastrophically wounded Marines at Walter Reed, and why horses, ranch work, and meaningful purpose can play such a powerful role in recovery. John reflects on the early days of bringing wounded veterans into the arena and onto working ranches, while Mo shares how he was called in to help shape what would become Forged Valor. This conversation explores resilience, service, identity, and the importance of giving veterans more than treatment alone, giving them something noble to be part of again. Learn more about Forged Valor: https://www.forgedvalor.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTloSHdqekVRRVRjNEZTWHhlbkxxU1l5Mjk4Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttRGVhZnduazVYV0JJcE9tbl9GUWNmYTJHUTY5ME9lNWJGVzdhX1JBeExoU3E3NWRqWjhqRmRWQkc5YjVuRjRhZThxbUp4VjItZVhObFRQY0lNZ3RGdGFFLUpWZUp2Um1KZWl1azQzSmNvRDNUR0tfdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forgedvalor.org%2F&v=s5pxx8dNiH4] Access more episodes of the Operation Mission Possible (OMP) Podcast: https://www.dvnf.org/podcast [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTV5UE52Z3R4LUVraTYxTGh2b200dVNCS1JzZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttSU1UTUV0bkJBSENHeWM4X1NxTzduUWdnZkJkZ0RtQ0xseFlhV1oxaUdmdnlVQnJTZl9nVUJBTjBpeFEwWWxpV3F5WHczM3BNWWFPVnVmTW1ZU1NvbnFnUl9NSTJXVS1mSUNmREM4QzczRS03RGU5cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvnf.org%2Fpodcast&v=s5pxx8dNiH4] #ForgedValor [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/forgedvalor] #DVNF [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dvnf] #Veterans [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/veterans] #OperationMissionPossible [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/operationmissionpossible] #Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] #HorseTherapy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/horsetherapy] #MarineCorps [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/marinecorps] #MentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mentalhealth] #WoundedWarriors [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/woundedwarriors] #Resiliency [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/resiliency]

Flow Over Fiction: Me, Myself, and I w/Dr. Marty & Joe

For many veterans and first responders, the toughest battles begin after the uniform comes off. In a world shaped by algorithms and outrage, it can feel impossible to quiet the mind, to find your footing, to breathe. In this candid conversation, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) and CEO of DVNF, dig into the pull of social media, the spiral of stress, and practical ways to reset. They introduce DVNF’s free Mission Possible course and share simple mind-body tools that help you think more clearly, sleep better, and step back into the flow. Together, they explore the “performance zone,” how to start a digital detox, and core skills like Three Keys to Relaxation, Weeding Your Mental Garden, and The Observer. Joe also speaks directly to veterans navigating real-world pressure, and how DVNF programs work to restore stability and hope. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or someone who wants to be part of the solution, this episode offers grounded steps you can use today. Apply to be a guest or check out our past sessions: https://www.dvnf.org/podcast/ [https://www.dvnf.org/podcast/] Start the free Mission Possible course here: https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/ [https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/]

Beyond the Battlefield: Healing America’s Hidden Heroes w/Special Guest Eric D. Thomas

For Army veteran Eric D. Thomas, the fight didn’t end after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning home, he encountered the same frustrating gaps in care that leave so many veterans and first responders behind. Instead of turning away, he stepped in—and founded the CJ3 Foundation to stand in that gap. In this powerful episode, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) & CEO of DVNF speak with Eric about his military career, the pain that led to CJ3’s creation, and the mission that now fuels his life: serving those who’ve served us. Together, they explore CJ3’s four pillars—advocacy, mental wellness, service dogs, and outdoor retreats—and the deep personal commitment behind them. Eric also opens up about his own journey through trauma and healing, and what keeps him going when the weight of it all feels too heavy. Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or someone who believes in the power of second chances and service-driven purpose, this conversation will move you—and may just help someone you care about. 🔗 Learn more about the CJ3 Foundation: https://cj3foundation.org [https://cj3foundation.org] 🎙 Access more episodes of the Mission Possible Podcast: https://www.dvnf.org/podcast [https://www.dvnf.org/podcast] #CJ3Foundation #Veterans #MissionPossiblePodcast #DVNF #CombatVeterans #ServiceDogs #FirstResponders #VeteranSupport #HealingThroughService

Shield of Sisters – A Mission of Healing and Empowerment

For Navy veteran Shannon Hough, the hardest battles weren’t fought overseas—they came after her military service. After enduring Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and years of silence, Shannon found healing through purpose. She now leads Shield of Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women veterans navigate the long, often unseen road to recovery. In this moving conversation, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) & CEO for the DVNF speak with Shannon about her personal story—how trauma shaped her early years, how it nearly cost her everything, and how she ultimately found strength in service to others. They explore MST’s far-reaching impact, the difficulty of speaking up, and how visualization, peer connection, and purpose-driven living (ikigai) can help survivors rebuild their lives. Shannon also shares how Shield of Sisters is offering more than support—it’s offering a path forward. Whether you’re a survivor, a veteran, a supporter, or someone searching for tools to grow through hardship, this episode offers real stories, real resources, and real hope. Chapters & Topics: 00:00 – Welcome & Shannon’s Early Military Journey 08:30 – MST, Coercion, and the Burden of Silence 20:15 – The Long-Term Impact and Unseen Struggles 31:10 – Rock Bottom Moments and Turning Points 45:15 – Letting Go of Trauma: The Bowling Ball Metaphor 52:20 – Programs at Shield of Sisters: Retreats, Peer Support, Advocacy 58:10 – A Message for Survivors: “You Can Go Now”

Overcoming Adversity w/ Special Guest Jessy Lakin

What happens when the mission ends? For Jessy Lakin, a veteran and founder of Alaska Warrior Partnership, leaving the military meant stepping into a whole new set of challenges. In this conversation, DVNF CEO Joseph VanFonda USMC SgtMaj (Ret), and Dr. Marty Rossman talk with Jessy about the realities of veteran transition, the struggles many face with PTSD, career changes, and personal identity after service. Jessy shares his own story—highlighting the importance of mental wellness, connection, and finding a new mission in civilian life. Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-watch. Chapters & Topics: 00:00 - Introduction and Jessy's Deployment 16:02 - Jessy's Harrowing Experience in Iraq 24:01 - Jessy's Traumatic Experience and Recovery 28:25 - Jessy's Combat Experience and Mental Health 35:28 - Jessy's Military Experiences and Relationship Struggles 40:47 - Jessy's Journey With Combat and Betrayal 47:08 - Jessy's Struggles and Frustrating Assistance 52:19 - Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Self-Doubt 59:11 - Addressing Invisible Wounds and PTSD 1:03:48 - Veterans Support and Collaboration Discussed If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Reach out. There is help, and there is hope. 👉 Sign up for the Mission Possible course for free access to future live sessions and resources for wellness and empowerment: https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/ [https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/] #Veterans #Healing #Military#Civilian #Transition #PTSD #Purpose #AlaskaWarriorPartnership