From Air Force K9 Handler to Veteran Entrepreneur: Michael Parks on Service, Survival, and Daystar Photography

From Air Force K9 Handler to Veteran Entrepreneur: Michael Parks on Service, Survival, and Daystar Photography

Michael Parks shares his remarkable journey from U.S. Air Force canine handler and Federal Air Marshal to veteran entrepreneur and founder of Daystar Photography. In this episode of Success After Service, Michael talks about military leadership, the bond between handlers and working dogs, post-9/11 aviation security, and how discipline, purpose, and mentorship helped him build a thriving photography, videography, and drone business. He also explains how veteran partnerships with organizations like The Warrior Alliance and Syracuse University’s IVMF are helping service members and families access resources, opportunity, and community support. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Success After Service: Purple Heart Veteran David Kendrick Jr. on PTSD, NAMI, and Life After War

U.S. Army Cavalry Scout and Purple Heart recipient David Kendrick Jr. shares his powerful journey from being shot by a sniper in Baghdad at 20 years old to becoming a national mental health advocate, NAMI ambassador, author, and speaker. He opens up about survivor’s guilt, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a suicide attempt—and how therapy, community, and purpose helped him rebuild his life. In this episode of “Success After Service” on The Warrior Alliance Network, David discusses: - The Father’s Day mission in Iraq that changed everything - Healing from life‑threatening injuries and invisible wounds - How NAMI and the NAMI Homefront program support veterans’ families - Turning pain into purpose through advocacy, his memoir “Cavalry,” and the Lion Speaking Agency - Practical ways veterans and families can recognize warning signs and seek help   If you’re a veteran, family member, mental health professional, or supporter, this conversation offers real insight, hope, and tools for navigating life after service. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Success After Service: Jeremy Walker on Helmets to Boots, Purpose, and Veteran Transition

Army veteran Jeremy M. Walker joins Success After Service to share his powerful story of enlisting at 16, earning a Bronze Star for Valor in Afghanistan, overcoming injury and PTSD, and redefining purpose after a 22-year military career. He explains how founding Helmets to Boots helps veterans and their families navigate transition, mental health, VA benefits, and entrepreneurship, and why community partnerships like The Warrior Alliance and the Atlanta Black Chamber are critical. Hear candid insights on identity after taking off the uniform, turning pain into service, and using leadership skills to build businesses, strengthen communities, and prevent veteran suicide.exposureninja See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How Army Veteran Sheena Parker Builds Million-Dollar Government Contracts After Service

Army Signal Corps veteran and Chief Warrant Officer II (Ret.) Sheena Parker reveals how she went from 20 years in uniform to building a thriving facility management and government contracting company, Foresight Industries (4SYT), and a fast-growing education platform, GovCon Now. She shares how military discipline, warrant officer leadership training, and sheer resilience helped her transition into entrepreneurship, win contracts with agencies from MARTA to major sports venues, and create opportunities for other veterans and second-chance hires. Discover how she launched her SheenaPreneur YouTube channel, teaches her three-tier contractor methodology at universities like Texas A&M and Syracuse, and helps small businesses secure federal, state, local, and corporate contracts—often starting with nontraditional opportunities like plant care and construction cleanup. If you’re a veteran, spouse, or small business owner looking to break into government contracting, this episode breaks down where to find contracts, how to avoid bidding mistakes, and why you should “find the thing” that truly satisfies you—not just the highest paycheck. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Veteran to City Leader: Jason Dozier on Atlanta, Hire Heroes USA & Success After Service

Army veteran and Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier joins Success After Service to share how he turned a life of military service into civic leadership and veteran advocacy. He discusses lessons from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, his role representing District 4 on the Atlanta City Council, and why he is pushing for a dedicated Office of Veteran Services in Atlanta to better support homeless and at-risk veterans. He also breaks down Hire Heroes USA’s impact, including more than 110,000 veteran and military spouse job placements and nearly $1B in economic impact, and explains how their partnership with The Warrior Alliance helps veterans access housing, legal, and employment resources. Veterans will hear practical advice on getting involved in their communities, leveling up careers, and finding purpose after service. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.