The Half Percent Podcast

Sadr City to the Beach-Will Jones on Staying Connected with Other Vets and the Healing Power of the Ocean

Will Jones spent 4 years (2004-2008) in the US Army-1st Cav, with 2 deployments to Iraq. Will's second deployment was a 15 month hitch to Sadr City, Baghdad, where he and his fellow soldiers faced the Madhi Militia. After completing his service, Will came back home to Los Angeles, entered UCLA film school, and later took trips to Afghanistan and another film school in the Philippines. Will is an inferno of positive energy and he speaks frankly about some very dark times (as well as some very humorous ones), during his time in the Army. Will now devotes his time to helping veterans stay engaged, in shape and with a sense of purpose, with weekly beach workouts, rucking, boxing and numerous charities.  You can get your daily dose of inspiration by following Will on Instagram: @boomitsyourboywilljones Also check out these veteran owned/run charities and organizations that Will is involved with: https://www.legion8.org [https://www.legion8.org/] (honoring 8 soldiers Will served with who died during combat operations) Ruck4Veterans: https://www.ruckforveterans.com [https://www.ruckforveterans.com/] Alpha Elite Performance: https://alphaeliteperformance.com [https://alphaeliteperformance.com/] University of Health & Performance: https://university-hp.com [https://university-hp.com] Warrior Sailing:  https://warriorsailing.org Green Beret Foundation: https://greenberetfoundation.org [https://greenberetfoundation.org/]

A US Marine in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion-James Karp

James Karp was a US Marine (1st Battalion, 3rd Marines) and fought at the 2nd Battle of Fallujah. After leaving the Corps, James joined the French Foreign Legion and went on to be an archaeological technician, working throughout North and Central America. Most recently, James volunteered for the Ukraine Foreign Legion and was in country for 6 months.  James also started SV Chasing Horizon a group of veterans who help other veterans reconnect and regain a sense of purpose by organizing short and long-term sailing excursions, dive training and other ocean related activities. Follow James on Instagram @julesduiberg

Determined to Fly, Life in Soviet Russia and The Shadow Game-Rodger Carlyle

Rodger Carlyle was part of the US Navy-AVROC (Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate) program and on track to become a Naval Aviator when a medical issue caused his Naval career to be cut short. Rodger then embarked on a civilian career that took him around the globe, including extensive time in Russia just as the Soviet empire was crumbling. Rodger's career path saw him start and run multiple businesses, writing for political campaigns and getting his pilot's license. Rodger is an author of multiple books, including his latest, The Shadow Game, available on all bookselling platforms. Learn more @ https://www.rodgercarlyle.com [https://www.rodgercarlyle.com]

A Career in 2 Branches, Throwing Underwear on Jessica Simpson's Face and Helping Veterans Get into the Film Business

DeAnna Charett served 10 years in the US Air Force and 10 years in the US Army Reserve. She is the founder of Bad Habitz Productions https://www.badhabitzproductions.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtucF9lZXpTekI1NmoyX3VMVm9jUzhiSmNSZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuQWx5SGJ2ams1WW94Y29Jajl3cFk5dF96VXJQaFpIenNhamVmcER2ZFRnSXhZY2ZaalVFcDd1dHhNSVRUekJFLUZ1SDhXMWRWSWROOEppZzlBQy1Wd3dqOGZzZkJNM2NObmMxV3ZEYUVjRmd3MG80TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.badhabitzproductions.com%2F&v=64FLMtZVDxk], a Louisiana-based production company that provides quality filmmaking with a specialization in working with military veterans.

A Green Beret on Dreams Deferred, Mentorship, TBI and Finding a Way Forward

Nick Allen served 8 years in the US Army, earning his Green Beret. Nick's career in special operations was cut short in his first training mission where he sustained multiple concussions. Nick continued to provide value to his team for the remainder of his Army career but like so many in the military, separation and civilian life proved difficult and Nick has gone thorough many extreme ups and downs. Nick has continued to stay engaged with fellow vets through the Green Beret Foundation and through physical fitness.  Check out Nick's TED Talk.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q83SDuyuYA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q83SDuyuYA]