#15 Michael Hernandez - From Army Combat Medic to Texas VSO: Turning Pain Into Purpose

#15 Michael Hernandez - From Army Combat Medic to Texas VSO: Turning Pain Into Purpose

On this episode of World Changing Veterans podcast, we speak with Michael “Doc” Hernandez, a former Army combat medic who served with 1st Armored Division and later became a county Veteran Service Officer in Texas. Doc shares how although injuries and undiagnosed PTSD made his transition and medical retirement difficult, there were leaders around him that took the time to care and support his journey to healing. He also recounts advocating for his Vietnam-era grandfather and connecting with Hays County VSO Jude Prather, whose home visit ultimately helped secure his grandfather 100% benefits with nearly $53,000 in retroactive pay. Inspired, Doc pursued VSO work by utilizing the VA’s VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation) program and is now the Director of Veteran Services for Williamson County. 00:00 Episode Setup01:16 Meet Doc02:36 Joining the Army04:08 Orders and Deployment05:48 Injuries and Medboard07:38 Rocky Transition10:32 Grandfather Benefits Win13:01 Becoming a VSO14:47 How Great VSOs Help18:11 Finding Benefits Help19:55 Mental Health Resources24:45 Education and Careers27:31 World Changing Veterans29:15 Contact and Closing Ways to connect: Williamson County Veteran Services: https://www.wilcotx.gov/785/Veteran-Services World Changing Veterans: If you would like to join the community, share your story on the podcast, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at admin@afteractioncollective.com You can also connect with us at afteractioncollective.com or on social media: Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] LinkedIn: World Changing Veterans [https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldchangingveterans/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#14 Phil Kornachuck (US Army Special Forces) - Firefight Lessons, Identity Beyond Service & Leading with Purpose

In this World Changing Veterans Podcast episode, we speak with Army Special Operations veteran and StoneWater Training founder Phil Kornachuk, who served in the Canadian Army and then spent 22 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer, Ranger, and Green Beret. Phil recounts a defining April 6 firefight in western Afghanistan supporting Marine Special Operations, where casualties, limited medevac, no visibility for air support, and a pinned-down QRF forced him to focus on “what’s the smallest thing I can do right now,” use his “smartbook,” gain distance, and call airstrikes to shift momentum and evacuate wounded. He discusses building trust with Afghan commandos through small moments, preparing for hard days on good days, separating role from identity for veterans, finding purpose through self-awareness, and how StoneWater helps leaders and teams align purpose, principles, practices, and performance. 00:00 Welcome and Takeaways 01:59 Meet Phil Kornachuk 02:30 From Canada to Rangers 05:38 Olympics and Allegiance 06:26 Why the Military Fit 08:18 Rangers to Green Berets 09:14 April 6 Firefight Story 21:15 Smartbook Under Stress 22:16 Purpose Values Routine 23:39 Values Under Pressure 24:06 Trust With Afghan Partners 25:32 Veteran Identity And Purpose 28:51 Building Community Intentionally 30:35 StoneWater Training Mission 33:52 Finding Your Calling 38:04 Battlefield Lessons For Leaders 40:20 World Changing Veterans Defined 43:31 Connect And Closing Ways to connect: Phil Kornachuck Website: https://www.stonewatertraining.com/ Facebook: StoneWater Training [https://www.facebook.com/stonewatertraining/] Instagram: stonewater_training [https://www.instagram.com/stonewater_training/] LinkedIn: StoneWater Training [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stonewater-training-llc/] World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com [worldchangingveterans@gmail.com] and connect with with us on social media. LinkedIn: WorldChangingVeterans [https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldchangingveterans/] Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#13 Chris Tighe - From Navy Vet to The Caffeinated Contractor: Serving Others, Being In Community, and World Changing Leadership.

In this episode of World Changing Veterans, we speak with Chris Tighe, a former Navy officer and entrepreneur. With 23 years of service, including specialized roles such as a Chinese linguist and Information Warfare officer, Chris’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and intentional living. Discover his valuable insights on defining your identity, leveraging military experience, and jumping into opportunities. Plus, learn about his ventures with Elevation Construction and the Caffeinated Contractor, and how he continues to inspire others through mentorship and community engagement. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your takeaways in the comments! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:27 Chris Tighe’s Military Background 02:48 Transition to Civilian Life 03:28 Starting a Business in Seattle 04:36 Childhood and Influences 07:56 Law Enforcement Career 09:12 Advice for Veterans Transitioning 10:31 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 14:46 Impact of Erwin McManus 16:23 Elevation Construction and The Caffeinated Contractor 16:54 Building a Virtual Team 18:37 The Caffeinated Contractor Journey 19:39 Living Intentionally 21:38 The Importance of Community 24:14 World Changing Veterans Ways to connect: Chris Tighe Elevation Construction [https://www.elevationconstructionteam.com/] YouTube: The Caffeinated Contractor [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHOmdpM-3GWRSbbjK5kkzJbEoLaDD8OJs] Instagram: elevationconstructionteam [https://www.instagram.com/elevationconstructionteam/] World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com [worldchangingveterans@gmail.com] and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] & YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#12 From Submarines to Country Music: Ed Earl’s Journey from Silent Service to Nashville Stages

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#11 Chris Willingham (USMC Veteran) - From Tracking IEDs with His Dog Luca to a Lifelong Mission

Veterans and Canine Heroes: Chris Willingham’s Journey with U.S. War Dogs Association. In this episode of the World Changing Veterans Podcast, we speak with Chris Willingham, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran and president of U.S. War Dogs. Chris shares his unique journey from joining the Marine Corps in 1999 to serving as a military working dog handler and continuing his service through U.S. War Dogs. Chris discusses the rigorous selection process for dog handlers, the bond between handlers and their dogs, and how his passion led him to a lifelong commitment with U.S. War Dogs. The episode also covers U.S. War Dogs’ efforts in supporting active and retired military working dogs, including its RX program and emergency care efforts. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on social media, and share this episode with your Battle Buddies! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:45 Meet Chris Willingham: Marine Corps Background 02:57 Becoming a Canine Handler 04:10 The Bond Between Handler and Canine 06:52 Canine Roles in Combat 13:58 U.S. War Dogs Association: Mission and Impact 16:33 Supporting Retired Military Working Dogs 26:35 Celebrating 25 Years of U.S. War Dogs 31:16 Conclusion and How to Get Involved Ways to connect: U.S. War Dogs Association: uswardogs.org World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com [worldchangingveterans@gmail.com] and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]