The Warrior Alliance Spotlight

Description: How can veteran-serving organizations know whether their programs are making a difference? On Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart welcome Tanha Patel, senior technical advisor for evaluation at the CDC Foundation, to explore how program evaluation can guide better decisions and strengthen support for veterans.

Patel explains why evaluation is a GPS—not a report card—and how organizations can build their own capacity to learn, adapt, and measure progress. The conversation explores the Warrior Alliance’s work on program roadmaps and partnerships, plus a whole-person approach to veteran suicide prevention that considers housin...

What does it take to make Georgia a place where veterans and military families choose to stay and thrive?

Georgia State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, joins Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Cowart on Warrior Alliance Spotlight to discuss the policies, partnerships, and community support shaping life after military service. Drawing on her experience as an orthopedic surgeon, legislator, and Georgia State Defense Force volunteer, Kirkpatrick shares her perspective on supporting those who serve.

The conversation explores military spouse occupational licensing, school enrollment challenges, military retirement income tax relief, veteran healthcare, and the need for...

Podcast Description (Show Notes format) Senior Master Sergeant Shane Hogan has spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, evolving from a deployed Security Forces

member in Kuwait and Iraq to leading a critical recruiting mission across the Southeast. In today’s episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, SMSgt Hogan joins Scott Munn and Tug Cowart to bust the biggest myths about joining the military today.

From the booming demand for cyber specialists to the steady need for "blue-collar" mechanical trades, SMSgt Hogan explains how part-time service directly translates to elite civilian careers. He al...

On this special live episode of Warrior Alliance Spotlight, recorded at Truist Park in Atlanta, the Warrior Alliance commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11 with more than 250 first responders, veterans, families, and community leaders.

Hear the unforgettable reunion between 9/11 World Trade Center survivor Kayla Bergeron and retired Port Authority Police Lieutenant David Lim, the officer who helped guide her and countless others to safety during the attacks. Kayla shares her journey of survival, PTSD recovery, addiction recovery, purpose, and gratitude. Lt. Lim reflects on the duty that kept him returning to help others, the loss of his...

What does it take to lead thousands of Airmen while maintaining a relentless focus on readiness, family support, opportunity, and the individual?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Network, we sit down with Major General Konata “Deuce” Crumbley, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Georgia National Guard. General Crumbley shares how he leads the Georgia Air National Guard, supports nearly 3,000 Airmen and civilian professionals, builds future leaders, and ensures the force is prepared to fight and win when the nation calls.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, military readiness, mental-health resources, family readiness, and the impo...

How can veterans, military families, and students turn education into meaningful career opportunity?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Coward welcome Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University and Warrior Alliance board member. Dr. Whirl shares how Savannah State is preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce, expanding support for military-connected learners, and strengthening career pathways across coastal Georgia.

The conversation also explores Dr. Whirl’s work at Augusta Technical College, including the transformation of Augusta’s “The Patch” golf course into a workforce-development pipeline. Learn how Oper...

How do women veterans turn military experience into resilience, leadership, and purpose after service?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Network, Tracey Lloyd—West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, former U.S. Army captain, and Executive Director of the Emily J.T. Perez Foundation—shares her journey from leading a 3,500-person combat aviation brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom to leading global business operations and a mission-driven nonprofit.

Tracey discusses the challenges women veterans face in civilian life, including military sexual trauma, homelessness, mental health, career transition, and underemployment. She also explains how the Emily J.T...

In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, Petty Officer First Class Nick Evans, a Coast Guard recruiter and Atlanta native, pulls back the curtain on America’s most misunderstood military branch. Discover the 11 core Coast Guard missions—from maritime law enforcement and drug interdiction to search-and-rescue and environmental protection—and how every role, including IT and logistics, enables mission success.

You’ll learn how the Coast Guard’s unique “non-rate first” pathway lets new enlistees shadow multiple ratings before choosing a career, improving retention and job satisfaction. Nick shares boot camp realities at Cape May, NJ, age limits (up to 41), and...

In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, Dr. Jennifer Selke and Matty Cook of Camp Southern Ground share how Warrior Path, Warrior Week, and inclusive camp programming help veterans, first responders, military families, and youth heal, grow, and thrive after service.

Learn how Camp Southern Ground supports veteran transition, post-traumatic growth, strengths-based development, and belonging through no-cost programs, peer-led care, and community connection. Founded by Zac Brown in Fayetteville, Georgia, Camp Southern Ground is changing lives through mission-driven support.

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Discover how the Atlanta Braves Foundation is redefining the role of sports in community impact. In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Danielle Bedasse, Vice President of Community Affairs and Executive Director of the Braves Foundation, shares how baseball serves as a powerful platform for veteran support, youth development, and fighting food insecurity across Atlanta.

From delivering nearly 5 million meals to expanding veteran services from 1,000 to 7,000 individuals annually, this episode highlights the real-world impact behind one of Major League Baseball’s most community-driven organizations.

Learn how strategic partnerships with the Warrior Alliance, PGA REACH Georgia, and local no...

Discover how the Atlanta Braves Foundation is redefining the role of sports in community impact. In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Danielle Bedasse, Vice President of Community Affairs and Executive Director of the Braves Foundation, shares how baseball serves as a powerful platform for veteran support, youth development, and fighting food insecurity across Atlanta.

From delivering nearly 5 million meals to expanding veteran services from 1,000 to 7,000 individuals annually, this episode highlights the real-world impact behind one of Major League Baseball’s most community-driven organizations.

Learn how strategic partnerships with the Warrior Alliance, PGA REACH Georgia, and local no...

In this episode of The Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Sonya Grant (President & CEO) and Olivia Wilson (Literacy & Strategic Partnership Manager) of CobbWorks (WorkSource Cobb). They discuss what it takes to connect underserved communities and transitioning military personnel with meaningful, long-term careers in Georgia.

Learn how CobbWorks is breaking down barriers to employment by offering up to $10,000 in free funding for skills training, certifications, and apprenticeships. Sonya and Olivia explain how their agency helps veterans translate military experience into corporate skills, partners directly with top employers, and provides one-on-one career...

Are you a veteran or job seeker looking to level up your career?

In this episode of The Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Sonya Grant (President & CEO) and Olivia Wilson (Literacy & Strategic Partnership Manager) of CobbWorks (WorkSource Cobb). They discuss what it takes to connect underserved communities and transitioning military personnel with meaningful, long-term careers in Georgia.

Learn how CobbWorks is breaking down barriers to employment by offering up to $10,000 in free funding for skills training, certifications, and apprenticeships. Sonya and Olivia explain how their agency helps veterans...

In this episode of The Warrior Alliance Network, hosts Scott and Tug sit down with Air Force veteran Alek Seams. After a 16-year military career, Alek continues to serve on multiple fronts—as an Eagle Leader with Team RWB, a Sergeant First Class in the Georgia State Defense Force, and a plant chaplain. Alek opens up about transitioning from military duty to community leadership, how intense physical fitness became a vital tool in overcoming a severe cancer diagnosis, and why veteran connection is critical. Tune in to learn how organizations like Team RWB and The Warrior Alliance are working to...

In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, host Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Jackie Breitenstein, Program Manager at Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative. Jackie shares how SHARE helps veterans, service members, and first responders living with traumatic brain injury, concussions, and related invisible wounds of war.

She explains how the donor-funded program provides comprehensive, no-cost care, individualized treatment plans, and real-world community reintegration support that helps people return to work, family life, and meaningful daily routines. Jackie also discusses how the program connects with warriors nationwide, why in-person outreach matters, and how Shepherd Center an...

In this episode of Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Terrill McFarland shares how the Warrior Alliance is improving outcomes for veterans, military spouses, and military families through community coordination, corporate partnerships, and targeted support. She discusses the biggest challenges facing military-connected families, why continuity and belonging matter, how employers can better recruit and retain veterans, and why women veterans need more tailored services and advocacy. The conversation also introduces a new blueprint for action designed to help organizations work together to create real impact.

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In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, retired Command Sergeant Major Mike Burke and Warrior Navigator Sarah Burke share the realities of military family life, deployment stress, FRG support, and the challenges of transitioning out of the Army. They discuss communication, resilience, military spouse advocacy, and finding purpose after service. This conversation offers practical insight for veterans, military spouses, and families navigating life after the military.

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In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Scott Geary, CEO of the Georgia PGA and Executive Director of PGA REACH Georgia, shares how golf is helping veterans heal, connect, and build new career paths. He explains how PGA HOPE introduces veterans and active-duty service members to the game through no-cost instruction, community support, and ongoing engagement. The conversation also highlights growth in golf, workforce opportunities in the industry, and the powerful impact of partnerships supporting Georgia veterans.

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Major General Matt Smith, U.S. Army retired and Executive Director of Veteran Initiatives at Emory University, explains how veterans can translate military leadership into civilian and business success. In this conversation, he discusses the Master of Business for Veterans program, the value of learning the language of business, and why veteran leaders are highly valuable in today’s workforce.

Matt shares lessons from combat leadership, his transition into the private sector, and how veterans can build confidence during the move from uniform to corporate life. He also highlights the importance of community partnerships, career placement, and su...

In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, host Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Jackie Breitenstein, Program Manager at Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative. Jackie shares how SHARE helps veterans, service members, and first responders living with traumatic brain injury, concussions, and related invisible wounds of war.

She explains how the donor-funded program provides comprehensive, no-cost care, individualized treatment plans, and real-world community reintegration support that helps people return to work, family life, and meaningful daily routines. Jackie also discusses how the program connects with warriors nationwide, why in-person outreach matters, and how Shepherd Center an...

In this episode of Warrior Alliance Spotlight, host Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Ross Dickman, CEO of Hire Heroes USA, to discuss veteran employment, military spouse career support, and the power of skills-based hiring. Ross shares how Hire Heroes USA helps service members translate military experience into meaningful civilian careers through one-on-one coaching, resume support, mock interviews, and employer connections.

The conversation also explores how leadership in the military prepares veterans for civilian success, why employment is often tied to purpose and stability, and how community partnerships like The Warrior Alliance help address broader c...

In this episode of The Warrior Alliance Spotlight, host Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with EJ O’Brien, retired Air Force senior enlisted leader and Chief of Programs and Impact at FourBlock, to discuss what really helps veterans succeed after service. EJ shares how FourBlock’s career readiness model connects veterans and military spouses with employer partners, practical coaching, and relationship-driven opportunities that improve long-term career outcomes.

He also explains why the best time to prepare for transition is 12 to 18 months before leaving the military, how veterans can better translate their experience into civilian language, and...

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Chris Newsome of RecruitMilitary shares how military leadership translates into civilian career success. A U.S. Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne, Chris discusses his path from combat service to executive leadership and breaks down the biggest challenges veterans face when transitioning to the workforce. He also explains how RecruitMilitary helps employers connect with veteran talent and why hiring veterans is a smart business decision.

Listeners will hear practical advice on job searching, resume positioning, interview preparation, and how veterans can turn military experience into meaningful civilian careers.

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, host Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Cowart sit down with Michael “Military Mike” Madsen, a 33-year U.S. Army veteran whose journey spans Special Forces, aviation, Desert Storm, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Hear how a defining IED blast and a difficult transition out of uniform led him to a new mission: serving homeless and at-risk veterans as Development Coordinator and Veteran Service Officer at Operation Rally Point in Monroe, Georgia. Discover how Operation Rally Point provides rapid housing, peer support, and VA disability claims assistance to veterans in crisis, why so many...

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Dawn Churi, Executive Director of Blaze Sports. Born from the legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, Blaze Sports has evolved into a premier organization dedicated to empowering veterans and individuals with physical disabilities through adaptive sports.

Dawn discusses the critical role of "sport as medicine," explaining how activities like wheelchair basketball, archery, and even pickleball are used to combat PTSD, isolation, and physical limitations. Learn how their partnership with The Warrior Alliance provides a holistic safety net for veterans, addressing...

Army Green Beret veteran and Special Forces medic Chris Jacobsen shares his journey from post-9/11 enlistment to 16 years in Special Forces, deployments across the globe, and the tough transition back to civilian life. He explains how volunteering and mentorship with the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) helped him rediscover purpose, and how he now serves as Southeast Regional Coordinator empowering veterans and mentoring youth in character and leadership. Hear insights on mental health, life after service, community, travel, and why giving “service after service” can change lives for veterans and their families.

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Join hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart as they interview Kim Scofi, Civilian Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and leader of United Military Care, Inc.—a Georgia nonprofit guiding veterans to success after military service. Discover how collaborative programs, tech education, and advocacy for veteran accountability are transforming lives. Key topics: veteran benefits, fraud prevention, CVEB community impact, We Care Vet Fairs, Warrior Alliance partnerships, and the vital message for veterans to “be counted.”

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Brian Boutte, a West Point graduate, former Army Captain, and Director of Government Relations at Chick-fil-A, joins the TWA Spotlight to discuss his inspiring journey from military service to executive leadership at GE, Coca-Cola, and now Chick-fil-A.

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Former Marine/Army officer Bren Briggs shares how a devastating combat injury led him to found The Eden Project, a nonprofit supporting veterans and their families.

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Join us as we shine a spotlight on The Marcus Foundation's impactful work with Senior Program Director and combat veteran Marcus Ruzek. A former Green Beret, Ruzek shares his unique journey from Army Special Forces to leading the philanthropic vision of Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus. Discover the foundation's "entrepreneurial philanthropy" approach, which focuses on tackling the veteran suicide epidemic by going "narrow and deep" on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), and substance abuse through the Avalon Action Alliance. Learn the powerful story of how the foundation invests in human capital, why traditional mental health isn't working...

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart interview Jennifer Yearwood and JT Liddle of Open Doors Atlanta, the 2024 Warrior Alliance Community Partner of the Year. We dive deep into how this non-profit tackles veteran homelessness and helps families find stable housing in the Atlanta area.

Jennifer shares her personal journey and passion for social work, explaining how her team provides direct support and financial assistance to veterans facing housing insecurity. JT, a combat veteran and Head of Technology, discusses the innovative tech platform he built to connect veterans with housing...

Join the Warrior Alliance Spotlight live from Truist Park as Veteran Impact Award winners Michael Carpenter, Xavier Cunion, and Jennifer Yearwood share how they empower veterans through public service, employment, and housing support. Discover practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian life, overcoming homelessness, and finding meaningful work. Celebrate community partnerships with the Atlanta Braves and get inspired by powerful veteran success stories and resources.

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Join Warrior Alliance Spotlight live at Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park with veteran leaders from Camp Southern Ground, Money Management International, and the Atlanta VA. Discover powerful stories of veteran transition, financial wellness, and community support. Hear directly from those making a real impact for veterans across the southeast.

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Join us as 9/11 survivor Kayla Bergeron recounts her escape from the North Tower, her battle with PTSD and cancer, and her journey to mental health advocacy. Discover how equine therapy changed her life, and get inspired by her story of hope, resilience, and serving fellow trauma survivors and veterans. #911Survivor #MentalHealth #EquineTherapy

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In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Kate Lipton shares how Camp Twin Lakes transforms veterans’ lives through therapeutic recreation, peer support, and family bonding. Discover how Warrior Family Weekends help veterans, spouses, and children heal together, adapt to challenges like PTSD, and find joy again.

Whether your family is struggling or seeking connection, learn how activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, arts & crafts, and fishing create safe spaces for healing.

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Discover the latest advances in traumatic brain injury (TBI) care for veterans and athletes in this powerful episode of Warrior Alliance Spotlight. Hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Dr. Rusty Gore—neurologist, Air Force veteran, and leader at the Shepherd Center and Avalon Action Alliance—to explore cutting-edge approaches to concussion diagnosis, TBI recovery, and holistic support for veterans and service members. Learn about the intricate connection between PTSD and TBI, real-world patient stories, and comprehensive, no-cost treatment programs that transform lives nationwide.

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Discover proven strategies for veteran financial wellness with Tara Alderete, Director at Money Management International. Learn how to conquer debt, build a budget, and avoid predatory lending. Hear inspiring success stories and practical tips tailored for military families transitioning to civilian life. Brought to you by The Warrior Alliance, this episode is a must-listen for service members, veterans, and anyone seeking financial freedom.

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Join hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart as they sit down with 101-year-old WWII veteran and Holocaust liberator, PFC Hilbert “Hibby” Margol. Discover the powerful firsthand account of Margol’s role in liberating Dachau concentration camp, the horrors he witnessed, and the legacy he’s built through decades of sharing his story. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in World War II history, Holocaust education, and the enduring lessons of the Greatest Generation.

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Discover how Chattahoochee Technical College's Vector Center supports veterans! Michael Payne, a U.S. Army veteran and Director of Veteran Services, shares his journey and the Vector Center's comprehensive resources for education, career transition, disability claims, and mental health. Learn about CTC's programs, partnerships with organizations like the Warrior Alliance, and how they help veterans of all ages find new careers and navigate civilian life. Tune in for insights on veteran support, overcoming transition challenges, and finding community.

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Join hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart as they spotlight Patrick Brown, Military Outreach Manager at the Warrior Alliance. Discover Patrick's inspiring journey from Army Ranger to veteran advocate, his role in supporting service members, and his transition to the film industry. Learn about the challenges veterans face and the importance of finding purpose after service. Tune in for valuable insights and heartwarming stories.

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