Most veterans prepare for a new job. Few prepare for losing their identity.

Episode Description

When Gabriel Axtell medically retired from the Marine Corps during COVID, he expected transition to be challenging. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the loss of mission, brotherhood, and purpose would push him into crisis.

This conversation reveals the life-changing text message that saved his life, the mentorship that helped him rebuild, and the work he’s now doing to help other veterans avoid reaching that same breaking point.

In this episode, you’ll discover

• Recognize the hidden identity challenges many veterans face after leaving military service

• Understand why purpose—not employment—is often the missing piece during transition

• Learn how peer mentorship and community support can interrupt a crisis before it becomes a tragedy

• Discover how faith, family communication, and daily discipline helped Gabriel rebuild his life

• Explore the resources available through The Warrior’s Journey and its network of veteran-serving organizations

About Gabriel Axtell

Gabriel Axtell is a retired Marine with a special operations background who experienced firsthand the challenges of military transition. After surviving a personal crisis and finding support through The Warrior’s Journey, he now helps veterans, service members, and families navigate purpose, resilience, and life beyond the uniform. His personal experience gives him unique insight into what veterans need during their most difficult seasons.

🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — open the app, search VET S.O.S., scroll down, and tap “Write a Review.” It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now.

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

02:42 - Transitioning During COVID

08:08 - The Phone Call That Changed Everything

12:41 - Fixing the Veteran Support Ecosystem

18:32 - Building Daily Resilience

22:07 - The Warrior’s Journey Programs

31:22 - Closing & Resources

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Description:Maria Cherjovsky joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran mental health challenges and share insights on transition, family reintegration, and community support systems. In this episode, we explore:

• The hidden impact of mental health struggles on veterans and their families• How the Comaraderie Foundation provides counseling, mentorship, and connection• Why early intervention and community can prevent crisis and restore purpose

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:Maria Cherjovsky is CEO of the Comaraderie Foundation and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit management, workforce development, and veteran services. With decades of experience supporting veterans and underserved populations, she is dedicated to improving mental health access and long-term success for military families.

Grab the Lifeline:The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

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Connect with VET S.O.S.:Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

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Description:Matthew Wee joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran transition challenges and share insights on leadership, collaboration, and building meaningful support systems for veterans and their families.

In this episode, we explore:• Transitioning from the Marine Corps during COVID and adapting to uncertainty• How volunteering can open doors to long-term career opportunities• The mission and future of VETS2INDUSTRY as a veteran resource hub• The importance of connection, collaboration, and community in transition

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Matthew Wee is a retired Marine Corps veteran and President of VETS2INDUSTRY. With experience across government and nonprofit sectors, he focuses on connecting veterans and families to resources, opportunities, and community-driven support systems.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

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Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #MilitaryTransition #VeteranLeadership #VetsIndustry #VeteranResources #TransitionSuccess #VeteranCommunity #LeadershipDevelopment #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Evan Guzman joins VET S.O.S. to dive into the power of mentorship in military transition and share insights on career development, leadership, and veteran success strategies.

In this episode, we explore:• How mentorship accelerates transition success• The role of Post-Veterati in connecting veterans to opportunity• Key challenges veterans face entering the civilian workforce• How to better position yourself for long-term career growth

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Evan Guzman is a leader in veteran employment strategy and the co-founder of Post-Veterati, a digital mentorship platform supporting the military-connected community. With a background leading military hiring initiatives at Verizon, he now helps organizations and veterans bridge the gap between service and career success.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

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Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #Mentorship #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranCareers #PostVeterati #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #VeteranCommunity #GrabTheLifeline

Aleks Morosky, Regional Director of Grassroots (West) for Wounded Warrior Project, joins the VET S.O.S. Network to break down how veterans can turn their lived experience into real legislative impact.

In this episode, we explore:

• Life after combat and navigating military transition

• How the PACT Act became a reality for post-9/11 veterans

• The role of grassroots advocacy in shaping veteran policy

• What’s next in veteran legislation, mental health, and PTSD research

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, searching for veteran resources, or ready to use your voice to support the broader veteran community, this episode delivers clear, actionable insight.

Aleks Morosky is an Army combat veteran and veteran advocate with extensive experience in congressional offices and national VSOs. He now leads grassroots advocacy efforts across the western U.S. for Wounded Warrior Project, empowering veterans to engage policymakers and advance veteran-focused legislation.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

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Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranAdvocacy #PACTAct #WoundedWarriorProject #VeteranTransition #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranMentalHealth #GrassrootsAdvocacy #VeteranSupport #GrabTheLifeline

Joey Carzoli, Physical Health & Wellness Coach with Wounded Warrior Project, joins VET S.O.S. to dive into what sustainable health really looks like for veterans after service. From chronic pain and weight gain to mental health, identity, and purpose, this episode explores how physical wellness can become a powerful anchor during military transition.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why purpose matters more than motivation• How physical and mental health are inseparable after service• What veterans can expect from Wounded Warrior Project wellness programs• How to build realistic, sustainable fitness habits after the military

Whether you're navigating military transition, rebuilding your health, or searching for purpose after service, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

Joey Carzoli is a Physical Health & Wellness Coach with the Wounded Warrior Project and holds a PhD in Neurophysiology. His work focuses on helping veterans translate health science into practical, sustainable lifestyle changes that improve long-term well-being.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranHealth #MilitaryTransition #VeteranWellness #WoundedWarriorProject #MentalHealth #ChronicPain #PurposeAfterService #VeteranResources #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Ashish Bajaj and Michael Lorey join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into two of the most pressing challenges veterans face during transition: VA disability claims and financial stability.

In this episode, we explore:

• The step-by-step VA claims process and how case management works• The 3 required elements every successful claim must include• How to avoid predatory claims companies• Why financial stress peaks during transition (and how to manage it)• Practical budgeting tools veterans can use immediately• State-level benefits that can supplement income

Michael shares his personal transition story and discusses the reality that it can take 4–7 years for many veterans to fully stabilize financially after leaving the military. Ashish explains how money stress connects to mental health — and how veterans can regain control through practical, manageable steps.

Whether you're navigating military transition, filing your first VA claim, or trying to build financial security after service, this episode gives you clear, actionable guidance you can use today.

About the Guests:

Ashish Bajaj is a Financial Educator with Wounded Warrior Project, specializing in financial coaching and empowerment for veterans.

Michael Lorey is the Southeast Benefits Regional Director at Wounded Warrior Project and a retired U.S. Navy officer with over 21 years of service.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Don’t drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline.

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Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
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#WoundedWarriorProject
#VAClaims
#MilitaryTransition
#VeteranFinancialSupport
#DisabilityBenefits
#TransitionTools
#VeteranResources
#GrabTheLifeline

Fitha Dahana-Ellis joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how the Warrior Care Network provides accelerated, evidence-based mental health treatment for veterans and military families through top academic medical centers.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why traditional PTSD therapy often falls short for veterans
• How two weeks of intensive treatment can equal months of care
• What makes academic medical centers uniquely effective
• How veterans and families can access care with minimal barriers

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a loved one, or searching for real mental health solutions, this episode delivers insight and clarity you can act on today.

Fitha Dahana-Ellis is a Veteran Advocate with the Warrior Care Network and a military spouse with firsthand experience navigating PTSD recovery. She works nationwide to connect veterans and families with life-changing mental health resources.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#VeteranMentalHealth
#PTSDHelp
#WarriorCareNetwork
#MilitaryTransition
#VeteranSupport
#MentalHealthRecovery
#MilitaryFamilies
#WoundedWarrior
#GrabTheLifeline