Today we’re talking with combat veteran, Army Ranger, Master Sergeant Cedric King. Wounded in Afghanistan he survived a traumatic IED blast, that resulted in losing both his legs.

But the experience and his faith in God, made him even stronger.

Today he empowers thousands of people through speaking engagements for clients that include NFL, NBA and Major League baseball teams, and other organizations who need help overcoming their challenges to become champions.

We start with his early days in the Army and his search for a greater calling.

King later describes the IED blast and how his faith in God played a pivotal role in his survival. And explains the spirit heard in the timeless military mantra "there are no atheist's in a foxhole".

King also shares the story behind his first motivational speech, and some of inspiring exchanges he's had with NFL and MLB legends like Raven's Ray Lewis and LA Dodger Mookie Betts.

We also hear how the Semper Fi and America's Fund, has been with him every step of the way, ensuring his story continues and his inspiration is shared.

Get involved and support Semper Fi and America's Fund here:

https://thefund.org/

Find more from Cedric King here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedrickingmsg/

Reach Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

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Today we’re talking with (Ret.) Army Lt. Colonel Jim Whaley, CEO of the veteran organization, Mission Roll Call. Every year they continually survey the veteran community with thought provoking polls about a wide variety of issues. Then apply pressure to law makers to ensure their needs are met. We begin with stories from Whaley’s Army aviation days, as a combat helicopter in Germany during the height of the Cold War.

From the ominous threat of Russia in the 80’s to the complex terrorism threats we face today; Whaley describes how underserving generations of war fighters has profoundly negative affects our national security.

Whaley also describes the top veteran issues today- suicide prevention, access to health care and post military transition … and he says there are obvious ways to solve these complex problems.

Whaley discusses where the VA needs to improve, and why the suicide crisis demands our government start researching and using more alternative medical treatments, including psychedelics. And why our government needs to look beyond its past reputation.

Join Mission Roll Call's movement and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill

Sign up here:

https://www.missionrollcall.org/

To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs

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Today we’re honoring Memorial Day with a tribute to 1st Lt Nainoa Hoe, a Hawaiian soldier who became an inspiring Army Officer bravely leading his men in Mosul, Iraq.

But his story begins with an American family who, like many Hawaiians, bravely serve in the military for generations.

His father Allen Hoe, a former Army combat medic in Vietnam, begins this incredible tribute with memories of his service in Vietnam during the late 1960s.

Hoe eventually returned to his native Hawaii and settled into family life raising two wonderful sons. He shares how they were inspired by visits from Dad's Vietnam buddies and stories from their deployments.

In a touching comparison to his own combat experiences, Hoe shares how his brave son, 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe was killed during combat Operation Iraqi Freedom, the deep impact he had on his men and how his legacy lives on today.

Watch Allen Hoe and the story of 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe during the National Memorial Day Concert

Sunday May 26, 2024 8p on PBS

https://www.pbs.org/show/national-memorial-day-concert/

To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host and Navy vet, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

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