The Decision Hour

Ep: 293- Abandoned

On this episode of The Decision Hour Host Adam Bird sits down with Nic Gray who is the CEO of Uniformed Services Justice & Advocacy Group - USJAG (https://www.usjag.org) and the Executive Producer of Abandoned.
 
Sit back and listen to this chilling interview as Nic takes you deep into this new documentary called ABANDONED. It exposes the abusive discharge practices of injured active-duty service members by the Department of Defense. They discuss how this film came to be and what it took to make this film happen, from the cases, interviews and confidential informants. Why was it important to do now, and they talk about what might happen once it’s been released.
 
So what really happens when a solider comes home from war? What roll does the Department of Defense (D.O.O) play? You're about to find out.
 
If you or someone you know is active duty or a veteran, you won’t want to miss this.
 

Ep: 292 - Always free, never a fee with Don Martin

Don Martin was a an elite level performing Baseball player who after college played some pro ball until an injury forced him into a different path in life, or was it faith? He felt a calling to help others, because of his upbringing and having family members that have served in the military, Don knew he wanted to give back to those who have severed our great nation.  We kick off the show with Don sharing his story and getting to know him a little better.
 
Fast-forward to today, Don is a very successful business man and is great at building relationships with other entrepreneurs. We discuss networking, helping others and a new project he has now for veterans called Veterans Biz Connect (https://www.bizconnectcoalition.com/veteranbizconnect). Picture this, more business referrals, less uncomfortable conversations and more enjoyable experience networking with fellow veterans.  That’s what Veteran Biz connect is all about.  More than 60 % of people won’t attend a traditional networking event like the chambers of commerce, business card exchanges, mixers or business lunches because they felt uncomfortable.  Well now there is a networking opportunity for veterans right on line with Veteran Biz Connect. Here is an added bonus, if you are a veteran owned business you can have your company listed on veteransowned.biz for FREE, or as Don likes to say “Always free, never a fee”.
 
IF you are a veteran owned company, you need to check out both Veteran Biz Connect  and veteranowned.biz
 
We wrap up the show with Don sharing two “Decision Hour” moments in his life, one about playing baseball and the other, coaching entrepreneurs to success. Don has been coaching  entrepreneurs for nearly two decades. There is no doubt he has a passion to help others succeed. 

Ep: 291 - Pentagon Memorial Foundation with Mr. Sean Connaughton

More than 1Million people visit the Pentagon Memorial each year, but unlike the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania and the 9/11 Memorial in NYC, the 9/11 National Pentagon Memorial does not have a visitors center where people can be educated and learn about more about what happen at the Pentagon on that day in our nations history.
This episode it down with the Chair and President of the PMF Board of Directors, Mr. Sean Connaughton.  We talk about the Pentagon Memorial Foundation (PMF), what it means to visitors and why it’s so important to establish a education center for visitors near the memorial site.  PMF is working on raising funds from the private sector and you can make a donation on their website and learn a lot more at https://pentagonmemorial.org
Sean is a Military veteran, he served in active duty with the U.S. Coast Guard and as a U.S. Navy reservist, retiring as a Commander.  During the George W. Bush Administration, Sean served as Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration from 2006-2009. (Note: A presidentially-appointed, U.S. Senate-confirmed position).  Sean later then served in elected government Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, and state government, as Transportation Secretary under former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.  It was his time as Transpiration Secretary, he was involved in helping the PMF secure a key piece of land to facilitate the development of the memorial property.
Sean is also the current President and CEO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, representing 110 hospitals across Virginia.

Ep: 290 - Operation ReBoot

It’s time to get outdoors and reboot!  This episode I sit down with the founder of Operation Reboot Mr. Dan Waite & Board Member Mr. Ken Blaisdell.  
“Operation ReBoot Outdoors is a 501c3 non-profit organization that concentrates on getting Veterans, LEOs, and service members out of the house and into nature, providing healing through hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. We do not turn anyone away here at ORO. If there is a Veteran who needs a reboot, who served honorably or are currently serving our country, they qualify for our services. We are thankful for our ability as Veterans and Registered Maine Guides to help other Veterans reset their back azimuth to True North.”  
We kick off the show getting to know Dan and Ken and each of their stories.  We then walk through how Operation ReBoot was formed and what their mission is.  Since 2019, they have served more than 590+ veterans, law enforcement officers and active duty members!  We talk about some of the hunts and fishing trips they provide and how you can you can get involved. We wrap up the show with them both sharing some very powerful Decision Hours.  Ken shares his decision, "Whether have my legs amputated or not?" and Dan shares his "Standing on that line everyday" decision hour moment.
This organization is putting a lot of smiles on peoples faces!  For more information go to www.operationrebootoutdoors.com
I want to tell the listeners like I created, I started reboot, because I didn't have a support system, because I lost all of you, when I got out, I want to create a family strong enough that if I fell down, or any one of our brothers around us, when we're out here fall down, somebody's right there to help them, you know, carry them along to they can get back on their feet again. ~ Dan Waite, President ~

Ep: 290 - Operation ReBoot

It’s time to get outdoors and reboot!  This episode I sit down with the founder of Operation Reboot Mr. Dan Waite & Board Member Mr. Ken Blaisdell.  
“Operation ReBoot Outdoors is a 501c3 non-profit organization that concentrates on getting Veterans, LEOs, and service members out of the house and into nature, providing healing through hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. We do not turn anyone away here at ORO. If there is a Veteran who needs a reboot, who served honorably or are currently serving our country, they qualify for our services. We are thankful for our ability as Veterans and Registered Maine Guides to help other Veterans reset their back azimuth to True North.”  
We kick off the show getting to know Dan and Ken and each of their stories.  We then walk through how Operation ReBoot was formed and what their mission is.  Since 2019, they have served more than 590+ veterans, law enforcement officers and active duty members!  We talk about some of the hunts and fishing trips they provide and how you can you can get involved. We wrap up the show with them both sharing some very powerful Decision Hours.  Ken shares his decision, "Whether have my legs amputated or not?" and Dan shares his "Standing on that line everyday" decision hour moment.
This organization is putting a lot of smiles on peoples faces!  For more information go to www.operationrebootoutdoors.com
I want to tell the listeners like I created, I started reboot, because I didn't have a support system, because I lost all of you, when I got out, I want to create a family strong enough that if I fell down, or any one of our brothers around us, when we're out here fall down, somebody's right there to help them, you know, carry them along to they can get back on their feet again. ~ Dan Waite, President ~

Ep: 289 - You Have Value with Tim ”TK” Klund

Tim Klund – CEO/Founder VERVE Systems LCC. U.S. Air Force Veteran, Serial Entrepreneur, Author of “Stop Whining, Start Winning 2.0 (The Workbook Edition), A Top Corporate & Sports Relationship Specialist, A Godly Man and an Inspiration to many.This is one of the most motivating and influential Decision Hour episodes to date so strap in! 
In this episode I sit down with Mr. Tim Klund, we get a chance to learn about him in his early years, his time in the United States Air Force and some of his time working his way up the ladder in Corporate America.   But that’s just the beginning, until a bad car accident in 2000, got him thinking about life and moving in a different direction. We discuss that direction and the people he met along the way.  Tim is a serial entrepreneur and we talk a little bit about the companies he has founded.  One product we discuss is an amazing mouthpiece, they have an upper and lower one.  Used for different types of training, weight lifting, Pilates, yoga etc.  Lots of people use it for sleep, it helps open your airway it pushes your jaw forward and gives you the proper vertical between your teeth and opens that airway kind of like CPR. We then talk about  The Celebrity Softball Classic – (www.celebritysoftballclassic.org)how this event got started, some of the celebrities that have played in it and how it’s helping others.  Tickets go on sale April 15th 2022 and the Game will be June 11th in Arlington, Tx.
We discuss his book “Stop Whining, Start Winning 2.0” (https://amzn.to/37d8sZ3) this book is a must have! Easy and a great read!   If you have teenagers in the house make them read this, if you are someone looking to make a change in your life, or you’re thinking about starting a business, you need this book.  We talk about Tim’s C.H.E.A.T System and how Success is by design.
There are so many other added value moments in this episode you’ll just need to listen. We wrap up the show with Tim share two Decision Hour moments that you don’t want to miss.  “It’s all about helping people” “Bet on yourself”, “What Else?” ~ Tim Klund ~
 
Be sure to check out Tim’s Company links:Verve Performance Labs (https://verveperformancelabs.com)
Verve United - https://verveunited.com
Verve Forever – CBD https://verveforever.comCelebrity Softball Classic – https:// www.celebritysoftballclassic.org  
NEW PRODCUT OUT NOW! https://verveforever.com/product-category/vitamins/

Ep: 288 - FIGHT with Betsy Ross

This week I set down with Author and Veteran, Betsy Ross. Betsy shares her story of transitioning out of the military and what it was like for her.  We talk about how she started writing and how sharing her story lead to sharing other peoples story, in hopes that it would educate others and help them understand what veterans go through.  She has a series of books called FIGHT.  FIGHT is a short book series with a mission to promote the importance of veterans awareness in general and mental health. Many question why 22+ veterans commit suicide a day, FIGHT brings some of the raw and real answers to light. (Order here: http://www.betsyrossauthor.com/)
 

Ep: 287 - My Tax Fella with Anthony Mauriello, EA

Tax season is upon us, are you ready?  We welcome back our good friend Mr. Anthony Mauriello, EA (a.k.a. My Tax Fella).  Anthony is an expert in his craft with over 20 years of experience.  We sit down and discuss how he started his business (https://www.mytaxfella.com), the difference between an EA and a CPA, and common mistakes people and business make when doing their own taxes.  Anthony also shares a personal Decision Hour where he says “I'm pulling back the curtain” takes a look at a few things, makes the decision and shares some exciting news about his business the services that it has to offer.  You’ll have to listen to find out what it is!
 
Anthony is a trusted friend and someone we have done business with for a long time.  If you are looking to start a business or you need help with your taxes, be sure to give him a call!  Tell him we sent ya!
 
Anthony was also on Episode: 197 – Listen here:
https://www.heroesmediagroup.com/podcast/anthony-mauriello/
 

Ep: 286 - The Ride to Freedom with Judy Mark

This week we are talking with Serial Entrepreneur Judy Mark.  We start the show off learning about Judy as she shares how she became an entrepreneur at the age of 19 and where that journey has taken her.  Then we fast-forward to the present and discuss the Freedom Riders and the Freedom Convoy that took place in Canada, why it happened, how it started and why.  Judy takes us to the front of it all and shares her experience of riding with the Freedom Riders and bringing awareness and updates as to what went on during her time with the Freedom Convoy.  She many days doing updates and went LIVE on social media to share what she was seeing first hand.
 
You can follow Judy on social media here:
Facebook
 
Instagram

Ep: 285 - A Recipe for Success with Charlynda Scales

You all better buckle up and turn the volume up because you don’t want to miss this one!  This week’s guest is my friend, Air Force Veteran, Mother, and serial entrepreneur, Charlynda Scales.  Tune in and find out how this “Country girl from Tennessee” took a family recipe from 1956 and turned it into a business.  Charlynda is making America taste better one bite at a time.  Just wait to you hear her Decision Hour, pay close attention to what was going on in her life at the time and the people she was talking to. - “the decision to either shut things down, or to flip my entire business model.”  ~ Charlynda Scales ~
Charlynda Scales is a serial entrepreneur and serves as founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce LLC and OH Taste LLC, Director of OH Taste (501c3), as well as the creator of The Empower Collection.
Charlynda is a sought-after speaker and coach for small businesses and women empowerment. She is a TEDx alumnus. Her gift is cultivating influential people by meeting them where they are in life and in business.  She is an Air Force veteran and currently serves as a Reservist at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Charlynda and the story of Mutt's Sauce has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, NPR, Forbes.com, QVC, Men's Journal, CBS News, NBCUniversal, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Military.com. In 2020, Charlynda was also featured in FUBU Founder and Shark Tank investor Daymond John's bestselling book, POWERSHIFT.
She is a Clemson University graduate, with a degree in Aerospace Science and Business Management. She also holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership. She started the company Mutt’s Sauce, LLC while she was still serving on active duty in the military. She is a graduate of the following distinguished courses:
Tuck School of Executive Leadership at Dartmouth
The Empower Program, by Dayton Chamber of Commerce
The Course for Presidents, by Aileron
Charlynda currently sits on the board of Bunker Labs, Veterans for Political Innovation, and Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau. Charlynda is a Gold Award Winner and has a Lifetime Membership to Girl Scouts of the USA.
Her son, David, is, in her opinion, her finest achievement.
Mutt's Sauce website: www.muttssauce.com
Charlynda Scales website: www.charlyndajean.com