Military Veterans Podcast

Gary joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery (RA) in the British Army twice, once in 1999 and again in 2004. He served for 12 years in total, reaching the rank of Bombardier (Bdr).In this episode Gary talks about his journey in joining the British Army, and why he left and then rejoined a few years later. He shares his time completing many courses, which prepared him for operational tours of Iraq and 2 deployments to Afghanistan. These tours saw him be part of a Close Protection Team, a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), and be a Forward Observer.During Gary’s 2nd operational tour to Afghanistan, he was part of a mission, which sadly lost a life of a team member. During this event, Gary consciously risked his life, on three separate occasions, and it was a miracle he himself was not killed. For his actions on this day, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC), second only to the Victoria Cross (VC). After this tour, he suffered a shoulder and leg injury, which meant his career was cut short. However, he set new goals with recurve archery (a sport he’s excelled in from a young age), and took on the challenge of being part of the inaugural Invictus Games in London 2014, where he won Team Gold and Individual Silver.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/sGeuhXiGb4sPart 2: youtu.be/G-MCt9vQaBwTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 025 - Cpl Barney Gillespie from 10th June 2022.In this Veteran Viewpoint: Barney shares his journey after leaving hospital and going through rehabilitation, since his incident with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). There were darks days, but he battled through, learning how to use his new prosthetic leg.With his new mindset, he managed to set new goals and challenges, including taking part in the Sydney 2018 Invictus Games, the Dakar Rally, and becoming an Army Cadet Instructor.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/KQUsmTFWcD8Part 2: youtu.be/qHO1WA5_R0ITikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/VeteranViewpointX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

In celebration of reaching the milestone of 50 episodes on this show, we are giving away 50 free sticker packs. Nothing too crazy, but just a little something to say thank you!If you want to have a free sticker pack sent to you, head to our website and fill out the form.Website Form:milvetpodcast.com/50-episodesWatch Episode on YouTube:youtu.be/kooV3tDS6KMTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Bob joined the United States Army (USA) in 2002 as part of Airborne Infantry, and served for 4 years, reaching the rank of Specialist (SPC).In this episode Bob talks about his journey in joining the U.S. Army, and what it was like going through Basic Training, then onto Army Airborne School. He shares what it was like being sent to the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment (1st of the 508th - Red Devils), in Italy, before being deployed to Iraq. This deployment saw his unit parachute into the country, being his 1st jump since Airborne School, and his 6th jump ever.Bob also shares what it was like returning home after 1 year away in a war zone, and then getting orders to join the 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. After arriving at the 101st, he deploys to Iraq for the second time, ahead of his transition back to civilian life. After leaving the U.S. Army, Bob goes on a journey to become sober, with writing being part of his therapy, which has lead him to releasing multiple books - his first being Warflower.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/pXDu0kjW2y4Part 2: youtu.be/X3itIUREDhsTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 024 - Capt Phil Klay from 10th May 2022.In this Veteran Viewpoint: Phil talks about using the G.I. Bill to help getting a writing degree and go to teachers college, when leaving the U.S. Marine Corps. This included going into a graduate creative writing program.He also shares some of the books that he has written, which have done well enough, for him to become a writer full time. These books include Redeployment (Award winning) and Missionaries. Phil has also been part of a different podcast called American Veteran: Unforgettable Stories.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/Cl-yb6EW9iUPart 2: youtu.be/IVgSBANOPqITikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/VeteranViewpointX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Mike joined the United States Navy (USN) in 2003, as part of the Aviation branch, before becoming a Navy SEAL. He served for 10 years, reaching the rank of Petty Officer First Class (PO1).In this episode Mike talks about his ambition to become a Navy SEAL at a young age, and his journey in joining the Navy, to begin this pursuit. There were challenges to over come, including going through the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training twice, before getting the SEAL Trident. Between these attempts at BUD/S, he got orders to Japan, as part of the aviation unit.Mike also shares what it was like being part of SEAL Team 4, and deploying to Afghanistan on multiple occasions. Whilst deployed he was able to work with Special Forces from different countries, including the Polish SF. He made the decision to apply to business schools before leaving the Navy, which was the start of a different journey in businesses, including co-founding ZeroEyes - Save time. Save lives.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/vexSleIot-cPart 2: youtu.be/mWsglISs5V8TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 023 - LH(Police) Larry Roke from 10th April 2022.In this Veteran Viewpoint: Larry shares the abrupt end to his career in the Royal Navy, and how he had to cope with the realisation that he won't continue within the military, and what could he do as a civilian.He had a hobby with fixing vehicles, which he really enjoyed, and therefore looked into becoming a mechanic as a new career. Looking into the charity Mission Motorsport to help in taking this step forward, with experience and qualifications to move forward within the sector.Larry also gives some information about the aftermath of beating testicular cancer, which we spoke more about in his main episode. Plus how he is having regular checkups, and dealing with applying testosterone on a daily basis.With these steps and what he has gone through, he shares some great advice for people about to leave the military, and also some great advice for anyone thinking of joining.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/yoQUSBm0tGwPart 2: youtu.be/tDhb1uSy5xcTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/VeteranViewpointX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Ben joined the Parachute Regiment within the British Army in 1997, and served 23 years across multiple areas including, the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME), Pathfinders (PF), and finishing with the British Special Air Service (SAS), reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt).In this episode Ben talks about growing up and wanting to join the Royal Marines, before ending up joining the Parachute Regiment, in the British Army. He shares life with 2 PARA before transferring to the REME, and then transferring back to 2 PARA, with a deployment to Iraq in 2005.Ben wanted and needed more challenges, so went into the Pathfinders and shares what “The Cadre” was like to successfully become part of this advance force, and then deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. After sometime with the Pathfinders, Ben went on Selection and joined 22 SAS where he saw out his career, completing just under 12 years within the Special Forces. Lastly, as he transitioned out of the military, Ben created HR4K based in Hereford, UK, which is a veteran owned community hub. Bringing good people together.Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/4pyCPdMN_mAPart 2: youtu.be/JRvGwZhLxNUTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

Full Episode: Ep 022 - WO2 Joey Jordan from 10th March 2022.In this Veteran Viewpoint: Joey shares his transition back into civilian life, after achieving his big goal in his military career, to become a Warrant Officer Class 2.He talks about the courses he looked at, the difficulty with buying a house for the first time, and other steps he had to take ready to move away from his military life. During this time, he saw an opening to work with the charity Mission Motorsport, where he has been working since leaving. Joey also shares some great advice for people wanting to join the military, as well as advice for people about to leave and become a veteran.Watch Full Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/OPnGthfGOLkPart 2: youtu.be/ZFB5o6u3-U0TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/VeteranViewpointX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textSupport the show

Steve joined the British Army in 1986 and served for 12 years, as part of The Queen’s Regiment, which later amalgamated and became part of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR). He reached the rank of Lance Corporal (LCpl).In this episode Steve talks about joining the British Army as a Junior Soldier at Shorncliffe, before heading to Bassingbourn Barracks. He shares being posted to Canterbury, then moving over to Aldergrove in Northern Ireland, and followed by a move over to Episkopi in Cyprus.Steve also shares a tour to the Falkland Islands, and then another posting to Northern Ireland, this time in Omagh. During this time, the Regiment amalgamates with The Royal Hampshire Regiment and Steve talks about the challenges with these Regiments merging. After leaving the British Army and finding his feet, Steve becomes a Fire Fighter, and completes another 12 years service. Watch Episode on YouTubePart 1: youtu.be/HqHRXl6oqQEPart 2: youtu.be/ecfN02GJcb0TikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastX:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchSend us a textMessage at the beginning of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of the show. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show