Disabled Veteran Travis Barnes, his wife Hilary, and some friends started Hotel Tango in 2014. To honor Travis’ military service, they named their distillery based on the NATO phonetic alphabet - Hotel for Hilary, Tango for Travis. Surrounding themselves with exceptional people at every level, they focus on crafting equally exceptional spirits. Spirits that reflect Travis’s exacting standards. Spirits that are fit to serve and made to share.

In this episode, we interview Ginger Barnes (Vice President of Operations) and Kelsey Strohmeyer (Brand Manager) at Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery. They share the story of the company, the culture there, and the amazing work that the company did to produce sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Guests: Ginger Barnes and Kelsey Strohmeyer.

Sponsored By:

• DK New Media: DK New Media is a veteran-owned digital media and marketing consulting firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Promo Code: VETS

Support Veteran Cast

Links:

• Hotel Tango — Hotel Tango is an artisan distillery in Indianapolis, and the first combat-disabled, veteran-owned distillery in the nation.
• Shop Hotel Tango — Create an account and get Hotel Tango's American Straight Bourbon Whiskey, American Straight Rye Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Cherry Liqueur, Orangecello, or Lemoncello delivered to you!

In this episode Douglas interviews Gulf War Enlisted Veteran, John Qualls. John has had an incredible career launching and leading several technology startups. His most recent company is Purposely, a platform to empower employees or individuals to optimize their talents.

Talent optimization is one of the most critical factors that will determine if your business is able to reach and exceed your desired business results. While most business strategies focus on technical and functional aspects talent optimization should be a central part of your business strategy. With talent optimization, use a human lens to convert your business strategy into a compelling story that will engage employees.

Having found his strengths and blazed a path in the technology industry, John is now sharing his wisdom with other people and then putting the tools in place to help them. We discuss how critical this is to both individuals and to companies - especially in times of economic challenges.

Special Guest: John Qualls.

Sponsored By:

• DK New Media: DK New Media is a veteran-owned digital media and marketing consulting firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Promo Code: VETS

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Links:

• Purposely — Helping companies understand and empower their employees.
• Purposely Assessment — Find your purpose with their free assessment.

HVAF was first incorporated as a Far From Home Chapter in June, 1993. In 1995, the organization completed its first housing project, establishing a residence for five homeless veterans. The project became the first transitional housing unit for homeless veterans in Indianapolis.

In 1998, the organization adopted the name Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HVAF). In April, 2000, HVAF developed its Veteran Services Center, extending supportive services to homeless veterans and their families. The center provides food, clothing, furniture, household items and personal hygiene supplies. In 2005, the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation became HVAF of Indiana, Inc.

HVAF operates 13 distinct transitional housing properties including substance abuse and addiction counseling services. In September 2011, HVAF opened another apartment complex that houses 51 veterans, bringing HVAF’s total bed capacity to over 200. Still, the need for services greatly exceeds even this capacity.

HVAF of Indiana houses, supports, and advocates for all veterans and their families to help them achieve the best possible quality of life. They fight veteran homelessness in 5 ways:

1. Housing - they operate 13 distinct housing properties across Indianapolis.
2. Employment - they have employment specialists who help veterans hold employment.
3. Pantry - they stock and provide clothing, hygiene products, and food items all year.
4. Advocacy - they engage in activities to raise awareness in the community.
5. Outreach - Every day, workers go into the community to help those in need.

If you're a veteran, a supporter, or a company in the region that wishes to help, please connect with HVAF of Indiana. They have opportunities to donate funds, donate pantry items, or even donate time to assist in the upkeep of the housing and assistance in their other work.

Special Guests: Andrea DeCamp and Robert White.

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Links:

• HVAF of Indiana — HVAF of Indiana houses, supports, and advocates for all veterans and their families to help them achieve the best possible quality of life.
• Support HVAF of Indiana — Supporters of HVAF of Indiana can donate time, money, or items to assist in their mission.
• Subscribe to HVAF of Indiana's Newsletter — Stay informed about HVAF of Indiana's progress and opportunities where you can assist.

On this episode, we interview Alison Barber Bell, Chancellor of WGU Indiana, and Andrew Nagel, Registered Nurse and Graduate of WGU's Nursing Degree Program. We discuss WGU's unique non-profit, accredited online degree program and how it's especially good for active duty military, transitioning military, veterans, and their families.

WGU Indiana is an online, competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of WGU, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), College of Business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). WGU Indiana has helped 7,500 Hoosiers achieve their dream of completing a college degree. Another 5,900 students are currently enrolled.

Facts about WGU Indiana:

In 2010, Western Governors University was approached by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels about creating a state-based model for the university. Indiana became the very first state model and the first state-endorsed online university, creating positions for a local chancellor and local advisory board.

• WGU Indiana serves more than 520 active-duty military members, veterans or military family members.
• WGU Indiana is a nonprofit, accredited, online university that serves students from all different backgrounds
• WGU Indiana is currently serving about 5,600 Hoosiers – a 166 percent increase in enrollment since 2011.
• WGU Indiana has awarded degrees to more than 7,500 Indiana residents.
• WGU Indiana serves students who are not well-served by traditional colleges and universities; 72 percent are classified as underserved in one or more of four categories: ethnic minority, low income, rural residents, or first-generation college students.
• As of 2018, 86 percent of WGU Indiana’s students work full-time jobs while pursuing a degree.
• According to a recent Gallup-Purdue index, which provides insight into the relationship between the college experience and outcomes, WGU consistently scored higher than the national average when measuring school compatibility, mentorship, challenging curriculum, cost-worthiness and more.

WGU Indiana’s tuition fees are nearly half the national average. Tuition is about $6,500 per 12-month year for most programs, and it is charged at a flat rate, which means students can complete as many courses as they are able in any term, at no additional cost. On average, WGU graduates increase their pre-enrollment income by $12,600 within two years of graduation and by $18,400 within four years. With an average cost of $16,500 for a bachelor's degree, most WGU graduates see a positive return on their investment within two to three years.

Special Guests: Allison Barber Bell and Andrew Nagel.

Sponsored By:

• DK New Media: DK New Media is a veteran-owned digital media and marketing consulting firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Promo Code: VETS

Support Veteran Cast

Links:

• WGU Indiana — WGU Indiana offers programs through the accreditation of our national partner, Western Governors University. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities first accredited WGU in 2003 and reaffirmed our accreditation in 2016, noting WGU's “institution-wide focus on helping students succeed.”
• va.html" title="WGU Military and Veteran Financial Aid and Tuition">WGU Military and Veteran Financial Aid and Tuition — All degree programs offered at Western Governors University are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for all education benefits offered under the GI Bill®. Education benefit options are available for veterans and active duty servicepersons, dependents, and those with service in the National Guard and Reserves. Eligibility for benefits and the amounts available depend upon the serviceperson’s period of military service, years of service, and other factors.
• year.html" title="WGU Scholarships">WGU Scholarships — WGU’s scholarship programs make pursuing your goals even more budget-friendly. Now through March 31, new students are eligible to apply for an exclusive scholarship: The New Year Scholarship.

Joe Biggs is a combat veteran of the United States Army, twice awarded a Purple Heart while serving several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Post-retirement, SSGT Biggs is a political investigative reporter who has a huge following online.

This isn't an interview about politics, though. Joe has been transparent about his post-combat struggles with post traumatic stress disorder. Since the holidays are often a struggle, I asked Joe to share his story as well as his advice for other veterans, family members, and friends.

Please take the time to listen and share this podcast.

Special Guest: Joe Biggs.

Support Veteran Cast

Links:

• Veteran's Crisis Hotline — The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances.
• Gretchen Smith — Gretchen was mentioned on the show for her incredible devotion to veterans who need help.

In a previous episode about the Eleven Fifty Academy, we interviewed Marine Veteran John Qualls about the opportunities for Veterans in the technology industry. Since that time, the Eleven Fifty Academy has historically acquired approval from the federal government for GI Bill usage.

We returned to the Eleven Fifty Academy to speak to David Whitt, the first GI Bill graduate of the Eleven Fifty Academy, and Shawn Gardner, Eleven Fifty's Executive Vice President of Business Development about turning Veterans into Developers. We discuss how training in development is a perfect career path for Veterans to enter the technology sector - either as a coder, project manager, or other supporting leadership position.

We also discuss the incentives for Veterans to move to Indiana to take advantage of this opportunity. Within just a few months, academy training in the technology field can open job opportunities that pay well above averages for Veterans. And within a few years, those careers drive some of the highest incomes under demand in the country.

Special Guests: David Whitt and Shawn Gardner.

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Links:

• Eleven Fifty Academy: GI Bill Funds for Coding — The world needs more coders and the opportunities in Indiana are endless. Most jobs in and out of the technology industry need employees with coding skills. By learning the skills to fill these positions, you can set your sights on better-paying jobs with more room to advance.
• INVets: Indiana Veteran Job and Careers Connection — Founded by a veteran of the global war on terrorism, INvets helps transitioning service members, veterans and spouses take advantage of the huge demand for veteran talent in Indiana. We bring together major employers throughout Indiana who value the skills and experience gained through military service. These companies are looking to recruit veterans to fill thousands of high-paying positions across Indiana, and are often willing to provide veterans with the necessary training to begin rewarding careers that can lead to six-figure earning potential over time.

In this episode, we speak to Angela Allen. Angela is the daughter of one of the first 100 Navy SEALs, Howard Wesley Allen. Howard was a Navy Frogman in the Korean and Vietnam war. He also assisted with the Mercury Missions. After losing her father at a young age, Angela dedicated her life to volunteering and assisting Veterans however they needed. Listen to her unique story in this episode.

As well, we discuss VA Loans in great detail. This is an incredible benefit that goes unused by 94% of Veterans! The benefits of a VA Loan include:

• 100% financing
• No monthly private mortgage insurance required
• A limitation on buyer's closing costs
• The loan is assumable, subject to VA approval of the assumer's credit
• 30 year, fixed loan with interest rates similar to FHA rates
• Seller can pay up to 4% of the Veteran's closing costs and even pay down the buyer's debt to help lower their debt-to-income ratio
• You can have less than perfect credit

Angela will share her story, discuss the American Warrior Initiative, and let us know all the updates regarding upcoming VA Loan program changes.

Special Guest: Angela Allen.

Sponsored By:

• Veterans Media: Please register on Veterans Media so we can be in contact with new events, podcasts, and other offers.

Support Veteran Cast

Links:

• Angela Allen — As a real estate agent, Angela Allen received her accreditation on VA Loans through the American Warrior Institute and has dedicated her life to assisting Veterans.
• American Warrior Initiative — The objective of the non-profit American Warrior Initiative 501(c)3 is to educate, encourage and inspire Americans to give back to our military. A key part of this initiative is the education platform for real estate agents and mortgage professionals.

On 18 June 1938, at a Navy Veterans Reunion in Quincy, Illinois, a new and powerful organization, the Navy Club of the United States of America, was launched. On that day, a Constitution and By-Laws was adopted to govern this unique and distinguished group, speaking the language of the men who go down to the sea in ships.

The original organizational committee drew up a broad administrative charter that envisioned a new concept in collectively bringing together the many private Navy Clubs and Navy Veteran Organizations that had sprung up across the country, and by so doing, give each member and prospective member, a powerful voice as a Nationally Recognized Organization. With the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard men and women of the United States formed together in one great powerful service organization, it was concluded that there should come a more extensive and widespread observance of NAVY DAY, now celebrated on the 13th of October each year, a watchful eye on all legislation and laws that concerns a strong United States Navy and National Defense, a guarantee that our Navy will always be kept at such strengths that there will be no more "Pearl Harbors", a more powerful influence on American thinking on the importance of a "First Class Navy", a better and more informed medium through which the Navy Department can convey its problems to all American citizens, and to join together all sailors, marines and Coast Guard personnel into a closer comradeship.

Special Guest: Geoff McCuen.

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Links:

• Navy Club — Your membership would give NCUSA the added impetus in total members necessary to voice opinions and objectives to our Congress with regards to their philosophies and actions on MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY, COMPENSATIONS, and RETIREMENT FORMULAS. NCUSA as a member of the secretary of the Navy's NAVY-MARINE CORPS COUNCIL, composed of 18 Navy oriented organizations, can better serve the Council's objectives by and through a large membership of its own.
• Navy Club Ship 35 — USS Indianapolis Ship #35 of Navy Club of the USA was first chartered in July 2001. The club became fully active in February 2002. Three of the original members of the club, Steve Lawson, Ted Headings and Jim Boone, held an organizational meeting for new members of the club that month and began the second life of the club with a nucleus of five members. Since that time period, the club has grown and continues to add new members each month. The club was named in honor of the USS Indianapolis crew members and is proud to have Jimmy O’Donnell, one of the original USS Indianapolis crewmen, as an honorary member.

Marine For Life is an extension of the Marine ethos “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”. Marine For Life is a continuation of the Marine Corps’ strategic engagement with Marines and their families across the continuum of the Marine For Lifecycle - commencing with their transformational entry into the Corps, symbolized in their earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, through their transition to Veteran Marine status and the return of these quality citizens back to their communities.

Marine For Life Network connects transitioning Marines and their family members to education resources, employment opportunities, and other Veterans services that aid in their career and life goals outside of military service.

Special Guests: Andrew Janovicz and Nathan Bibler.

Sponsored By:

• Veterans Media: Please register on Veterans Media so we can be in contact with new events, podcasts, and other offers.

Support Veteran Cast

Links:

• Marine for Life Network — Marine For Life Network (M4L) connects transitioning Marines and their family members to education resources, employment opportunities, and other Veterans services that aid in their career and life goals outside of military service.
• LinkedIn: Marine for Life Network — Marine For Life uses LinkedIn groups for online networking opportunities. The Marine For Life LinkedIn networking groups consist of one national group, four regional groups, and several community-specific groups.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is unique in that their volunteers are teaching classes on an on-going, long term basis. It is much more than a one-time fishing trip. Their program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes for participants whose skills range from beginners who have never fished before, to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience. All fly fishing and tying equipment is provided to the participants at no cost. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are also provided free of charge to participants.

Special Guest: Chris Jackson.

Sponsored By:

• Veterans Media: Please register on Veterans Media so we can be in contact with new events, podcasts, and other offers.

Support Veteran Cast

Links:

• Project Healing Waters — Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.