Today we’re talking about with Marine Corps combat veteran and award winning truck driver, Jesus Davila about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept 15 thru 21st.

During our conversation Jesus shared what the industry is like, stories from the road including delivery of one of the nation’s most important trees, and we hear how the trucking industry is a perfect fit for veterans.

But long before Jesus joined the trucking industry, he was a Marine in Iraq … and he explained how being in a truck was not always the safest place to be.

However, after leaving the military, Jesus decided to get his CDL and follow a family tradition of driving trucks.

Davila shared his experiences; from getting his license to what it's like being behind the wheel on some of the busiest highways in America. He also describes some incredible moments like; delivery the nation's Christmas Tree and meeting President Biden.

He also explains programs from the American Trucking Associations, which offer an affordable pathway to getting a career in this essential industry.

See more about USMC veteran Jesus Davila here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-davila-907627239

Find out how to get a great career in trucking through the American Trucking Associations' Workforce Heroes Program:

https://www.trucking.org/workforce-heroes

Contact:

CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it's about Walz or Vance, Infantry vs. Admin, the current political climate is charged with toxic rhetoric.

Social media has erupted with veterans dismissing the National Guard service of Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz, while others are claiming that Republican VP candidate Sen JD Vance was merely a photographer while he served in Iraq.

The effect of this politically inspired mud slinging divides a community who would normally have each other’s back.

So, we turn to Retired US Army Col. Kenneth Allard, a former West Point professor and Dean of the National War College for some perspective.

We begin our conversation with Allard’s memories of his days leading troops in war torn Kosovo.

Allard then dives into some poignant analysis; How The National Guard has been misused since 9/11, How most media critics (of either VP candidate) have never even served in the military, and why veterans slamming each other over combat experience only weakens our nation and demoralizes many who have served.

In this politically neutral conversation, Colonel Allard frequently offers sage advice for all Americans, ... and especially for those who have served.

Check out Retired US Army Colonel Ken Allard's column, and his recent article "The Most Wretched Veepstakes" here:

https://www.mikehuckabee.com/latest-news?id=A67FB09C-773C-4BDF-9A9D-C7C952822C23

Contact:

Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow:

@philbriggsVet

@connectingvets

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The events surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August '21 (and our overall strategy) have had a huge impact on the veteran community, both physically and mentally. So, this week we’re sharing the words of our most insightful guests.

We begin with Army veteran and DoD Intelligence Contractor Pete Turner. His interview was both an analysis of the situation he witnessed, and an indictment of the DoD’s failed strategy. This is easily one of our favorite interviews and one listeners will remember for a long time.

Next we examine the bonds made with Afghans with USMC (Ret.) Maj. Tom Schueman and discuss his book, “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter”. It’s the story of his interpreter Zak, and his harrowing escape before the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban.

Finally Army paratrooper and combat veteran William Yeske’s talks about his book, “Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley” which was one of the deadliest areas of operation. He recalls the harshness of war, but also shared a touching moment of validation he received after the book was published.

More from Army veteran, Intelligence Expert Pete Turner:

"Why our plan in Afghanistan failed"

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/eye-on-veterans-10fe9/episodes/why-our-plan-failed-in-afghanistan-af213

Pete Turner's podcast "The Break it Down Show"

https://www.breakitdownshow.com/

Maj. Tom Schueman's book, “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter”

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/always-faithful-thomas-schuemanzainullah-zaki?variant=40966079086626

Army combat veteran Willaim Yeske's book "Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan"

https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657

CBS Eye on Veterans

Phil Briggs, Host

phil@connectingvets.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.