COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran peer support, leadership beyond the uniform, and the mission to reduce veteran suicide through connection and purpose.

In this episode, we explore:• The power of peer support and veteran camaraderie• How Warriors for Life creates safe spaces for healing• Why transition struggles impact mental health• How veterans can continue serving after retirement

Whether you're navigating military transition, mentoring others, or searching for meaningful ways to give back, this conversation offers clear, actionable insight you can use today.

COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs served 37 years in uniform and now serves as CEO of Victory for Veterans. He leads national peer support initiatives, supports veteran healing programs, and continues his mission to ensure no veteran fights alone after service.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

• VET S.O.S. • VET S.O.S. – Operation Startup• VET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranSupport #MilitaryLeadership #PeerSupport #VeteranTransition #MentalHealthMatters #VeteranCommunity #ItsOurTurnToServe #GrabTheLifeline #TheMilitaryEffect

Description:

Derik Board joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the healing power of music and how creative storytelling can help veterans process their experiences and share their stories with the world. As the founder of Commemorate Through Chords, Derik helps veterans transform their military journeys into original songs that preserve their legacy and provide an outlet for healing.

In this episode, we explore:
• The emotional challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service
• How songwriting can help veterans process trauma and reconnect with purpose
• The mission of Commemorate Through Chords and how it’s preserving veteran stories through music

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a veteran, or searching for powerful ways to express and preserve life experiences, this episode offers insight into how music can become a lifeline for healing and connection.

About the Guest:

Derik Board is an Air Force National Guard veteran, musician, and veteran advocate from the Ohio Valley. As the founder of Commemorate Through Chords, he works directly with veterans to turn their stories into music, creating a powerful legacy through songwriting and storytelling.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VeteranTransition
#VeteranStories
#MusicTherapy
#MilitaryCommunity
#VeteranSupport
#VeteranMentalHealth
#VETSOS
#MilitaryPodcast
#HealingThroughMusic
#GrabTheLifeline

Christian Meza joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into legacy, loss, faith, and continued service through The Military Effect campaign. As a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient and Regional Impact Officer, Christian shares how personal grief became a lifelong mission to support military families.

In this episode, we explore:• How military service impacts families long after the uniform comes off• Turning loss into purpose through service and leadership• Building community through Folds of Honor and golf-based fundraising• Why storytelling saves lives and strengthens legacy

Whether you're navigating military transition, dealing with grief, or searching for purpose beyond service, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real-world perspective.

Christian Meza is a Regional Impact Officer for Folds of Honor and a proud military son. After losing his father to service-connected injuries, Christian became a national advocate for military families, helping raise awareness, funding scholarships, and building community impact across the country.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. — Operation StartupVET S.O.S. — Learning LifelineVET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #FoldsOfHonor #VeteranStories #MilitaryLegacy #PurposeDrivenLeadership #GoldStarFamilies #TheMilitaryEffect #GrabTheLifeline