Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson didn't set out to become the leader of the nation's only major memorial dedicated to women who served in the U.S. military. In fact, despite spending years working at the Pentagon, she didn't even know the Military Women's Memorial existed until 2013.

Today, as President of the Military Women's Memorial Foundation, Wilson is helping ensure that the stories of more than three million women who have served since the Revolutionary War are preserved, honored, and shared with future generations.

In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Wilson to discuss her remarkable 37-year military career, her path from intelligence and language operations to leadership, the challenges women faced in uniform throughout much of her service, and why preserving women's military stories remains as important as ever.

As Women Veterans Day (June 12)  approaches, this conversation is a powerful reminder that military history is far broader—and more personal—than many people realize.

In This Episode

• Why Phyllis originally joined the Army 
• Her 37-year military career and work in intelligence operations
• Serving as a woman in uniform during a very different era
• The challenges faced by dual-military families
• Why becoming a Warrant Officer changed everything
• Discovering the Military Women's Memorial after decades of service
• Progress and persistent misconceptions surrounding women veterans
• Why recording and preserving your military story matters
• How listeners can support the Military Women's Memorial

Stay Connected

Phyllis Wilson is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and President of the Military Women's Memorial, located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. During her distinguished military career, she served in intelligence and special operations assignments, including work with Joint Special Operations Command. Today, she leads efforts to preserve and share the stories of women who have served throughout American military history.

• Military Women's Memorial: https://womensmemorial.org
• Join the National Women Veterans Recognition Day-Celebrating 250 Years of Service virtually: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-women-veterans-recognition-day-celebrating-250-years-of-service-tickets-1987024390441?aff=oddtdtcreator
• Follow @womensmemorial on Instagram

• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

In this episode of Return to Base, host Cliff Van Rickley sits down with Brian Ferguson, a former Navy Special Operations Officer and founder of Arena Labs, to explore what separates high-performing teams from those that struggle under pressure. Drawing on experiences from special operations, national security, elite athletics, and healthcare, Ferguson explains why human performance—not just technology or systems—is often the deciding factor in mission success.

From his unconventional path to military service to pioneering the field of "high-performance medicine," Ferguson shares lessons on leadership, stress management, decision-making, and building resilient teams in environments where mistakes carry serious consequences.

In This Episode

• Why Ferguson left a career in national security to become a Navy SEAL
• The influence of 9/11 and public service on his career path
• What special operations taught him about leadership and performance
• How observing cardiac surgery teams sparked the idea for Arena Labs
• The surprising similarities between elite military units and healthcare professionals
• How stress impacts decision-making in high-stakes environments
• Practical techniques anyone can use to improve performance under pressure
• The future of human performance in healthcare and beyond

Why This Matters

From combat deployments to boardrooms to operating rooms, pressure is unavoidable. The question isn't whether you'll face it—it's how you'll respond when you do.

In this episode, Brian Ferguson shares lessons from special operations and healthcare that challenge conventional thinking about performance. His message is simple: the best teams don't just train for the mission—they train the people executing it. For veterans, leaders, and anyone striving to perform at a higher level, these insights offer a roadmap for navigating stress, improving decision-making, and leading more effectively when it matters most.

Stay Connected

Brian Ferguson is a former Navy SEAL officer and the Founder and CEO of Arena Labs, a company dedicated to improving human performance in healthcare. Drawing on lessons learned in special operations, aviation, sports, and medicine, Arena Labs helps healthcare organizations improve decision-making, resilience, team performance, and patient outcomes through coaching, biometric data, and performance science.

• Learn more about Arena Labs and its mission to bring high-performance principles to healthcare teams at www.arenalabs.co
• Follow @arenalabs on Instagram
• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

What happens after service… when the mission shifts to policy?

In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Zachary Federico to unpack a side of service most people never see—what it looks like to continue serving beyond the uniform by shaping the policies that impact veterans and military families.

Federico shares his unconventional path from musician in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Division Band to leading national conversations on veteran policy at ALEC. At the center of the discussion: a rapidly evolving push to expand access to alternative mental health treatments for veterans, including psychedelic-assisted therapy.

As federal momentum builds and states take the lead, Federico offers a behind-the-scenes look at how legislation actually happens—and how veterans themselves are driving change by sharing their stories and advocating for better care.

This conversation goes beyond policy—it’s about purpose, impact, and what it means to keep serving in a different way.

In This Episode

• From “band kid” to policy leader: Federico’s path to service and ALEC
• How state-level legislation shapes real outcomes for veterans
• The growing momentum behind psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD
• Why traditional treatments aren’t working for everyone
• The role veterans play in influencing policy decisions
• How YOU can get involved and make your voice heard

“Don’t underestimate how powerful your voice can be—especially as a veteran.”

This episode is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Whether it’s through advocacy, storytelling, or policy engagement, veterans continue to shape the future for those who come after them.

Why This Matters

With new federal efforts to accelerate research into alternative mental health treatments—and states building frameworks to support access—this moment could mark a major shift in how the country cares for veterans struggling with PTSD and other conditions.

But progress doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens because veterans speak up.

Stay Connected

• Learn more about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) at www.alec.org
• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

What happens after the uniform comes off?

In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with filmmaker and actor Steven Grayhm to talk about his powerful new film Sheepdog—a story that explores the invisible battles many veterans face after service.

Written, directed, produced, and starring Grayhm himself, Sheepdog dives into the emotional terrain of life after the military: identity, trauma, purpose, and the search for connection. The film isn’t just about war—it’s about what comes after, and the path toward healing and post-traumatic growth.

Through this conversation, Grayhm shares why he spent more than a decade bringing this story to life, what the title “Sheepdog” really means, and how the film is resonating with veterans who see their own experiences reflected on screen.

In This Episode

• The Origin of Sheepdog
• Response From the Veteran Community
• Mental Health and the Mission Continued

“Service leaves marks—but it also leaves strength.”

Sheepdog reminds us that while the transition out of the military can be complicated, it can also lead to growth, connection, and renewed purpose. Sometimes the bravest thing a veteran can do is simply tell the truth about what comes after.

Where to Watch

Sheepdog is available now on streaming platforms including:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Spectrum
• Comcast
• YouTube Movies

Learn more and find streaming options at SheepdogTheMovie.com

Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next.

Visit navyfederal.org to learn more.

Stay Connected

• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

What if healing didn’t always start in a clinic — but in a stadium seat?

In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Marine veteran and Vet Tix Chief Strategy Officer Steve Weintraub to talk about purpose after service, the power of belonging, and how shared experiences can literally save lives.

With more than 2.6 million verified members and 35+ million tickets distributed, Vet Tix has quietly become the largest veteran-focused nonprofit in the country. But as Steve explains, this isn’t about “free tickets.” It’s about reconnection, reintegration, and resilience.

From NASCAR tracks to the Super Bowl, the impact goes far beyond the event itself.

In This Episode

From Arizona to the Marine Corps

The Transition: Identity Beyond the Uniform

What Vet Tix Really Does

Vet Tix provides free event tickets to:

• Veterans
• Active-duty service members
• Families of KIA
• First responders

But the real mission?
Reducing stress. Strengthening bonds. Rebuilding connection.

Steve shares:

• How sitting next to fellow veterans creates community
• Why joy is an underrated form of recovery

Super Bowl Moments & Milestones

• How Vet Tix secured its first Super Bowl tickets
• Why members are randomly selected (no essays required)
• The $16.97 delivery fee model — and why it matters
• The organization’s growth from startup to 35 million tickets distributed

“Service doesn’t stop — it evolves.” Steve’s story is a reminder that purpose after the military doesn’t have to look like it did in uniform. Sometimes it looks like building access, restoring connection, and making sure no veteran feels alone in the stands.

How to Get Involved

For Veterans & Service Members:

1. Visit VetTix.org
2. Create an account
3. Verify through ID.me
4. Browse local events
5. Request tickets

For Donors:

• Donate unused season tickets
• Corporate ticket holders can contribute
• 501(c)(3) in-kind tax deduction available
• 92%+ scan rate ensures tickets get used

Every extra seat can become a memory.

Episode Links

Vet Tix: VetTix.org

Donate Tickets: https://www.vettix.org/donate

Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next.

Visit navyfederal.org to learn more.

Stay Connected

• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.
  
  
  

Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it evolves.

In the Season 2 premiere of Return to Base, host Cliff Van Rickley sits down with Sally Rejas, an 82nd Airborne combat veteran whose journey spans from growing up in rural Puerto Rico to jumping out of planes with the Army’s tip of the spear, and ultimately becoming a leader for veterans in her community.

Sally shares how resilience shaped her early life, how an Army recruiter “accidentally” recruited the right sister, and what it meant to join the military just before 9/11 changed everything. From Airborne School and deployments to Kuwait and Iraq, to transitioning out as a single mom and rediscovering her identity as a veteran, Sally’s story is about leadership, visibility, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.

Now a civil servant and the first female commander of her American Legion Post in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Sally is helping reshape what leadership looks like for today’s veteran community — especially for women who often go unseen.

This episode is a powerful reminder: your mission may change, but your purpose doesn’t.

Episode Links

Learn More About the American Legion: https://www.legion.org

Find a Local Post: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Post 

Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next.

Visit navyfederal.org to learn more.

Stay Connected

• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history, and much more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.
  
  
  

After graduating college and being commissioned through ROTC, Brett went on to serve in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. Luckily, having grown up in Michigan he was used to the ridiculously cold winters and snow. Then the army saw fit to send him to another ridiculously cold location half-way around the world - the mountains of Southern Afghanistan.

There’s something about the military; soldiers are plucked from their lives and inserted into a delegation of characters from every corner of the country and world. What better to do than take note and turn them into characters in your satirical novel? That’s exactly what Brett did in his novel Kilroy Was Here, a semi-autobiographical take on his time in Afghanistan.

We talk about how 9/11 played a part in his decision to serve, how being plucked from the Army’s best job, Platoon Leader, is like being “sodomized,” and how if you shove 20-something peeps into your mouth you will be laughed at, and may me yelled at.

You can pick up a copy of Kilroy Was Here at Amazon and wherever you buy your books.

Forces helped him build a network that continues to do right by him even 14 years after leaving the service. It really is “who you know;” his network and experience helped him land several jobs contracting for the U.S. Military. 

Eventually, Dave and his wife found an investment opportunity with a business they frequently patronized - the Tropical Smoothie. Dave walks us through what being a franchise owner is like, the day to day, the annoying, and the rewards. As a fellow veteran, I’ve received way too many calls asking me if I was interested in becoming a franchise owner. Why? Well, as it turns out, veterans are great business owners and franchise partners. Franchises understand that and see veteran ownership as a risk mitigation strategy.

So sit back. Relax. Blend some fruit. And welcome Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Dave Duffy.

If you are interested in connecting with Dave to ask him about defense contracting or franchise ownership, his LinkedIn is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-duffy/

Here’s the elephant in the room, Ricky is not only a Special Forces veteran, he’s also my big brother! He and the co-founder of TF Hydro 1 are doing great things on the northern coast of Florida, and as they like to say, are “bringing the stoke”.

You can find out more about TF Hydro 1 events at their webpage https://www.taskforcehydro1.org/ and can even make a tax-deductible donation at https://www.taskforcehydro1.org/make-a-donation

Find them on Facebook, or Meta if you’re a weirdo at https://www.facebook.com/tfhydro1

On Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tfhydro1/

And on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tfhydro1/

Dean graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point where he played hockey before going on to fly helicopters. During his service, Dean did what very few aviation officers get to do, attend and pass the grueling U.S. Army Ranger School, where he learned first hand that he preferred a life in the sky over an existence in the dirt.

Upon transitioning from the army, Dean did what many junior grade officers do, he enlisted the help of a JMO headhunter and went to work for a top tier consulting firm. He soon realized that consulting meant seeing his family even less than he had become accustomed to. He needed to make a change and soon realized that entrepreneurship had always been something he desired.

In 2017 Dean created Authentically American with a vision to build an iconic American brand that is truly American made. So far he’s weathered getting out of the starting blocks, and a global pandemic; but, Dean and his team continue to work hard to create amazing American made products.

You can shop for Authentically American products at https://www.authenticallyamericanbrand.us/discount/FOUNDER. Be sure to use the coupon code FOUNDER to collect a 25% discount off of your total purchase.

You can also reach Dean at his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-wegner-9874065/

And be sure to follow Authentically American at the links below.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authentically_american/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthenticallyAmericanCo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Auth_American

Alex served as an infantryman in the illustrious 75th Ranger Regiment before transitioning to “the dark side.” that is going to West Point and being commissioned as an officer. Alex and I go into great depth about his service in the Rangers and what led him to leave the military.

While transitioning, Alex’s girlfriend saw him struggling with what his next career move would be. Then, she said: “why don’t you work in BITCOIN?” Being obsessed with bitcoin, it seemed so obvious, but also so unattainable. What the hell does it mean to “work in bitcoin?” Alex tells us how he sorted that out - on this episode of RETURN to BASE.

If you’d like to connect with Alex, he can be found on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-brammer/

To find out more about bitcoin, Alex recommends the following:

The Bitcoin White Paper, https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf

The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking, available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119473861/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_V1Z1D57K740DEMT16JHV

The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World, available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XVDFOW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MV48JP94W4RRF7NVBZ6X

Jon served for 26 years in the Navy, mostly in the SEALs, before transitioning in 2020 and embarking on his civilian journey. Along the way, Jon’s journey was altered by a global pandemic and coming to the realization he was working in the wrong industry. YET, Jon followed some sage advice and got a lot of help along the way before realizing that what he was MEANT to do was something he ENJOYED doing. The rest, as they say, is history.

While transitioning, Jon was introduced to meditation by a therapist. Skeptical as he was, he gave it a shot and stuck with it. This practice opened his eyes to the concept of mindfulness and the benefits of living in the present. Before long, he partnered with a New York hippie to found the Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast which he airs LIVE on LinkedIn, and in the future, YouTube. Talk about a bold move.

To learn more about Jon and the MtM podcast visit https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/

Check them out on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness/

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/men-talking-mindfulness-podcast/

Finally, to check out the work Jon is doing with Dr. Theresa Larson and the Mindfulness and Movement Experience, visit www.movement-rx.com/mtm

William served 26 years in the United States Navy, where he deployed 10 times as a SEAL. Like many Veterans, when William retired, his years of service caught up to him both physically and mentally. Again, like many Veterans, William self-medicated to turn off the pain and voices. Once he realized it was taking several glasses of vodka a night to fall asleep, he knew there had to be a different way. After trying a bottle of CBD oil, he noticed an improvement in his general well being. This started a journey which led him to starting his own CBD company and getting into the N.A.K.E.D. mindset.

N - Never Quit
A - Accept Failure
K - Kill Mediocrity
E - Expose Fears
D - Do the Work

You can find NAKED Warrior products online at https://nw-recovery.com/ and learn more about how living NAKED can help you unlock your potential at http://www.5sealsecrets.com/ 

William Branum and NAKED Warrior Recovery can be found at the socials below.

• William’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/william.branum.712
• NAKED’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nakedwarriorrecoveryCBD
• NAKED’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedwarriorrecovery/
• NAKED’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/RecoveryNaked
• NAKED’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfSUXxPWP2-jumVKzQhgNA/featured
• NAKED’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nakedwarriorrecovery

William’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-branum/

Back home in Tennessee, Alex’s neighborhood saw a rash of burglaries where the criminals literally kicked in the door rendering the dead-bolt basically useless. An average sized man can kick a door open in just 4-5 kicks. Alex recalled his experience overseas and HavenLock was born. Havenlock is a home security device that installs at the base of the door and prevents intruders from accessing your home by kicking in the front door. The idea is simple, create an actuating wedge that drives the force of an unwanted entry into the ground. After years of development, the world was introduced to this innovative product when Alex literally did a flying kick through a door on national television. Though they didn’t secure a deal, HavenLock gained national notoriety.

To learn more about HavenLock you can visit their website: https://havenlock.com/

For information about the HavenLockdown version designed for schools, places of worship, or other public places visit: https://havenlockdown.com/

Check them out on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/haven_lock/

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbertelli/

Eric Horton retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years as a logistician. As he was experiencing his transition into the civilian world he was forced to take stock of what really mattered to him. It took pulling over on the side of the interstate and making the decision to leave a toxic job to lead him to where he is today, the Executive Director of Veteran Service for the State of Tennessee. Along the way, Eric networked, discovered the power of LinkedIn, and has helped thousands of veterans through his transition hacks. He’s a great friend and an invaluable asset to veterans all over the world.

Michele “One L” Olive is the Sr. Director of Alumni Engagement at the Commit Foundation. Through the Commit Foundation, Michele has encouraged hundreds of veterans to discover 

WHO they think they are as they navigate through the world of military transition. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker she worked at a military base in Virginia where she discovered a passion for helping servicemembers. 

You can connect with the Commit Foundation at https://www.commitfoundation.org/,

Connect with Eric Horton at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericchorton/

Connect with Michele at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-b-olive/

 On this episode of Return to Base, we welcome Army Veteran Scott DeLuzio.

 Scott is the host of the DriveOn Podcast and the author of the book Surviving Sonwhich is available wherever you prefer to purchase books. 

 In Surviving Son he speaks about his service as a National Guard infantryman, and about losing his younger brother just miles away while they were both deployed to Afghanistan. Let this be a warning - some audience members may find this conversation troubling.

 As the host of the DriveOn Podcast, Scott is committed to connecting with current and prior service members and civilians to discuss and share personal triumphs, life experiences and emotional hardships to give hope and strength to the Military community.
 
 Scott DeLuzio and DriveOn can be found on the socials listed below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/driveonpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driveonpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/driveonpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkO9JA_H1z2A8zbvadyhglQ

 If you are having a difficult time as a result of your service - remember, there is always someone to talk to. You can check out the blog I wrote about recognizing the symptoms of PTSD, or listen to our podcast with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. Also, the VA Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 ext 1. 

After working as a corporate recruiter for over a decade, Natalie recognized that a gap existed between what the military was able to prepare service-members for, and what they needed in order to be successful post-military. Natalie made it her mission to build and nurture mentorships while sourcing great opportunities for veterans and their spouses.

 Natalie welcomes you to follow Military Talent Partners on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at the links below and her personal LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieoliverio/.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Military-Talent-Partners-145763452962363/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilTalent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/military.talent.partners/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/military-talent-partners/

On episode 3 of Return to Base, we welcome former Green Beret, Nate Boyer.

Nate is what some would call a renaissance man. Moved by a Time Magazine article, Nate bought a one-way ticket into the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur. Once there, he was put to work wherever they needed a set of hands and a compassionate human.

His travel to the Darfur is but a sampling of his extraordinary journey which would see him earn the Green Beret, have a go at the NFL, and sample the bright lights of Hollywood.

Nate co-founded Merging Vets and Players in 2015 to address the challenges that combat veterans and former professional athletes face in transition once the uniform comes off.

Nate’s Instagram.

In Return to Bases’ first ever podcast with Bessel van der Kolk, we discuss the nature of trauma, how trauma rewires the brain as a defense mechanism, and touch on various treatment options. We also discuss the recent collapse of the 20 year mission in Afghanistan.

Van der Kolk got his start treating veterans while working at the Boston VA Hospital where he observed extremely troubled veterans of the Vietnam War. Having not found any academic literature to prepare one for treating these veterans, van der Kolk began proposing studies that would examine traumatic memories and PTSD. After being rejected by the Veterans Administration, who stated ““It has never been shown that PTSD is relevant to the mission of the Veterans Administration,” van der Kolk left the VA and went to work at Harvard’s Massachusetts Mental Health Center. There he encountered trauma of a different source; namely, child abuse and family violence. It was then he realized that trauma is trauma, regardless of the method of acquirement. Since then van der Kolk has researched and advocated for alternative forms of treatment that help those suffering from PTSD. Treatments like yoga, or mindfulness, and neuro-feedback.

Sign up for Dr. van der Kolk's 4-week seminar HERE. Don't forget to use coupon code VETLIFECOMMUNITY to save $150 on registration.