#WeAllServe – Episode #34 with D. Vincent Thomas Jr. Ph.D, MTS
LTJG. D. Vincent Thomas Jr. Ph.D, M.T.S. has two B.A. degrees in Theology and Philosophy, a Masters Degree in Theological Studies, as well as a Ph.D in Public Policy &Administration. ENS D. Vincent Thomas Jr. is a Commissioned Officer who began his Coast Guard career as an enlisted Operations Specialist. Dr. Thomas’ studies have focused on religious history, philosophy of religion, the relationship between religion and politics, military history, politics, public policy, as well as the effects climate change has on international relations, global economics, and global security. Dr. Thomas has also run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. Seeking to serve the district as an American citizen concerned with the well-being of all Americans irrespective of party affiliation. Assigned to the CGC BOUTWELL, a 378’ High Endurance Cutter in California, he stood duty in the Combat Information Center, qualified as an Electronic Warfare Specialist, and performed flight following operations as an Air Direction Controller tracking and communicating with helicopters deployed to BOUTWELL for counter-narcotic operations. While on active duty aboard BOUTWELL, he was part of a team that seized over 10 tons of cocaine in International Waters bound for the United States. After leaving Active Dr. Thomas joined the Selective Reserves (SELRES) as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist, and completed his Ph.D in Public Policy and Administration. Commissioned in 2019, he is a Philosophy and Political Science Professor at Elmhurst University and DePaul University teaching courses in Moral Philosophy, Western Political Philosophy, Ethics, Intro. to Western Philosophy, American Government, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. Dr. Thomas currently represents the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as the Recruiting, Outreach, and Diversity Admissions Officer, tasked with helping diversify the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Officer Core of the U.S. Coast Guard.
#WeAllServe – Episode #33 with Adam Carr
Adam Carr has over 12 years of service in the U.S. Army. As a Special Forces Green Beret, Adam hunted Al Qaeda operatives, developed intelligence networks, conducted diplomatic relations, and briefed Ambassadors and Generals on Geopolitical environments. In 2006, Adam earned his B.A. in Security and Intelligence from The Ohio State University. He spent the next eight years deploying to Asia, including Operation Enduring Freedom – The Philippines and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan. Adam’s passion comes from a deep-rooted desire to serve others and save lives. Adam has been profoundly affected over the loss of his teammates, mentors, and close friends to suicide. He currently speaks to students, corporations, and a wide variety of audiences all over the country. He has over 20 years of leadership and managerial experience and is a Business Coach for MBA Students at The Ohio State University. Adam is a graduate of the Ignite Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Adam earned his MBA at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business and was selected as the Most Outstanding Student of his 2019 MBA Cohort. Adam lives in Dublin, OH with his wife Tarah and their three children, Noah, Jonah, and Norah.
#WeAllServe – Episode #32 with Brendan D. O’Brien
Brendan O’Brien is a retired USAF LCol and Director at Kin+Carta. There he supports client’s digital transformation initiatives for the past 6 years. Prior to retiring from the USAF, Brendan began his career of service attending the United States Air Force Academy. During his 20 illustrious career, he filled roles as an intelligence officer and A-10 (Warthog) pilot. During his Air Force career, he deployed to the middle east several times, including Afghanistan in 2002 and 2010. His final tours on active duty were focused on developing the next generation of leaders as commander of the Air Force ROTC program in Chicago.
Brendan’s career of service continued after his active duty years and he now coordinates the Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship for Kin+Carta, was the Communications Director for Chicago’s Red White and Blue chapter, and after serving in a variety of leadership roles is now a board member for the Veterans Leadership Council. Brendan earned his Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Brendan and wife, Amanda, their two children, and dog Biscuit now reside in Parker, Colorado.
#WeAllServe – Episode #31 with Stephen Drum
Stephen Drum is a combat-tested retired Navy SEAL Master Chief who has 27 years of experience leading and developing high-performance teams.
As an in-demand speaker and consultant, he helps individuals and organizations such as CDW, Horizon Pharma, and 9 Energy develop leadership and performance strategies, so they can plan, prepare, and execute at the highest levels when it matters most.
Stephen has trained and led U.S. and foreign partner special operations forces on high-risk and strategically vital missions across the globe, including combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
#WeAllServe – Episode #30
A weekly podcast hosted by Shalom Klein & Angel Torres featuring leaders in the Veteran community.
#WeAllServe – Episode #29 with Branden Marty
Branden Marty is a Navy veteran with experiences across a range of challenging environments—from the flight decks on naval vessels to the corporate C-suite to the boot-strapped startup. He is a strategist, a collaborator and an operator. Every assignment throughout Branden’s career has been imbued with the same ingredients—a dedication to community service and advocacy. For example, the Department of the Navy (DoN) asked for Branden’s assistance in submitting a bid from the City of Chicago to host the 2017 Warrior Games. Branden voluntarily led the effort to build public and private sector support and brought DoN leadership to meet with Chicago leaders. It led directly to the awarding of the Games to Chicago. Veteran advocacy is Branden’s vocation, particularly veteran employment and wounded warrior support. This passion is reflected in the missions of the two companies he leads: Veteran Roasters, Cup O’ Joe Coffee and Bridge My Return (BMR.) Veteran Roasters is a local Chicago coffee roaster that employs homeless and at-risk veterans—providing them with renewed hope, fresh opportunity and portable skills development. Learn more about Veteran Roasters Cup O’ Joe Coffee at ww.veteranroasters.com. BMR is an efficient military hiring technology platform connecting veterans and transitioning service members to career opportunities with military-ready companies based upon skills-to-skills matching. Learn more about BMR at www.bridgemyreturn.com.
#WeAllServe – Episode #28 with David Rader
#WeAllServe – Episode #27 with BG (Ret) Stephen K. Curda
Retired Brigadier General Stephen K. Curda, Ph.D. formerly served on the Governor’s Cabinet as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). He was responsible for establishing long term strategic goals for the future of the IDVA and provided oversight of four veteran homes caring for over 900 Veterans and coordinated over 80 veteran service offices throughout the state of Illinois.
Dr. Curda served in the US military for over 30 years in active duty, Guard and Reserve positions. He commanded units at every echelon, from platoon, company, battalion, brigade and two general officer level commands. He is an Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veteran. His numerous awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Dr. Curda is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Curda serves as an Associate Professor in the National College of Education at National Louis University and as Senior Advisor to the President on Student Veteran programs. He has previously held faculty positions at Florida State University, the University of Toledo, and the University of West Florida as a professor of Instructional Technology.
#WeAllServe – Episode #26 with David Trenholm
LCDR David N. Trenholm, of Rockford Illinios, Enlisted in the Navy in June of 1995. After completion of Bootcamp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes Illinois, LCDR Trenholm checked into Yoemen “A” schoolat NAS Merdian MS. In January of 1996, then YNSA Trenholm, checked into his first Command at VFA-106 Gladiators at NAS Cecil Field FL. LCDR Trenholm was selected for the BOOST program in 1998 and left for New Port, RI. LCDR Trenholm graduated from Florida State University, in 2003, where he earned a Double Bachelors of Science in Finance and Real Estate. LCDR Trenholm attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida from 2003-2004 while assigned to the VT-4 Warbucks with follow on training at the 562nd Flying Training Squadron at Randolf AFB in San Antonio TX where he earned his “Wings of Gold” in April 2005. He was selected to his first fleet aircraft, the P-3C Orion, and reported to training at Patrol Squadron 30 located at NAS Jacksonville, FL. In January of 2006, LCDR Trenholm reported to his first operational aviation assignment VP-5 Mad Foxes at NAS Jacksonville, FL. During his time at VP-5 he completed one tri-site deployment to Djibouti, Sigonella, and El Salvador flying over 500 mishap-free hours and directly contributing in the seizure of more than $100 million in narcotics. He also completed one 7th Fleet deployment flying over 500 mishap-free hours. While attached to VP-5 he served as the Legal Officer, Readiness Offcier, and AW Training Division Officer and qualified as NAV/COMM NATOPS Instructor, Instructor TACCO and Mission Commander. In March of 2009, LCDR Trenholm checked in to CPRW-11 Weapons and Tactics Unit (WTU) where he served as a Legal Oficer, Warfare Development Division Officer, Training Division Officer. During his time at CPRW-11 WTU he was responsible for developing training curriculium and implantation of training to over 150 students and qualified over 30 Combat Air Crews in the P-3C Orion. In October of 2011, LCDR Trenholm reported to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) where he served as the OI Divison Officer, Search and Rescue Officer, Full Motion Video Officer, Common Tactical Picture Manager, and quailed as a Tactical Action Officer (TAO) and Aircraft Launch and Recovry Officer (SHOOTER). He conducted two deployments to the 5th Fleet AOR in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and a Battle “E”. In August of 2013, LCDR Trenholm checked into CPRW-11 Det FSU-5 where he completed 3 EUCOM deployments amassing over 750 flight hour providing accurate and crucial ISR&T to the FIFTH, and SIXTH Fleet Commanders in support of Operatoins INHERENT RESOLVE. He served as the Maintenance Officer, Admin Officer, Training Officer, and Operations Officer during his time at FSU-5. After being selected for Operational Training Department Head, LCDR Trenholm reported to TACRON 22 in January 2016 where he served as the Operatoins Officer, Training Officer, Admin Officer, and Detachement Plans Officer, and qualified as a (TACCWO). He deployed with onboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) to FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet in support of Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTING. He also deployed aboard the USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) in support of Hurrican relief due to Hurrican Irma and Matthew. For his twilight tour, LCDR Trenholm reported to CPRW-11 Det FSU-5 July of 2018 where he served as the Maintenance Officer and Detachment Officer-in-Charge of a deployment to FIFTH Fleet and SEVENTH Fleet. LCDR Trenholm has accumulated more than 2,250 flight hours in the mighty P-3C Orion aircraft. His personal decorations include the Air Medal (2 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 Awards) and numerous Campaign, Service and Unit awards. David is married to the Danielle Trenholm of Monticello, FL and together we have 2 children; Sean 19, and Kady, 15 in Jacksonville, FL. David earned a Double Bacholers of Science in Finance and Real Estate from Florida State Univeristy and a Masters of Science in Operational Management from the University of Arkansas. As of 2020 David now works for Bank of America through the Global Technology and Operations Military Development Program. The GT&O MDP is a 2 year ineternship with 1 year in Operations and 1 year in Technology departments before finding permanent placement with Bank of America. I currently works as a Business Support Lead for the Wealth Management and Banking Operations department. I volunteer my time with multiple Veteran Service Organizations to help transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans find careers through Vets 2 Industry, Operatoins New Uniform, Vets on Tap, Four Block, and Veterati. In 2020 I volunteered over 250 hours and successfully coached and mentored over 50 find new careers.