Empowering veterans for success in civilian life through camaraderie and employment training. Join us in fostering unity and purpose among our nation's heroes. #VeteransSupport #Empowerment #Unity
Explore the history of United States military challenge coins, their origins, traditions, and how they became one of the most recognizable symbols of service and recognition in the armed forces.
http://freedomsystem.org/history-of-united-states-military-challenge-coins/
Season 4: Episode3: When the Uniform
Introduction We begin the way we always do. Host roll call. A moment to recognize the voices in the room and the stories behind them. This episode is brought to you by Winter Oak Studio, who continues to support conversations that matter. Toast: “To the Uniform. There’s ceremony when you put it on. There’s paperwork when you take it off.
http://freedomsystem.org/season-4-episode3-when-the-uniform/
Beyond Survival
love, family, veterans, military life, brotherhood, self awareness, personal growth, intentional living, philosophy, identity, purpose, resilience, sacrifice, loyalty, leadership, parenting, mindset, values, transition, life lessons
Season 4: Episode 2: Civilians are Watching
Movies, television, and social media have created familiar images of Veterans — the unstoppable warrior, the haunted survivor, or the flawless patriot. While often meant to honor service, these portrayals can quietly shape how civilians view and interact with Veterans in everyday life. In this episode, featuring guest host Goose, the conversation explores how media-driven perceptions follow Veterans into workplaces, homes,…
http://freedomsystem.org/season-4-episode-2-civilians-are-watching/
FSO Membership Application
Anxiety doesn’t turn off when the uniform comes off. Many Veterans carry quiet weight from service — from hyper-awareness to loss of camaraderie. 🫂
This article explores how Veterans navigate civilian life while managing anxiety and staying true to themselves.
Read more
#Veterans #PTSD #MentalHealth #LifeAfterService #FreedomSystem
Season 4: Episode 1: That’s Bullsh*t
We’re not starting Season 4 quietly. We’re not easing in with a polite “welcome back.” We’re kicking off 2026 with a full-throttle “that’s bullsh*t!” and we’re doing it the only way we know how — loud, honest, and unfiltered. Welcome to Common Veterans Season 4. This season is going to be bigger, bolder, and more unapologetically real than ever. And we’re starting with the topic that every veteran, service member, and military…
Common Veterans Podcast Launches Season 4 With Unfiltered Honesty and a No-Holds-Barred Premiere
Common Veterans Season 4 launches with an unfiltered premiere calling out military BS with raw humor, real stories, and veteran honesty.
http://freedomsystem.org/common-veterans-season-4-press-release/
Season 3: Episode 17 – Crossing the Generational Divide
Veterans of different eras come together to share how military life and reintegration have evolved across generations. From early conflicts to modern warfare, this episode explores what has changed, what hasn’t, and how camaraderie continues to bind Veterans together. I. Introduction The episode opens with reflections on how service differs by decade while the core experience of wearing the uniform remains the…
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-17-crossing-the-generational-divide/
Season 3: Episode 16 – A Home Base
Veteran Homeless Veterans face unique housing challenges that ripple through lives and families. In Michiana, the gap between need and available, affordable units is painfully real. This episode explores practical steps to find stable housing and rebuild the sense of home many of us carry with us from service. We begin by laying out the common barriers: rising rents, credit challenges, lingering service-related injuries, and the…
Season 3: Episode 15 – From Rations to Recipes
Episode Summary: This week, we’re talking about how Veterans transition from mess hall meals and MREs to home cooking. From field hacks and chow hall laughs to the joy of sharing a meal with family again — this one’s all about food, memories, and connection. “To the ones that were the best barracks cooks with the hot plate they weren’t supposed to have… to the Divine Intervention that got us through mess hall chow (unless…
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-15-from-rations-to-recipes/
Season 3: Episode 14 – The Battle Within
The Common Veterans – Season 3, Episode 14: The Battle Within Some battles aren’t fought on the field—they’re fought within. The Common Veterans continue their candid conversations about mental health, PTSD, and the resources available to support those dealing with invisible wounds. Welcome Back to the Fight Case of the Mondays: “This one’s for the Veterans who fight battles no one else sees.”
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-14-the-battle-within/
Minutes: 2025 October 11
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025Location: Elkhart County Community Foundation, E. Jackson St., Elkhart, INTime: 10:00 AM Call to Order: The meeting was called to order in due form by President K. Holmes, who also delivered the opening and closing prayers. Roll Call of Officers: Conducted by H/R Director J. Schrock. Membership Applications: No new applications reported. Reading of Minutes:
Season 3 — Episode 13: Veterans in Entrepreneurship
Hosts: Kenny Holmes, Jeff Schrock, Tony Buoscio Guest: Ty Bancroft — The Bancroft Companies In this episode we highlight Veterans who’ve built businesses and share practical tips for entrepreneurial success. We talk about stories and lessons from founders like Matt Best (Black Rifle Coffee), John Burk (Shell Shock CBD), Daniel Alerik (Grunt Style), and our guest, Ty Bancroft of The…
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-13-veterans-in-entrepreneurship/
“I’m tired, Boss.” Day in and day out, fatigue hits Veterans—and many others—both physically and mentally. In our latest blog, I share how exercise, sleep routines, prayer, and connecting with others help me recharge and manage life’s demands.
Whether it’s mountain biking, weightlifting with family, or simply taking a moment to reflect, there are ways to honor your body, mind, and mission.
Read more and find tips for veteran wellness, self-care, and managing fatigue 👉…
Veterans are more than labels. Stereotypes and misconceptions often overshadow their true experiences. Our latest blog dives into the realities of Combat Veterans, why these stereotypes hurt, and what support they really need in civilian life. Read more and join the conversation.
Season 3, Episode 12: Don’t Stop Believing
How Veterans can leverage military skills to build networks and navigate civilian careers. To the Veterans who never stopped believing — in themselves, in their brothers and sisters, and in the future. We’ve all been those “streetlights, people, livin’ just to find emotion, hidin’ somewhere in the…” well, usually the VFW or the local dive bar. May we carry the skills we earned in service into every new mission, building…
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-12-dont-stop-believing/
Season 3: Episode 11: With a Little Help from My Friends
The Gap We’re Closing Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like stepping off a moving train. The speed changes, the rules change, and—surprise— and no one issued you a manual. That’s where mentorship and camaraderie step in. This episode digs into how Veterans can leverage local programs, especially county VSOs and groups like IN Vets and FreedomSystem.org, to build a real support network that…
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-11-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends/
Season 3: Episode 10: Married to a Veteran (The Spouse Episode)
Married to a Veteran – The Spouse Episode Season 3, Episode 10 of The Common Veterans When we think of service and sacrifice, it’s easy to focus on the Veteran — but what about the ones who held the line back home? In this episode of The Common Veterans, Jeff Schrock sits down with two of those very people: …
http://freedomsystem.org/season-3-episode-10-married-to-a-veteran-the-spouse-episode/