The MisFitNation

What does real leadership look like when everything is falling apart? In this unforgettable episode of MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Keni Thomas, a former U.S. Army Ranger with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, bestselling author, country music artist, Emmy-winning producer, and survivor of the Battle of Mogadishu, made famous by Black Hawk Down. Keni shares the untold human side of one of the most iconic battles in modern military history, revealing what happened beyond the Hollywood version. He explains how young Rangers led under unimaginable pressure, why leadership has nothing to do with rank, and how servant leadership, accountability, trust, and teamwork continue to shape his life long after combat. The conversation explores the transition from military service to civilian leadership, overcoming trauma, sharing veterans' stories, building resilient teams, and why every leader—whether in business, public service, or at home—can learn from the battlefield. Keni also discusses: The true story behind Black Hawk Down Leadership lessons forged in combat The importance of serving those beside you Building trust before asking people to follow Why veterans must continue telling their stories Faith, resilience, and finding purpose after service How military leadership translates into business success Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, executive, first responder, leader, or someone striving to make a greater impact, this episode delivers timeless lessons on courage, sacrifice, and leading by example. If you're still breathing, you belong. 🎙 Subscribe to MisFitNation for inspiring conversations with military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, authors, musicians, and leaders who continue serving their communities long after the mission changes. Episode Highlights • Survivor of the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down) • Leadership lessons from the battlefield • Why great leaders serve first • Trust, teamwork, and accountability under pressure • Transitioning from military service to civilian life • Faith, resilience, and purpose after combat • How veterans continue serving through storytelling • Practical leadership lessons for business and everyday life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some battles end when you leave the battlefield. Others follow you home. In this unforgettable episode of The ToosDay Crüe Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War veteran, Combat Engineer, husband, father, and author Jason Rumbaugh for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had about war, trauma, resilience, and what it truly means to rebuild a life after combat. Jason's story begins like many young Americans seeking purpose through military service. But what followed was a journey through Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, roadside bombs, combat patrols, leadership failures, brotherhood, loss, and the kind of experiences that permanently change how a person sees the world. When an IED explosion left Jason wounded in Iraq, the physical injuries were only part of the story. The deeper wounds would take years to understand. Years of trying to adapt. Years of searching for purpose. Years of carrying memories that never seemed to fade. But instead of allowing those experiences to define him, Jason transformed them into something powerful. His memoir, Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier's Journey, became both a tribute to the soldiers who never made it home and a roadmap for understanding the struggles many veterans face after returning from war. Throughout this emotional and often surprisingly funny conversation, Jason shares stories that are raw, human, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at once. You'll hear about: 🎖️ What life was really like as a Combat Engineer during the Iraq War 💥 The day an IED changed his life forever 🤝 The unbreakable bonds formed between soldiers in combat 😄 The dark humor that helped troops survive impossible situations 📚 How writing became part of his healing process 🧠 PTSD, therapy, mental health, and learning to ask for help ❤️ Family, recovery, and finding purpose after military service 🇺🇸 Why honoring fallen brothers remains his greatest mission What makes Jason's story different isn't just the combat. It's the honesty. The vulnerability. The willingness to discuss the moments most people avoid. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what military service truly costs—not just during deployment, but in the years that follow. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military family member, or someone who simply appreciates powerful stories of resilience, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. Because at its core, this isn't just a story about war. It's a story about survival. It's a story about healing. And it's a story about finding a reason to keep moving forward when life changes forever. Why You Should Listen If you've ever wondered: • What combat really feels like • How veterans cope with trauma after war • What the Purple Heart truly represents • Why veteran mental health matters • How storytelling can become therapy • What brotherhood means when lives are on the line This episode is for you. Memorable Quote "The most important thing wasn't selling books. It was making sure the stories of the men who didn't come home would never be forgotten." — Jason Rumbaugh About the Guest Jason Rumbaugh is a U.S. Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War combat veteran, and author of Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier's Journey. His writing combines brutal honesty, dark humor, military history, and personal reflection to create a powerful account of service, sacrifice, loss, and recovery. Through his work, Jason seeks to honor his fellow soldiers while helping others better understand the realities of military life and life after war. Key Topics Iraq War • Purple Heart • Combat Engineer • PTSD • Veteran Mental Health • Military Brotherhood • IED Attacks • Leadership Under Fire • Military Memoir • Trauma Recovery • Veteran Suicide Prevention • Storytelling as Healing • Family After War • Service and Sacrifice • Life After Combat Follow The MisFitNation New episodes featuring veterans, entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, survivors, and extraordinary people with extraordinary stories. Because every misfit has a story worth telling. #VeteranStories #PurpleHeart #JasonRumbaugh #IraqWarVeteran #MilitaryPodcast #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryMemoir #WavesOfShrapnel #ArmyVeteran #ToosDayCrue #MisfitNation #LifeAfterWar #StorytellingThatMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Monica Sanford's story begins with a mother's determination to save her child and evolves into a national mission to improve healthcare access for patients and veterans alike. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, cardiology specialist, healthcare advocate, educator, and policy leader, Monica has spent decades helping congenital heart disease patients navigate some of healthcare's most complex challenges. In this episode, she shares: • The realities of congenital heart disease • Why patients need lifelong specialized care • The transition from pediatric to adult cardiac medicine • Healthcare access barriers • Legislative advocacy and policy reform • Telehealth's role in modern medicine • Common VA disability claim mistakes • Practical advice for veterans navigating benefits This episode combines healthcare expertise, personal experience, and real-world solutions for patients, families, caregivers, and veterans. If you've ever struggled to navigate healthcare systems or wondered how advocacy changes lives, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways ✓ Congenital heart disease requires lifelong management ✓ Access to specialized care remains a major challenge ✓ Telehealth can dramatically improve outcomes ✓ Veterans often underreport legitimate claims ✓ Documentation is critical for successful VA claims ✓ Advocacy can create real policy change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does over two decades of service as a combat medic and leader teach you about resilience, leadership, and purpose? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with SFC (R) Martinez Vandergrift, a highly decorated United States Army veteran whose career spans more than 20 years in military medicine, leadership, and operations. Martinez served as a Healthcare Specialist and Combat Medic (68W), operating in some of the most demanding environments—from frontline medical evacuation in combat zones to senior leadership roles within major Army medical commands. Throughout his career, he: • Served as a Medical Advisor in Iraq • Led as a Platoon Sergeant for medical evacuation and treatment units • Supported operations with the 101st Airborne Division (Rakkasans) • Held senior leadership roles including Operations NCO and Senior Enlisted Advisor • Completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan His leadership and service have been recognized with some of the military’s highest honors, including: 🏅 Bronze Star Medal 🏅 Meritorious Service Medal 🏅 Joint Service Commendation Medal 🏅 Combat Medical Badge Beyond the battlefield, Martinez pursued excellence in education, earning: 🎓 Master of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management 🎓 Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Today, he continues to lead and serve through his work in healthcare administration, emergency management, and strategic operations. This conversation dives deep into leadership under pressure, decision-making in life-or-death moments, resilience, and building a legacy of service. 🎙️ In This Episode What it means to lead as a combat medic Lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan Leadership at the tactical and strategic levels The mindset required in high-pressure environments Transitioning from military to civilian leadership Building a legacy through service and family 🔗 Learn More About Martinez Vandergrift youtube channel: @martinezvandergrift6259 Facebook: martinez vandergrift IG: @darealheman TikTok: martymarwildin80 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Community https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 💬 CALL TO ACTION Leadership is forged in moments of pressure. 👉 What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone committed to growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the mission doesn’t end with retirement from the military? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with US Navy Veteran Matt Johnson, a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer who served 22.5 years in the United States Navy. Matt’s military journey began as a Seabee, one of the Navy’s legendary construction battalions known for building critical infrastructure in some of the toughest environments around the world. Over the course of his career, Matt grew into leadership roles and eventually finished his service as a Navy recruiter, helping guide the next generation of sailors into service. But like many veterans, the real question came after the uniform came off: What’s the next mission? Today Matt is channeling his leadership, discipline, and passion for service into multiple ventures. He is the owner of GOTUR6IX CULTURE LLC, an apparel company that creates original designs, outfits businesses, and partners with nonprofits to help raise funds for causes that matter. He also works alongside his wife as she launches her art business and continues serving the veteran community as co-host of the Triple Threat Vets Podcast, where real conversations about life after service take center stage. This conversation dives into leadership, entrepreneurship, family, culture, and building a mission-driven life after the military. Matt’s journey growing up in a military family Life as a Seabee and Navy leader The transition from military service to civilian life Building a mission-driven business Supporting nonprofits and the veteran community The importance of culture, purpose, and family 🌐 Websitehttps://www.sameflagsameoath.com 👕 GOTUR6IX CULTURE Apparel 🎙 Triple Threat Vets Podcast 🎥 Subscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Communityhttps://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z Veterans often ask themselves one question after leaving the military: “What’s my next mission?” Drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What mission are YOU building in your life right now? 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration. 🎙️ In This Episode 🔗 Connect with Matt Johnson 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some battles follow you long after you leave the military. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Army Veteran Tia May, a telecommunications systems operator who joined the Army in 2001 and faced challenges that pushed her mental health to the edge. During her time in service, Tia experienced disrespect from fellow soldiers and constant body size shaming. The emotional toll built up over time, leading her to turn to alcohol to cope. Nightmares, anxiety, and the weight of unresolved trauma eventually brought her close to a breaking point. But her story didn’t end there. Tia found an unexpected path toward healing—motorsports. What started as an outlet became a lifeline. Getting behind the wheel gave her focus, adrenaline, and a sense of control that helped quiet the chaos she was battling internally. Now, Tia is using motorsports as a platform for mental health advocacy, helping raise awareness and encouraging veterans to find their own paths toward healing. Her mission is simple but powerful: get veterans out on the track, open the conversation about mental health, and prove that recovery is possible. Life in the Army as a telecommunications operator The mental health challenges many soldiers face but rarely talk about Coping with trauma, nightmares, and alcohol The breaking point that forced change How motorsports became therapy Using racing to help other veterans find healing 📱 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Crazycarchik 🎥 Watch all episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🎙️ Hosted by US Army Veteran Jake Holland Business Leader Stephen LaMonica If Tia’s story resonates with you, drop a comment below: 👉 What activity helps YOU clear your mind and stay grounded? And if you know a veteran who might need this conversation—share this episode with them. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share the mission 🎙️ In This Episode🔗 Follow Tia May🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe💬 CALL TO ACTION Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices