Most veterans don’t struggle because they lack skills—they struggle because they choose the wrong civilian career.

The military teaches mission focus, leadership, and resilience. What it doesn’t always teach is how to identify a career you’ll genuinely enjoy after service. In this episode, Jordie Kern explains why so many veterans settle for the first opportunity available and how that decision can impact everything from job satisfaction to long-term success.

Drawing from thousands of veteran transitions, Jordie shares how 7 Eagle Group helps service members discover career paths aligned with their strengths, interests, and goals while connecting them directly with employers through SkillBridge and professional networking.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Identify the biggest mistake veterans make during military transition and how to avoid it

• Build confidence in your value before entering the civilian job market

• Understand why networking often matters more than a resume

• Learn how SkillBridge reduces hiring risk and creates opportunities veterans might never access otherwise

• Discover why passion and purpose often outperform qualifications during interviews

About Jordie Kern

Jordie Kern is the Founder of 7 Eagle Group, an organization dedicated to helping transitioning service members and military spouses launch meaningful civilian careers. Inspired by a lifelong admiration for military service, he has built programs that have helped more than 8,000 veterans connect with employers, develop professional skills, and successfully transition into civilian life.

🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow VET S.O.S. and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps put this show in front of another veteran who needs it right now.

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

02:56 - Why Jordie Founded 7 Eagle Group

08:27 - Inside the 7 Eagle Academy Model

11:20 - The Biggest Transition Mistake Veterans Make

16:00 - How SkillBridge Changes Hiring

19:19 - Confidence and Veteran Value

26:31 - Finding Work That Aligns With Passion

31:31 - Closing Thoughts & Resources

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Most veterans prepare for a new job. Few prepare for losing their identity.

Episode Description

When Gabriel Axtell medically retired from the Marine Corps during COVID, he expected transition to be challenging. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the loss of mission, brotherhood, and purpose would push him into crisis.

This conversation reveals the life-changing text message that saved his life, the mentorship that helped him rebuild, and the work he’s now doing to help other veterans avoid reaching that same breaking point.

In this episode, you’ll discover

• Recognize the hidden identity challenges many veterans face after leaving military service

• Understand why purpose—not employment—is often the missing piece during transition

• Learn how peer mentorship and community support can interrupt a crisis before it becomes a tragedy

• Discover how faith, family communication, and daily discipline helped Gabriel rebuild his life

• Explore the resources available through The Warrior’s Journey and its network of veteran-serving organizations

About Gabriel Axtell

Gabriel Axtell is a retired Marine with a special operations background who experienced firsthand the challenges of military transition. After surviving a personal crisis and finding support through The Warrior’s Journey, he now helps veterans, service members, and families navigate purpose, resilience, and life beyond the uniform. His personal experience gives him unique insight into what veterans need during their most difficult seasons.

🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — open the app, search VET S.O.S., scroll down, and tap “Write a Review.” It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now.

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

02:42 - Transitioning During COVID

08:08 - The Phone Call That Changed Everything

12:41 - Fixing the Veteran Support Ecosystem

18:32 - Building Daily Resilience

22:07 - The Warrior’s Journey Programs

31:22 - Closing & Resources

🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network

▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show

▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup

▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline

▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop

▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong

🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S.

Website: vetsospodcast.com

Twitter: @vetsospodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast

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Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast

Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast

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#VETSOSPodcast #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Veterans #MilitaryLife #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

Description:Maria Cherjovsky joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran mental health challenges and share insights on transition, family reintegration, and community support systems. In this episode, we explore:

• The hidden impact of mental health struggles on veterans and their families• How the Comaraderie Foundation provides counseling, mentorship, and connection• Why early intervention and community can prevent crisis and restore purpose

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:Maria Cherjovsky is CEO of the Comaraderie Foundation and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit management, workforce development, and veteran services. With decades of experience supporting veterans and underserved populations, she is dedicated to improving mental health access and long-term success for military families.

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

#VETSOS #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #PTSD #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranResources #MentalHealthMatters #TransitionJourney #GrabTheLifeline