I got an opportunity to sit down with my father, Retired 1SG Samuel (Joe) Phillips, in a three part podcast series. Retired Army 1SG Phillips was drafted from his small, hometown in Kentucky at the end of the Vietnam War in 1971, was sent through Army Basic Combat Training, Advance…

The ruck march- So, many of us, who served in the military, all went through the rigorous initial training of either Basic Combat Training or Boot Camp. This specific task involved carry a heavy lead, sometimes forced with a run, and a time hack. The idea is that a Soldier/Marine…

Several times a year, we attend large family gatherings with our loved ones, but due to recent lockdowns from COVID we've been forced to learn a new way of life. Instead of showing up to your auntie's awesome family gathering with you lame, store bought dip and frozen pie, we've…

Wanna learn something new today about a holiday that is celebrated toward an average 5%-6% of the US population? Here are 5 incredible facts about Veterans Day. 2020 has been a wild ride, thus far. Aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have another special holiday happening soon, Veterans Day so…

Ever since last Spring, everyone has been locked down, for the most part. Summer has come and gone, now. We've cancelled trips to visit loved ones, had lesser than ideal birthdays, no gatherings at holidays, and remained indoors. My battle, Ruben (Marine), and I decided to take it outdoors into…

Welcome heros! Today I am going to share a veteran benefit that’ll help YOU better cope with any physical or emotional wounds and also help with escaping the madness taking place in today’s society and it involves Mother Nature. Stay tuned. What’s to do when EVERYTHING is closed in your…

I was 24 years old when I commissioned into active duty and had just graduated college in 2003. I was previously enlisted in the National Guards while I was in college, which means I DID go to basic training and AIT so I was acquainted with the military culture, to…

Think you understand Post Traumatic Stress Disorder aka PTSD? I have some concepts about PTSD that you might not have taken into consideration before, in dealing with PTSD and the military. June is PTSD Awareness Month and with everything going on in the world, I want to take some time…

This is a combination of videos and pictures from my Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment in 2004-2005. I served with the 25th ID as a Platoon Leader for a transportation platoon. As a brand new 2nd Lieutenant, this was my first leadership position. I achieved, I failed, we survived together, but…

Memorial Day News/Links: Each VA national cemetery will conduct a brief wreath laying ceremony, accompanied by a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. In keeping with CDC guidelines to limit large gatherings, the ceremonies will not be open to the public. You can stream the wreath lay ceremonies…

I was 24 years old when I commissioned into active duty and had just graduated college in 2003. I was previously enlisted in the National Guards while I was in college, which means I DID go to basic training and AIT so I was acquainted with the military culture, to…

This video covers a brief glimpse into the life of Cardo Urso- One of many professionals that had an impact with our current military combatives program and MMA. Background Music: The Chance by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Spent the evening in London, England and my intent was to check out the Jack the Ripper Museum since it's Halloween, but I had zero luck trying to find it! I know they do have walking tours in the area where I was looking for the museum. For some reason,…

The cuz and I take a quick, Sunday drive through Skid Row, LA. If you're from the area, it's not anything new to you, but if you've never been here's your chance to get a look during the day. At night, things are even less desirable. It's sad to see…

This week cuz and I Took a trip to the famous Venice Beach! This tourist attraction has a two and a half mile pedestrian only walkway right on the beach. It's known for all the sights, as well as the very popular Muscle Beach area where legendary Joe Weider and…

We decided to take a visit to the 2017 Los Angeles County Fair. This was my first year going, but had a great time overall. Lots of people to see, attractions, livestock, concerts, games, family, food, and fun!!! Really enjoyed the fair, even though I felt it was rather pricey,…