Mission Oriented

Robert Garland grew up listening to his dad tell stories and knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps serving as a police officer and then detective. Robert spent 14 years in the NYPD retiring as a decorated detective. He started Fund the First in 2020 when he wanted to help a close friend with medical expenses from his daughter's rare illness. This experience showed him there were problems with the current crowdfunding sites and Robert wanted to build a better one. Fund the First Fund the First has a unique partnership with ID.Me. This allows donors to know that their money is going to a true, honest and verified source. Fund the First has launched 350 fundraisers and their campaigns have raised almost four million dollars in donations. Learn More Website: fundthefirst.com Robert Garland: rgarland@fundthefirst.com; 201-431-5685 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgarland27/ VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Mike Cantwell is a United States Naval Academy graduate. After serving in the Navy, he has continued his career of service as a federal government employee at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. It was the presidential elections of 2016 that led Mike to dive into politics and ultimately begin his journey as a political reformist. He has even thrown his hat in the ring of candidates and ran for the Arlington County Board. He knows that our political system is broken and the way to fix it is at the state level. Two key components he feels are vital; Rank Choice Voting and Final Five Voting. These issues are multi-partisan and can help create better elections across the whole system. Mike has been involved with Fair Vote Virginia and also Veterans for Political Innovation. Both these organizations have a passion for political reform at the grassroots level. Fair Vote Virginia "We're a single issue, local chapter of the national FairVote movement, a non-partisan, non-profit champion of ranked choice voting. Our members cover the entire political spectrum and come together from across the Commonwealth, united by a shared mission to revive real, representative democracy." Veterans for Political Innovation Their mission is to "make our political system less toxic and more competitive by mobilizing military veterans to fight to preserve democracy through election innovations." Learn More LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cantwell-9bb5282/ Campaign Website: www.cantwell4countyboard.com Fair Vote Virginia: www.fairvoitvirginia.org Veterans for Political Innovation: www.veteransforpoliticalinnovation.org VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Owen Waits has a long family history of military service. It was a natural choice to attend West Point. Upon graduating he was commissioned and served for more than eight years in the Army before joining J.P. Morgan. He is currently an Associate Banker in the Atlanta, Georgia office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where he serves high net worth individuals across their entire balance sheets and provide "boutique white glove" service. He especially likes working with veterans who have transitioned into business leadership. Veteran Advocate When transitioning from the Army to a the civilian sector Owen realized the challenges of translating his time in the service to civilian related work. He attended the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School which provided a great network to help with this transition as he earned his MBA. He has a passion to help others transition smoothly from service to a civilian job. J.P. Morgan has their own forum to connect service members; "Voices of Employees That Served (VETS) which Owen is a part of. J.P. Morgan has hired over 16,000 since 2011. He also volunteers as a transition coach with the Four Block Foundation. Learn More LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-waits/ Email: owen.c.waits@jpmorgan.com Carry the Load event in Georgia: https://www.carrytheload.org/site/DocServer/Georgia_NC_2022.docx__2_.pdf Four Block Foundation: https://fourblock.org/ VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Joshua Hood grew up loving books. Some of his earliest memories were listening to his dad read, "The Hobbit". He remembers the pictures he would paint in his head as the words were read. Joshua graduated college with an English degree, but didn't immediately put that degree to use. He decided to serve in the 82nd Airborne Division. It was during a deployment that the ideas for a book were beginning to form, but he pushed the idea of becoming an author away. It took a former fellow solider he served with publishing his own book that compelled Joshua to do the same. After the Army, Joshua continued serving on the SWAT team in Memphis, Tennessee. It wasn't until about five years ago, after his son was born, that he become a full-time author. Both his combat and SWAT experiences have laid the groundwork for the stories he continues to write. Books Joshua Hood is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author of The Treadstone Series, Clear by Fire and Warning Order. The latest Treadstone book, The Treadstone Transgression is set to release 4/5. You won't want to miss this international thriller. Find at your local bookstore or online at Amazon. Learn More Website: www.joshuahoodbooks.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshuahoodbook VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Carl and Lori met while Carl was serving in the U.S. Army. He enlisted at the age of 17 and retired in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 21 years. Not long after retirement, Lori was running a successful corporate massage therapy business and Carl was a partner in the tech world. They both already had an entrepreneurial spirit and they wanted to do something different. Carl was driven to build a company that could give back specifically to the veteran community but also beyond. They were inspired by their brother-in-law. At the time he had recently won "roaster of the year" in his hometown in Washington state. Being avid coffee drinkers Carl tossed the idea out to start a coffee business. Lori agreed and they dove right into growing an online coffee business out of their basement in 2010 and Alpha Coffee was born. Alpha Coffee Awesome coffee that gives back! One of Alpha Coffee's primary focus is giving back. It gives back at least 10% of all profits to non-profits focused on veterans, the planet, and community. They regularly donate coffee to troops with over 20,000 bags of coffee sent to date. Alpha Coffee has grown from $17k in revenues its first year to over $2.4M this past year. It has two brick and mortar locations in Utah, Big Cottonwood Canyon and West Jordan, with a third coming to downtown Salt Lake City. They are also currently working on building a distribution center. Looking to support this amazing veteran owned business? Alpha Coffee is available online for subscription or individual purchase. It also is available via Amazon Prime and will soon be on Walmart.com. Learn More Website: www.alpha.coffee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bejetclean/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6-y2wMNk24Fi-J2qbTTYQA VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Ryan grew up watching his dad fly fighter jets. At the time he didn't know that he'd end up following in his footsteps, but the events of 9-11 solidified his desire to serve. Ryan flew the F-15E, but also spent a tour flying the Thunderbirds. He traveled the world to showcase the Air Force's "pride, precision and professionalism" through air shows and flyovers. Even during his active duty career Ryan was pursuing entrepreneurship. Originally he helped found, Flying Scarfs, a nonprofit offering an online market for Afghan products to help women in Afghanistan create an income in 2011. This endeavor also gave him the passion to make sure all "profits had purpose". Be Jet Clean Be Jet Clean was originally thought of during a deployment to Afghanistan. His fellow flight-mates had the same dislike for their current grooming products. Ryan didn't like that his research showed him that "mainstream soaps have the same ingredients as car wash soaps." Upon returning from this deployment he set to work creating over 2,000 products in his kitchen with the help of his now, co-owner, Dale Wood. When those items sold in just 3 months they knew they were on to something. Be Jet Clean continues to have the mindset of "profits for purpose" as they give 10% to help support and empower other veterans and veteran service organizations. If you listened to the podcast and are curious about Ryan's call-sign of "Neo", check out the origins here. Learn More Website: www.bejetclean.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bejetclean/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6-y2wMNk24Fi-J2qbTTYQA VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Eric graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997. He served eight years as a Naval Flight Officer. After service he built a successful real estate business. But, in early 2019 Eric served as board president for "Show Me Integrity", a political reform organization. This became the springboard to combine his interest in politics and military service to found the nonprofit, Veterans for Political Innovation in 2021. Veterans for Political Innovation Their mission is to "make our political system less toxic and more competitive by mobilizing military veterans to fight to preserve democracy through election innovations." To accomplish this, VPI is focused on supporting the following nonpartisan innovations: Top Five Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting, and Final Five Voting. "Veterans for Political Innovation will mobilize one of America's most trusted institutions, veterans, to help restore one of our least-trusted institutions, the politics industry." Learn More Website: https://www.veteransforpoliticalinnovation.org Upcoming Events: March 16th; Nevada Launch March 30th; Cape Girardeau Roundtable and Happy Hour VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Billy's earliest memory as a kid was tagging along with his dad while golfing. He really doesn't ever remember not loving the game. His dad taught him how to play and it became a passion growing up. He remembers getting his first par at the age of 11. He doesn't remember what triggered the decision, but he decided to he wanted to attend the United States Naval Academy. In 2004 he graduated and continued serving for five years as a Surface Warfare Officer. After leaving the Navy, Billy has played golf as a professional career. He is currently the only veteran playing on the PGA tour. Billy Hurley III Foundation About five years ago he and his wife decided to found the Billy Hurley III Foundation. Its sole purpose is to "support, honor, and enhance the lives of military families; serving those who serve along side." Check out their upcoming fundraising event: The Brave Golf Tournament, May 16th at the Naval Academy Golf Course. Learn More Website: www.billyhurley3.com Brave Golf Tournament: www.bh3.golf VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Nicole began her work in broadcasting and film almost 20 years ago, volunteering with the local National Public Radio. She has a passion for it and received her Master's Degree in Journalism and Public Relations in 2013. It was her experience as a military spouse that brought her the desire to highlight the struggles that the service members go through. Finishing up in 2018, she filmed, directed and produced the documentary, "The Journey Back to Normal - A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD". This was her second documentary but first sharing about the military experience. She is continuing this journey as she is currently working on; "HiddenWounds: The Documentary". Nate Brookshire is an active duty Provost Marshall with over 31 years of service in the Army . He has been a longtime advocate for facilitating long-term mental health care for veterans and their families and has been brought onboard to assist in the production of the documentary, "Hidden Wounds." In 2010, he co-authored the book, "Hidden Wounds: A Soldier's Burden". "Its fictional characters discuss the complex topics of suicide, survivor's guilt, addiction and moral injury." The book has been instrumental in sharing about the non-profit Hidden Wounds, whose soul mission is to help reduce barriers to accessing mental health care. Hidden Wounds: The Documentary is set to release early 2023. Its purpose is to highlight the "raw story of life after combat." The trailer is available to preview, and has currently be nominated for; "Best Trailer at the Raleigh Film and Arts Festival" in October 2021. Production is still in the fundraising stages and you can check out how to support it below. Learn More Watch the Trailer Website: https://www.hiddenwoundsdocumentary.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddenwoundsdoc/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amelio-Media-LLC-presents-Hidden-Wounds-The-Documentary-100722049020490/ VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.

Sean Lanier is a veteran Army helicopter pilot. About 8 years ago he realized there was a problem. ROTC scholarships were seeing just over half of their recipients graduate and commission. How can the armed services find the right candidates, get them matched with a college that fits them and have their success rate improve? Sean found building relationships with high school guidance and career counselings was the perfect place to start. Helping graduating high schoolers find a school that fits their personality and still offers an ROTC program has allowed the success rate to improve dramatically. This coupled with continued coaching and mentoring in the transition process. Resolve Solutions Resolve Solutions, founded in 2018, has dedicated its mission to placing talented candidates in schools that fit with ROTC scholarships. They also are committed to "providing educational and financial support along with early college preparation." That is honestly just the beginning. They hope to help students create generational wealth by capitalizing on coming out of college with little to no debt, learning the benefits of the GI bill for furthering their education, the VA loans to become home owners and more. It will have a life long impact. Learn More Sean LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-sean-lanier-297ab87/ Resolve Solutions Website: https://resolvesolutions.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resolvesolutionsinc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/resolvesolutio2?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResolveSolutionsInc/ VeteranCrowd Network Our "forever promise" is to build the veteran and military spouse community a place to connect and engage. VeteranCrowd is simply a national network of veterans, veteran led businesses and the resources they need to prosper. Subscribe to stay in touch, or consider if Individual or Corporate Membership in the Network is a fit for you. About Your Host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded the VeteranCrowd Network to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper.