Defenders Gateway: Recent Episodes
Ray Tuggle
An America that is fully committed to our active First Responders, Military and Veterans. Establishing a sense of honor, respect, and support for those who have served, are currently serving and those who will serve in the future.
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. My name is David Satchell. You can call me Satch. I am a passionate leader, manager, follower, and professional from Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from Bellevue Christian Academy, I went on to serve 30 years in the United States Air Force. I navigated up the ranks to the position of Command Chief Master Sergeant, a position reserved for only the top 0.3 percent of the enlisted force of over 640,000 Airmen. While serving, I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Sociology and followed that with my Masters degree in Human Resource Management. Shortly after my retirement, I accepted an offer to be an Operations Manager with Amazon, leading a diverse group of technical experts and hundreds of employees to deliver for the fastest moving company in the world. I had risen to lead the best-performing teams multiple times. I attribute this to my ability to forge strong relationships, create a trusting environment, and lead solely by personality, character, courage, and collaboration, which are the influential powers to generate discretionary effort beyond what metrics can predict. I am a published author and regular blogger on all topics regarding leadership. I am ready to offer my support to help you build a strong team and a high-performance culture. NOTABLE CERTIFICATIONS Executive Coaching Accreditation Flatter, Inc. Fredericksburg, Virginia Keenan-Flagler Business School Certificate UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Six Sigma Green Belt Certification University of South Florida Master Resilience Trainer College of Positive Psychology University of Pennsylvania Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace USF Muma College of Business University of South Florida Lean Production Certification Technical University Munich, Germany Learn more about David: linkedin.com/in/desatch (Company Linkedin) core-elc.com (core-elc.com) (Company Website) http://www.one57nine.com/ (Company Blog)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Dr. Martin is founder and CEO of Healthy Community Group. Her company has helped educate and develop implementable plans to support thousands of women and families through their health journeys. Her team of experts incorporate five key elements, including body, mindset, image, nutrition, and community, to help clients execute their healthy weight and life goals. Dr. Jennifer Martin holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a bachelor of science specializing in human anatomy and physiology. As a certified ergonomic assessment specialist, she provides solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries. She has completed postgraduate training in sports rehabilitation, scoliosis, minimally invasive spine surgery, nutrition, pregnancy, pediatrics, spectrum disorders, and acupuncture. Dr. Martin is passionate about supporting various not-for-profit groups that coach children and families to live healthier, active lives. Through her company, she feels blessed to be a gift to others by helping them achieve a healthy lifestyle for life. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Dr. Martin is founder and CEO of Healthy Community Group. Her company has helped educate and develop implementable plans to support thousands of women and families through their health journeys. Her team of experts incorporate five key elements, including body, mindset, image, nutrition, and community, to help clients execute their healthy weight and life goals. Dr. Jennifer Martin holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a bachelor of science specializing in human anatomy and physiology. As a certified ergonomic assessment specialist, she provides solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries. She has completed postgraduate training in sports rehabilitation, scoliosis, minimally invasive spine surgery, nutrition, pregnancy, pediatrics, spectrum disorders, and acupuncture. Dr. Martin is passionate about supporting various not-for-profit groups that coach children and families to live healthier, active lives. Through her company, she feels blessed to be a gift to others by helping them achieve a healthy lifestyle for life. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
My name is Charlie Metzner, and I was born into a family of fighter fighters and police officers who dedicated their careers and lives to the St. Louis community. These were my role models growing up, my superheroes. I want to be just like them, and that’s something I still strive towards every single time I put on my gear and hop on that fire truck. I joined the St. Louis fire department in 2006. It’s a calling for sure. We are all there for the same reason: to change peoples lives for the better. Fortunate to also enjoy commerary among other fellow first responders their families in the great people of St. Louis. As more first responders and veterans work to find additional ways to provide for their families, we wanted to give our community way to support them. With a deep understanding of the culture, being first responders ourselves, we set out to create an unprecedented online resource, benefiting both business owners in the public alike. The purpose is to connect local heroes with every day people, businesses, and organizations they serve. Hiring a hero from within the network is a way of thinking that hero for their service, dedication, and sacrifice. Our organization quickly evolved beyond an online business network. While that remains part of our primary mission, we’ve been able to make an even greater impact through our community outreach efforts, including fundraising events and supporting other organizations with similar values. Sponsorships and donations allows to support families of fallen first responders through their darkest days. We consistently hear from these families that they not only want their loved one remembered for their service and sacrifice, but also for their bravery. St. Louis is a special town. No other city rallies behind its local heroes like we do. With your financial support, we’ll be able to expand our services for network members by providing scholarship funds for children of the fallen, job placements, and so much more. We’ll be able to increase our community outreach efforts and host more events that bring in critical support funds, all leading back to one cause - supporting our local heroes. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
Andrew Canales is the founder and CEO of Houses For Warriors, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in supporting homeless and injured veterans with obtaining benefits, transitional housing and transformational growth and development to lead fulfilling lives. Andrew served 6 years in the United States Air Force and volunteered for two combat tours in Iraq totaling 23 months overseas. During 2007, Andrew survived a rocket attack that killed 10 people and injured over 70 while working as a Prison Guard at a detainment facility in South Iraq. He was soon diagnosed with PTSD and started his journey to becoming the man he is today. With Houses for Warriors, Andrew coordinates with business owners, donors, community leaders, and volunteers across the country to create strategic partnerships like Defenders Gateway and opportunities that serve our veterans and those involved. His main goal is to improve the quality of life for every veteran who is struggling and end veteran homelessness in the United States. Andrew's future initiative is to create a Houses For Warriors "Campus” Main Site: https://housesforwarriors.org Warrior Center Site: https://housesforwarriors.org/warrior-campus/ Brochure: https://8299584.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/8299584/Brochure.pdf Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
Victoria ‘Lanakila’ Rosena Tuggle-Togafau is a proud military family member that has a passion for exceptional quality-focused services & outstanding support to our military & DoD members as the Chief of the Army Transportation – PPPO (Personal Property Processing Office) in Hawaii. Victoria is a child of a deceased veteran (Father Deceased serving in the USAF-Active Duty). Her mother proudly served (retired) as a DoD Civilian for the Air Force for 37 years. Her Step-father served active duty in the US Air Force for 22 years (retired E-8) and transitioned to DoD Civilian. Both of Victoria’s siblings served active duty in the US Air Force, one brother now retired (E-8) and the other brother still serving. Victoria is an Army Spouse (husband is US Army-Active Duty E-8). So, overall, Victoria came from a long line of family that has either served or supported various US Military and DoD services. Victoria has worked for the Department of Defense in connection with the Air Force and Army, in many different aspects, for over 28 years. She was fortunate to transition to the Army system in 2002 working for the Directorate of Logistics, in Transportation, during a huge shift from Federal GS positions to Contracting, and was mentored by the ITO (Installation Transportation Officer) of that time. Victoria learned quickly and became very motivated to excel in this line of work, accepting a leadership opportunity with the new contractor so that she could continue the work providing support to our Troops, she developed and mentored a team that supports an average of 35,000 customers per year, creating and establishing and internal quality process for ISO certifications, while also overseeing the accounting department for 32 government travel accounts ranging from 5k to upwards of 3millon dollars per account; and she continuously feels honored to support all servicemen and women, including the added positive feeling towards making her Dad (in heaven) proud. Victoria is very passionate about providing support to service members, enjoys learning and being challenged as a Leader, Supervisor, Manager; still developing, motivating, continuous learning, while also performing the job at hand. She is well known as a persistent researcher of Regulations and called upon as a subject matter expert in the applicable regulations by employees, peers, and higher officials. She was awarded various certificates of appreciation from Department of the Air Force, Department of the Army, US Army Garrison, Directorate of Logistics; she has had training in LSS (Lean-Six Sigma), and awarded the Global BAE Systems Chairman’s Award for ‘Integrating an OPX (Operation Excellence) & LSS (Lean-Six Sigma) Culture’. Besides work, Victoria is a faithful Christian, wife, mother of twins, and also a Hawaiian Cultural practitioner. She is a trained advanced hula dancer and chanter, and has had the honor (with permission) to teach hula in order to perpetuate the legacy of my kumuhula (Hawaiian hula teacher), as well as permitted to choreograph and teach Christian hula. Victoria is also an avid swimmer that enjoys lap-swimming at the pool, open water swims in the ocean, as well as biathlons for the motivation and fitness. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Dr. Martin is founder and CEO of Healthy Community Group. Her company has helped educate and develop implementable plans to support thousands of women and families through their health journeys. Her team of experts incorporate five key elements, including body, mindset, image, nutrition, and community, to help clients execute their healthy weight and life goals. Dr. Jennifer Martin holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a bachelor of science specializing in human anatomy and physiology. As a certified ergonomic assessment specialist, she provides solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries. She has completed postgraduate training in sports rehabilitation, scoliosis, minimally invasive spine surgery, nutrition, pregnancy, pediatrics, spectrum disorders, and acupuncture. Dr. Martin is passionate about supporting various not-for-profit groups that coach children and families to live healthier, active lives. Through her company, she feels blessed to be a gift to others by helping them achieve a healthy lifestyle for life. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. My name is Mike “Too Good” Wood and this is my story. Growing up I was an all around athlete. I did a lot of different sports. I became a pro in boxing two weeks after my 20th birthday. I was able to achieve a lot in short time period. At 25 years of age I lost motivation and basically retired. I then received a call with a good opportunity for all 4 major North American titles that would’ve put me in the top 5 in the world. Needless to say I wasn’t prepared. After this fight, I decided that was enough. About 4 years into my retirement I started going to a different church, Have Bible Will Travel in St. Louis, MO. This is where my coaching career began. After going to the church for about a month or so Pastor Pat Rankin approaches me and asked how I would feel about starting a boxing and exercise ministry at the church? This was the start of Too Good Boxing. This ministry has surpassed all of our initial goals. We have around 30+ people in the gym training at a time. After witnessing growth in the ministry we decided to start putting on amateur boxing events at the church which usually brings in 500+ spectators. God continues to bless me and this ministry. Learn more about Mike Wood and his ministry HERE (http://toogoodboxing.com/)! Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. MO Vets Outdoors, Inc. is a Missouri 501(C)3 Organization dedicated to providing a community that connects veterans to the outdoors and to each other. Our goal is to provide that single ray of hope that has a direct impact on the 22 Veteran Suicides that occur daily. We are devoted to veteran mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Elaine Brewer is a Fitness and Wellness Professional and the Founder of Humble Warrior Wellness Center. Elaine is a 15yr military spouse. Her husband is a 20yr veteran of the Navy Special Operations community. After experiencing so much trauma and loss within her husband’s military unit, she decided to shift her focus from her physical health background to incorporate mental health resilience as well. She quickly recognized the restorative and therapeutic properties with the mind/body connection that yoga and meditation provide along with the undeniable benefits it offers those who have experienced trauma in their lives. These are skills and practices she desires to introduce and make readily available to the military, first responders, and medical professionals, that can bring harmony and balance to the hyper vigilant and traumatic work environments these heroes experience every day. After visiting the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), a specialized branch of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Elaine was inspired to create a wellness center for veterans, first responders, and medical personnel. Witnessing what an encouraging and healing atmosphere it was for our service members battling post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues had a huge impact on her and is the driving force behind Humble Warrior Wellness Center. Find more information HERE (http://www.humblewarriorwellnesscenter.org/) Elaine Brewer Humble Warrior Wellness Center 314-640-7998 Humblewarriorswellness@gmail.com Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Founder of WillBinspired Warriors Fitness Fund. Background in law enforcement and personal training. In May of 2021 I created WillBinspired Warriors Fitness Fund, as a way to show appreciation to Military veterans and first responders as well as help them deal with PTSD and stress of the job by giving them a free year paid in full gym membership. Fitness has always been a passion of mine and has helped me through some of my worst times. I figured if it could help me maybe it could help others as well. When I was a personal trainer I loved watching people work through their stresses in the gym to achieve their goals and find peace. So far over 37 fitness memberships have been gifted to military veterans and law enforcement with approximately $18,000 raised through fitness fundraisers and donations. I truly believe fitness can help save lives! It has mine! Learn more about Will and his passion here (http://willbinspired.com/)! Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Chaplain Steven Pace serves as a Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve and has done multiple combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq and humanitarian missions in Louisiana and Puerto Rico. Becky grew up in Alton, IL, and last served as the Children’s Director for Calvary Baptist; she loves working with children, especially those with disabilities, where she uses her education as a COTA. Steve has pastored both churches and chapels for the past 22 years and holds an M.Div and M.A.R. from Liberty University. He also serves as a Chaplain for Barnes Jewish Hospital and Alton Memorial Hospital. Contact Chaplain Steve Pace at Christway Church (http://christwayil.com/contact-us) Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Ola Hawatmeh is a business owner, designer, philanthropist and conservative activist. Ola has been recognized as a top local female business owner and “Most Influential Woman.” She founded her first company in 2004, Mom Me Makeover, a company that specializes in makeovers to help others look good inside out. With her early success, she founded her first charity Makeover for a Cause where she works with other nonprofits to donate makeovers. Ola has helped countless teenagers battling cancer, taking them shopping and giving them hair and makeup makeovers to restore their confidence. Ola went on to establish her fashion design company, Ola Style. She remained committed to giving back to the communities she serves and has done numerous charity fashion shows around the country. Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Adam French’s story is one of humble and healthy beginnings, a story of harsh and horrific interruption, and a story wrapped in the life changing love of Christ. His dad’s journey of successful business owner to violent alcoholic coincides with his mother’s struggle of a successful teacher to pill addict. Somewhere in the middle of their stories is a scared little boy, curious pre-teen, abandoned teenager and a wounded man. For the past 17 years Adam has been on a journey of healing. Today, Adam travels the country sharing the redemptive story of Grace that Jesus brought to his life through his personal journey to MANdentity. He is a motivational speaker who encourages others to live out their faith. Learn more about Adam French at his website (https://theadamfrench.com/) Check out Adam French's book (https://www.amazon.com/MANdentity-Healing-Wounded-Adam-French/dp/1736933450/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MTDQPKVGIHFE&keywords=mandentity&qid=1641938341&s=books&sprefix=mandent%2Cstripbooks%2C80&sr=1-1) Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)
From one patriot to another…the Defenders Gateway podcast with Ray Tuggle is designed to give active military, veterans and first responders a voice to tell their stories about how they’ve answered their nation’s call, and to share how they are making an impact on their families, community and nation. Our featured guest on this episode is retired USAF Col. Michael Smith, author of “The Power Of Dadhood”. Today’s discussion is about balancing fatherhood, a military career and a connection with God. Col. Smith’s website: www.michaelbyronsmith.com (www.michaelbyronsmith.com) Col. Smith’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Dadhood-Better-Society-Starts/dp/1939629667 (https://www.amazon.com/Power-Dadhood-Better-Society-Starts/dp/1939629667) Find out more about Defenders Gateway (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/) Download the free Defenders Gateway app (https://www.thedefendersnetwork.com/app-landing-page)