Presented by REE Medical, Operation Onward is your companion for navigating life after military service.
Hosted by Retd. USCG Veteran, Nick (Nicholas Todd), and Veteran Outreach Specialist, Nic (Nicola Wales-Wong), this podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and stories that define the journey beyond the uniform.
Each episode, your hosts connect with fellow Veterans, experts, and community leaders to discuss what matters most after service. Through open, honest conversations, they share practical resources and meaningful experiences that resonate with the military community.
Discover inspiring tales of resilience, learn about essential tools and benefits resources, and connect with a community that shares your mission: moving forward—together.
Tune in and take your next steps with us.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
MISSING IN ACTION: Derek Abbey on Project Recover, 81,000 MIAs & Bringing Heroes Home | OOP #012
Marine Corps combat veteran and CEO of Project Recover, Dr. Derek Abbey joins Operation Onward to discuss the 81,000 American service members still missing in action, and the mission to bring them home.
Project Recover conducts historical research, underwater and jungle recovery missions, and works alongside the Department of Defense to locate and repatriate fallen heroes from previous wars. From World War II aircraft recovery sites to deep ocean dives in the Pacific, Derek shares what it takes to fulfill America’s promise to never leave a service member behind.
9 Jan 2026
TOM TRAN PURPLE HEART | Iraq War Combat Veteran, PTSD and Transition, VA Claim Took 20 Years
Actor and comedian Thom Tran, an Iraq War combat veteran, recounts his experiences with combat, PTSD, and the challenges of navigating the VA system in an interview with Operation Onward.
18 Dec 2025
FROM COMBAT TO RESILIENCE | Green Beret Nick Lavery on Sacrifice, Leadership & Life After Injury | OOP #011
Green Beret Nick Lavery recounts his inspiring journey of overcoming a combat injury, returning to active duty, and redefining his identity through resilience and leadership in an interview with Operation Onward.
4 Dec 2025
LIFE AFTER SPECIAL OPERATIONS: Patrick Flood Owners in Honor | OOP #010
Patrick Flood, founder of Owners & Honor, recounts his transition from Green Beret to entrepreneur, highlighting his organization's mission to empower veterans through business ownership in this interview.
4 Dec 2025
LIFE AFTER SPECIAL OPERATIONS: Patrick Flood Owners in Honor Ep #010
Patrick Flood, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Green Beret, recounts his transition from military service to founding Owners & Honor, an organization supporting veteran entrepreneurship, in an interview.
13 Nov 2025
“IF NOT ME, THEN WHO?” | Ryan Manion on the Legacy of Travis Manion & Gold Star Families | OOP #009
Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, discusses her brother Travis Manion's legacy and the foundation's work supporting veterans and Gold Star families through leadership and mentorship in this interview.
30 Oct 2025
REDEFINING THE AMERICAN WARRIOR | Modern Warfare, Veteran Stories, & Brotherhood | OOP #008
Army veteran Ronnie Atkins discusses his experiences in Afghanistan, his work with JSOC, and his mission to help veterans find community through storytelling in this interview.
16 Oct 2025
THE DAY I DIED IN BAGHDAD: EOD Tech Daniel Acosta’s True Story of Survival & Brotherhood | EP #007
Air Force EOD Tech Daniel Acosta recounts his near-death experience from an IED blast in Baghdad, highlighting the crucial role of brotherhood and faith in his survival and recovery in this interview.
3 Oct 2025
NOT A VICTIM: Tyler Vargas-Andrews on Surviving Abbey Gate | OOP #006
Tyler Vargas-Andrews, a Marine and Purple Heart recipient, recounts surviving the Abbey Gate attack, emphasizing resilience and honoring the fallen, in this interview.
17 Sept 2025
LIFE AFTER WAR: Marine Veteran Scott Gatto’s Battle to Reunite The Fight | OOP EP#005
Marine veteran Scott Gatto shares his difficult transition from military service to civilian life, describing his battle with identity, purpose, and PTSD, which inspired him to found Reunite The Fight, in this interview.
29 Aug 2025
THE FIGHT FOR FALLUJAH: 48 Hours in Hell with Combat Veteran Scott Gatto | OOP EP#004
Host [Host Name] interviews Marine Combat Veteran and Reunite The Fight founder Scott Gatto about his harrowing firsthand account of the first 48 hours in the Battle of Fallujah.
14 Aug 2025
Little Fit Patriot | Army Officer, Bodybuilding, & Founder: OOP Ep. #03
Host [Host Name] interviews former Army Officer and bodybuilder Alyssa Michelle about her transition from military service to entrepreneurship, offering insights into resilience and purpose.
31 Jul 2025
“Surviving Son” – A Story of Combat, Loss, and Brotherhood: OOP Ep. #02
U.S. Army combat Veteran Scott DeLuzio recounts his experiences with grief, PTSD, and healing after losing his brother in Afghanistan, highlighting themes of sacrifice and service in this interview.
17 Feb 2025
INFANTRY TO INFLUENCER: The Veteran With A Sign Story: OOP Ep. #01
Presented by REE Medical, Operation Onward is your companion for navigating life after military service.
Hosted by Retd. USCG Veteran, Nick (Nicholas Todd), and Veteran Outreach Specialist, Nic (Nicola Wales-Wong), this podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and stories that define the journey beyond the uniform.
Each episode, your hosts connect with fellow Veterans, experts, and community leaders to discuss what matters most after service. Through open, honest conversations, they share practical resources and meaningful experiences that resonate with the military community.
Discover inspiring tales of resilience, learn about essential tools and benefits resources, and connect with a community that shares your mission: moving forward—together.
Tune in and take your next steps with us.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Check out the resources and topics discussed in this episode below:
The Boot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org/
Semper Fi & America's Fund - https://thefund.org/
The Shepherd Center - https://www.shepherd.org/programs/outpatient/care-for-us-service-members
VETS | Veteran's Exploring Treatment Solutions - https://vetsolutions.org/
The Mission Within - https://missionwithin.org/
The Battle For Marjah Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pj28j3py5k
How To Change Your Mind Documentary - https://www.netflix.com/title/80229847
Who has been a guest on Operation Onward
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Thom Tran
Nick Lavery
Patrick Flood
Ryan Manion
Ronnie Atkins
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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