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    Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner

    A place for veterans to connect, heal, and share their stories. CAL Program Director and US Army Veteran, Coach Melissa Leuck discusses topics of health, emotional wellness, community, and fitness with United States Veterans and supporters. The Catch A Lift Fund enables post 9/11 combat injured veterans all over the U.S. to recover and rehabilitate both physically and mentally through physical fitness, motivation, and support. Coaches Corner is hosted weekly by CAL Program Director, and US Army Veteran, Melissa Leuck. Episodes are produced, written, and edited by our Producer, Kaylee Nassiri. All recordings are completed by Henry Pompper, our IT Director. For more information about Catch A Lift Fund, check out our website. http://catchaliftfund.org/ A special Thank you to ID Technologies for their sponsorship of Coaches Corner. For more information about ID Technologies, and their corporate citizenship programs please click here: https://www.idtec.com/corporate-citizenship/

    en-us125 Episodes

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    Episodes (125)

    Will Castillo

    Will Castillo

    "In 2023, I have so far won 3 gold medals and one silver along with winning gold in the Para Sport World Cup. Between 2018 and 2022, I won three National Championships, a gold medal in the 2020 Empire State Games, and two third place finishes at the World Cups in Germany and Lake Placid. I am currently the captain of Team USA and 2022-2023 over all World Champion.

    CURRENTLY RANKED #1 IN THE WORLD FOR PARA BOBSLED!"


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    William Walker

    William Walker

    My name is Coach W.T. Walker (William Tyler), and I am from Northport, Alabama. I am a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School where I lettered in both football and track and field where I hold several records and I am also in the Wildcat Wall of Fame. I earned both a football and track and field scholarship where I played Junior College Football at East Central Community College in Decatur, MS and I competed in track and field at Stillman College where I was a hurdler, relay sprints, and high jumper. I have a high jump record at Tuscaloosa County High School jumping 6'8 and at Stillman College jumping 6'4. 

    Throughout my college career, I was also both Active Duty and National Guard in the US Army and Alabama National Guard. I am a combat infantry veteran where I hold one of my proudest awards being Army Combat Infantry Badge. I am former police sergeant. I am currently still APOSTC. I want to help others strive to be better in their lives.  I love helping both athletes and non-athletes learn techniques and proper training to help them elevate in life. 

    I am proud husband to my beautiful wife Alisha and we have 4 daughters (Aleaha, Inspyir, Ava, & Abby) 

    I love to serve and even when I may be all alone, I still let my light shine. I am an author of several books on amazon: We Chose This "The Shift", It's Christmas Time, This is me! This is us! We are Special! & Several more. I appeared on Acting Out Studios in Atlanta for acting, I have a podcast on Spotify, IHeart Radio, and other major platforms (W.T. Walker). I am a proud member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

    I am here to help you!


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Alex Rueda

    Alex Rueda

    Former US Army Infantry with a deployment to Iraq from 2005-2006. After returning home, they established themselves as a top-tier Strength and Conditioning Coach, USA Weightlifting Coach, and former MMA and Mauy Thai Fighter.

    In addition to their success in the fitness industry, they also pursued a career in HR and Recruiting, gaining 9 years of experience and currently serving as a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner.

    They answered a higher calling and became the Pastor of Oaks Community Church, where they continue to inspire and guide their congregation. As a current Master CrossFit and Tactical Games Athlete, they push themselves to achieve greatness both physically and mentally, and their unwavering commitment to their craft and community is a testament to their character.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Adam Gutierrez

    Adam Gutierrez

    My name is Adam Gutierrez. I am the CAL band coach.  I am a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2003-2009.

    I want to be here not only for your fitness needs but for any needs that may arise during your fitness journey. When Covid hit, I pivoted and changed not only my life but also my career to be more fitness forward and to help fellow veterans.

    I started by changing my diet and doing more mindfulness exercises. I attended FitOps camp this past August where I left a certified NETA personal trainer.  I am also certified as a Level 1 USA weightlifting coach and a level 1 Crossfit coach.

    Fitness is a big part of my life but being my girls’ dad is the biggest part of my life.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Ben Korf

    Ben Korf

    "I served in the Infantry from 2006-2010. 2 tours to Iraq in 2006 and 2008. I went to college at Iowa Central Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. I’ve been working at Wells Fargo for the past 10 years. Hobbies mostly include fitness in some form or fashion! I’ve been in and out of the gym sporadically since high school. Over Covid I focused on running, I was running 5-7 miles every day. After getting burnt out, I did CrossFit for about 6 months and developed tendinitis in both elbows. Since January 2021, I have dedicated my time to lifting weights 6 days a week and sprinkling in running/CrossFit workouts as well. I am looking at Pursuing some certifications and becoming a part-time personal trainer. I am divorced and have 2 beautiful children, a 4-year-old boy, and a 6-year-old girl."


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Chris Miller

    Chris Miller

    Chris Miller is a US Army Veteran who served from 2000-2008, with a tour as a Squad Leader for a Route Clearance Task Force in Ramadi, Iraq in 2007.He grew up in the St Louis, MO area, where he still resides with his wife and three kids. Since getting out of the Army, he has graduated college with a degree in Education, and was a teacher for 7 years. He has participated and volunteered with multiple veterans organizations for the past 10 years, and currently he works for Wounded Warrior Project where he coordinates volunteers to help connect veterans and their families with a variety of programs and services, as well as other veterans in their communities.




    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Viv Kolb & Jeremiah Pauley

    Viv Kolb & Jeremiah Pauley

    Coach Viv Kolb and Head Coach Jeremiah Pauley will discuss body image with Program Director Melissa Leuck.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Randy Beagley

    Randy Beagley

    Randy is a US Army Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and currently works as a Construction Project Manager. Randy was born into a cult, and escaped. He joined the military seeking structure, and purpose. Randy credits his service for giving him structure in life. Following his service, Randy attended school. Today, Randy works for Habitat Humanity, and is thankful to continue to serve his community in a new way. 


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Mark Koenig

    Mark Koenig

    Mark Koenig, Army Infantryman Veteran. Host of The RakkTalk Podcast, trying to bridge the gaps for Veterans and Services/programs we may have not known existed. Mark is a year two CAL Veteran Athlete!

    Click here to check out Mark's Podcast: ‎The RakkTalk Podcast on Apple Podcasts



    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Marcus Hayward

    Marcus Hayward

    Hello, my name is Marcus Hayward, I am a wounded military veteran born and raised in New Jersey. I served in the US Army for 8 1/2  years. I joined the military back on February 24, 2004, I attend the Military Police school at Ft. Leonardwood Missouri. I graduate on July 2, 2004, I was then assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, Ft. Stewart, GA. I served as a Driver and Team Leader. In December 2005, I deployed to Mosul, Iraq in support of OIF. Well in Iraq, I completed many missions with my squad as the Commander's Personal Security Detachment. We helped refurbish and establish Iraqi Police Stations all over Mosul, Iraq. After 12 months, in November 2006, I returned home to Ft. Stewart, GA. Upon return myself and another soldier were selected above our peer to go to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX attend the Specialized Search Dog (SSD) Course in May 2007. Upon graduation in September 2007, I was assigned to the K9 Section of HHD Detachment,  385th MP Bn, Ft. Stewart, GA. In February 2008, I deployed my with SSD Elly to FOB Warhorse, Diyala Province, Iraq. While in country I conduct over 100 missions support, Infantry, Calvary Scouts, Military Police and Special Forces Operations. While in Iraq, I reenlisted to continue my service to our great country. After another 12 months I returned back to Ft. Stewart, GA in March 2009. While home in 2009, I took a vacation to Puerto Rico, where I met my future wife Elizabeth who is from West Palm Beach, FL. In April 2010, along with my SSD Elly I deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF. While in country I was assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force. Only July 29, 2010 while out on mission conducting clearance for the Special Forces Team I was attached to, my side by side (ATV) stuck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). I woke 2 day later on August 1st in Landstuhl Medical Center, Germany. On August 3rd I landed in Washington, DC and was transported to Walter Reed Medical Center to have my surgeries and do my rehab. From the blast in Afghanistan, I suffered a moderate Traumatic Brain Injury, serve trauma to my left eye resulting surgeries to reattach my retina, to in place a artificial lens, and a corneal transplant. I also had to 2 surgeries to repair the zygomatic and maxilla bone on the left side of my face with 2 plates being fastened to help hold them in place. I also had to have a plate fastened to 2 metacarpal bone in my left hand. My left leg was amputated from the knee down also. The whole time my wife was there with me. Before being discharged from the hospital I was award the Purple Heart by the Honorable President Barrack Obama. On June 11, 2011 we were married while at Walter Reed. On July 25, 2012 I medically retired from the US Army and relocated to Lake Worth, Fl. In 2015 I graduated college as a Physical Therapist Assistant. This past summer I began a new career as a High School Social Science Teacher. I have two children, Macayle 9 years old and Mekhi 4 years old. 

     



    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Co


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Tylor Holstein [Part 2]

    Tylor Holstein [Part 2]

     

    I was born in price Utah on April 10, 1987 to Becky Martinez and Cliff Holstein, their marriage was short lived and they divorced when I was 3 years old.  I lived with my mom for a year or so, but at that time my mom could no longer care for me. l ended up going to live with my grandparents, Nick and Mary Martinez, until I was 8 years old. My mom regained care of me and we moved to Trinidad, Colorado for about a year and half. That didn’t last long because my mom had issues with substance abuse and wasn’t able to care for me once again. Purposefully, I started to get into trouble in school while living in Trinidad with my mom. I knew if I got kicked out of all the schools in Trinidad (it was a small town) I would eventually have to be sent to live with my dad in Clearfield/Clinton, Utah.  I was right, and that is where I would stay until I was 18 years old.

    I grew up in Utah. I had a solid group of friends, my dad worked himself to the bone to provide for me and my sister. 

    My life changed on September 11, 2001, like so many others. I had always said I wanted to be a Marine, after 9/11, I thought we were at war. I’ve always been someone who loves history. I knew guys joined at 14, 15, 16. So after school I rode my bike to the recruiting station. I had to ride my bike because I got kicked off the bus for fighting. Walked into the recruiting office, asked if I could join. Was told to come back in 2 years. So I stayed connected to the recruiters and did the delayed entry program. I played football in high school. Sophomore year I was on the practice squad hardly played, but my goal was to give the starters a hard proactive. Junior year I played a little more. Worked hard. Before my senior year we went to a football camp at southern Utah university, I was playing linebacker at the time. Coach J pulled me aside with coach F and said they wanted to switch me to Defensive end. They said I’d play more, I took it and became a starter. After our senior I got the most improved player, I was proud of working my way up. 

    October 18, 2005 I stepped on the yellow footprints of MCRD. I graduated in January of 2006. I don’t remember the date. Went to the school of infantry. One of my friends was having a hard time and left, went UA. Myself and one other Marine went to get him. I was in constant contact with the cadre. We returned and I was recycled to delta company. Where I met men who would become my brothers. After SOI we took a short bus ride to camp Horno, joined the best battalion(my opinion is biased lol). 3rd battalion 1st Marines, Lima company. I was placed in first platoon. I was surrounded by men who fought in Fallujah in November 2004. It felt like I was surrounded by giants. We did our work up deployed. 

    We left on 20th birthday. Started on a ship, went to Guam and Singapore. We arrived in Kuwait in May of 2007. Our deployment was interesting to say the least. I was injured on June 20th. We lost some great men over the course of that deployment. Which again wasn’t the most kinetic. Other were affected in different ways later. 

    When we arrived back in the states in November of 2007, it was nice coming home. My oldest son was 4 months old. It was a nice time. Problem is I knew something was off. I knew something was off with me, but at the time it was frowned upon to seek help. January 26, 2008 a Marine commuted suicide in the barracks. I’ll never forget the “talk” we had after. It went the way of basically man up. Completely discouraged us from seeking help. 

    ---


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Tylor Holstein [Part 1]

    Tylor Holstein [Part 1]

    I was born in price Utah on April 10, 1987 to Becky Martinez and Cliff Holstein, their marriage was short lived and they divorced when I was 3 years old.  I lived with my mom for a year or so, but at that time my mom could no longer care for me. l ended up going to live with my grandparents, Nick and Mary Martinez, until I was 8 years old. My mom regained care of me and we moved to Trinidad, Colorado for about a year and half. That didn’t last long because my mom had issues with substance abuse and wasn’t able to care for me once again. Purposefully, I started to get into trouble in school while living in Trinidad with my mom. I knew if I got kicked out of all the schools in Trinidad (it was a small town) I would eventually have to be sent to live with my dad in Clearfield/Clinton, Utah.  I was right, and that is where I would stay until I was 18 years old.

    I grew up in Utah. I had a solid group of friends, my dad worked himself to the bone to provide for me and my sister. 

    My life changed on September 11, 2001, like so many others. I had always said I wanted to be a Marine, after 9/11, I thought we were at war. I’ve always been someone who loves history. I knew guys joined at 14, 15, 16. So after school I rode my bike to the recruiting station. I had to ride my bike because I got kicked off the bus for fighting. Walked into the recruiting office, asked if I could join. Was told to come back in 2 years. So I stayed connected to the recruiters and did the delayed entry program. I played football in high school. Sophomore year I was on the practice squad hardly played, but my goal was to give the starters a hard proactive. Junior year I played a little more. Worked hard. Before my senior year we went to a football camp at southern Utah university, I was playing linebacker at the time. Coach J pulled me aside with coach F and said they wanted to switch me to Defensive end. They said I’d play more, I took it and became a starter. After our senior I got the most improved player, I was proud of working my way up. 

    October 18, 2005 I stepped on the yellow footprints of MCRD. I graduated in January of 2006. I don’t remember the date. Went to the school of infantry. One of my friends was having a hard time and left, went UA. Myself and one other Marine went to get him. I was in constant contact with the cadre. We returned and I was recycled to delta company. Where I met men who would become my brothers. After SOI we took a short bus ride to camp Horno, joined the best battalion(my opinion is biased lol). 3rd battalion 1st Marines, Lima company. I was placed in first platoon. I was surrounded by men who fought in Fallujah in November 2004. It felt like I was surrounded by giants. We did our work up deployed. 

    We left on 20th birthday. Started on a ship, went to Guam and Singapore. We arrived in Kuwait in May of 2007. Our deployment was interesting to say the least. I was injured on June 20th. We lost some great men over the course of that deployment. Which again wasn’t the most kinetic. Other were affected in different ways later. 

    When we arrived back in the states in November of 2007, it was nice coming home. My oldest son was 4 months old. It was a nice time. Problem is I knew something was off. I knew something was off with me, but at the time it was frowned upon to seek help. January 26, 2008 a Marine commuted suicide in the barracks. I’ll never forget the “talk” we had after. It went the way of basically man up. Completely discouraged us from seeking help. 

    I struggled bad


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Yolanda Jones

    Yolanda Jones

    "I served 6 years in the Army, active and Guard from Feb 88 to Jul 95. I trained most of my Army career as a Signal soldier, by the end I became a supply specialist. In Aug 95 I joined the Air Force National guard as a flight medic and was medically retired in November 2005, in total almost 18 years of service. I did two tours in Iraq. I came back home with a serious neck injury. I appeared like I had an extreme kink in neck, but my reality was that my C2 was 3-4mm from slicing my vertebrae and had to be pulled back. After my neck surgery in September 2004, it took me 2 years to get back to a semblance of normal activities. All my true hopes and dreams. Garbage. When I first got out, I was lost, hurt, confused, depressed and very much disabled. A totally unfamiliar place for myself. After having been very athletic all my life this was not a happy place for me. I did lots of retreats, and IOP’s (Intensive Outpatient Programs) across the US from 2016 to present. It took a long time to get back right with myself emotional, physically and mentally. I’ve even been homeless and bankrupt and yes I even had thoughts of suicide. Today I paint, garden, exercise, ride my green machine (my recumbent trike), build things, travel and love on my grandkids as much as I can. Life is much better. I am far from being totally healed but coping on another level. I’m learning to live my best life. I AM A PHOENIX RISING FROM THE ASHES AND ON THE MOVE!"




    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.





    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Luis Zaragoza

    Luis Zaragoza

    My name is Luis Zaragoza, and I was born and raised in the municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico. I am pleased to now call Orlando, Florida, my home. I served as an infantryman for ten years in the United States Army and deployed to Kuwait, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Iraq, among others.

    These events have molded me into the individual I am today. I have a passion for both business and technology, which led me to my present role as a cybersecurity engineer. I am the host of the Spanish-language podcast "Chatting en Medias" and the author of the book "My Furshine Superhero."

    In addition, I am the creator of CCGK LLC, a federal contracting consulting business. Additionally, I am the happy father of four daughters and the grandpa of one grandchild. I'm excited to see what the future holds now that I'm starting a new endeavor as an investor in multifamily real estate.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Aaron Bean [Part 2]

    Aaron Bean [Part 2]

    Aaron is a US Coast Guard Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and Oregon State Alumni. Following his service in the Coast guard, he lives in the St. Louis area with his family, and has a huge passion for running. We’re excited for the opportunity to talk with him this week on the Coaches Corner. 



    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.




    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Aaron Bean [Part 1]

    Aaron Bean [Part 1]

    Aaron is a US Coast Guard Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and Oregon State Alumni. Following his service in the Coast guard, he lives in the St. Louis area with his family, and has a huge passion for running. We’re excited for the opportunity to talk with him this week on the Coaches Corner. 

    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.





    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Mathius Carter

    Mathius Carter

    Mathius Carter served in the United States Army as a Multi-Channel Transmission Systems Operator. Was stationed in Darmstadt Germany, then was deployed in 2003 for the initial invasion of Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) supporting 3rd ID and 101st Airborne Division, providing communication for infantry to call for backup. Finishing his duty with 4th ID from Fort Hood, Texas in 2005.

    After his time in service, Mathius completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Biology from Western Illinois University graduating with honors in 2009. While working as an AVP for BMO Harris Bank, Mathius completed his MBA in 2013. In 2018 Mathius went back to school to complete a Master’s in education from National Lewis University to teach High School Biology. Mathius was then reached out to by the Executive Director of a Veteran Organization which helped homeless Veterans, which is where Mathius first found his passion for helping fellow veterans.

    Currently Mathius is the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign War in Crystal Lake Post 12014, a member of the American Legion Post 171, Wounded Warrior Alum as well as a member of Team Read White and Blue (RWB)

     

    To purchase Mathius's book: Instead of Sheep: A Soldiers Way of Explaining PTSD to his Son  
    Link to Road Home Program:   Road Home Program | Center for Veterans & Their Families at Rush 
    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.




    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Austin Owens

    Austin Owens

    Austin Owens is a US Army Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient. Austin deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, where he was injured by an RPG. Austin recently graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy. In his free time, Austin trains and competes for Strongman. He placed as Ohio’s strongest man 220 and under! This week on the Coaches Corner, Austin will discuss his service, transition, and passion for fitness. Join us to meet one of our amazing CAL Veteran Athletes, Austin Owens! 



    *********************************************************
    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Travis Linn & Ryan Linn

    Travis Linn & Ryan Linn

    Two US Army Brothers, and CAL Veteran Athletes Travis, and Ryan Linn join us this week on the Coaches Corner! Both brothers went to basic training together, and then both went on to deploy. One to Iraq, and the other to Afghanistan. In this week's episode, they will talk about training together, deploying to different theatres, and what each of their transition was like out of the military. Join us as we learn more about the brothers, and what led them to serve. 


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    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.


    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.

    Sarah Rudder

    Sarah Rudder

    ?I was injured in 2001 when I was still fresh in the Marine Corps. The injury ultimately led to amputation in 2014. At that point, I had no more constant pain, and I was able to shift my focus and work on the demons trapped in my closet. After drinking the CrossFit Kool-aid, I started to notice that several pounds of excess booze, junk food, pills, excuses, and laziness,  began to shed. I realized that being in the gym was my outlet in order to just deal. I am now able to continue to dump all my emotions into a barbell or a workout instead of my family, food, or pills. I never knew how strong I was or what I was capable of until 2021 when I was challenged to do a competition online. I am now the Fittest Women lower extremity on earth after competing at the WheelWod Games and 3rd Fittest on earth at the CrossFit Gam" 

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    Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast.  We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve.  Visit our website for more information about our programs.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.

    The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund.  The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund.  This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.




    Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.