35 Ryan Rodriguez - Marine Corps CAAT Veteran, Deployed to Iraq, GC CEO and Vet Nonprofit Founder

by Adam Stark


Ryan Rodriguez - served six years in the US Marine Corps Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) as a TOW Gunner, deploying to Iraq. Ryan completed the Advanced Infantry Squad Leaders Course, the Advanced Infantry Unit Leaders Course, and the Sergeants' Course, earning two Meritorious Promotions.

Today, Ryan is the CEO of Semper Fidelis Construction & Development and the Founder of Project Dustoff, a nonprofit that helps veterans and their families with handicap accessibility.


➡︎ Watch the full episode on YouTube, linked here
➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/

Summary

In this conversation, Ryan Rodriguez shares his journey from childhood aspirations of military service to his experiences in the Marine Corps, including boot camp, deployment to Iraq, and the challenges he faced upon returning home. He discusses the stigma surrounding military service, the importance of leadership, and the impact of mental health on veterans. Ryan also highlights his transition to civilian life and his entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing the lessons learned from his military background. In this conversation, Ryan Rodriguez shares his transformative journey from military service to civilian life, detailing the challenges he faced and the personal growth he experienced. He discusses the importance of faith, family, and community support in overcoming adversity. Ryan emphasizes the need for veterans to stay busy and focused on their goals during the transition to civilian life. He also shares insights on building a successful business, the establishment of his nonprofit Project Dustoff, and the importance of giving back to fellow veterans in need. Throughout the conversation, Ryan highlights the significance of mentorship, continuous learning, and the power of resilience.

Takeaways

Ryan's daughter is enlisting in the Marine Corps.
Military service offers transformative opportunities.
The stigma around military service is often misleading.
Personal growth often comes from overcoming challenges.
Boot camp is a life-changing experience.
Leadership skills are honed through rigorous training.
Deployment brings intense and life-altering experiences.
Post-deployment challenges can be significant.
Medical issues can complicate military careers.
Open communication about mental health is crucial. Helping others can lead to personal fulfillment.
Faith and family play crucial roles in recovery.
Transitioning from military to civilian life requires planning.
Utilizing available resources is essential for veterans.
Maintaining a growth mindset is key to overcoming challenges.
Blindly giving back can create a positive ripple effect.
Entrepreneurship can be a viable path for veterans.
Health and wellness practices are vital for mental clarity.
Building a supportive community is important for healing.
Education and continuous learning are crucial for success.


The VWB Show is Sponsored by: Jet.Build, www.jet.build

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Hosted by:
Adam Stark | Founder at Jet.Build
Special Forces Veteran | 500HR Yoga Trainer | Author

The VWB Show is Sponsored by:
Jet.Build: www.jet.build

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