We Are Not in Transition. We Are in Expansion.

Post-Traumatic Growth and the Power of Shared Stories at the First-Ever Vet Talks

by: Mikayla Steberl

The first-ever Vet Talks at the Leatherneck Club, Nevada Freedom Week 2025.

LAS VEGAS — Nevada Freedom Week 2025 hosted the first-ever Vet Talks: a speaker series created by and for veterans, held at the historic Leatherneck Club. A space built by Marines and sustained by the veteran community.

But this wasn’t just a speaker series.

It was a spark. ✨

Founder of Freedom Week and VET Talks, Dave Burlin, led with truth and depth, reminding us what it means to grow after trauma. To move from PTSD to post-traumatic growth.

The room wasn’t filled with small talk or surface stories. It was filled with people who showed up, spoke up, and leaned in.

We came for stories that matter.

The kind that shift something in you,

the kind that plant a seed,

and echo long after the room empties.

There was something undeniably powerful about being in a room where real experiences were honored and new perspectives had freedom to land.

That’s the impact of Vet Talks; a space where vision is sparked, growth is activated, and expansion becomes possible.

"We are not in transition. We are in expansion." - Dave Burlin

Throughout the evening, speakers explored what it means to navigate the threshold between fear and growth, build strength through ritual, and to find meaning in the moments that stretch us. We talked about courage, control, and commitment. The importance of taking a risk on yourself before waiting for someone else to believe in you.

We were reminded to stay curious, to let go of what no longer serves, and above all, to not let isolation win.

Ronnie Long challenged the room.

What if the only thing holding you back is the belief that you aren't worthy?

A question that still lingers:

What if instead of asking “Why me?” you said, “Why the hell not?”

What if you finally said HELL YEAH to your life? - Ronnie Long

Vet Talks reminded us that we’re not alone.

That healing is possible.

That growth is contagious.

Because when stories are shared with heart,

they don’t just inform. They transform.

As Tupac once said,

“I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world,

but I can spark the brain that will.”

That spark?

It was everywhere in that room.

This was just the beginning.

We look forward to seeing Vet Talks grow across Nevada and beyond, creating space for more voices, more healing, and more conversations that matter.

Connect - Collaborate - Celebrate: For more information on Freedom Week and Vet Talks, visit: https://gewnevada.com/freedom-week-2025/

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FREEDOM WEEK 2025: CELEBRATE. CONNECT. LAUNCH.

July 6–13, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV

Officially Proclaimed in Partnership with the Governor’s Office of Nevada

A statewide week of events dedicated to Veteran entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them. From tactical workshops to powerful storytelling, this week is designed to honor service, accelerate economic growth, and fuel the next generation of Veteran-led businesses.

VISION: A MOVEMENT BEYOND NEVADA

Freedom Week is more than an event—it’s a launchpad. Our mission is to bring this model to 12 U.S. cities over the next 36 months, with three core pillars in every market:

Veteran Entrepreneur Library A physical and digital resource center hosted in partnership with local orgs, featuring top books, mentorship, and workshops tailored to the Veteran entrepreneur journey.

State + City Proclamations Each market will secure official Freedom Week proclamations, backed by data, community orgs, and Veteran business leaders. A full playbook will be made available to organizers and ecosystem builders.

VET TALKS: The Voice of the Veteran Visionary A signature speaker event hosted annually in each market, where Veterans share stories of expansion in 8 minutes, 8 slides, 1 powerful mission.

We are building an ecosystem for Veteran transformation, not just Veteran transition. This is how we change the national narrative— one city, one library, one voice at a time. - Dave Burlin | State Coordinator of Global Entrepreneurship Week Nevada; Founder of Freedom Week and VET Talks. https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveburlin/

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At Visionary Publicity, we find and amplify the voices of those working to innovate and create positive impact. Our purpose is to ignite conversations and explore what it means to be a visionary.

Contact us: visionarypublicity@gmail.com