VET Talks 2025: What I Took Away from a Day of Veteran Stories
- Mikayla Steberl
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Stories that hit deep and reminded us what real courage looks like.
by: Mikayla Steberl
There are events that inform you, and then there are events that transform you.
VET Talks wasn’t just about storytelling. It was about expansion. Each speaker shared something raw, real, and radically human. The room wasn’t filled with surface level speeches. It was filled with truth, with grit, with growth.
These talks weren’t about being perfect. They were about being honest. And in that honesty, I found lessons I’ll carry with me. Not just as someone who supports Veterans, but as a human being navigating my own setbacks, doubts, and purpose.
Here’s what I took away from each speaker:
David Lonergan - (Marines)
“Movement Saved My Life”
What stuck with me was how movement and mindset can become lifelines. His story reminded me that reclaiming your power starts with showing up for yourself every day.
Ronnie Long - (Marines)
“Why the Hell Not?”
I was reminded that saying yes isn’t about being ready. It’s about not letting fear decide for you. Momentum really does come from just going for it.
Ikram Mansori - (Army)
“The Power of the Shower”
We were shown how even a small act like taking a shower in the middle of chaos can become a powerful tool for grounding and long-term resilience.
TJ Henderson (US Navy)
“Camaraderie Cures”
I left thinking about how healing happens in community. Just having a place to belong with no pressure can change everything.
Paul “Nine” Kemppainen (US Airforce)
“Playing It Safe Is the Most Dangerous Choice You Can Make”
His talk really challenged me. Sometimes the riskiest thing is staying stuck. Playing it safe can actually hold you back from the life you’re meant to live.
Joshua Smith (USMC)
“Turn Setbacks Into Your Mission to Serve”
His story reminded me that rejection isn’t the end. It’s often a redirection. Sometimes what feels like failure is really the beginning of your purpose.
To Every Speaker and Human Who Made This Possible, Thank You
Thank you for giving us truth, fire, and real-life tools for expansion. Your stories aren’t just powerful. They are needed.
This wasn’t just a talk. It felt like the beginning of something bigger.
Huge shoutout to Jessica Dee Bruden for serving as an incredible emcee, the historic Leatherneck Club for graciously hosting and feeding us, and Jason Leduc of Leduc Leadership, who poured heart into every detail of production.
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/
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/
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
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