Stronger Together: Building Veteran Community with Col. Tom Sheets | The Spotlight

Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. On this episode of The Spotlight, host and Navy veteran Nicole Pogue welcomes retired Marine Corps Colonel Tom Sheets, CEO of the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about leadership, purpose, and building a stronger veteran community. Tom shares how a planned three-year commitment became a 26½-year Marine Corps career—and why serving veterans remains a personal mission. Together, Nicole and Tom explore the importance of camaraderie after military service, making it easier to ask for help, and connecting veterans with support before they reach a crisis. They also discuss creativity, adaptive recreation, and finding a meaningful life when the future looks different than expected. Throughout the conversation, one message comes through clearly: veteran organizations can accomplish more when they work together. Tom previews the October 17 Patriots Ball and explains how the Southwest Veterans Foundation supports suicide prevention, scholarships, and community organizations. He also shares plans for the chamber’s merger with American Veterans under the proposed name Arizona Veterans Business Alliance, targeting January 1. Join us for an honest conversation about continuing to serve, creating connection, and helping veterans and their families find their next chapter. Produced by Happy Jack Media — bringing veteran voices, stories, and communities into the spotlight. Learn more at [www.happyjack.media](https://www.happyjack.media). ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES MENTIONED • [Arizona Veterans Resource Center (AZVRC)](https://azvrc.org/) — Nicole Pogue’s organization, connecting veterans and families with community and support. • [Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce](https://swvcc.org/) — Veteran business networking, community partnerships, and collaboration. • [Southwest Veterans Foundation](https://swvcc.org/foundation/) — Supports veteran-serving organizations, suicide prevention, and scholarships. • [Patriots Ball](https://swvcc.org/pb/) — Event information and opportunities to support the foundation’s work. • [Helping Hands for Freedom](https://www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org/) — Financial assistance for eligible veteran and Gold Star families. • [Deep Sea Valkyries](https://www.deepseavalkyries.com/) — Retreats combining scuba diving and trauma counseling for veterans and first responders. • [Co-Op Survival](https://co-opsurvival.com/) — Community and support for veteran caregivers, veterans, and their families. • [Gary Sinise Foundation](https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/) — Programs serving veterans, first responders, and military families. • [Arizona Coalition for Military Families](https://arizonacoalition.org/) — Statewide coordination and connections to military and veteran resources. • [Project 24SEVEN](https://project24seven.org/) — Suicide prevention education and an app designed to help people reach their support network. • [American Veterans Magazine](https://amvetsmag.com/) — Discussed in connection with the chamber’s planned merger and the proposed Arizona Veterans Business Alliance. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to The Spotlight 02:05 Tom Sheets: From college football to the Marine Corps 04:24 A lifelong commitment to service and mentorship 05:43 The chamber, the foundation, and the Patriots Ball 07:49 Tickets, sponsorships, and where the funds go 10:14 Gary Sinise and honoring military families 11:32 Navigating grief and reaching out for support 13:21 Rebuilding camaraderie after military service 15:11 Finding support that fits the individual 17:20 Tom’s personal loss and suicide prevention 18:57 A powerful connection through equine therapy 20:48 Nicole’s experience with horses and self-awareness 23:23 Understanding feelings without judgment 24:16 Collaboration over competition in veteran support 28:07 Making resources easier to access 30:58 Creativity, repurposing, and renewed purpose 32:14 Building a rewarding life after unexpected change 33:33 Adaptive sports and outdoor community 36:02 Making the Patriots Ball meaningful each year 37:29 Tom’s three rules of charitable giving 38:43 Plans for the Arizona Veterans Business Alliance 40:13 Looking ahead and closing encouragement 42:02 Crisis support and a reminder: We’ve got your six