Episodes

Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In episode 137 of Veteran Made, Zach Polega, a West Point grad and former Army Ranger, challenges veterans to take aggressive ownership of their post-service purpose. Polega, preparing for the grueling Old Glory Ultra Relay, emphasizes that the military equips service members with invaluable skills, but it’s on individuals to leverage these abilities in civilian life. He argues against the entitlement mentality some veterans adopt, insisting that the onus is on each person to chart their own course and find new missions to pursue. Polega’s approach to the relay exemplifies this mindset, as he combines his military experience with a willingness to learn from teammates with diverse backgrounds.
Carey and Zach tackle the controversial topic of veteran identity head-on, asserting that clinging to military roles can hinder growth. They advocate for a radical reframing: instead of defining oneself solely by past service, veterans should view their military experience as informative but not definitive. This perspective allows for personal evolution and the pursuit of new challenges. Polega’s participation in the Old Glory Ultra Relay serves as a prime example, showcasing how veterans can channel their skills into fresh endeavors while building new communities. The episode delivers a clear message: the responsibility for finding purpose and redefining identity post-service lies squarely with the individual, and embracing this challenge is key to thriving in civilian life.
Episode Sponsors:
- VM Merch
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Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.
SOCIALS:
https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/
https://www.instagram.com/polega_z/
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