Join Mike & Friends TONIGHT for "From Water to Air!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- Nov 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Join our Volunteer, Army Combat Medic Veteran, & Music Writer/Producer Mike Williams TONIGHT for "Mike Check" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.
TONIGHT's Topic: "From Water to Air!"
Join Mike and Friends on this Halloween NIGHT for a discussion about "From Water to Air!" TONIGHT's focus: From first flight to final watch: Listen. Mean it. Show up.
History of Aviation From Water to Air
Blue Angels Today
Check Out the Video of the Blue Angels
“We stepped into danger so others didn’t have to. That’s the truth. Please meet us with quiet respect and real help—not empty words.”
Ground rules (30 seconds)
“I share what I’m ready to share today. No pressure, no fixing.”
“What’s said here stays here—unless someone’s in danger.”
“We listen to understand, not to reply.”
Identity & transition
“The uniform came off; the habits stayed. What helped me keep the good ones and unlearn the rest?”
“What part of ‘who I was’ still serves me—and what needs a respectful retirement?”
“I’m more than my MOS. Here’s how I’m redefining ‘useful’ in civilian life.”
Invite: “What did you keep from service that actually helps you now?”
Purpose & meaning
“I miss clear missions. I’m rebuilding purpose in smaller, daily wins.”
“Service taught me to carry weight; now I’m learning to share it.”
“I still need to matter. Here’s where I’m finding that.”
Invite: “Where do you feel ‘mission’ these days—at home, work, or community?”
Body & brain health (honest, no drama)
“Sleep, pain, and noise still shape my days. I’m working on steadier routines.”
“PTS/MST/TBI aren’t my identity—they’re terrain I navigate.”
“What helps: movement, breath, sunlight, and peer check-ins. What hurts: isolation and alcohol as a plan.”
Invite: “What’s one thing that makes tomorrow 5% easier?”
Relationships & family
“They got my body back before my timing did. We’re learning each other’s pace.”
“I name triggers so my people don’t have to guess.”
“Respect goes both ways: I ask for space; I also lean in when they reach out.”
Invite: “What’s a boundary that protects your peace without shutting love out?”
Work, school, and money
“I trade rank for results: clear expectations, honest feedback.”
“GI Bill/skills translation took help—I asked, and it moved faster.”
“Budget beats bravado. I’m building an emergency cushion like it’s kit.”
Invite: “What tool or mentor moved your career forward the fastest?”
Peer support & community
“My best medicine is another Veteran who ‘gets it’ without footnotes.”
“I show up for others so I remember to show up for myself.”
“Checking in isn’t nosy; it’s how we stay alive.”
Invite: “Who’s your ‘first call’—and do they know it?”
Moral injury & honesty
“I hold pride and pain at the same time.”
“Rituals help—letters I’ll never send, walks at dawn, a candle for names.”
“I can’t change the past; I can honor it by how I live now.”
Invite: “What quiet practice helps you carry what you carry?”
Remembrance & the fallen
“Saying their names keeps them here.”
“I tell one true story, not the movie version.”
“I live a life they’d respect: present, useful, grateful.”
Invite: “Who taught you something you still use every day?”
What we need from civilians (gentle and blunt)
“Listen first. Don’t make me perform my service to earn basic respect.”
“Offer something concrete: a ride, a lead, a lunch, a shoulder.”
“If you say ‘reach out,’ answer when I do.”
Invite (to allies): “What’s one specific way you’ll show up this month?”
If emotions spike (simple pause script)
“Let’s take 3 breaths. Feet on the floor. Shoulders loose.”
“You can pass, pause, or step outside with a buddy—your choice.”
“We’re glad you’re here. Take the time you need.”
Close-out (60 seconds)
“One word for how I’m leaving.”
“One action I’ll take in the next 48 hours.”
“Who I’ll check on—and when.”
Ultra-short versions (for quick shares)
“I did the hard part. Your part is simple: listen, mean it, show up.”
“I’m not broken; I’m adapting. Walk with me, don’t label me.”
“We remember by living well—and by taking care of each other.”
TONIGHT Mike Williams shares his Music
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mike Check" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Friday (TONIGHT), November 14, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83145057228
Thank you,
Mike Williams,
Army Combat Medic Veteran, Music Writer/Producer, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)
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