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Full transcript below.

Hi this is your host, Pete Blum. Welcome to American Heroes Network! Our core mission is Serving the Brave Men and Women who have Sacrificed to Ensure our Freedom. You will hear true stories from those that have served, learn about Veteran organizations and resources, and gain hope for your future knowing American Heroes Network, your community, and other Veterans are here and at the ready to serve and help you and your family. We will talk about the hard topics like PTSD/TBI. You will also hear military history, inspirational stories, learn about networking with the community, and more. So come join us and be part of our family.

Today’s guest is the Co-Host and Interview Scout for American Heroes Network and an Army Veteran. I would like to welcome Steve Deaton.

You can follow Steve here

Website: https://americanheroesnetwork.com/
LinikedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deaton-0a9b43154/
Steve, thank you for serving and how are you doing today?

Topics

Steve, starting off I would like to say thank you for being part of the team. I know you are motivated to make American Heroes Network a great success. I would like everyone to get to know you so briefly, tell us where you grew up.

I was born on Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California, Veterans Day November 11, 1950. I lived my first 18 years on or around every Navy Base up and down the California coast. My father was a career sailor; 32 years.

Well being born on Veterans day, now that is awesome. So for you that day is always special for more than one reason. Have you ever had a birthday party that had a Veteran/Army theme?
I also think it is cool that you were born on Camp Pendleton. I was stationed there and actually lived in Oceanside.

Besides your father who served in the Navy, Did you have any military family members or relatives that influenced you or just your father? Steve why did you choose the Army rather than the Navy?
The answer to that question is obvious; My father. He more than anyone else made me look towards the ARMY. After 18 years, I was done with the Navy. (haha)

Why are those that have sworn to protect and defend important to the USA as you see it Steve
The ones that step up and take the oath, wear the uniform and endure the hardships of war and the sacrifices of protecting our freedom are the most important people that define the identity and integrity of our country.

Steve I know you served in the military in your earlier years? Tell me about that.
I served honorably in the US Army for 28 years. I was a military policeman and a aviator. My war record is 1 -1- 1. One loss, One tie, One win.

Give me some more detail on that. What did you do in the military and where did you do it? Also explain the One loss, One tie, One win.
Draftee; Military Policeman, Fort Gordon, Georgia.
Combat Helicopter Pilot, Republic of South Vietnam
Combat Surveillance Pilot, Republic of South Korea
Aircraft Commander, Operation Desert Storm

Steve how did serving our Nation change or influence your life?
I was born into the Military, Lived the Military, Choose the Military and Served with pride and distinction. I understand, to some degree, what’s needed to ease the way of the soldier, veteran, first responders.
That understanding sounds like something that will really contribute to helping make American Heroes Network a success.

Why did you join the AHN team as a board member?
I have been friends with our President/CEO Jim Klug for several years now. I believe in his vision for AHN. He and I share a same desire to be of assistance to our veterans. Our shared desire first manifested itself with the Local Chapter 147 Military Order of the Purple Heart. Jim went on to serve as the National Historian and I stayed local. We teamed back up when he expressed interest with American Heroes Network. I have always had more ideas than direction regarding involvement with veterans affairs, this opportunity to join Jim’s team gave me the direction I was looking for.
Outstanding Steve. I really do thing we have a strong and dedicated core team. Now we can really dig in and make a difference.

Why is AHN important to you Steve?
Every veteran, every first responder and every supporter of veterans issues and causes requires a voice; some avenue of discourse. I believe AHN can have a part in establishing a voice to be heard, understood and repeated.
Excellent point! And the more organizations and individuals that we talk to bring more resources to light for Veterans and their families.

What will you contribute to AHN?
Time, interest, imagination and commitment.
Well we are just getting started so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

I have a bonus question for you Steve. What if any significant military history fact or event would you like to share with us?
What is the best way to contact you if people want to reach out?

Thank you!

Summary

You can find out more about Steve by visiting americanheroesnetwork.com and clicking “About Us” and then “Advisory Board” on the menu bar.
I hope you have enjoyed this episode! Be sure to keep coming back for more great episodes. If you want to talk to us about something you learned today, if you have questions, or you would like to be a guest on our podcast go to americanheroesnetwork.com and click on contact us.
Thank you for listening!