Podcast
Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner
Hosted by The Catch A Lift Fund · EN
A place for veterans to connect, heal, and share their stories. CAL Athlete and US Army Veteran, Coach Melissa Leuck discusses topics of health, emotional wellness, community, and fitness with United States Veterans and supporters. The Catch A Lift Fund enables post 9/11 combat injured veterans all over the U.S. to recover and rehabilitate both physically and mentally through physical fitness, motivation, and support. Coaches Corner is hosted weekly by CAL Athlete, and US Army Veteran, Melissa Leuck. Episodes are produced, written, and edited by our Producer, Kaylee Nassiri. All recordings are completed by Henry Pompper, our IT Director. For more information about Catch A Lift Fund, check out our website. http://catchaliftfund.org/ A special Thank you to ID Technologies for their sponsorship of Coaches Corner. For more information about ID Technologies, and their corporate citizenship programs please click here: https://www.idtec.com/corporate-citizenship/
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Will Castillo
Jun 7, 202300:49:00Tap to summarize"In 2023, I have so far won 3 gold medals and one silver along with winning gold in the Para Sport World Cup. Between 2018 and 2022, I won three National Championships, a gold medal in the 2020 Empire State Games, and two third place finishes at the World Cups in Germany and Lake Placid. I am currently the captain of Team USA and 2022-2023 over all World Champion.CURRENTLY RANKED #1 IN THE WORLD FOR PARA BOBSLED!"Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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William Walker
May 31, 202300:42:23Tap to summarizeMy name is Coach W.T. Walker (William Tyler), and I am from Northport, Alabama. I am a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School where I lettered in both football and track and field where I hold several records and I am also in the Wildcat Wall of Fame. I earned both a football and track and field scholarship where I played Junior College Football at East Central Community College in Decatur, MS and I competed in track and field at Stillman College where I was a hurdler, relay sprints, and high jumper. I have a high jump record at Tuscaloosa County High School jumping 6'8 and at Stillman College jumping 6'4. Throughout my college career, I was also both Active Duty and National Guard in the US Army and Alabama National Guard. I am a combat infantry veteran where I hold one of my proudest awards being Army Combat Infantry Badge. I am former police sergeant. I am currently still APOSTC. I want to help others strive to be better in their lives. I love helping both athletes and non-athletes learn techniques and proper training to help them elevate in life. I am proud husband to my beautiful wife Alisha and we have 4 daughters (Aleaha, Inspyir, Ava, & Abby) I love to serve and even when I may be all alone, I still let my light shine. I am an author of several books on amazon: We Chose This "The Shift", It's Christmas Time, This is me! This is us! We are Special! & Several more. I appeared on Acting Out Studios in Atlanta for acting, I have a podcast on Spotify, IHeart Radio, and other major platforms (W.T. Walker). I am a proud member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church.I am here to help you!Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Alex Rueda
May 24, 202300:50:10Tap to summarizeFormer US Army Infantry with a deployment to Iraq from 2005-2006. After returning home, they established themselves as a top-tier Strength and Conditioning Coach, USA Weightlifting Coach, and former MMA and Mauy Thai Fighter.In addition to their success in the fitness industry, they also pursued a career in HR and Recruiting, gaining 9 years of experience and currently serving as a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner.They answered a higher calling and became the Pastor of Oaks Community Church, where they continue to inspire and guide their congregation. As a current Master CrossFit and Tactical Games Athlete, they push themselves to achieve greatness both physically and mentally, and their unwavering commitment to their craft and community is a testament to their character.Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Adam Gutierrez
May 17, 202300:29:56Tap to summarizeMy name is Adam Gutierrez. I am the CAL band coach. I am a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2003-2009.I want to be here not only for your fitness needs but for any needs that may arise during your fitness journey. When Covid hit, I pivoted and changed not only my life but also my career to be more fitness forward and to help fellow veterans.I started by changing my diet and doing more mindfulness exercises. I attended FitOps camp this past August where I left a certified NETA personal trainer. I am also certified as a Level 1 USA weightlifting coach and a level 1 Crossfit coach.Fitness is a big part of my life but being my girls’ dad is the biggest part of my life.Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Ben Korf
May 10, 202300:35:55Tap to summarize"I served in the Infantry from 2006-2010. 2 tours to Iraq in 2006 and 2008. I went to college at Iowa Central Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. I’ve been working at Wells Fargo for the past 10 years. Hobbies mostly include fitness in some form or fashion! I’ve been in and out of the gym sporadically since high school. Over Covid I focused on running, I was running 5-7 miles every day. After getting burnt out, I did CrossFit for about 6 months and developed tendinitis in both elbows. Since January 2021, I have dedicated my time to lifting weights 6 days a week and sprinkling in running/CrossFit workouts as well. I am looking at Pursuing some certifications and becoming a part-time personal trainer. I am divorced and have 2 beautiful children, a 4-year-old boy, and a 6-year-old girl."Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Chris Miller
May 3, 202301:05:50Tap to summarizeChris Miller is a US Army Veteran who served from 2000-2008, with a tour as a Squad Leader for a Route Clearance Task Force in Ramadi, Iraq in 2007.He grew up in the St Louis, MO area, where he still resides with his wife and three kids. Since getting out of the Army, he has graduated college with a degree in Education, and was a teacher for 7 years. He has participated and volunteered with multiple veterans organizations for the past 10 years, and currently he works for Wounded Warrior Project where he coordinates volunteers to help connect veterans and their families with a variety of programs and services, as well as other veterans in their communities.Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Viv Kolb & Jeremiah Pauley
Apr 26, 202300:46:07Tap to summarizeCoach Viv Kolb and Head Coach Jeremiah Pauley will discuss body image with Program Director Melissa Leuck.Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Randy Beagley
Apr 19, 202300:54:07Tap to summarizeRandy is a US Army Veteran, CAL Veteran Athlete, and currently works as a Construction Project Manager. Randy was born into a cult, and escaped. He joined the military seeking structure, and purpose. Randy credits his service for giving him structure in life. Following his service, Randy attended school. Today, Randy works for Habitat Humanity, and is thankful to continue to serve his community in a new way. Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Mark Koenig
Apr 12, 202300:54:35Tap to summarizeMark Koenig, Army Infantryman Veteran. Host of The RakkTalk Podcast, trying to bridge the gaps for Veterans and Services/programs we may have not known existed. Mark is a year two CAL Veteran Athlete! Click here to check out Mark's Podcast: The RakkTalk Podcast on Apple Podcasts*********************************************************Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve. Visit our website for more information about our programs. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.The views and opinions expressed during the Coaches Corner podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Catch A Lift Fund. The Catch A Lift Fund does not verify or warrant the truth or accuracy of statements made during the podcast, and statements therein are not to be construed as an official policy or position of the Catch A Lift Fund. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only, and nothing herein should be construed as health, medical or other professional advice.Thank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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Marcus Hayward
Apr 5, 202301:03:47Tap to summarizeHello, my name is Marcus Hayward, I am a wounded military veteran born and raised in New Jersey. I served in the US Army for 8 1/2 years. I joined the military back on February 24, 2004, I attend the Military Police school at Ft. Leonardwood Missouri. I graduate on July 2, 2004, I was then assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, Ft. Stewart, GA. I served as a Driver and Team Leader. In December 2005, I deployed to Mosul, Iraq in support of OIF. Well in Iraq, I completed many missions with my squad as the Commander's Personal Security Detachment. We helped refurbish and establish Iraqi Police Stations all over Mosul, Iraq. After 12 months, in November 2006, I returned home to Ft. Stewart, GA. Upon return myself and another soldier were selected above our peer to go to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX attend the Specialized Search Dog (SSD) Course in May 2007. Upon graduation in September 2007, I was assigned to the K9 Section of HHD Detachment, 385th MP Bn, Ft. Stewart, GA. In February 2008, I deployed my with SSD Elly to FOB Warhorse, Diyala Province, Iraq. While in country I conduct over 100 missions support, Infantry, Calvary Scouts, Military Police and Special Forces Operations. While in Iraq, I reenlisted to continue my service to our great country. After another 12 months I returned back to Ft. Stewart, GA in March 2009. While home in 2009, I took a vacation to Puerto Rico, where I met my future wife Elizabeth who is from West Palm Beach, FL. In April 2010, along with my SSD Elly I deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF. While in country I was assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force. Only July 29, 2010 while out on mission conducting clearance for the Special Forces Team I was attached to, my side by side (ATV) stuck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). I woke 2 day later on August 1st in Landstuhl Medical Center, Germany. On August 3rd I landed in Washington, DC and was transported to Walter Reed Medical Center to have my surgeries and do my rehab. From the blast in Afghanistan, I suffered a moderate Traumatic Brain Injury, serve trauma to my left eye resulting surgeries to reattach my retina, to in place a artificial lens, and a corneal transplant. I also had to 2 surgeries to repair the zygomatic and maxilla bone on the left side of my face with 2 plates being fastened to help hold them in place. I also had to have a plate fastened to 2 metacarpal bone in my left hand. My left leg was amputated from the knee down also. The whole time my wife was there with me. Before being discharged from the hospital I was award the Purple Heart by the Honorable President Barrack Obama. On June 11, 2011 we were married while at Walter Reed. On July 25, 2012 I medically retired from the US Army and relocated to Lake Worth, Fl. In 2015 I graduated college as a Physical Therapist Assistant. This past summer I began a new career as a High School Social Science Teacher. I have two children, Macayle 9 years old and Mekhi 4 years old. *********************************************************Thank you for tuning in to the Catch A Lift Fund's Coaches Corner podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode and will consider supporting the Catch A Lift Fund and the veterans we serve. Visit our website for more information about our programs. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or the Veterans Crisis Line 988 then 1 immediately.The views and opinions expressed during the CoThank you so much for tuning into The Catch A Lift Fund, Coaches Corner. We appreciate your support of our mission, and incredible veteran members. Please leave us a review on streaming services and follow us on Instagram at @catchalift_fund. For more information about Catch A Lift, please visit our website at www.catchaliftfund.org.
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