What happens when the mission changes, but the drive to keep moving forward remains?

Combat Vet Vision welcomes Giovanni Perez, a retired U.S. Army combat engineer, wounded veteran, adaptive motorcycle and off-road competitor, and veteran advocate whose post-service journey has taken him from Afghanistan to some of the toughest terrain in off-road racing.

Giovanni lost his left arm while serving with the Army in Afghanistan. After returning home, motorcycles became more than recreation. Through adaptation, determination and the veteran community, riding became another place to find challenge, camaraderie and purpose.

Giovanni has competed in desert and off-road events including the Baja 500, Baja 1000 and Vegas to Reno. His adaptive riding includes motorcycle modifications that allow him to ride with a prosthetic left arm. In the 2018 Baja 1000, he was part of a six-rider team that officially finished the legendary event.

His story also extends beyond racing. Giovanni has been connected with the Warrior Built Foundation, an organization serving combat veterans and wounded service members through vocational and recreational opportunities, including fabrication, mechanics and off-road racing. He has also participated in Wounded Warrior Project advocacy activities supporting issues affecting post-9/11 veterans.

In this episode, we explore:

• How the combat-engineer mindset can translate into adapting to life after a major injury

• The transition from military service to finding a new mission

• Returning to motorcycles after losing his left arm

• Adaptive riding and the challenge of desert and off-road competition

• The role of camaraderie, machines and racing in rebuilding purpose

• Why continuing to serve and advocate for other veterans matters

This conversation is not simply about overcoming an injury. It is about adaptation, teamwork and discovering that purpose can take a different form when the original mission changes.

Guest

Giovanni Perez

Retired U.S. Army Combat Engineer

Wounded Veteran | Adaptive Motorcycle & Off-Road Competitor | Veteran Advocate

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giovanni.perez.353803

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-perez-54847797

Instagram (@oggio31): https://www.instagram.com/oggio31/

Warrior Built Foundation: https://www.warriorbuilt.org/

Featured Resource

Drive On, Echo Bravo Productions

A documentary project following combat veterans competing in the Baja 1000.

https://echobravoproductions.com/drive-on

Crisis Support

If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.

Call to Action

Listen, share this episode with a veteran or military family who needs to hear it, and connect with organizations creating new opportunities for veterans after service.

Combat Vet Vision's mission is simple: Educate, Empower, Elevate.

Links

Co-Host

Aaron Q. Seibert

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aqseibert

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aqseibert

Email - aqseibert@yahoo.com

Co-Host

Chef James L. “JB” Brown, AAC

Veterans Transition Resource Center

https://vtrc.us

PRODUCER

Brian Colburn

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/Bcolburn