THE RESILIENT WARRIOR

Battle Tested Hacks From Military Men and Women

About the Book

The Resilient Warrior brings together the voices of veterans, clinicians, coaches, and advocates to deliver battle-tested strategies for resilience, mental fitness, and life after service. Each contributor shares hard-won wisdom drawn from military service, clinical practice, and personal transformation.

Praise for The Resilient Warrior

Praised as a valuable resource offering proven approaches for those facing tough times.

— Michele Hart, LCSW, author of Mental Health Emergencies

Described as offering vital perspective for service members coping with the demands of duty.

— Jessica M. Diaz, US Army Nurse Corps

Called a guide built on real, lived example from those who know resilience firsthand.

— Daniel Rodriguez, U.S. Army Veteran

Doc Bunny's Chapter: Spiritual Anger Management

Rev. Bernice “Doc Bunny” Sykes, Ph.D. contributes a chapter on Spiritual Anger Management, drawing on her own service in the U.S. Army and her work as a nationally recognized mental health advocate. Her signature “hard love” approach helps readers move from surface-level coping to lasting transformation.

“Every person has the capacity to transform — even in their darkest moments — when they learn to lead with self-love and personal accountability.” — Doc Bunny, page 19

Meet the Warrior Contributors

33 veterans, clinicians, coaches, and advocates share their expertise in The Resilient Warrior.

Heather Clark

US Navy Combat Veteran | Intelligence Analyst

A US Navy Combat Veteran, Heather Clark served as an intelligence analyst for Navy Intelligence and Special Operations. Heather holds a B.S. in Psychology, minor in Evolutionary Anthropology and is a graduate student in Public Health at Purdue University. After leaving the military, Heather experienced a great sense of loss and purpose. She returned to the ancient practice of yoga with the SEAL teams she served with in Afghanistan. She then started her journey to design a holistic program using VETSPEAK — a method that uses the terminology, movement, and culture of the military — combining yoga with her academic knowledge in Psychology and Public Health to create a unique military-style yoga program.

Ashton Cantou

Certified Transformational Life Coach & Leadership Coach for High Performance

Ashton Cantou is a Certified Transformational Life Coach and Leadership Coach for High Performance. She has survived her inner battles with substance abuse, self-sabotage, depression, and anxiety. As an educational leader, she has held hundreds of workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one training sessions over the last decade. With her immense wisdom and expertise, Ashton has proven to be successful in helping numerous people, including veterans, heal trauma and create both success and fulfillment in their lives.

Michael “Bing” Crosby

US Naval Academy Graduate | Founder, Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc.

Michael “Bing” Crosby is a 1983 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and earned a Master of Science from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in 1991. He is also a graduate of the US Navy Fighter Weapons School “TOPGUN” and Allied Air Forces Central Europe “Tactical Leadership Program” in Jever, Germany. CDR Crosby has logged over 3,000 hours in multiple tactical jet aircraft. Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2015, he founded Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit focused on providing educational resources to Veterans and Active-Duty Military.

Colleen Canestrari

Warrior Contributor

Connect with Colleen on Instagram: @Collbarefoot, @Wyattthewonderpup, @TheRustedPumpkin | WordPress: www.therustedpumpkin.wordpress.com/

Corin Cunningham

Healthcare Management Professional

Corin Cunningham has worked in healthcare management for over 10 years, both in the non-profit and private sector. She has an educational background in Anthropology and Public Health and training in Practice and Operations Management, Positive Leadership, Customer Service, meditation, and Reiki. A caregiver at heart, Corin has learned the importance of taking care of oneself first and foremost so that one can, in doing so, take care of others.

Kate Deeks

Warrior Contributor

Website: www.katedeeks.com | Instagram: @reallytalltruth @OMNES

Dr. Josh Essery

Director of Outpatient Clinical Services, Clarity Child Guidance Center

Dr. Josh Essery, Director of Outpatient Clinical Services at Clarity Child Guidance Center, provides outpatient family, group, and individual psychotherapy as well as psychological assessment services. He is also involved in the supervision and training of psychology residents. He is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. A Clinical Professor in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dr. Essery is a member of Division 39 of the American Psychological Association, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the San Antonio Group Psychotherapy Association and the San Antonio Society for Psychoanalytic Studies.

R. A. Farrer, USMC, B.A., M.B.A.

Irreverent Warriors District Commander, Department of Tennessee

R.A. Farrer serves as the Irreverent Warriors District Commander for the Department of Tennessee. Irreverent Warriors is a 501c3 organization (Tax ID 47-4789126). Website: www.irreverentwarriors.com

Carol Gee, M.A.

Published Author | US Air Force Veteran

Carol Gee, M.A., served nearly eight years on active duty. With an active-duty spouse (long retired) and wanting to continue to play a role in the military, she joined the Air Force Reserves, serving 14 years before retiring as a Technical Sergeant, E-6. Nine years ago, she retired again after 28 years in higher education at the university level, to become a published author and freelance writer. Website: www.VenusChronicles.net. She and her spouse of 47 years live in an Atlanta suburb.

Joe Hamilton & Ben King

Army Veterans | Founders, Armor Down Mindful Marksmanship Program

Joe Hamilton and Ben King are both Army veterans. Between the two of them is over 50 months of combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and 4 Purple Hearts. United by their shared sense of continuing service to the Veteran Community and the United States Military, they combined their expertise in Mindfulness and Marksmanship to create the Armor Down Mindful Marksmanship program. Joe Hamilton currently leads a DOD team focused on cutting-edge research related to shooting and use-of-force for the US Military and is a DOD/DOJ certified firearms/tactical instructor. Ben King is a certified mindfulness instructor whose work has been featured by WTOP radio, The Washington Post, and NBC. Ben was honored in 2016 by National Geographic in “Veterans Voices; Remarkable Stories of Heroism, Sacrifice and Honor.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ross “RAW” Hobbs

Chief of Weapons and Tactics, US Air Forces Central Command

Lieutenant Colonel Ross “RAW” Hobbs is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy with over 2,000 flight hours, and is currently the Chief of Weapons and Tactics at US Air Forces Central Command at Shaw AFB, SC. He has deployed several times to multiple locations throughout the world, including the Middle East where he accumulated nearly 500 hours of combat time. He is the living embodiment of leadership, health, and strength.

Amanda Hudes

Founder, Smiling Through Chaos LLC | Amazon Bestselling Author

As the creator of Smiling Through Chaos LLC, Amanda dedicates her time to helping women and couples smile more, stress less, and look and feel their best through Event Planning and Wellness Coaching. It’s extremely important to Amanda that she understands her clients, so she puts tremendous emphasis into forming relationships and getting to know their likes, dislikes, style, and what is really important to them. Amanda is the author of the Amazon bestseller Smiling Through The Chaos of Wedding Planning, a guide to helping people smile through the process of planning their big day.

Tara Hunter, RN

Veterans Advocate | Registered Nurse

Tara is a devoted advocate for veterans in her community, family and loved ones, helping them get available resources and engaging them in positive lifestyle modifications with the goal of attaining a fulfilling, happy life.

Vanessa Jacoby, PhD, ABPP

Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Assistant Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center

Vanessa serves as an advisor with Clarity Child Guidance Center and one of the editors of its information campaigns for military families. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a child specialization and is Board Certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology. She is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Behavioral Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center and a member of the STRONG STAR Multidisciplinary Research Consortium and the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD, whose mission is to alleviate and prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other deployment-related problems in active duty service members and their families.

Nathan John

British Army Veteran | Chief of Staff, Private Family Office

Nathan John, a British Army Veteran, joined the Royal Signals in 1997. Completing tours in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, Nathan subsequently commissioned from the ranks into the Officer Corps in 2006. After two further tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and 20 years of service, Nathan left the Army to pursue a career in business. He has taken up the position of Chief of Staff in a Private Family Office, leading an international staff and directing no fewer than 5 business entities. Nathan has used his position to recruit ex-military personnel into the business group and has negotiated preferential terms for veterans starting their own fitness franchise.

Dr. Kaylee Koob, OTD, OTR/L

Doctor of Occupational Therapy | Sioux Falls VA Medical Center

Dr. Kaylee Koob is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy practicing at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center, dedicated to supporting the health and rehabilitation of our nation’s veterans.

Gwen Lawrence, BS LMT E-RYT500

Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher | Fitness Professional

Gwen Lawrence is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) with Yoga Alliance. Gwen has been a practicing fitness professional since 1990. Her current practice includes private yoga training, class instruction, team instruction, Power Yoga for Sports, sports-specific training, international travel to teach, TV appearances, writing, workshops, and radio contributions. Gwen’s unique combination of dance, massage therapy, and yoga training experience, coupled with her extensive knowledge of anatomy and nutrition, provides her clients and athletes with overwhelming results. You can become a certified Yoga Coach through her online training program used by people in 18 countries worldwide.

Monique Medved

Warrior Contributor

Website: www.moniquemedved.com.au | Instagram: @moniquemedved | YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCp7zZOZcANBqKYigPz6c7zw

Every Story Here Is a Mission Completed

Dani Rocco

Life Coach | Entrepreneur | Wellness Advocate

Dani Rocco is a mother, wife and lifelong entrepreneur. Growing up as a professional ballerina developed her commitment and dedication to everything that life has to offer. At the age of 18, she started working for her family’s gymnastics school and took the company from bankruptcy to financial abundance. After 23 years as CEO, Dani left the family business to follow her passion of being a life coach and relationship expert. Becoming a Marine mom changed her life and she soon realized her heart and mission was in serving our military and veterans. She is now author of Devoted to a Soldier and co-author with Les Brown of Own Your Dreams and 1 Habit.

Charissa Schmidt

Licensed Professional Counselor | Traditional Cavalry Instructor

Charissa Schmidt is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Oregon state. She comes from a career military family and has family members who have served in every major conflict since the American Revolution. She is the first generation not to enlist; instead she chose to serve civilians in the mental health field. She currently practices and teaches traditional cavalry horsemanship.

Ryan Shannon

US Navy Veteran | Director, Project R.E.D. Team — Hope for the Day

Ryan Shannon served just under nine years in the submarine force with the United States Navy, before being medically retired due to injuries sustained (physical and mental) while serving on active duty. After his retirement, he returned to school where he completed his bachelor’s degree and also received his MBA with a focus on Organizational Leadership. He is currently the Director of Project R.E.D. Team with the non-profit organization Hope for the Day, where they focus on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. He is also a training instructor for Siemens where he serves as co-chair for the company’s North American Veterans ERG.

James Smith

US Army Special Forces Veteran | Entrepreneur & Author

James Smith was born in Ft. Worth, Texas and entered the Army shortly after graduating High School. Upon completion of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, he was assigned to C/10 MLRS Ft. Carson, CO where he served as a radio operator. Smith attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1999 and graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2000, after which he was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he remained for just over a decade. His career has included seven deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as several other countries in Southwest Asia. He is now a blog writer, aspiring author, and an entrepreneur whose mission is to empower other veterans by sharing his story and lessons learned to assist the veteran community to rediscover themselves and their purpose.

Master Sergeant Brice “Soapbox” Snyder

US Marine Corps Veteran | Career Recruiter

Master Sergeant Brice “Soapbox” Snyder enlisted into the Marine Corps on Parris Island, SC on June 2, 1999. His distinguished career includes: 2000–2003: 0311 Light Armored Reconnaissance Crewman and Scout with several 4th and 3rd LAR Units; 2003–2005: Operation Iraqi Freedom; 2005–2007: 0311 Infantry Training Instructor and Enhanced Marksmanship Instructor, Platoon Sgt I&I 1/25th Marines; 2007–2010: 8411 Recruiting Duty 1st Marine Corps District; 2010–present: 8412 Career Recruiter, 1st Marine Corps District.

Heike Sommer

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Heike Sommer is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who had the honor of completing a 1-year clinical internship at the VA in Portland, OR. Working with veterans on PTSD-related issues gave her a profound respect for the men and women who served this country. Born and raised in Germany with both grandfathers having served in wars and parents who grew up in the midst of WWII, she has had a firsthand experience of PTSD and how unprocessed trauma can affect daily life and sleep. She still works with some veterans in her community as well as in her private practice.

Stephen Suchy

US Marine & Law Enforcement Veteran | CT Innocence Project Investigator

Stephen Suchy joined the US Marines on October 28, 1975, and served three years active duty; he also spent four years in the reserves while finishing college. In 1982, he became a police officer and worked as a patrolman until 2009. As a dedicated first responder for his whole career, he also served as a SWAT officer for 24 of his 28 years of service. In 2009, Suchy retired from the department and became a state investigator for the public defender’s office, serving his first 10 years in a major CT city. He was promoted to an investigator with the CT Innocence Project, a sub-unit of the public defender’s office that investigates cases of those serving life in prison for murder.

Rev. Bernice “Doc Bunny” Sykes, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO, 19SeventySix Coaching | Holistic Life Coach

“Doc Bunny” is a Holistic Life Coach specializing in Spiritual Leadership, Restorative Justice, creating Healthy Workspaces, and Reputation Management. She also is a School Choice Advocate who creates homeschool curriculum. Her “hard love” approach to problem solving and commitment to results stems from service in the U.S. Army. She is the Founder and CEO of 19SeventySixCoaching. Doc Bunny is an award-winning and nationally recognized veteran and mental health advocate who specializes in Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness. She believes people have the ability to transform at the deepest level when identifying their ability to love yourself through the toughest situations. Doc Bunny was raised and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kate Hendricks Thomas, PhD

Behavioral Medicine Researcher | Master Certified Health Education Specialist | US Marine Corps Veteran

Kate Hendricks Thomas, PhD is a behavioral medicine researcher and Master Certified Health Education Specialist. She studies evidence-based mental fitness and peak performance and is the author of several books. Kate is passionate about education and teaches for George Mason University’s Department of Global and Community Health. Her TEDx speeches provide a glimpse into Dr. Kate’s unique ability to make science accessible and actionable for everyday audiences. As an academic researcher, storyteller, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she positions herself to communicate credibly to a variety of audiences and has authored over 100 scientific publications and presentations. Her behavioral health research has been published in journals like Best Practices in Mental Health, the Journal of Environmental Psychology, and Military Behavioral Health. Her social commentary has been featured on NPR and BBC and published in The Hill and in The Washington Post.

Joe Wadanoli

Master Barber | Owner, Joe and Co. Barbershop | Coast Guard Auxiliary Veteran

Joe Wadanoli, a Master Barber, is the owner of and Barber at Joe and Co. Barbershop in Madison, Connecticut. Specializing in military haircuts, Joe works closely with many veterans, active-duty military, first responders and front-line workers. Although Joe was not fit for active duty, he did volunteer for five years in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he aided local mariners and his local community in auxiliary and joint Coast Guard operations and promoted safe waterways. A self-proclaimed artist and versed guitar player, Joe lives in his hometown with his wife Charlene and his bulldogs Buzz and Bailey.

Rich Walton

Basketball Skill Development Coach | Founder, Skill Development Coach

Rich Walton specializes in teaching basketball skill development and is the founder of Skill Development Coach.

Herbert D. Welte, Jr

US Army Veteran | Retired Farmer & Educator

Herbert D. Welte, Jr (Bud) is a retired farmer living in North Dakota. He taught industrial arts at the high school and college level in Connecticut for 15 years before moving to North Dakota in 1969 with his wife and two children to take over the family farm. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1956 and served two years with the 534th Field Artillery Battalion, in Bad Kissingen, Germany.

Kortney Yasenka

Owner, YCC | Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Owner of YCC, Kortney is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who provides individual, family, and group therapy, as well as life coaching to children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families. Kortney is certified in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience working with veterans and active military personnel. With over 15 years of experience, Kortney has experience working in community mental health, school systems, and private practice while specializing in mood disorders, school and work-related issues, life transitions, and self-esteem.

Nick Benas

US Marine Sergeant | Author | Entrepreneur

Nick Benas grew up in Guilford, Connecticut. The author of Mental Health Emergencies, Warrior Wisdom, Tactical Mobility, and co-author of The Warrior’s Book of Virtues, Benas is a former United States Marine Sergeant and Iraqi Combat Veteran with a background in Martial Arts (2nd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon-Do and Green Belt Instructor in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). Nick attended Southern Connecticut State University for his undergraduate degree in Sociology and his M.S. in Public Policy. He has been featured for his business success and entrepreneurship by more than 50 major media outlets, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Men’s Health, ABC, FOX, ESPN, and CNBC.

Richard “Buzz” Bryan

Outreach Coordinator, West Palm Beach VA | US Navy Fleet Marine Force Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (Ret.)

Richard “Buzz” Bryan is currently the Outreach Coordinator for the West Palm Beach VA medical center. The co-author of The Warrior’s Book of Virtues, Buzz previously served as the OEF/OIF Transition Patient Advocate (TPA) for the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN4) based in Pittsburgh, PA for ten years, working specifically with Iraq & Afghanistan veterans. Buzz was a member of the Navy/Marine Corps team and retired from the United States Navy in July 2011 after 22 years of honorable service as a Fleet Marine Force Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman.

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