In this compelling episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, host Matthew Benko sits down with Nick Palmisciano, a military veteran, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose journey embodies resilience, humor, and a relentless drive to make a difference. From his transition to civilian life to founding Diesel Jack Media, Nick shares candid insights into the challenges of finding purpose after service and the power of community in overcoming adversity. Nick delves into the creation of the comedy series Office Joe and the film Range 15, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how humor bridges the gap between veterans and civilians. He reflects on the lessons learned from success and failure, emphasizing the importance of embracing life’s roller coaster with optimism and gratitude. With his signature honesty, Nick discusses the challenges of public life and the need to find joy amidst negativity. A significant portion of the conversation highlights Nick’s role in the Afghanistan evacuation mission, as depicted in the documentary Send Me. What began as a mission of thirteen friends to save one Afghan interpreter quickly evolved into one of the largest civilian rescue operations in history. Twelve veterans and one spouse, Sarah Verardo, of a catastrophically wounded Afghanistan veteran, Michael Verardo, used all their resources and connections to find their way from a hotel in Washington, D.C., to Kabul. Operating under the moniker of Save Our Allies, their team rescued over 12,000 people in just ten days. Nick’s firsthand account of this humanitarian mission sheds light on the emotional toll, the logistical challenges, and the incredible impact of collective action. This is their story, captured powerfully in the documentary. This episode also features discussions about Sarah Verardo, a prominent advocate for wounded veterans and the CEO of The Independence Fund. Sarah’s work includes providing mobility devices, caregiver support, and advocacy for catastrophically wounded veterans. Her efforts highlight the importance of community-driven solutions to support those who have sacrificed so much for their country. This episode is a testament to the power of compassionate action, the importance of finding new missions after service, and the role of storytelling in preserving history and inspiring change. This episode is packed with so much great content. Reference links are included for full access and additional information. Nick’s advice for those navigating life’s transitions is simple but profound: doing something is always better than doing nothing. Key Takeaways: -Transitioning from military to civilian life can be disorienting, but finding a new purpose and community is crucial. -Humor is a powerful tool for connection and healing. -Compassionate action during crises can have a profound impact. -Gratitude and optimism are essential mindsets for navigating life’s challenges.
