Scott DeLuzio 00:00:00 Thanks for tuning into the Drive On Podcast where we’re focused on giving hope and strength to the entire military community. Whether you’re a veteran, active duty guard, reserve, or family member, this podcast will share inspirational stories and resources that are useful to you. I’m your host, Scott DeLuzio, and now let’s get on with the show. Welcome back to the Drive On Podcast. Today, my guests, I have two of them today are Matt Dubois and Kurt Webber. Matt and Kurt are both from Camp Resilience, which helps service members, veterans, first responders, and their loved ones recover and maintain their physical, psycho, and emotional wellbeing. Matt is a retired Navy Captain who twice served as a deputy assistant secretary of defense. Kurt is a retired Army Officer and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. Welcome to the show, Matt and Kurt. I’m glad to have you on.
Scott DeLuzio 00:01:00 I’d like to give you guys a chance to just tell a little bit about your background, for those people who might be listening and not familiar with who you are. Also how you got involved with Camp Resilience. Matt, maybe let’s start with you if you don’t mind.
Matt DuBois 00:01:19 No, I don’t mind at
Matt DuBois 00:01:20 All. Thank you again, Scott. Matt Dubois, I’m an Army Brat. I didn’t fall far from you. I defected and went to the Navy. I was a 25-year Navy pilot. As you mentioned, during my time in the Pentagon, I put on a suit and stayed in the Pentagon for a few years after that, then moved to New Hampshire to become a part-timer. Then full-time caregiver for my Army veteran father was doing a little private aviation work during that time and needed something a little more meaningful in my life. Kurt and Camp Resilience were looking for an executive director as they had been doing what they’ve been doing for so long in a largely volunteer capacity.. They needed somebody to sort of fill in the blanks and that’s why I’m here.
Scott DeLuzio 00:02:08 Your story and my story are kind of inverted. My grandfather was in the Navy in World War II and I ended up going to the army. I can kind of see where you’re coming from as far as switching things around a little bit.
Scott DeLuzio 00:02:25 How about you, Kurt? Would you mind giving a little background on yourself?
Kurt Webber 00:02:30 I’m also an Army brat and grew up in Army posts all over the world. Followed the family tradition and became a third-generation soldier. Both of my sons are fourth-generation soldiers, I spent 23 years as infantry special forces, also a couple of tours teaching at West Point. I retired in August 2001 and moved to Gilford, New Hampshire. Started teaching at Lakes Regional Community College, and three weeks into retired life, 9/11 hits. The next day I was on the phone with my ranger buddy, who was chief of staff of the hundred first saying, Hey, I’ll be standing in the door, I’ll come back. As usual with the army, nothing ever happens fast. But finally, I did end up going back on active duty in 2005 and going to Iraq and, working for General Petraeus, training the Iraqi army.
Kurt Webber 00:03:29 It was a couple knit teams. I tell people I did the kind of the scenic tour of the Sunni triangle., and then basically I had an idea about the Camp Resilience came from a West Point classmate of mine, who was skiing at gunstock. There’s a ge...
