HomeFront Sitrep
HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters, and family.
This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung, often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t corporate machines or big-budget operations—they’re passionate individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand. HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without red tape or fine print.
But the mission doesn’t stop there.
The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice.
Whether it’s a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book, HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection, community, and conversation.
This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.
For many veterans and first responders, the hardest battles begin after the uniform comes off.
Tonight on HomeFront SitRep, hosts Willis and Gunny Deeds welcomes the team behind Vet5 Foundation, a veteran-led nonprofit proving that healing doesn’t always happen inside four walls—it often starts on the water, in the woods, and alongside people who truly understand the journey.
Founded by combat veterans, Vet5 Foundation was built on a simple but powerful belief: no veteran or first responder should have to fight their battles alone. Through offshore fishing trips, guided hunts, outdoor adventures, and peer-to-peer mentorship, the organization creates opportunities for those struggling with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, physical injuries, and the invisible wounds of service to reconnect with purpose, brotherhood, and hope.
Rather than focusing solely on treatment, Vet5 emphasizes community, resilience, and shared experiences. Every trip becomes more than a recreational event—it becomes a mission where stories are shared, burdens become lighter, and lifelong friendships are formed.
The conversation also explores Vet5’s ambitious vision of creating a dedicated wellness center where veterans and first responders can access counseling, resiliency training, occupational therapy, family support, and long-term recovery programs under one roof.
During this inspiring conversation you’ll hear about:
The story behind the creation of Vet5 Foundation
Why outdoor therapy has become such a powerful tool for healing
The role of fishing, hunting, and adventure in rebuilding confidence
Breaking the stigma surrounding PTSD and mental health
The importance of veteran-to-veteran mentorship
Supporting first responders alongside military veterans
Building a future wellness center focused on long-term recovery
How businesses, volunteers, and donors can help expand the mission
Whether you’ve served in uniform, support someone who has, or simply believe in giving back to those who have sacrificed for our nation, this episode is a reminder that recovery is possible—and that sometimes the road home begins with a fishing rod, a campfire, and someone willing to listen.
Because healing isn’t about forgetting the mission—it’s about finding a new one.
Recent Video Content
Podcast Details
About the host
David Willis
HomeFront Sitrep is hosted by a Marine Corps veteran David Willis. I served in the Marines from 1997 to 2004.
I knew at a very early age that I was going into the military but didn’t know what branch. As I got older and started learning about each branch and quickly figured out that the Marines was the best. I served in the Marine Corps from 97-04. My MOS was 0311(infantry). I went to Paris Island for boot camp after bootcamp I was stationed with 2nd blt 8th Marines Golf company. While with 2/8 I went on several deployments to port a prince Haiti, Okinawa, South Korea, Greece, also did two trips to Bridgeport California for cold weather training, I wasn’t going to make a Mediterranean float so I extended and joined 1st blt 8th Marines Bravo company. During my time there we deployed to the Mediterranean and had stops in Spain, Italy, Malta, Africa, and other ports. I got out of the Marines inAugust of 01, but 9/11 happened and was recalled to go back in where I was stationed with a mobilization support battalion and deployed.
After getting out of the Marines in04, I met my now wife and westarted a family. I have two beautiful daughters. I also started working in the pest control industry, that didn’t suit me, so I went to work in the telecommunications industry and have been since 2006. I worked for Insight communications for eight years and worked myself up to supervisor and held that title for two and half years. Currently I work for AT&T as a buried services machine operator, was a Wire Technician for my first 9 years.
My passion is helping veterans, I started the Communications Workers of America Local 3310 veterans committee, where we worked with other local unions and businesses from Louisville to rebuild homes for homeless veterans called Operation Victory. Currently still co chair on this committee, but I am also the president for the state of Kentucky for AT&T Veterans, which is a chapter of the national 501c3. While being president myself and another veteran Gene Spear came up with the ideal of a tiny home community for homeless veterans. We we regaining traction when I was asked to serve on the board for Veteran’s Club Inc as sergeant of arms, where I helped build the organization into a nationally recognized 501c3. During this time I brought the tiny home community over to Veteran’s Club. I left Veteran’s Club for personal reasons and the project was canceled. My daughters and myself still volunteer with any veteran event we are able to.
I currently host a podcast called HomeFront Sitrep, we bring in 501c3’s and veteran owned businesses from around the country to tell their stories and what lead them to give back to their communities and veterans. As for The Oath that I took, I would absolutely do it again, in a heartbeat!
Semper Fi 
