The Strategic Veteran Podcast
Welcome to The Strategic Veteran, a raw and unfiltered journey into military transition. Host Adam Peters challenges the status quo by sharing authentic stories of veterans navigating life after service while advocating for real systemic change in how our military prepares service members for civilian life.
Each episode dives deep into the human transition experience – from the struggles that many face but few discuss to the transformative moments that shape new paths forward. Through honest conversations with fellow veterans, Adam explores the challenges of identity, purpose, and belonging that come with hanging up the uniform.
More than just a podcast, The Strategic Veteran is a movement. It’s about proving that meaningful change is possible, even in systems others claim can’t be changed. Whether you’re a veteran seeking connection, a service member preparing for transition, or someone passionate about supporting our military community, these stories will inspire, challenge, and empower you to be part of the solution.
Join us as we work to bridge the gap between military and civilian life, one story at a time.
Some people talk about helping veterans.
Others dedicate their lives to it.
In this episode of The Strategic Veteran, Adam Peters sits down with Lyubim Kogan, the founder of WingsForHeroes.org.
Lyubim’s life reads like something out of a movie.
He immigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States in 1992 on a ski scholarship. He went on to build a career on Wall Street working in the World Trade Center, surviving the attacks of September 11th, and guiding clients safely through the 2008 financial collapse.
But he eventually walked away from finance and spent nearly a decade rebuilding a fuel infrastructure company in Ukraine during an active war.
When Russian drones destroyed the entire operation overnight, most people would have started over.
Lyubim chose a different mission.
He founded Wings for Heroes, a program dedicated to helping combat amputees rediscover dignity, confidence, and purpose through rehabilitation, sports, and paragliding experiences designed to push them beyond the limits they believe they have.
From physical therapy to cycling to amputee soccer teams, the program focuses on rebuilding both the body and the mind.
This conversation explores sacrifice, resilience, the broken charity system surrounding veteran support, and what it actually takes to help wounded warriors rebuild their lives.
CONNECT WITH WINGS FOR HEROES
Website
https://wingsforheroes.org
CONNECT WITH THE STRATEGIC VETERAN
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd?si=887c164c4a8e4ae2
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@thestrategicveteran
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Growing up in the Soviet Union during the Afghanistan war
08:20 Coming to America on a ski scholarship
13:40 Life on Wall Street and working in the World Trade Center
18:30 Surviving 9/11
22:45 Guiding clients through the 2008 financial collapse
29:00 Leaving finance and rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine
36:40 Russian drone attack destroys the business overnight
43:30 The moment Wings for Heroes was born
50:10 Helping amputee veterans recover through rehabilitation and flight
58:40 The story of the first veteran who rebuilt his life
1:07:00 The problems with the “charity industrial complex”
1:15:00 The future mission of Wings for Heroes
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Podcast Details
About the host
Adam Peters
Adam Peters is the founder and host of The Strategic Veteran Podcast, a platform dedicated to helping veterans find purpose through entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. As a service-disabled veteran and successful entrepreneur, Adam has firsthand experience with veterans’ unique challenges and opportunities when transitioning to civilian life. His journey from military service to entrepreneurship has equipped him with valuable insights and a deep understanding of the veteran community. Adam’s mission is to address the veteran suicide epidemic by providing a roadmap to purpose and fulfillment through business and innovation. He believes focusing on the process and aligning actions with meaningful goals leads to greater satisfaction and success. Through his podcast, Adam shares honest, unfiltered stories of veterans who have turned their military experience into entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial ventures, offering listeners practical advice and inspiration. With a strong leadership, resilience, and problem-solving background, Adam’s interviews go beyond surface-level discussions, diving deep into the experiences that shape his guests’ lives and careers. His approach fosters a supportive community where veterans can find the motivation and resources they need to thrive. Adam’s dedication to the veteran community extends beyond his podcast. He is actively involved in various initiatives to support veterans professionally and personally. His work is driven by a passion for helping others navigate the complexities of post-military life and achieve their fullest potential. Listeners of The Strategic Veteran Podcast can expect to hear compelling stories, gain actionable insights, and become part of a community that champions the power of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship for veterans. Adam’s authentic and engaging style makes each episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to impact their life and career positively. Contact: https://thestrategicveteran.com
