From Service to Startup: GA VBOC @ VECTR

Some people spend their lives trying to overcome the labels others place on them.
Angeletha Long shattered them.
Long before she became a military commander, entrepreneur, and leader, she was a teenage mother in Jamaica facing circumstances that caused many to question her future. Yet what appeared to be the end of one story became the beginning of another.
In this episode of From Service to Startup, Dr. Reina Cubbage sits down with Angeletha to discuss the twists, turns, sacrifices, and unexpected lessons that shaped her remarkable journey. From military service to entrepreneurship, she shares how some of the experiences she once viewed as obstacles ultimately became the foundation for her success.
This conversation is about perseverance, purpose, and the courage to become more than what others expect.
Trust me...you'll want to hear this one! 

In this deeply moving episode of From Service to Startup, Dr. Cubbage sat down with Dr. Melvin “Mel” Pender Jr., a living legend whose story is etched in the soul of America. A retired Army Captain, two-time Vietnam veteran, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and relentless community advocate, Dr. Pender’s life is a powerful portrait of what it means to serve not just in uniform, but with your whole heart.
From jumping out of planes in Vietnam to setting world records on the track, from overcoming racism and injury to becoming the first Black track coach at West Point, Dr. Pender opens up about the moments that shaped his identity as a soldier, athlete, and servant leader. He shares how his military training gave him purpose, how faith guided his path, and why he’s now fighting to preserve history and inspire the next generation through literacy and legacy.
At nearly 88 years old, he’s still sprinting for justice, for youth, for unity. This is more than an episode. It’s a masterclass in resilience, patriotism, and what it means to live with mission. Don’t miss this story of a man who gave everything for his country and is still giving.

What happens when a retired Air Force veteran turns her passion for movement into a mission for healing? In this episode of From Service to Startup, Shakia Garrett shares how she launched Say More About It, a wellness coaching platform built for busy moms, youth, and veterans who are ready to reconnect with their purpose. From spiritual fitness to emotional breakthroughs, Shakia blends military grit with grace and helps others find the strength to speak, stretch, and grow.
This conversation dives into the emotional weight veterans often carry, the everyday barriers that hold people back from pursuing wellness, and the importance of creating space to be seen, heard, and helped. Whether you’re starting over after service, juggling life as a solo parent, or finally putting yourself first, Shakia’s story will move you and challenge you to move with purpose. Her energy is contagious. Her mission is personal. And her message is crystal clear: your strength is still there, waiting to be used. 

Brandon Blocker is a third-generation Air Force veteran who pivoted from a flight track to a powerful business career in federal contracting and procurement. In this episode of From Service to Startup, Brandon shares how managing everything from $10,000 software deals to a $409 million portfolio of aircraft maintenance contracts gave him the skills and the confidence to launch his own business.
He speaks candidly about why he chose entrepreneurship, what he learned on both ends of the federal contracting spectrum, and why working with small businesses became his true passion. From unexpected assignments to high-stakes systems work at Robins AFB, Brandon breaks down the mindset it takes to succeed in both service and startups.
Whether you're a transitioning service member or a veteran exploring business ownership, Brandon’s journey offers real insight and honest encouragement to take that next step.

In this episode of From Service to Startup, Dr. Reina Cubbage sits down with Air Force Academy graduate and leadership consultant Jason Smith, whose post-military journey took him from corporate layoffs to launching a thriving business dedicated to sales training and leadership development.
Jason shares his powerful story of resilience from a medical discharge to navigating the rocky terrain of corporate America, and ultimately building his own business focused on helping other veterans succeed. He breaks down the leadership principles learned in uniform, explains why SOPs aren’t just for the military, and reveals why process and mindset are critical for veteran entrepreneurs in 2025.
Jason also highlights the importance of veteran-focused resources like the SBA, SCORE, and the VBOC at the Georgia VECTR Center, which helped him translate military values into business success.
Whether you’re a transitioning service member, a military spouse, or a seasoned veteran entrepreneur, this episode delivers actionable insight on building legacy, leadership, and long-term impact through entrepreneurship.

In this episode of From Service to Startup, host Dr. Reina Cubbage engages with U.S. Army veteran Jeremy Walker, founder of Helmets to Boots, an organization dedicated to guiding veterans through the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life.​
Drawing from over two decades of military service and personal experience navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs system, Jeremy established both a nonprofit and a business to provide comprehensive support to fellow veterans. His initiatives offer personalized coaching, corporate training on veteran culture, and connections to a network of veteran-owned service providers.​
Jeremy discusses how the Boots to Business program was instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey, enabling him to structure his ventures effectively. He emphasizes the importance of early preparation for transition, the value of mentorship, and the need for organizations to foster veteran-friendly environments.​
This conversation provides valuable insights for service members preparing to transition, veterans seeking purpose beyond service, and organizations aiming to better support veteran employees.

After 20 years in the Air Force, Luke Carnathan knew his next mission wasn’t just about business—it was about giving back. In this episode of From Service to Startup, we sit down with Luke, a retired disabled Air Force veteran and co-founder of WAYS Energy, a veteran-owned energy drink company with a purpose.
Luke shares how his transition from military service to entrepreneurship was shaped by his desire to support fellow veterans and first responders. He discusses the challenges of launching WAYS Energy, the lessons he learned from the Small Business Administration's Boots to Business program, and the incredible impact of giving back—donating at least 10% of profits to organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation and 5th Squad.
We also dive into WAYS Energy’s unique branding strategy, its commitment to service-oriented communities, and an exciting new initiative designed to connect veterans and first responders with essential resources. If you’re a veteran considering starting your own business, Luke’s advice and experience will inspire you to take the leap.
 

Welcome to the debut episode of From Service to Startup, the official podcast of the GA VBOC at the Georgia VECTR Center! In this episode, host Dr. Reina Cubbage, Program Instructor for the GA VBOC and an Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practitioner, dives into the essential resources available to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses looking to start or grow their businesses.
Join us as we introduce some of the team members from the Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (GA VBOC) and the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Center (VECTR). We’ll also hear from key leaders at GA VBOC and VECTR, sharing their insights, experiences, and strategies to help veteran entrepreneurs thrive.
Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your business, leaving the military into the civilian workforce or just exploring entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with expert advice and actionable takeaways to help you succeed in your next mission!