Inside Military Appreciation Weekend: Purpose, Community, and Saving Veteran Lives

Learn More about the event! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/5th-annual-military-appreciation-weekend

In this powerful conversation, Sidney sits down with Colton to talk about Military Appreciation Weekend, veterans’ mental health, mentorship, transitioning out of the military, and Colton’s unexpected journey into Hollywood.

Colton shares how community, purpose, and hormone health are saving lives, why relationships are everything, and how Military Appreciation Weekend has become one of the most meaningful veteran-focused events in the country. He also opens up about being a military advisor and on-screen actor in major productions alongside John Bernthal and Tom Holland, and the surreal experience of landing those opportunities.

They also discuss:identity after serviceveteran suicide and hormone deficiencythe power of tribe and mentorshipbalancing family life with service and film worksaying yes to opportunity and being ready when it shows up

This episode is a must-listen for veterans, first responders, families, and anyone navigating major life transitions.

00:00 – Introduction00:59 – Hope, growth, and purpose found at the event03:41 – What newcomers can expect this year04:42 – VIP day details, access, and sponsoring veterans05:44 – Why community and relationships matter most06:40 – Hormones, mental health, marriage, and saving lives07:35 – Transitioning out of service and mentorship from veterans09:12 – How the event inspires life change and new direction11:09 – “I found my tribe again” — the feedback veterans give12:12 – UFC fighter Michael Johnson’s story and commitment13:52 – Colton’s unexpected, life-changing year15:35 – Becoming military advisor and actor on set18:15 – Preparation, pressure, and working in film21:54 – How movie sets compare to military deployments22:48 – Jon Bernthal flying Colton’s wife out for her birthday24:13 – Jiu jitsu with Tom Holland25:14 – Stories from set and influencing realism on screen29:26 – Bringing real veteran issues into film and TV33:43 – How a chance meeting years ago came full circle36:39 – Family, legacy, and kids seeing dad on screen39:10 – Upcoming events and what’s next