EP# 1: From Military Service to Community Support: Michael Boll's Journey with the New Jersey Veterans Network

What if the key to overcoming personal struggles and thriving in life lies in service and community? Meet Michael Boll from the New Jersey Veterans Network, a Marine Corps veteran and retired police officer who has transformed his dedication to service into a mission to uplift fellow veterans. Join us on the Good Neighbor Podcast as Michael shares his extraordinary journey from the disciplined ranks of the military and law enforcement to pioneering a mobile outreach team that provides essential resources like housing, food, clothing, and claims assistance to veterans and their families.

Michael opens up about the personal challenges that have fueled his relentless drive, from conquering ultra marathons to organizing impactful events like a 9/11 bike ride from New Jersey to DC. Get an inside look at how the New Jersey Veterans Network dispels common misconceptions about PTSD and demonstrates that with the right support, veterans can not only recover but also excel. Discover how you can be part of this inspiring community that truly makes a difference. Tune in for a compelling conversation that underscores the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together. Here's your host, Adam Embick.

Speaker 2: 0:11

Welcome to the Good Neighbor Podcast. Today I have the pleasure of introducing your neighbor Michael with New Jersey Veterans Network. Michael how are you doing?

Speaker 3: 0:19

Good Thank you for having me here today.

Speaker 2: 0:21

Great, we're excited to learn about you and your organization. Tell us about your organization. Tell us about your organization.

Speaker 3: 0:26

The New Jersey Veterans Network is a mobile outreach team that aggressively seeks out veterans and their families and helps them with any kind of resources that makes their live, their better way of life.

Speaker 2: 0:36

How did you get into this business?

Speaker 3: 0:39

I was at a high school, I joined the Marine Corps and I was a police officer for 20, 29 years actually and want to do something even more than helping the community. I wanted to help our veterans and really started aggressively helping our veterans by getting them housing, food, clothing, and now I'm able to do their claims. So I really wanted to give veterans the best treatment that they can get and resources out there by working with so many other groups. That's great.

Speaker 2: 1:08

What are some of the myths or misconceptions in your industry?

Speaker 3: 1:14

Well, some of the problems with the veteran community. People always think that every veteran is so damaged they can't work when they come out from having a PTSD episode work when they come out from having a PTSD episode. We really hate that, because veterans can get help and move on and be productive. Just because they have PTSD it doesn't mean that they shut down and are unable to be a part of the community. We've actually proven that with enough help and showing them enough love, they can actually really excel and do well again.

Speaker 2: 1:43

Outside of work. What do you do for fun?

Speaker 3: 1:46

I love doing outdoor stuff. I've been able to do ultra marathons to hiking, camping, fishing, but I really like doing outdoor adventures. I really can't get enough of that. I just love every minute of the day where I could do something with a group of people too. I love doing it with a group of people.

Speaker 2: 2:04

Yeah, I'm totally the same way. All right, so let's change gears now. Can you describe a hardship or life challenge that you rose above and because of it you are better and stronger?

Speaker 3: 2:16

I always give myself a lot of criticism. I'm very hard on myself. I didn't do great in school, so I would always push myself to excel at everything that I chose to pick and choose, such as an ultra marathon, like I was never happy with, just with a 5K. I wanted to do something bigger and better and really push myself. And then helping veterans I didn't just want to help one veteran, I wanted to help every veteran. So I really set goals at a high level and I do my best to achieve them, and I think with the group of people that I'm, I associated myself with, I'm able to achieve a lot of these goals.

Speaker 2: 2:52

Michael, please tell our listeners one thing they should remember about New Jersey Veterans Network.

Speaker 3: 2:58

I remember the uh, the first event that we did. We did a nine 11 bike ride from from New Jersey to DC in one night and I remember having a diverse group of people there and how everyone really didn't put politics in the picture and anything else except for helping one another. It was a great experience and really showed me and the others that what we're doing here really does make a difference, and that was really how we got our formula by helping others helps us. It was a great feeling inside knowing that we were able to do so many things and help so many people.

Speaker 2: 3:31

That's awesome. How can our listeners learn more?

Speaker 3: 3:33

about.

Speaker 2: 3:33

New Jersey Veterans Network.

Speaker 3: 3:35

Pretty easy. We go on njvnorg Also. We have a Facebook and an Instagram page. We post all our events upcoming events as well and really like turn no volunteers down. We love having people that come out and help. We don't care where you're from, as long as you are able to put others first and help them live a better way of life.

Speaker 2: 3:57

Well, Michael, I really appreciate you being on the show. We wish you and your business the best moving forward.

Speaker 3: 4:02

Thank you for having me today and have a great week and God bless the United States of America.

Speaker 1: 4:06

Thank you for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast. To nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show, go to GNPSummitcom. That's GNPSummitcom, or call 862-217-5378. 8, 6, 2, 2, 1, 7, 5, 3, 7, 8.