video episodes, poetry, and other work

 In this engaging episode of Project Sapient, our hosts return from a brief hiatus to delve into critical topics affecting the law enforcement and military communities. 

They kick off with personal anecdotes, including a candid discussion about the challenges of advocating for one's health in a system that can often be frustrating.  

The conversation transitions into an insightful analysis of police recruitment and training. Drawing inspiration from military special forces selection processes, the hosts argue for a fundamental transformation in how police officers are selected. They emphasize the importance of mental resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking, qualities that are essential for effective policing in today's complex environment.  

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the power of voting, especially in local elections. The hosts passionately discuss how apathy can erode democratic processes and stress the significance of making one's voice heard through the ballot. 

They explore the impact of local policies on law enforcement and the broader community, urging listeners to participate actively in shaping the future.  

With humor, insight, and a call to action, this episode is a compelling reminder of the power individuals have to effect change, both in their communities and within themselves.  

SHOW NOTES: 

Article by Ayman Kafel that was published on Havok Journal  We Must Fundamentally Transform Police Officer Selection • The Havok Journal  

Supporters:  Police Supply Store | Law Enforcement Supplies (aaapolicesupply.com)  Use HYBRID10 for a discount on your entire order  ___________________________________________________________________________

The Havok Journal • The Voice of the Veteran Community  The Havok Journal serves as the Voice of the Veteran Community through a focus on current affairs and articles of interest to the public in general, and the veteran community in particular. We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment. We are continually expanding and striving to improve the readers’ experience.  ___________________________________________________________________________

Home - The Second Mission Foundation  The Second Mission Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to educate, elevate, and advocate for members of America’s Service Community in order to help them find their “second mission” after government service.  ___________________________________________________________________________

 Home - 22Mohawks  To us, the mohawk represents the outlier – the person who is not afraid to go against the grain, rise up for what they believe in, and above all, stand tall in the face of adversity. Veterans, First Responders and those who support them embody the mohawk. When you get a mohawk in support of veteran and first responder suicide prevention, you become a part of a movement that is greater than oneself.   22Mohawks is proud to provide assistance to veterans and first responders who need help with navigating the struggles of everyday life.
 

 In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, we dive into the incredible story of Elisha Perkins, a former police officer and U.S. Army veteran. Despite facing immense challenges, including severe injuries from an IED blast in Afghanistan and a battle with cancer, Elisha has persevered with remarkable resilience. 

 Host Ayman talks with Elisha about her journey from serving in the St. Pete Police Department to her deployments in Afghanistan, where she faced life-threatening injuries. Elisha shares her experiences of overcoming physical and emotional trauma, including her determination to walk again after being told she might never do so.  

Discover how Elisha found a new mission by founding Pop Smoke K9s for Veterans, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for veterans and first responders. Learn about these dogs' rigorous training process and how they have become lifesavers for many veterans.  Elisha's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of finding purpose, and the impact of service dogs on veterans' lives. Tune in to be inspired by her journey and gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of life after service.  

For more information and to support Elisha's mission, visit the links in the show notes.  

Visit Project Sapient's Website for announcements, training opportunities, and SWAG:  Website: https://projectsapient.com/ Email: contact@projectsapient.com  

SHOW NOTES  Pop Smoke K9 for Veterans 

 Website: https://www.popsmokek9forveterans.org/ 

Our mission is to help stop veteran suicides by providing veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST with a well-trained service dog to help them live a more productive life after the military.  

Email: eperkins@popsmokek9forveterans.org  

Supporters:  AAA Police Supply  

Website: https://aaapolicesupply.com/ 

Use HYBRID10 for a discount on your entire order _________________________________________________________________________ The Havok Journal 

Website: https://havokjournal.com/ 

The Havok Journal serves as the Voice of the Veteran Community through a focus on current affairs and articles of interest to the public in general, and the veteran community in particular. We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment. We are continually expanding and striving to improve the readers’ experience. _________________________________________________________________________The Second Mission Foundation 

 Website: https://secondmissionfoundation.org/ 

The Second Mission Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to educate, elevate, and advocate for members of America’s Service Community in order to help them find their “second mission” after government service. _________________________________________________________________________22 Mohawks  

Website: https://22mohawks.com/ 

To us, the mohawk represents the outlier – the person who is not afraid to go against the grain, rise up for what they believe in, and above all, stand tall in the face of adversity. Veterans, First Responders and those who support them embody the mohawk. When you get a mohawk in support of veteran and first responder suicide prevention, you become a part of a movement that is greater than oneself.   22Mohawks is proud to provide assistance to veterans and first responders who need help with navigating the struggles of everyday life. 

 Email: dave@22mohawks.com
 

 In this riveting episode of Project Sapient, we dive into the world of life after service for our veterans and first responders.  Matt Williams, a former CIA case officer and U.S. Army veteran, who now runs Gravel Drive Media. Matt shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in capturing the authentic experiences of those who serve.  

Matt discusses the mission of Gravel Drive Media, which aims to shine a light on the untold stories of veterans and first responders, offering a stark contrast to the viral, meaningless content that dominates social media. He shares inspiring anecdotes, including the powerful story of Alicia Perkins, a veteran who, despite severe injuries and battling cancer, dedicates her life to training service dogs for others.  

Matt shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in capturing the authentic experiences of those who serve. He has worked for and continues to work at @garysinisefoundation with @garysiniseofficial on the wonderful things that they do for veterans and first responders. We also talk about his close relationship with @scottmannauthor and things that he has been doing across the country.  

The episode also explores the broader themes of purpose, resilience, and the shared human experiences that bind us all. Whether you're a veteran, a first responder, or someone who wants to understand the deeper layers of these communities, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration.  Tune in for a compelling conversation that underscores the power of authentic storytelling and the enduring spirit of those who serve. 

 Follow Matt on his Instagram page @graveldrivemedia  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GravelDrive 

Website: https://www.graveldrivemedia.com/ 

  Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? You aren't alone.   Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Veteran in crisis, can call VCL for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.  

"The Dark",  By Ayman Kafel

 Amongst you I walk  Quiet, Alone, and full of rage 

 Echoes of battles ringing in my ears  

The demons I came home with  I locked them in a cage 

 Afraid of what can happen  If they break out and play  

 At night I lay in bed  My head feels like it is splitting in two 

 Each hemisphere of my brain 

 Pulling to unravel the dark inside 

 I wake up with sharp pain

 In the back of my head

 A voice says to me  Come back  Come back to the fight

 A part of me never left   

A part of me is still fighting   

A part of me is forever in the dark  The dark in me  Forever in me 

I Prepare for the Day 

December 4, 2020 

by Ayman Kafel 

 My mind focused. 

My determination directed. 

My resolve strengthened. 

My primal instincts enhanced.  

The sounds of iron hitting the floor sounds like a battle of the ancients. 

My heart beats as if it is beating the drums of war. 

This is what I have become, what I am, where I am the most comfortable.  Screams of pain echo in my head. 

Reminds me of a time I first greeted death.

Beads of sweat from my forehead is a reminder of the hardships I have endured and what I will endure. 

 This is what I have become, what I am, where I am the most comfortable.  

I slip on my gear. Radio check. Weapons locked and loaded. 

Mission brief. 

It’s time to greet death once again.

It’s time to play that game we always play.

This is what I have become, what I am, where I am the most comfortable.