Navy SEAL David Rutherford sits down with retired Army Green Beret Dean Goble to talk about a veteran medical debt crisis almost nobody discusses, and how Dean and his team are solving it by paying those bills off. Goble says last year's Operation Debt of Gratitude eliminated $35 million in qualifying veteran medical debt. They get into why VA care is not always free, what changes when a relief letter arrives, and why asking for help beats carrying every burden alone. Black Rifle Coffee is a show sponsor and Dean's employer.

0:00 Cold Open

0:59 How Did They Pay Off $35 Million in Veteran Debt?

5:15 Are First Responders Joining This Mission?

11:02 What Happens When the Relief Letter Arrives?

15:12 Why Isn't VA Care Always Free?

27:11 Why Did He Pull a Truck 22 Miles?

32:16 What Does Lasting Support Actually Look Like?

38:23 How Can People Help?

Sponsors

Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/

Operation Debt of Gratitude: https://operationdebtofgratitude.org/

Organizers identify qualifying debt. This is not an open application or a promise of relief for every veteran or first responder. Content advisory: suicide bereavement and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line; or text 838255.