Giving Veterans A Fighting Chance: Focus on Charity through Mixed Martial Arts

Ever since the invention of war, combat sports seem to have been part of the military community. It is something integral to the warrior class. Whether it be wrestling, grappling, boxing, martial arts, or even modern-day combatives, veterans, for the most part, across generations love a good fight. Or, at least, love watching them.

In this episode, Host Rob Couture welcomes back to #StillServing Extreme Sports Enthusiast, Veterans Advocate, and MMA Fighter Ricky Folse. He'll tell us about the charity MMA fight event he's putting together down in Louisiana called Summer Salute, as he pays tribute to veterans. Joining in the conversation will be Iraq War veteran Richard Lee who is also fighting on the card. Then, he catches up with VFW National Ambassador SEAC (Retired) John Wayne Troxell about what he's been doing, health and wellness, and a charity MMA watch party event he's hosting in Iowa with UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.

Ricky Folse, Extreme Sports Enthusiast, Veterans Advocate, and MMA Fighter, and Richard Lee, Iraq War Veteran and MMA Fighter

• Ricky Folse recaps his road trip visiting veterans in homeless camps. [2:49]

• Starting in martial arts at ten helped prepare Richard Lee for his tour in Afghanistan. [9:01]

• The Summer Salute event was created for veterans by veterans with 40% of the profits going to the non-profit After the Mission. [14:23]

• Richard shares his personal PTSD experience which mirrors the experience of many other veterans. [21:05]

• 2 Live Crew is making a special appearance at the after-party on June 25, 2022, at the Summer Salute event. [26:44]

SEAC (Retired) John Wayne Troxell, VFW National Ambassador

• On his way to celebrate the Army Week Association, John hired a helicopter to see all of Manhattan. [33:46]

• Participating in the Cateran Yomp through the Scottish highlands was an exercise in building international relationships for John. [36:28]

• Health and wellness are paramount in living life to the fullest. Veterans don't have to be unhealthy to maximize their rating. [41:38]

• On July 2, 2202, Knoxville VFW 3519, DownRange Excursions, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association are holding a UFC Fight Night event. [47:37]

• How John incorporates MMA-style elements into his fitness regime. [54:15]

For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story