The second annual event includes panelists sharing advice on topics of interest to servicemembers, military personnel, their families, and more.
The second annual MCON conference, held Oct. 25-27 in Las Vegas, significantly expanded over its debut a year ago. A one-day Military Impact Summit was added, attendance topped 3,100 and vendors filled the spacious expo hall.
Staff members and volunteers from The American Legion, a founding sponsor of MCON, greeted veterans and family members at a Be the One display. They shared information about Be the One, discussed issues related to veterans claims and more.
Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, MCON creator and American Legion Be the One chairman, opened the summit by discussing the importance of transitioning back to civilian life.
“The transition piece has such a massive cascading impact on the overall wellness of the veteran, not just mental health but also financial wellness, relationships, spiritual wellness.”
Attendees were treated to an all-star cast of speakers who delved into topics of interest to servicemembers, military personnel, their families and supporters, and more.
Among the highlights:
• American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast co-host Adam Marr served as the emcee. He kicked off the festivities by addressing mental health and moral injury.
“They wreak havoc on our community, my family and myself,” he said. “I’ve seen a broken medical system predicated on sick care instead of well care and system-masking medications slowly destroy so many lives. But at the same time, I have also seen an incredible movement start to emerge from within our ranks and our community with non-standard therapies and a new lease on life. It’s truly been remarkable.”
• A discussion on finding purpose featuring Nick Palmisciano, an Army veteran, American Legion member and founder of Diesel Jack Media; and former Army Ranger Michael Schlitz, who was medically retired after suffering severe burns and becoming a double amputee.
“We’ve been transitioning our entire lives,” Schlitz said, referring to education and then service. “Then when you leave the military, you forget all those things.”
After his injuries, he used his experience as a military instructor teaching classes to become a motivational speaker. “I just had to remember where I came from. We have to get back to what we are good at: attacking what’s in front of us at that moment.”
• Amy Forsythe, a Marine veteran and Navy Reservist who is also host of the Legion’s Be the One podcast. She was among the panelists who discussed redefining what is possible for women veterans.
“Your military service may end but it is about what’s next and looking forward to finding your next calling and purpose. Everything is on the table. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
• Connor Matthews, a former Air Force combat controller who is now a UFC fighter. He talked about his resilience in the military and in martial arts, including when he expressed doubts to his coach about becoming a professional UFC fighter.
“Then I started re-dedicating my life to martial arts again and started getting way better. That’s a testament to my military training and discipline. If I didn’t have martial arts, I couldn’t live.”
Afterward, Hoover expressed gratitude for all who participated.
“This year's MCON exceeded my lofty expectations,” he said. “We had stimulating conversations about core issues of today's veterans. Transitioning. Mental wellness. Finding purpose. Entrepreneurship. And so many more. I'm so grateful for our attendees, sponsors, volunteers and everyone who played a role in building momentum at this year's MCON. Next year's third annual conference will be even bigger and better, and have a greater impact on our community."
- Be the One