When the new Secretary of the VA, Doug Collins, sat down with Shawn Ryan, Trevor Blaszczyk watched the entire conversation and had thoughts. In this Saving 22 episode, Trevor reacts to the interview and challenges veterans to hold their leadership accountable rather than accepting promises at face value. With 230 views, this became one of the most-watched episodes on the channel—clearly hitting a nerve in the veteran community.
A New VA Secretary Under the Microscope
Trevor does not pull punches. He acknowledges Doug Collins’ service record but questions whether the generational gap between Collins and the younger veterans he is supposed to serve creates a blind spot. “He’s an old fella already. The generational gap is massive. And he’s talking to Shawn Ryan, who also is an older fella, but is still considered a younger veteran.”
The concern is not personal—it is practical. The VA system affects millions of veterans daily, and Trevor argues that leadership needs to understand the specific challenges facing post-9/11 veterans: navigating a broken claims process, dealing with mental health stigma, and trying to build civilian careers while managing service-connected disabilities.
Trevor’s Own VA Experiences
What makes this reaction episode powerful is that Trevor brings receipts from his own life. He shares personal stories of navigating the VA system—the delays, the runaround, and the moments where the bureaucracy felt designed to wear veterans down rather than lift them up. These are not theoretical complaints; they are lived experiences that resonate with the veterans watching.
He also shares a personal update: he has been pursuing cybersecurity certifications while attending school, a move that reflects his broader message about veterans taking control of their own futures rather than waiting for the system to deliver. “I actually got into cybersecurity and that has been a blast. I have received two certificates and I’m looking to get a job.”
Why Veterans Need to Stay Engaged
The episode’s most important message is about accountability. Trevor challenges fellow veterans to watch the Shawn Ryan interview themselves, form their own opinions, and then hold leadership to measurable outcomes—not just speeches and handshakes. Words are cheap; policy changes and system improvements are what matter.
He is equally direct about the broader political landscape, noting that regardless of which party holds power, the veteran community needs to advocate for itself with clear demands and organized voices. Apathy is the enemy, and Trevor positions the Saving 22 podcast as one platform where that advocacy can take shape.
What has your experience with the VA been like? Are you hopeful about the new leadership? Share your thoughts below—your perspective matters.
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