When it comes to embodying grit and resilience, our veterans set stunning examples for all future generations. Combat veterans, in particular, face unique challenges, whether it's life-altering injuries or reintegrating into civilian life after facing the battlefield. Anyone can find inspiration in their bravery and resilience when facing life-threatening situations. 

In the May episode of Freedom and Glory: Tales of American Spirit, our hosts, Liz Morris and Bill LuMaye had the incredible privilege of interviewing four U.S. veterans: combat veterans Ed Salou and Chuck Brandon, Vietnam veteran and Combat Warriors, Inc. founder, Bill Warren, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Wayne Decker. These men told stories with candid examples of bravery and sacrifice. 

Carrot-Top has partnered with the Combat Warriors, Inc. non-profit to show our appreciation. Throughout May, Carrot-Top shoppers can add a donation to the Combat Warriors directly to their American flag order. 100% of all proceeds go directly to their organization. 

Meet Our Brave U.S. Veterans 

Every veteran has a unique experience. The image of young men wielding guns in the trenches represents just a small part of military service; only 10% of enlistees serve in combat zones. The journey back to civilian life can be difficult for any veteran. Combat warriors face especially tough hurdles—recovering from injuries, navigating mental health challenges, or finding meaningful work outside the military. 

In this special Memorial Day episode of Freedom and Glory, we were honored to hear how Ed Salau and Chuck Brandon found deep meaning in their service. Their stories offered powerful insight into the resilience, sacrifice, and enduring brotherhood that define the combat veteran experience. 

Ed Salau 

A 12-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who later joined the Army National Guard, Ed Salau was deployed to Iraq in 2004. After nearly a year of deployment, Ed was seriously injured in combat and lost a leg. Yet his outlook remains deeply optimistic. 

Ed shared how meaningful it was to witness Iraqis casting their votes in early 2005 after years of dictatorship while recovering from his injuries in Walter Reed. He explained how his family, rooted in military culture, gave him strength and perspective. 

"If America can stay confident and content and at peace when somewhere else in the world is on fire and at war, and we can keep it outside our borders—that's a win." 

With his contagious optimism and positivity, Ed Salau reminds us that the U.S. military doesn’t just defend our freedoms—it helps ignite hope and stability in places that need it most. 

Chuck Brandon 

Chuck Brandon joined the Army in 1992, embarking on a 26-year career that included four combat deployments. A self-proclaimed military brat, Chuck had no original plans to enlist—but once he did, he found purpose and lifelong brotherhood. 

From his early days in Macedonia to combat tours in Afghanistan, Chuck emphasized the importance of doing what his fallen brothers would want: living fully and celebrating life. 

"Everybody has a different definition of a hero. And in my eyes, it's the people that support the troops. Doing these podcasts, bringing awareness to that style of life—those are the heroes." 

Through his humility and service-focused mindset, Chuck Brandon shows us that heroism isn't limited to the battlefield; it lives in the everyday acts of support, gratitude, and remembrance from the communities who stand behind our troops. 

Bill Warren and Wayne Decker

Vietnam veteran Bill Warren founded Combat Warriors to ensure no returning soldier felt forgotten. After returning home from Vietnam, Bill experienced firsthand the cold reception many service members received during that era. He was determined that future veterans would never feel the same sense of abandonment. 

His journey with Combat Warriors began when a friend asked him to help send five Special Operations soldiers on a hunting trip. Seeing how much healing and camaraderie came from just a few days in nature, Bill knew it had to continue. From that moment, Combat Warriors, Inc. was born. 

Along with Marine Wayne Decker and several other board members, Bill works to provide spaces where veterans can reconnect, recover, and experience the camaraderie they had in the field. 

"It doesn't make a difference whether you're a Marine, whether you're a Special Ops, whether you're an Air Force CCT, or a Navy SEAL," Bill Warren said. "Everybody gets along, and they respect one another because of what they've been through." 

With decades of perspective between them, Bill Warren and Wayne Decker reveal how shared sacrifice forms unbreakable bonds. Their goal is to provide a sense of brotherhood for veterans returning home. 

How Combat Warriors, Inc. Supports Healing and Connection 

Combat Warriors, Inc. was founded more than a decade ago with one mission in mind: to honor and support combat veterans through connection, compassion, and community. 

Over the years, Combat Warriors, Inc. has grown into a network that supports more than 500 warriors across five states. With over 40 annual events ranging from outdoor adventures to family-centered retreats, Combat Warriors helps veterans connect with others who’ve shared similar trials. 

These experiences help restore what many veterans lose when they return home: a sense of purpose, understanding, and brotherhood. The organization also provides financial assistance and emotional resources—not just for the veterans, but for their families, who often sacrifice just as much. 

As Wayne Decker explained, the scale and impact of their work wouldn’t be possible without community support.  

"So, you know, the ones that make large donations—we're extremely grateful for." Wayne said. "But it's the five and $10 donations that get us across the finish line at the end of the day and allow us to do different things."  

Donate to the Combat Warriors Today! 

This Memorial Day, consider giving back to those who have given everything. Add a donation directly to your order when you shop with Carrot-Top during the month of May. 

Every dollar matters. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your contribution helps make it possible for veterans to experience healing, joy, and support through meaningful events. 

👉 Visit CombatWarriorsInc.org to learn more or donate directly. 

Together, let’s honor the heroes who’ve sacrificed for our freedom—and help them find peace, purpose, and connection when they return home.