The MisFitNation

Rich LaMonica is a 22-year Veteran of the United States Army who deployed multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout his military career, he developed as a leader by learning from mentors who reinforced one of his core beliefs: leadership begins with taking care of people.

After retiring from the Army in 2015, Rich experienced firsthand the challenges of military transition. The year that followed became a period of reflection, adjustment, and rediscovery as he worked to define his next mission outside the uniform. Those lessons continue to fuel his commitment to helping Veterans, First Responders, leaders, and others navigate transition, adversity, and the roadblocks that can come with major life changes.

Today, Rich is the Founder and Host of The MisFitNation, a platform dedicated to sharing the stories of Veterans, First Responders, Gold Star Families, leaders, entrepreneurs, and people who have overcome adversity. Through honest conversations about leadership, resilience, mental health, purpose, service, and personal growth, he works to ensure hard-earned lessons are passed forward.

Rich is also a published author, motivational speaker, leadership advocate, and mentor whose work focuses on mindset, resilience, grit, purpose, and becoming a stronger leader and human being regardless of the journey behind you.

He continues to live by a simple philosophy inspired by one of his favorite phrases:

“Challenge Accepted.”

Stephen LaMonica is a business leader, Veteran and First Responder advocate, and Co-Host of The ToosDay Crüe, a MisFitNation production.

Stephen brings a direct, practical perspective to the show, drawing from his leadership experience and his commitment to supporting those who serve their communities and country. During live broadcasts, he helps drive the conversation, engages with the audience in real time, and provides the steady presence and candid feedback that have become part of The ToosDay Crüe’s identity.

Behind the scenes, Stephen also plays an important role in production. When The MisFitNation takes the show on the road, he serves as the Audio Engineer, helping ensure the team can deliver professional-quality conversations from wherever the mission takes them.

Outside of the show, Stephen is a passionate NASCAR fan who appreciates good conversation, strong leadership, and the occasional cold drink.

At The MisFitNation, Stephen helps keep the Crüe focused, connected to the audience, and moving forward.

Jake Holland is a 25-year United States Army Veteran, former Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Veteran Advocate, and Co-Host of The ToosDay Crüe, a MisFitNation production.

Originally from Indiana, Jake joined the Army shortly after high school and began his career as an Air Cavalry Scout and Crew Chief. He later answered the call to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, entering one of the military’s most technically demanding and dangerous career fields.

Jake spent the majority of his Army career in EOD and completed multiple combat deployments, including three tours in Iraq. His service placed him on the front lines of the fight against improvised explosive devices, where he responded to bomb threats, rendered explosive devices safe, supported combat operations, and worked in environments where split-second decisions could mean the difference between life and death.

During his time in Iraq, Jake served with Army EOD units including the 717th and 754th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Companies and was featured by WIRED Magazine during coverage of military bomb disposal operations in Baghdad.

His combat experience included responding to numerous improvised explosive devices, operating outside the wire under enemy fire, surviving attacks on his vehicles, and confronting firsthand the devastating human cost of war. On some missions, Jake and his teams dealt with multiple explosive devices in a single day while supporting Soldiers and units operating throughout the Baghdad area.

Jake also supported high-level VIP protection and security missions in advance of Presidential visits around the world, bringing the same precision, discipline, and attention to detail demanded by EOD operations into some of the military’s most sensitive assignments.

His career shaped a leadership philosophy centered on trust, competence, accountability, calm under pressure, and taking care of the people standing beside you.

Today, Jake brings those hard-earned lessons to The MisFitNation as a Veteran Advocate and Co-Host of The ToosDay Crüe, where he provides an experienced and authentic perspective on military service, combat, leadership, mental health, resilience, transition, and life after the uniform.

Away from the microphone, Jake has returned to his Indiana farm-boy roots and now operates a small farm in Kentucky with his better half and their four-legged family.

And in one of the great mysteries of the EOD community, after a career spent dealing with real explosives, Jake still claims The Hurt Locker is his favorite movie.

We try not to hold that against him.

Originally from Dallas, TX Sam moved to Clarksville, TN, and spent the time from her adolescence through her young adult life there. It is here where she met her now husband. He is a Soldier in the United States Army and together they are seeing many new locations with a move to Korea on the horizon. They have two boys, Braden who is about to be 10, and Rowan who is 1. Boys are not for the faint of heart and they keep me on my toes. Sam is well-versed in all the pokemon and cocomelon episodes. When not devoting her time to the three boys in her life, she is working on the process of achieving my birth doula certification in the hopes of one day assisting women in the journey of motherhood. Sam is an honorary member of the LaMonica family and loves to enjoy the Italian meals and of course some much-deserved adult time in the Bar. She will bring a different side to the show, different perspectives, and a different voice to listen to every once in a while.

Raymone (Coach RJ) Byrd is an extraordinary athlete with a background in football and military physical fitness. His commitment to serving in the Army pushed him to unlock his true gifts through structure and discipline. Many health issues including Crohn’s disease triggered a downward spiral separating him from structure and discipline. In June of 2022, RJ was introduced to E2M providing the structure and discipline he needed to gain his life back. Taking full advantage of the many tools within E2M, he reached all his goals and more. He uses this experience to motivate and inspire people of all levels from the novice to the advanced runner. In RJ’s spare time, he enjoys making electronic and trap-style beats and having dance-offs with his daughter, Breanna. Music is at the center of nearly everything he does including fitness. His music-driven classes will assist him in helping you achieve your next goal.