After 20+ years in the U.S. Air Force, how do you find your next mission? Retired Master Sergeant Robert Russ joins The MisFitNation to explore military retirement, veteran entrepreneurship, and building purpose when the structure of military life falls away.
Robert is the founder of Above Ground Gear, a veteran-owned apparel and lifestyle brand built around a simple belief: every day above ground is another opportunity.
His Air Force career spanned aircraft maintenance, operations, program management, and leadership. But moving into civilian life brought different challenges: business risks, failures, pivots, and the work of creating something meaningful without a guaranteed roadmap.
In this conversation, we’ll explore:
• Finding identity and purpose after military service
• Applying military leadership lessons to civilian life and business
• Building a veteran-owned brand while still learning along the way
• Choosing discipline over comfort when motivation fades
• Veteran culture, humor, accountability, and personal responsibility
• Why “every day above ground” is a philosophy worth putting into practice
Whether you’re preparing for military retirement, navigating your own transition, starting a business, or searching for renewed direction, this episode offers an honest look at building your next chapter.
Join the conversation: What gave you a sense of purpose after a major life change? Share your experience in the comments.
Connect with Robert and explore Above Ground Gear:
https://AboveGroundGear.com
X: @DainjaRuss33
Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @abovegroundgear
Discover more stories of leadership, service, and resilience:
https://www.themisfitnation.com
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