By Greg Bicknell | Smoke-N-Focus Media

For over three decades, Kerry Steuart and I have shared a bond forged in more than just military service. Through the years, it has been tested by distance and strengthened by a mutual mission: helping others.

We met in the early 1990s while stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. What began as a friendship back then has now evolved into a partnership grounded in purpose and built on love.

A Transition from Service to Healing

Today, Kerry serves as the Executive Director of Live Bliss , a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals overcome trauma through holistic wellness. After years of service in the Air Force, Kerry transitioned into advocacy work to serve others in a new way — off the battlefield, but still on the front lines of mental and emotional wellness.

To be more specific, I have benefited personally from some of Kerry’s work. In 2021, Kerry invited me to a retreat with Warriors Ascent in Kansas City, Missouri, and pulled me out of a place he never thought I’d end up… and never want to revisit again. During that time, Kerry went beyond being a friend. He reached out and said, “You need to come to the next cohort.” I did, and the rest is history.

The Work of Live Bliss

Live Bliss uses breathwork, meditation, movement, and emotional regulation tools to support individuals, including veterans and first responders, who often carry invisible wounds. Kerry explained:

“Our work isn’t about fixing people. It’s about helping them reconnect with the parts of themselves they had to abandon to survive.”

During a recent interview, Kerry reflected on the increasing need for trauma-informed care among veterans.

“Most of us were trained to override pain, both physical and emotional. But you can’t keep stuffing that down forever. Eventually, it shows up in your relationships, your health, your sleep — or lack of it.”

Shared Mission, Shared Purpose

Our shared military background gives us a unique perspective. We’ve personally felt the cost of service firsthand, not just in others but in ourselves. Through Smoke-N-Focus and Live Bliss , we are channeling our lived experiences into resources, stories, and spaces where people can just be — no uniforms, no judgment, no stress.

What makes our friendship stand out isn’t just the longevity, but the alignment of purpose. Whether it’s through a yoga session or a full spread of barbecue and sides, we’ve both committed to building community with authenticity and integrity. Kerry once told me, “You bring people together through food, and I bring them together to teach them how to relax.” What else could someone ask for?

Wisdom from the Healing Path

When asked what advice he gives to others considering the healing path, Kerry didn’t hesitate:

“Start with safety and presence. People can’t heal if they don’t feel safe. And presence, well that’s everyone’s superpower, if they can get there. Everyone needs to show up for themselves as well as others, even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.”

Friendship as a Mission

Looking back, it’s clear that our bond has become more than friendship — it’s become a passion project and a new mission. Through this evolving partnership, we’re finding that healing is best done not in solitude but in connection with others.

As Kerry says:

“Healing isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifestyle. And if we’re lucky, we get to help others find their way back to themselves while we’re on that same journey.”

Story and photography by Greg Bicknell, Founder of Smoke-N-Focus Media.

“Real People. Real Stories. Real Good.”

Real People

In Lake Wales, Florida, horse trainer and author Nancy Slater is building trust and resilience in horses and humans. Through her Natural Horsemanship and Cowboy Camp program, she’s creating an old-Florida feel where horses become teachers and veterans and first responders find their way toward healing.

At a veterans retreat in 2022, Nancy introduced participants to equine-assisted learning. The goal was simple: to help those who serve reconnect with themselves through the power of horses. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that equine therapy can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and improve emotional regulation—making Nancy’s training a vital resource for veterans, first responders, and their families.

Nancy has spent decades refining her approach to natural horsemanship and training horses to overcome obstacles—literally and figuratively. She often emphasizes that it isn’t just about teaching horses—it’s about teaching people through horses. In either case, it’s about listening, leading, and learning from one another.

“Horses are mirrors; they reflect back the energy you bring into the space. That’s what makes them incredible partners in helping people work through trauma or anxiety.”

Her work is part of a larger movement in the veteran community and across the country, where equine-assisted programs are increasingly recognized by research in Society & Animals. Nancy’s mission aligns with initiatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to connect veterans with alternative paths to healing.

Today, Nancy is growing her impact through her new book, How to do Trail Obstacles with Horses. The book blends her personal experience and professional insight to make natural horsemanship accessible to a wider audience. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire not only equestrians but also anyone seeking to rebuild trust, patience, and connection.

Learn More about Nancy Slater

Originally published at Smoke-N-Focus Media — Slow Smoke. Sharp Focus. Real Good.