On January 11th 2023, the Paramount Veterans Network hosted a virtual Coffee with Vets, with a recurring guest moderator, veteran supporter, Emmy Award Winning-Producer, and TV Host of CBS’ Tough As Nails, Phil Keoghan. The panel included two U.S. veteran competitors from the newest season of the show, Beth Salva-Clifford, Shipboard Electrician, U.S. Navy Veteran and Ellery Liburd, Firefighter, U.S. Army Veteran. CBS’ Tough As Nails Season 4 premiered on CBS on January 4th, and airs every Wednesday at 10/9c.
The event kicked off with a special introduction presented by Paramount VetNet Veteran Immersion Program Participant, William Goshay, U.S. Army Veteran who later expressed, “it was an absolute honor to support this event in honor of my late godmother, a registered nurse, who was a huge fan of Phil Keoghan and his other show The Amazing Race. She would’ve been so proud to see my involvement with VetNet and the shows who support the military community.”
Following the introduction, there was a heartfelt discussion between Phil Keoghan and the veteran competitors, expressing their love and gratitude for their cast members and show host, Phil Keoghan. Mr. Liburd states “The show gave me a sense of belonging and camaraderie, that’s what the Army does and that’s what I received on the show, and I appreciate it.” The show emphasizes the hard work of everyday people who are not in the celebrity spotlight but represent the everyday people who do extraordinary things.
This Coffee with Vets session served as a great reminder on how the Military creates a unique community through the bonds that are forged through adversity. The show created another family for its competitors, similar to that of the military.