In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line:call or text 988, then press 1

Skip to content
Back to all episodes
Artwork for From Air Force Pilot to Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate: Jared Lilje's Inspiring Mission

Published November 4, 2025 · 38:07

From Air Force Pilot to Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate: Jared Lilje's Inspiring Mission

Guest: Jared Lilje

Watch on YouTube
  • Business and career
  • Service stories
  • Community and nonprofits

Show notes

From Combat Flight to Compassion: Jared Lilje's Mission Against Human Trafficking

In this inspiring episode of Helping the Brave, hosts Ed Parcaut and Jared Lilje dive deep into Jared's remarkable journey from Air Force crew chief to pilot, and how his military experiences shaped his mission-driven approach to life. Listen as Jared shares how he transitioned from flying C5s and C17s to launching Jay Kristoff Handbags—a luxury brand with a purpose: fighting human trafficking by donating a portion of every sale to nonprofits chosen by customers.

Discover unique stories from the cockpit, the challenges and rewards of service, and the innovative ways veterans continue to make a difference. Whether it's landing planes on dry riverbeds in Afghanistan or redesigning handbags to honor aviation history, Jared's path is a powerful testament to service, entrepreneurship, and compassion.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation that's equal parts aviation, business, and heart—and learn how you can get involved in supporting survivors of trafficking.

Learn more at jchristoff.com and connect with Jared and Ed on LinkedIn and Instagram. Your story matters. Stay brave, help others, and join us for more incredible tales of service and purpose.

*Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #AirForceVeteran #JaredLilje #EdParcaut #MilitaryToEntrepreneur #AviationJourney #HumanTraffickingAwareness #PurposeDrivenBusiness #JayKristoff #LuxuryHandbags #SupportVeterans #MakeADifference #ServiceAndTransition #InspiringJourneys #CombattingTrafficking #PodcastEpisode #VeteranEntrepreneur #AviationInspired #ForACause

Related episodes

September 8, 2026 · 46:47

From Navy To RCAF Pilot: Top Gun Dreams and 33 Years of Service

Guest: Jonathan Knaul

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jonathan Knaul for a thoughtful conversation about military service, operational stress, combat deployments, test piloting, and the hidden weight of caring for loved ones. Jonathan shares how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, first serving in the Navy after Top Gun inspired him to pursue aviation. After four years,

Episode pageMental health and healingBusiness and career

July 28, 2026 · 50:06

Army Recruit To Gulf War Near-Miss: A Soldier's Story

Guest: Eric Goebelbecker

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Goebelbecker for a wide-ranging conversation about Army service, military transition, technology, writing, and the challenge of reinventing yourself after service. Eric shares why he joined the Army, how family history shaped that decision, and what life looked like serving in Germany as a Hawk continuous wave radar repai

Episode pageTransition to civilian lifeBusiness and career

June 30, 2026 · 1:01:02

Marine Corps: Rebellion, Family Legacy, & Tech Talk

Guest: John Smith

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with John Smith for a conversation about life after military service, VA claims, family, faith, and finding purpose in the next chapter. John shares why he chose the Marine Corps, how he built a career as a tactical air defense controller, and how that path eventually led him to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics community. Af

Episode pageMental health and healingBusiness and career