Some callings start with a moment you can’t ignore. For Brandon Wilson, that moment came after the death of his childhood friend, whose helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. Raised in Brevard, North Carolina, in a family rooted in faith, hard work, and generations of military service, Brandon left a life as a professional hunting guide and walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office ready to serve. What followed was 12 years in the infantry, deployments to Iraq and Ukraine, and a deeper understanding of sacrifice, brotherhood, and what it means to keep showing up for the people beside you.
In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Brandon Wilson, Marine Corps veteran, Chief Operating Officer of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, and longtime veteran advocate, for a conversation about service, transition, mentorship, and faith. Brandon reflects on growing up in rural North Carolina, joining the Marine Corps after his childhood friend’s death, finding his footing after leaving the infantry, and the chance encounter with General Carl Mundy that became one of the most meaningful mentorships of his life. He also shares how his work as a veteran service officer grew into systems-level advocacy, from Camp Lejeune water contamination claims to helping build North Carolina’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Today, Brandon continues that mission through Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, where he helps lead programs supporting veterans, families, and communities across North Carolina. From housing and employment to suicide prevention, disaster recovery, and long-term support for Western North Carolina after devastating flooding, his work is grounded in the same belief that carried him from the Marine Corps into public service: veterans still have a place, a purpose, and something powerful to give. His advice to those struggling is simple and steady: keep the faith, find a mentor, and find your place.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:13) Brandon Wilson and his veteran leadership work
(04:51) Growing up with faith, service, and hard work
(07:51) Becoming a hunting guide before the Marine Corps
(11:28) Joining the Marines and serving as a machine gunner
(15:51) Leaving infantry and starting a new chapter
(17:12) Losing brotherhood during military transition
(19:02) Finding purpose through helping veterans
(21:23) Meeting General Mundy and gaining a mentor
(25:15) Advocating for Camp Lejeune veterans
(26:38) Moving from county support to statewide change
(30:44) Leading ABCCM’s mission across North Carolina
(32:54) Responding to Western North Carolina flooding
(36:05) Rebuilding housing and support for veterans
(44:02) Brandon’s advice for struggling veterans
Additional Links & Resources:
Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now and CareSource Military and Veterans. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/appalachian-roots-marine-corps-grit-2tt12
