Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Skylar DeMayo
Hi Chase Skylar, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure, I’d be happy to share my story. I grew up in a tight-knit family, and from an early age, I was drawn to the idea of making a difference—whether that was through connecting with people or finding ways to lift others up. I didn’t always know how that would look, but life has a way of guiding you if you’re open to it.
My journey really took shape when I joined the U.S. Air Force. I served as a public affairs journalist, which gave me the chance to tell stories that mattered—stories of service, resilience, and community. But everything changed in 2008 when I had a near-death experience due to a cardiac arrest while stationed at Langley Air Force Base. It was a moment that flipped my world upside down. I was medically retired from the Air Force after that, and for a long time—about 12 years—I kept that experience to myself. I was afraid of judgment, unsure of how people would react to something so personal and profound.
After leaving the military, I threw myself into creative work—writing for radio, performing at theme parks, and even dabbling in sports entertainment. It was fulfilling in its own way, but something was missing. That shifted in October 2020 when I attended a veteran’s mental health retreat. It cracked open those buried memories of my near-death experience and lit a fire in me to do more. I realized I wasn’t alone in struggling with those kinds of moments, especially among veterans, and I wanted to help others find their way through it.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission to support my community, especially veterans. I’ve leaned into holistic approaches—earning degrees in Alternative Medicine and Metaphysical Sciences—because I believe healing goes beyond the physical. I volunteer with groups like the Wounded Warrior Project, mentor veterans through mental health retreats, and speak publicly about my story to inspire others.
Today, I’m all about spreading light—whether that’s through laughter, hope, or just being there for someone who needs it. My near-death experience taught me that life’s too short to hold back, and I want to help others, especially veterans, chase their own light. That’s how I got here, and I’m excited to keep going.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it’s been anything but a smooth road. There’ve been plenty of bumps, detours, and moments where I wasn’t sure I’d keep going. Leaving the Air Force after my cardiac arrest in 2008 was one of the hardest chapters. I’d built my identity around serving, telling stories as a public affairs journalist, and suddenly that was gone. Medically retiring felt like losing a piece of myself, and I didn’t know how to fill that void. For years, I kept the near-death experience quiet—12 years, actually—because I was afraid of how people would see me. That silence was its own struggle; it weighed me down more than I realized.
Transitioning to civilian life wasn’t easy either. I bounced between creative gigs—radio writing, theme park performing, sports entertainment—and while I loved the work, it didn’t always feel like enough. Money was tight at times, and I questioned if I was on the right path. Then there was the mental health piece. It wasn’t until that veteran’s retreat in 2020 that I faced how much I’d been carrying—grief, fear, isolation. Opening up about it was terrifying, but it was also a turning point.
Helping others hasn’t been smooth sailing either. Working with veterans and the community means meeting people where they’re at, and sometimes that’s a dark place. I’ve had moments of burnout, wondering if I’m doing enough or if I’m equipped to handle the weight of their stories. Plus, balancing volunteering—like with the Wounded Warrior Project—and my own life isn’t always seamless. There’ve been times I’ve spread myself too thin, trying to be everything for everyone.
But those struggles? They’ve shaped me. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and how to ask for help when I need it. The road’s been rough, no doubt, but it’s led me to a place where I can give back, and that makes it worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’d love to tell you about what I do. At my core, I’m someone who’s passionate about connecting people, spreading hope, and making a real impact—especially for veterans and my community. Right now, I work in sports locally in Orlando. It’s a role where I get to build meaningful partnerships that bring sports and entertainment events to life, fostering community pride and creating experiences that bring people together. I’ve always believed sports have this incredible power to unite us, much like the camaraderie I felt in the Air Force, and I love being part of that.
Beyond that, I specialize in storytelling and advocacy, particularly for veterans. My background as a public affairs journalist in the military taught me how to share stories that matter, and after surviving a cardiac arrest in 2008—a near-death experience that changed everything—I’ve made it my mission to help others find light in their own struggles. I speak publicly about my journey, often as a keynote speaker, and I volunteer as a peer mentor with groups like the Wounded Warrior Project. I’ve got degrees in Alternative Medicine and Metaphysical Sciences, which I use to take a holistic approach to healing—supporting veterans with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, especially those who’ve faced near-death experiences like I have.
I’m probably best known for my resilience and my ‘Chase the Light’ philosophy—encouraging people to find joy and purpose, no matter what they’ve been through. What I’m most proud of is the lives I’ve touched—whether it’s a veteran who feels less alone after a retreat, or a community event that leaves people smiling. I’ve spoken at places like Johns Hopkins and the IANDS 2024 Conference, and seeing people connect with my story is humbling.
What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my blend of lived experience and heart. I’ve walked through some dark places—military service, a brush with death, the transition to civilian life—and I use that to relate to people in a real way. I’m not just about ideas; I’m hands-on, whether I’m mentoring, organizing charity events, or building partnerships. Plus, I bring a bit of humor and positivity everywhere I go—life’s too short not to laugh when you can.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but what really drives me is knowing there’s more to do—more veterans to support, more light to spread. That’s what keeps me going.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’ve got some exciting plans in the works, all about deepening the impact I’m making for veterans and anyone looking to grow. One big focus is expanding my ‘Chase the Light’ philosophy into something bigger—maybe a nonprofit or a series of workshops—where I can help more people, especially veterans, navigate their struggles with mental health and purpose. I’ve seen how powerful those connections can be at retreats, and I want to bring that to a wider audience.
I’m also really excited about what I’m building on social media (@chaseskylar
). I’ve begun a weekly quick video series about combing science and spirituality with practical ways for people to make small changes in their lives—like a quick mindfulness trick or a way to reframe a tough moment. It’s been so rewarding to see people engage with it, and I’m planning to grow that into a bigger platform—maybe even a podcast or a book down the line. I want to keep blending my background in Alternative Medicine and Metaphysical Sciences with real, actionable steps anyone can use.
On the learning front, I’m looking into advanced certifications in holistic healing—maybe something focused on trauma recovery—to bring even more to the veterans I mentor. I’m also eager to do more speaking engagements, aiming for bigger stages where I can share my story and inspire larger crowds. No huge life upheavals planned—just a steady push to keep evolving and giving back.
What I’m most looking forward to is the ripple effect. Every video I post, every veteran I support, every retreat I help with—it’s all building toward a future where people feel more connected and empowered. I want to look back in a few years and see lives changed, even in small ways, because of what I’ve put out there. That’s what keeps me fired up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ChaseSkylar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaseskylar/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaseskylardemayo/
