Welcome to my advocacy page!
* Exam Prep for RBLP Leadership Certifications
* Private Investigations & Investigative Consulting
* Project Management
* Life Insurance & Annuities
* Wellness Advocacy & Public Speaking
Click here to see more of James' Advocacy work or click on the AFC Logo above.
James is a six-year U.S. Army veteran, retired 20-year law enforcement supervisor, public speaker, instructor, suicide prevention and wellness advocate, and current mentor & coach for transitioning veterans, first responders and their family members. James has a passion to support veterans, first responders and their family members!
James has a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego, he is a Resilience Building Leadership Professional Trainer (RBLP-T), and Certified Project Director. James also possesses a license to sell life insurance through RED Financial in CA with a broad network of resources to assist you with your life insurance and retirement goals. James is currently finalizing his State of CA BSIS Private Investigator’s License and is also a certified Trauma Resilience Coach through Tactical Resiliency USA.
His years of well-rounded experience will result in more success for you!
James regularly commits his time to philanthropic work and supporting others with some of life’s biggest goals. is also holds the following positions:
- The Veteran Mentor Project Inc., President and Co-Founder
- NAMI Ventura County, Secretary
- Simi Valley Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Senior Vice Commander
- Simi Valley Veterans Foundation Board Member
- American Legion Post 484 Member
- Former Ventura County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, 2nd Vice Chair, District 4 (Parvin) 2023-2025
Click here to see more of James' Advocacy work or click on the AFC Logo above.
The Veteran Mentor Project Transition Success Workbook is a comprehensive, guided resource built on the Five Pillars of Wellness—Mental, Physical, Financial, Relationship, and Career Wellness—to support veterans and first responders as they transition from service to civilian life. Rooted in real-life experience and expert mentorship, the workbook provides structured evaluations, goal-setting tools, and personalized guidance to promote resilience, purpose, and success. With powerful storytelling, practical exercises, and a strong community-driven mission, this workbook is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline for America’s Heroes ready to write their next chapter.
Meet James Espinoza – Co-Founder, Mentor & Advocate
James Espinoza is a U.S. Army veteran and retired 20-year law enforcement leader with a deep passion for supporting veterans and first responders. He co-founded The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. (VMPI) in 2021 with his wife, Luv, following the tragic loss of his brother, a retired Army officer, to suicide in 2018.
With advanced degrees in law enforcement leadership and numerous certifications—including suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and project leadership—James brings decades of experience in investigations, threat assessment, and coaching to the V.E.T.S. Mentoring Program. His personal journey and professional expertise make him a powerful advocate and guide for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
James has been recognized by state and national organizations for his suicide prevention efforts and continues to speak, teach, and lead by example.
His message to all transitioning veterans and first responders:
“Do the work. Don’t be afraid to fail. Transition never stops—become a lifelong learner, and success will follow.”
James and his wife co-founded The Veteran Mentor Project in January 2021. The Veteran Mentor Project Inc. is a prevention and early intervention program designed to help veterans* and first responders adjust to life after service. This can mean support in establishing a healthy routine, dealing with mental health issues or diagnosis, building new communities, or finding a career. Having the support of a mentor, in a non-clinical setting, and an organization can help reduce the risk of suicide, reduce risky substance abuse, and ensure that we have fewer veterans slipping through the cracks between the mental health agencies and VA systems of care. The board is made up of veterans and first responders all committed to running and organization for us and by us.
The mission of the Veteran Mentor Project, Inc. is to enhance military veterans & first responder veterans’ transition from service to civilian life in order to reduce stress, provide resources & education to improve their quality of life.
Our values of The Veteran Mentor Project Inc. are to Leave no veteran behind. We strive to inclusively offer coaching, guidance, and mentorship of the highest caliber to contribute to the overall success of those we serve.
Our Vision is to focus on prevention of veteran & first responder death by suicide and mental health issues by providing guidance and leadership through the transition process from service to civilian life.
Click on the logo above to learn more about The Veteran Mentor Project Inc. or click here to be redirected to the website.
James and his wife founded Ricochet Ranch Properties LLC in 2022 and Ricochet Hunnay was born in 2024! This is a hobby business with true craft honeys we know you'll love.
Click on the logo above or click here to be redirected to the Ricochet Hunnay website.
Ricochet Ranch Properties LLC was born from the idea of freedom. Owners James and Luv Espinoza set out on a mission to purchase land in the USA, a place to call their own. In October 2022, James embarked on a journey to Eastern Arizona, where he found and purchased 36 acres of breathtaking landscape.
The following year, James and his adult sons took a road trip to explore the land firsthand. While there, they indulged in one of their favorite pastimes—shooting.
Surrounded by Juniper Pines and a small hill, they noticed something remarkable: the sound of bullets ricocheting off the trees echoed through the landscape.
Inspired by that moment, the family decided on the name "Ricochet Ranch", and from that, Ricochet Ranch Properties LLC was born. Now, we bring you Ricochet Hunnay—a natural extension of our journey.
We’ll save the story of the bees for another day—hopefully, over a jar of honey you’ll take home with you!
Stay safe, be well, and thank you for your support! 🐝🍯
1230 Madera Road, Suite 5-320, Simi Valley, California 93065, United States
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