THE GIANT VOICE

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Latest Episodes:

The Giant Voice - Ep. 32 Suicide Awareness and Prevention Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of self-harm and suicide. In this episode of the GIANT VOICE podcast, we return after a break to focus on a critical topic: suicide prevention and resiliency in the military community. We discuss risk factors, highlight resources for safety and support, and explore ways to strengthen resiliency and protective factors against suicide. Guests: LCDR JoAnn Vedova – Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Department Head for Mental Health, Commander Naval Surface Group Westpac Yokosuka. Experienced in resiliency training and suicide prevention across the fleet. HM2 Victor Finch – Behavioral Health Technician at Yokosuka Behavioral Health Clinic. Corpsman since 2018 with experience supporting Marines and Sailors across INDOPACOM. Ms. Laura Philpott – Licensed Mental Health Counselor; Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program Manager at USNH Yokosuka. Specializes in trauma therapy and substance use recovery for service members. Additional Resources: Military/Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 (DSN: 988 or +1-844-702-5493 from commercial) https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/veterans-service-members/ Duty Chaplain (24/7): 090-1468-2779 Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC), Yokosuka: 046-816-3372 / DSN 243-3372 Safety Plans & Apps: • VA Fillable Safety Plan PDF https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/srb/Patient_Safety_Planfillable-508.pdf • VA Mobile App https://mobile.va.gov/app/safety-plan • Suicide Safety Plan (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/suicide-safety-plan/id1003891579

The Giant Voice - Ep. 31 Parenting Tips Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, we are joined by Matt Milette-Winfree, PhD, Clinical and Adolescent Psychologist, Educational and Development Intervention Services Naval Hospital Yokosuka; LCDR Thanh Nguyen, MD, Child Psychiatrist, Behavioral Health Department, Naval Hospital Yokosuka; and Mrs. Kristin Jacobs-Schmid, School Counselor for Yokosuka Primary School to discuss some common parenting challenges faced by military members in Yokosuka and beyond.

The Giant Voice - Ep. 30 Suicide Prevention Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of self harm and suicide. On this episode, we discuss the topic of suicide prevention. Join HM2 Chayla Coleman, Behavior Health Technician; LT Nikolas Curry, Region SAPR Officer/Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and MA1 Jeff Myer and MA1 Miranda Huffaker, Suicide Prevention Coordinators as we discuss this important issue.

THE GIANT VOICE Ep. 29 - Back to School: Starting the Year Off Right Aug 14, 2024

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In this episode of the Yokosuka Giant Voice Podcast, we sit with two occupational therapists from Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command to discuss strategies and skills to manage at home to help children transitioning to or back into school routines. Ruth-Ann Hadjis-Vickory, from Yokota Division Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, and Rowana Reyes, who fills the same role in Yokosuka, emphasize the importance of managing change and expectations during the return to school season.

THE GIANT VOICE Ep. 28 - Homeport Shifts and Managing Change as a Military Family Apr 21, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we sit down with mental health professionals to discuss ways to manage the changes that come with an overseas homeport shift for you and your family. Feature this week: LCDR Allison Conforte PhD, Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Department Head, Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS), Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Yokosuka LT Paige Giegel, DPT Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS), Assistant Department Head, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Yokosuka Michelle McDonald, PhD Licensed Clinical Psychologist Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) Atsugi & Yokota Divisions Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Yokosuka HM2 Chayla Coleman Behavioral Health Tech Mental Health Clinic Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Yokosuka Additional Resources: Military Child Well-being Toolkit: https://www.militarychild.org/resource/wellbeing-toolkit/Blue Star Families: https://bluestarfam.org/ American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Military & Family Resource Center: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_Youth/Resource_Centers/Military_Famil ies_Resource_Center/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Military_F amilies_Resource_Center/Home.aspx?hkey=662f6942-d174-4e75-9455- 5dabc9ab1158 Zero to Three Military Families: https://www.zerotothree.org/our-work/military- families/ National Military & Family Association: https://www.militaryfamily.org/ Defense Health Agency & Mental Health for Youth & Teens Toolkit: https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Toolkits/Mental- Health/Seeking-Care-with-TRICARE/Mental-Health-for-Youth-Teens-and- Young-Adults Military OneSource EFMP & Me: https://efmpandme.militaryonesource.mil/ Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Adolescent & School Mental Health: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/index.htm

THE GIANT VOICE Ep. 27 - Yokosuka Girl Scouts Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we have Vicky Adams and Amanda Meo from the Yokosuka Girls Scouts. Vicky is the local troop leader and explains what Girl Scouts is all about and how local community members in Yokosuka can get involved. Amanda is herself a girl scout, and is on the podcast to spread awareness about Yokosuka's stray cat problem as part of her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.

THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 26 #WelcomeAboardYokosuka Money Moves Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

In our fourth part of the #WelcomeAboardYokosuka mini-series, we talk with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Yokosuka's director, Caroline Coffer, and CFA Yokosuka Fleet & Family Support Center's Personal Financial Manager, Germaine Moore, about financial planning leading up to your PCS to Yokosuka and where to find resources to better prepare for expenses common in Japan, but uncommon in the United States. We also welcome Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alex Ponce and Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Juacole Flynn of Regional Support Center Yokosuka to go over financial entitlements and benefits to ask your Command Pay and Personnel Administrator, or CPPA. Resources: CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/ CFAY ‘Welcome Aboard’ webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/

THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 25 Moving Made Easy: Your guide for Household Goods, Storage, and Completing your Change of Address Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

In our third part of the #WelcomeAboardYokosuka mini-series, we discuss household goods, Post Office services on Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Ikego Housing Area, and what to do with all of the packing materials after the movers leave. Our experts include the Deputy Director of the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office Louis Juers, Matthew Morrison of NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, CFAY's Public Works Officer Cmdr. Tyler Sharar, and Chief Logisitics Specialist Dinchel Adolfo from the NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka operated Post Office. Resources: CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/ CFAY ‘Welcome Aboard’ webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/

THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 24 Messages From the Red Cross Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we speak with Stephanie Soliz and Nicole Collers from the Yokosuka Red Cross about the upcoming Red Cross Month and some of the events and activities going on around base as part of it. We also talk about some of the many volunteer opportunities available for with the Red Cross for service members, families and civilians. There has also been a significant price reduction in all of the Yokosuka Red Cross's certification courses. Listen to the episode for all the details. Resources: yokosuka@redcross.org https://www.facebook.com/YokosukaRedCross/

THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 23 Orders to Japan - First things first on your PCS checklist Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we dive into the essential first steps of relocating to Japan with Episode 2 of our Welcome Aboard mini-series. In this episode, our host MC2 Houghtaling leads an engaging conversation with a panel of experts including Lena Urena and Shannon Miller of the CFAY FFSC Relocation Program, HM1 Philip Saymo of USNH Yokosuka, CPT Torri Allen of Veterinary Readiness Command Japan – Yokosuka Branch, and Lou Ann Dyson of the Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO) Far East Office. Together, they unpack the intricacies of Overseas Medical Screening, navigate the complexities of pet quarantine requirements, explore passport essentials, and provide invaluable guidance on contacting your sponsor. This episode is a must-listen for service members and their families preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), offering a roadmap to ensure a smooth transition. Tune in for a wealth of resources, tips, and firsthand insights to kickstart your journey. For more information, visit our CFAY website and the Welcome Aboard webpage. Resources: CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/ CFAY ‘Welcome Aboard’ webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/ USDA APHIS Pet Travel: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel Yokosuka Vet Clinic Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/yokosukavetclinic/ Yokosuka Naval Base Veterinary Treatment Facility webpage: https://phcp.health.mil/Commands/Veterinary-Readiness-Activity-Japan/Yokosuka-Naval-Base/ Yokosuka Naval Hospital Overseas Medical Screening webpage: https://yokosuka.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/Readiness CFAY Sponsorship Team email: cfay_cmd_sponsor@fe.navy.mil CFAY Ombudsman email: cfayombudsman@yahoo.com

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