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Latest Episodes:

Ep. 804 - Empowering Veterans and Communities through Clean Energy: The 2025 Clean Energy Infrastructure Plan May 09, 2025

Show notes

Join Jerry Wellman of Overwatch Capital as he discusses the opportunities in clean energy infrastructure for veterans and communities with Rob Howard and Rod Matthews. Discover how renewable energy projects like biomass, solar, wind, and community choice aggregation can provide economic development, job training, and sustainable futures for local communities. From waste-to-energy solutions to grid modernization, this episode dives deep into how veterans can play a pivotal role in the clean energy sector.
Topics:
Introduction: Clean Energy and Economic Development for Veterans
Understanding Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) – What It Is and How It Works
The Rise of Renewable Energy Projects: Solar, Wind, Biomass, and Battery Storage
How Veterans Can Enter the Clean Energy Workforce
The Role of Microgrids in Urban and Rural Areas
Policy and Legislation: How Government Supports Clean Energy Initiatives
Circular Economy in Action: Waste-to-Energy and Biomass
Soil Augmentation and Fertilizer Production from Biomass Ash
Financial Incentives and Opportunities for Veterans in Clean Energy
Q&A and Final Thoughts

Ep. 800 - VFW Leadership and Vision: National and State Updates with Carol Whitmore and Eugene Blackwell May 09, 2025

Show notes

Join America's Heroes Group as we welcome two distinguished guests — Carol Whitmore, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the National VFW, and Eugene Blackwell, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois VFW. Both are U.S. Army Veterans with decades of service and a passion for advocating for veterans. In this discussion, they share updates on the national and state VFW initiatives, addressing key issues such as veteran homelessness, mental health support, intergenerational leadership, and the evolving mission of the VFW.
Topics:
Introduction to VFW Leadership: Carol Whitmore & Eugene Blackwell
VFW Mission and Core Values
National VFW Initiatives for 2025
Tackling Unaccredited Claim Consultants and Protecting Veterans' Benefits
Addressing Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health Support
Strategies for Engaging Younger Veterans in VFW Leadership
Illinois VFW Updates: Community Outreach and Intergenerational Connections
Upcoming National VFW Convention in August 2025
Personal Stories of Military Service and Lessons Learned
Q&A and Final Remarks

Ep. 803 - Adelena Marshall and Carolina Stewart Discuss the Impact of VA Workforce Reductions on Veteran Care May 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of America's Heroes Group Roundtable, Col. Dr. Damon Arnold speaks with Adelena Marshall, Mental Health RN, and Carolina Stewart, RN MSN Licensed Clinical Nurse Leader in Community Care, about the growing concerns surrounding workforce reductions at the VA. They discuss the challenges nurses face in providing safe and efficient care to veterans amidst staffing cuts, the potential impact on patient care, and the essential role of National Nurses United in advocating for necessary changes.
Topics:
Introduction to Adelena Marshall and Carolina Stewart
Overview of National Nurses United and Their Advocacy Efforts
The Realities Behind the Perceived Nursing Shortage at the VA
The Impact of Workforce Reductions on Veteran Care
Nursing Staff Ratios and the Effect on Patient Care
Essential Support Roles: How Ancillary Staff Reductions Compound the Problem
Case Study: Centennial Veterans and Their VA Care Experience
The Risks of VA Privatization and Its Effect on Veterans’ Health
Community Care and Home Health Support for Veterans
Q&A and Final Remarks

Ep. 801 - ADAPHP, LLC: Tackling Public Health Challenges with Col. Dr. Damon Arnold May 09, 2025

Show notes

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army Combat Medic and CEO of the African Diaspora Association of Public Health Professionals (ADAPHP), LLC, as he addresses the pressing public health concerns impacting communities across the United States. From chronic disease management and mental health support to the rising cost of healthcare and vaccine-preventable diseases, Dr. Arnold delves into the vital work ADAPHP is doing to advocate for equitable health access, promote preventive care, and support underserved populations.
Topics:
Introduction to ADAPHP, LLC and Its Mission
Social Determinants of Health: The Impact on Underserved Communities
The Affordable Care Act and Rising Healthcare Costs
Addressing Chronic Diseases: Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Preventive Health
Mental Health Crisis: The Need for Increased Access and Support
Vaccine Awareness: The Resurgence of Measles and the Importance of Immunization
Addressing Homelessness Among Veterans and Vulnerable Populations
Workforce Shortages in Healthcare: Public Health Professionals in Demand
The Call to Action: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Public Health

Ep. 802 - Julie Appleby on Obamacare “Fixers” and the Impact of Trump's Health Workforce Reductions May 09, 2025

Show notes

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Julie Appleby, Senior Correspondent for KFF Health News. In this episode, they explore the implications of Julie’s recent article, "The Ranks of Obamacare 'Fixers' Axed in Trump's Reduction of Health Agency Workforce," published on April 22, 2025. Discover how critical caseworker positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are being cut, the consequences for ACA enrollees, and the broader impact on public health systems across the United States.
Topics:
Introduction to Julie Appleby and Her Work with KFF Health News
Overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Caseworker Program
The Role of Caseworkers: Who Are the "Fixers" and What Do They Do?
The Trump Administration’s Reduction in Health Agency Workforce
The Fallout: How ACA Enrollees Are Affected by Caseworker Layoffs
Impact on the CMS Exchange Customer Solutions Group
Implications for ACA Navigators and the Reduction in Support Services
Broader Public Health Concerns: Medicaid, Mental Health, and Chronic Diseases
The Future of Healthcare Access in the U.S.: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Q&A and Final Remarks

Ep. 799 - When Hospitals Leave Medicare Advantage Plans: What It Means for Thousands of Members May 09, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army combat medic and host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Susan Jaffe, a contributing writer for KFF Health News and the DC Correspondent for The Lancet. In this compelling discussion, they delve into Jaffe's recent article, "When Hospitals Ditch Medicare Advantage Plans, Thousands of Members Get to Leave Too," published on April 28, 2025. Learn about the complex dynamics behind hospitals opting out of Medicare Advantage plans, the impact on beneficiaries, and the special enrollment periods that can provide relief.
Topics:
Overview of Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans
Why Hospitals Leave Medicare Advantage Networks
The Impact on Patients and Providers
Special Enrollment Periods and Patient Rights
Differences Between Urban and Rural Access to Care
How to Navigate Medicare Advantage Plan Changes
Legislative Responses and Consumer Advocacy
Resources for Affected Patients and Families

Ep. 797 - Let's Get Healthy with Plant-Based Nutrition | C. Sadeek Colquitt | America's Heroes Group Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

High blood pressure. Heart disease. Alzheimer’s. Dementia.
What if the root of these chronic diseases isn’t genetics—but what’s on your plate?
Join C. Sadeek Colquitt, U.S. health advocate and Executive Director of the Plant-Based Afrikan Center for Nutrition, as he breaks down the truth behind nutrition, disease, and healing through food in this powerful episode of America’s Heroes Group.
Topics include: The truth about cholesterol and why your body makes enough
How animal-based foods contribute to chronic illness
Plant-based foods that help reverse high cholesterol
How nutrition impacts brain health and memory
Why heart disease starts in our teenage years
Simple steps to reduce risk, build longevity, and reclaim your health
Contact: plantbasedafrikan@gmail.com
Learn more: https://www.pbacenterfornutrition.org
Follow: @PlantBasedAfrikan

Ep. 796 - Veteran Attorney Ernesto Borges | Bankruptcy, Benefits & Legal Help for Veterans | Bill Busters Law Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Veteran. Bronze Star. Purple Heart. 40+ Years as an Attorney.
In this insightful episode of America’s Heroes Group, Attorney Ernesto Borges—Vietnam War combat veteran and managing partner of Bill Busters Bankruptcy Law Firm—shares both his military and legal journeys.
From the battlefield to the courtroom, Atty. Borges breaks down:
His personal experience with the VA system, combat exposure, and disability benefits
The urgent need for protecting veterans' healthcare and rights
Legal services offered to veterans: bankruptcy, estate planning, VA benefits, real estate closings, and more
His mission to help others build generational wealth through homeownership and legal education
Pro bono and discounted services available to veterans in need
📍Located in Chicago with 4 offices but has a national referral network.
📞 Contact: (312) 853-0200
💻 Visit: https://www.billbusters.com

Ep. 795 - Empowering Youth Through STEM, STREAM & Housing Programs | Ryan Harris & E. Rene’ Soulé Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

How do you spark purpose, build community, and break generational barriers?
In this powerful episode of America's Heroes Group, U.S. Army Reserve Veteran Ryan Harris (Executive Director, Tomorrow Starts Today) and E. Rene' Soulé (Program Director, Mixon-Clayton Bridge Builders Memorial Foundation) share how they are transforming lives through STEM, STREAM, youth career programs, and community housing development.
They discuss:
How STEM and STREAM education helps students discover purpose early
The impact of elder tech literacy to protect seniors from scams
Training youth in construction and skilled trades via YouthBuild-inspired models
Building high-quality housing for low-to-moderate income families
Teaching real-world math through Monopoly, budgeting, and hands-on activities
Creating partnerships that empower change from the classroom to the community
Programs discussed span Louisiana, Indiana, and Illinois, impacting youth, veterans, and underserved communities.

Ep. 794 - Housing Veterans & Securing Government Contracts | Yvette Jones Swanson & Derrick Green Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

How do you house thousands of homeless veterans and win government contracts to scale the mission?
In this powerful episode of America’s Heroes Group, U.S. Army Veterans Yvette Jones Swanson, Founder of Vet Mentors LLC, and Derrick Green, Government Contracts Expert and SBA/VA-certified business owner, break it all down.
How to build ethical, effective housing programs for veterans
Why service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) certification matters
The dangers of turning veteran housing into a hustle
What procurement really means — and how to do it right
Why collaboration between realtors, nonprofits, and contract experts is key
Swanson, who has personally housed over 5,000 homeless veterans, and Green, an acquisitions and procurement expert, reveal how their partnership is shaping the future of veteran housing with accountability, integrity, and long-term vision.

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