Veteran Resource Podcast

111 Jennifer Watson and Julie Riggs - Serving Together Jul 19, 2017

Jennifer Watson - Jennifer is ServingTogether’s Veteran Peer Navigator. She proudly served in the United States Air Force and is an OIF/OEF service-connected combat veteran. She understands the needs of the veteran community and has made it her mission to provide support and resources to her fellow veterans and their families. Jennifer received her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Baltimore as well as her Masters of Science degree in Forensic Science: High Tech Crimes.

Julie Riggs - Julie is ServingTogether’s Program Manager. She brings to the position a boots on the ground perspective with over 10 years’ experience working with military and veterans in the nonprofit sector. As the wife of a United States Naval Chief Petty Officer, she is dedicated to providing our nation’s veterans and families access to the tools and resources they need. Julie holds a BA in English from San Jose State University in California.

ServingTogether was created to simplify access to the wealth of resources and veterans organizations in the National Capital Region and beyond that were created for those who have served and their families.

110 Doug McCormick - Family Inc. Jul 07, 2017

Doug McCormick is a Managing Partner and Co-Founder of HCI Equity Partners. Mr. McCormick has been an active investor in numerous markets to include aerospace, defense, distribution, food services, packaging, manufacturing and outsourced business services. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for AmercareRoyal and Summit Interconnect and as a board member of Naumann/Hobbs Material Handling, Inc. and Quadel Consulting Corporation.

Before founding HCI Equity, Mr. McCormick worked at Thayer Hidden Creek,Thayer Capital and the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley & Co. He also served as a Captain in the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division.

As author of Family Inc., Mr. McCormick is committed to empowering others through financial literacy with a focus on the veteran community. His writing on financial literacy and veteran economic empowerment have been covered by leading media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The NY Times, USA Today, PBS, Time, Fast Company and The Motley Fool. Mr. McCormick serves as the Chairman of the Board for Bunker Labs and a member of the Board of Directors for Team RWB. He is a 2011 Henry Crown Fellow, and a Founding Member of Capital For Children.

Mr. McCormick received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Support the podcast!

109 John Yori - United Soldiers and Sailors of America Jul 05, 2017

As a Division Staff Officer and Flotilla Commander with the United States Coast Guard - Flotilla Washington One Auxiliary, John has over 16 years experience in the landscape design and installation industry and holds two degrees from the University of Maryland.

Over the past 10 years, John worked in the Washington, DC metro area with a major landscape design and installation firm before deciding to share his skills, experience and knowledge in the landscape industry to help affect change by hiring and training our veterans and thus, providing them with a good job and an above average pay scale for the industry. Military service members bring with them a unique and positive influence on the private sector workforce including the military values of honor, integrity and commitment to excellence.

Successfully sponsoring “Military Appreciation Nights” in various venues around D.C., John's new landscape venture managed not only to raise much needed essential items for our wounded heroes but also succeeded in bringing about a higher level of awareness to ordinary Americans who previously did not understand the immense need for their assistance and participation.

In early 2013, realizing that this need required the commitment of a non-profit organization, John partnered with Chris McDonald, a Navy veteran, to establish United Soldiers and Sailors of America, a Veteran Service Organization. Through streamlined programs and services, USASOA is having a direct impact on the overall quality of life of our wounded, ill and injured veterans and their families by providing them with the essential items, goods and resources to live a healthy, dignified life. The USASOA mission is clearly summed up in its motto, “In Gratitude For Their Sacrifice".

108 Dwayne Paro - T.E.A.M. Vets program Jun 30, 2017

Dwayne Paro is very committed and passionate about supporting transitioning Veterans. He is a combat Veteran who served in the Air Force for 8 years and has spent the past 19 years supporting the federal government as a contractor in Washington DC area. Through his dedication, perseverance, self-discipline, integrity and solid leadership skills he has progressed to be a Chief Information Officer for a Federal Aerospace Engineering firm. Using his Military and Executive experiences he has been able to step out as an Entrepreneur and establish Landmark Life Coaching in response to a support gap that exists for Veterans. Due to his passion for supporting Veterans he has built a T.E.A.M Vets program that is focused on filling the gap that exists between what the Veterans Administration can provide and what transitioning Veterans need to create and lead a fulfilling and empowering life that honors their duty and sacrifice. He is the host of the Charlie Mike podcast which highlights the business successes of various combat veteranpreneurs.

107 Andrew Marr - Warrior Angels Foundation Jun 29, 2017

Andrew Marr is a Special Forces Green Beret, Co-Founder and CEO of Warrior Angels Foundation, is on the leadership team of Warrior Soul, and Co-Host’s the Warrior Soul Podcast with Chris Albert. Andrew is married to Becky, the love of his life, and together they have five children.

The Warrior Angel symbolizes a brave and experienced fighter of exemplary virtue. We do the right thing, not for promise of reward or fear of punishment, but simply because it’s the right thing to do. This is the way of the Warrior Angel.

WAF MISSION:

Warrior Angels Foundation provides a personalized assessment and treatment protocol, which pinpoints - and, more importantly, treats - the underlying condition for U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans who have sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) while in the line of duty.

WAF VISION:

To inspire and empower bold action To challenge the status quo To offer superior alternatives To Free the Medically Oppressed Until There Are None

106 Jeff Adamec - Changing hearts and minds Jun 23, 2017

Born and raised in New Jersey, Jeff joined the United States Army in 1995 at 17 years old leaving for basic the same day he graduated from High School. He was a combat medic in the 82nd Airborne Division before volunteering to go to the Army Rangers, serving as a Ranger Medic in 2nd Ranger Bn 75th Ranger Regt.

In 1999 he tried out and was selected from US Army Special Forces Selection and after changing his job to a Special Forces Weapons NCO after the events of 9-11, because it was a shorter course and he wanted to go to fight, he graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course and was Awarded his Green Beret. He went on to be Awarded the Silver Star for the Battle of Debeka Pass in 2003 Iraq, and after 6 total Combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan has also been awarded 3 Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal with V device for Valor, and a Purple Heart that he got in 2009 when he was wounded in combat and sustained major back injuries and a Traumatic Brain Injury. He never fully recovered and began to show signs of PTSD that contributed to his Medical Retirement in 2013 after 18 Years Active Duty as a Sergeant First Class. He has been credited as a contributing author in the book Heroes Among Us by Chuck Larson and is mentioned in the books War Stories of The Green Berets, Roughneck 91, and Masters of Chaos. He worked for The DOD as a Defense Contractor and for the Department of Homeland Security. He currently works at Cisco Systems as an IT Professional holding Network+ and Security+ certifications. Jeff does Veterans outreach as a guest host and chief contributor to changeyourPOV.com and Podcast, also Motivational, Leadership and Team-Building classes and seminars. Jeff lives in North Carolina with his Wife of over 20 years and their 2 children.

105 Dr. Eugene Lipov - Healing Hero Jun 23, 2017

Dr. Eugene Lipov is the founder of Healing Hero and the Global Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Foundation. He is the doctor first to perform the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for treatment of PTSD, with results currently showing an efficacy rate of 80+%. The Stellate Ganglion Block is the first truly biologic approach to PTSD.

In addition to being the driving force behind Healing Hero (HealingHero.org), Dr. Lipov is the Chief Science Officer of the Global PTSI Foundation and a world-renowned certified anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management. He first discussed the Stellate Ganglion Block in front of Congress in 2010, and has published numerous medical papers on the use of SGB for PTSD. He and his patients have appeared on The Doctors TV show multiple times to talk about the Stellate Ganglion Block and PTSD. Media, publications, and reports are available at healinghero.org.

A serial entrepreneur, doctor, and advocate, Dr. Lipov is dedicated to helping military personnel suffering from PTSD transition to a productive, healthy life.

104 Mark Rockefeller - Investing in Veteran-Owned Businesses Jun 15, 2017

Mark L. Rockefeller is the Co-Founder & CEO of StreetShares, a startup that uses technology and social loyalty to improve financial services for the military and veterans community. He is also a contributor to Forbes, writing on fintech and veterans entrepreneurship.

Following military service in Iraq, Mark joined the law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. He left the firm in 2013 to co-found StreetShares, which launched in 2014. StreetShares has raised over $200MM in debt and $9MM in equity investment and won the overall global "Best Investment" award from the Harvard Business School New Venture Competition. The head of the national military banking association calls StreetShares “The most interesting thing to happen to the military finance space in decades.”

Mark has been listed in Inc. Magazine's "Top 20 Military Veteran Tech Entrepreneurs," as a Trending "40 Under 40 Entrepreneur," the "Mighty25 Veterans to Watch in 2017," and has been quoted or featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Huffington Post, American Banker, Washington Business Journal, Inc. Magazine, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance, MBA and law degrees. He was a Stone Scholar at Columbia Law School and is a term member in the Council on Foreign Relations.

Get rewarded for helping the podcast.

http://patreon.com/JeremyParis

103 John Valentine - Operation Phantom Support Jun 14, 2017

John N. Valentine III, SFC (Ret) was born at Great Lakes ILL, Naval Hospital. His father was a Naval Officer; he grew up all over the United States. SFC Valentine entered the Army on 11 Sep 90 and retired after 20 years and 20 days of service on 30 Sep 2010; he attended Basic Training at Ft Leonardwood MO, where he also attended his first Advanced Individual Training or AIT as a 12B Combat Engineer. His first duty assignment was at 7th ID (L) Ft Ord, CA as a part of the 13th Engineer BN. He then reclassified into the MOS 91G Behavioral Science Specialist, which is now 68X Mental Health Specialist. As a 68X SFC Valentines’ assignments have been, Mental Health NCO Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington DC; Mental Health NCOIC, Sinai Egypt; NCOIC Department of Psychology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC; Instructor 68X Branch Ft Sam Houston TX; Small Group Instructor, BNCOC AMEDD Center & School Ft Sam Houston, TX; Senior Small Group Leader BNCOC, AMEDDC&S Ft Sam Houston, TX; Combat Actions Officer, Directorate of Combat Doctrine and Development Ft Sam Houston, TX; NCOIC Division Mental Health 25th ID (L) Schofield Barracks, HI. Brigade S-3 NCOIC 1st Medical Brigade, Fort Hood TX, 1SG HHC 1st MED BDE, Detachment First Sergeant, 85th Combat Stress Control, Fort Hood, TX. His final assignment was as a Platoon Sergeant for the Wounded Warrior Battalion, Aco Purple Heart Company, Fort Hood TX.

John currently resides in Copperas Cove, TX and is married to the former Jeannette Vanegas. He has four children (son) H.B. (17), and daughters Ashlynn (11) & Emma (10) and son Jacob (5).

Operation Phantom Support

VISION Provide assistance to soldiers, and veterans who sacrificed for us, so they may live in peace and comfort.

MISSION We are dedicated to assisting active military service members, veterans who served honorably, and their families, by providing programs and services to those in need.

http://patreon.com/JeremyParis

102 Corey Christman - The value of a veteran Jun 09, 2017

Corey Christman serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Vethos, LLC - a Human Capital Leadership and executive strategy firm. He’s served in executive level capacities for 15+ years and led teams comprised of three members to over 500 in size. He’s the recipient of numerous awards for leadership, human resource management and innovation. He holds an MBA in entrepreneurship and BA in Criminal Justice and will complete the Executive Leadership Program at Cornell University in the Spring of 2017.

He’s a retired Supervisory Special Agent, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and a served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He’s a professionally trained winemaker, he works within the Finger Lakes wine region of New York State and he will be launching his own veteran/first responder focused wine label in 2017.

Since retiring in 2012, he’s worked within the veteran advocacy space and is currently partnered with several key leaders to raise awareness for mental/behavioral health for first responders – nationwide.

101 Marc & Sonja Raciti - Healing Wounds Jun 07, 2017

Healing Wounds is all about helping others to heal from invisible wounds of the soul. Our goal is to help those that are lost and are in a dark space see light and know that there is hope and forgiveness around the corner. We have events throughout the year in the Phoenix area to help build awareness for PTSD.

Marc Raciti is a retired Army Major who is trained as an orthopedic physicians assistant (PA). He enlisted in the Army 1989 and served in Desert Storm, Operation Kosovo, OEF and OIF.

Marc first enlisted as a clerk typist and rapidly found his niche assisting with translation due to being multilingual (is fluent in Spanish, Frensh, German and Italian).

During his military career, he completed his physician assistant residency in orthopedics from Womack Army Community Hospital in North Carolina. He received his Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in San Antonio.

Marc served in the United States of Army caring for fellow soldiers as a Civil Affairs Medical Officer, Battalion Physician Assistant and Division Surgeon. In addition, he cared for rotating soldiers at the National Training Center at the Weed Army Hospital in California and Brook Army Medical Center in Texas.

100 Joe Carroll & Brandon J. Ellis - Bandstand Apr 26, 2017

BANDSTAND brings the swing-fueled, against-all-odds story of singer/songwriter Donny Novitski and his band of mismatched fellow vets brilliantly to the stage.

When a national contest to find America’s next music sensation offers a chance at fame and Hollywood fortune, Donny must whip his boys into fighting shape. Teaming up with a beautiful young war widow as their singer, and playing for every voiceless underdog in a world that has left them behind, they will risk everything to redefine the meaning of victory and sing truth to power.

Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award® winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), starring two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes (Cinderella, Bonnie and Clyde), Broadway sensation Corey Cott (Newsies), and Tony winner Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone), and featuring an explosive original score, BANDSTAND is a truly American celebration of the men and women whose personal bravery defined a nation.

Got Your 6 launched the 6 Certified initiative in early 2015 as a way to challenge industry executives and content creators to craft more thoughtful narratives around veterans and military families. Through this initiative, Got Your 6 highlights projects that portray veterans accurately and responsibly.

Got Your 6 and Bandstand are proud to call themselves partners on a shared mission: To highlight the experiences, talents, and heart of America’s veterans through compelling and truthful portrayals in the performing arts.

JOE CARROLL (Johnny Simpson, Drums)

JOE CARROLL originated the role of Johnny Simpson at The Paper Mill Playhouse. Broadway: Cinderella opposite Carly Rae Jepsen and Keke Palmer (Prince Topher), Romeo and Juliet with Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad (Balthazar, Romeo u/s), Once (Tony Award Best Musical). Selected Regional: Million Dollar Quartet, Avenue Q, The Full Monty. NYC Readings include Bandstand, August Rush, An Incident at Vichy, Michael John LaChuisa and Graciela Daniele’s The Nine Fathers of Ariel, Fly By Night. Film: Romeo and Juliet: Live on Broadway. Television: “The Carrie Diaries,” “All My Children.” Training: The University of Michigan and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Joe also plays lead guitar in Common Jack, a folk-rock band based in New York City.

BRANDON JAMES ELLIS (Davy Zlatic, Bass)

Broadway: Company, Once. West End: Once (Bank Manager). Off-Broadway: Missed Connections, Of Mice and Men, Balls…The Musical?, Song Moments: Daniel Maté In Concert. Regional: Casa Manana, Buck’s County Playhouse, The Paper Mill Playhouse, Virginia Stage, Cleveland Playhouse, Barrington stage, and others. Television/Film: “30 Rock;” “Vinyl;” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” (CBS); “The Naked Brothers Band;” The Onion, The Callback, She Wolf Rising. BFA in Acting from UNCG.

For more information and to get your tickets:

http://bandstandbroadway.com/

099 Jim Cowper - Transitioning into a cleared job Apr 20, 2017

The mission of Contract Professionals, Inc. is to be the premier source of technical professionals serving major and emerging industries.

A highly driven, world class senior executive, Jim Cowper has more than 30 years in the staffing business, with an unparalleled ability to create repeatable customer retention and demonstrated success. He has produced top line revenue in excess of $2 billion and EBITDA greater than $190 million in the human capital technical services industry. Aptly, Jim began his career in the staffing industry at Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI) in 1983-1986, laying the groundwork for the success the company enjoys today. With more than $50 million in revenue last year alone, CPI is poised for significant growth in 2016-2017. Jim returned to CPI in the last quarter of 2014, with a sincere determination to be a lightening rod for revitalization, after making his own significant contributions to the staffing industry. Specializing in bringing new life to organizations, Jim is at his best when he is developing and executing challenging business strategies. After his initial tenure at CPI, Jim went on to a long career at TAC Worldwide Companies, launching the $125 millon TAC Automotive Group. He was responsible for leading the $250 million engineering services business, in the United States and United Kingdom. While he was at TAC, he was responsible for managing 19 offices and 180 staff members. A Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 recipient, Jim is best known for turning uncertainty into order, while looking for ways to elevate those around him. As a leader, he is keenly aware of the responsibility he has to help others improve and grow. He has been recognized for his business innovation by being inducted into the TAC Worldwide Companies President’s Club and by receiving the Top Revenue and EBITDA awards. With a continuous sense of urgency and incredible stamina, Jim was responsible for helping TAC Worldwide receive some of its’ highest honors including Corp. Magazine’s 101 Best Places to Work, Ford Q1 Award, ISO 9000, Crain’s Cool Places to Work and Corp. Magazine’s Top Diversity Corporation. Jim has always been one to give back to the communities where he lives and works. Jim is currently a member of the Advisory Council for the Josephine Ford Cancer Institute. He is the Director and Treasurer of the Board, DFCU Financial Credit Union, and he is a member of the University Club at MSU and the Huntsman Hunt Club. A past sponsor of PAL/THINK Detroit and the March of Dimes, Jim’s previous associations also include the Engineering Society of Detroit, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Michigan Minority Business Development Council. A life long Michigander, Jim proudly graduated from Wayne State University, Detroit, with a BA in 1982.

098 Kayla Roof - PCS proof your business Apr 07, 2017

Kayla is a business advisor for military spouse entrepreneurs and the creator of The Work from Anywhere Business Academy. She helps her clients create purpose driven businesses that allow them the freedom to work from any duty station. Since 2005, Kayla Roof, MBA, has been helping companies generate sales by combining the power of traditional media with the force of the internet and social media. Kayla’s marketing plans have been emulated across the country. In 2012, she started her own marketing firm and quickly built that business into a successful advertising agency. In 2014, she launched The Navy Mom and turned her blog into a local television show in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on helping military spouses get dialed into their new city. Now, she advises spouses on how to build thriving, PCS Proof, businesses through classes, programs, and online trainings at KaylaRoof.com

097 Scott Mann - Mission America Apr 06, 2017

Scott Mann is a master at building relationships in high-stakes, competitive environments. As a Green Beret in the United States Army, he forged bonds and solved problems using values and leadership skills that moved people around the world to stand up for themselves. His secret? He was able to restore trust and create human connections in places where that didn’t seem possible. He is now bringing those same principles to corporate boardrooms and conference rooms, where trusted leadership is more valuable—and more vulnerable—than ever.

Scott Mann spent 23 years in the United States Army, 18 of that as a Green Beret, where he specialized in unconventional, high-impact missions all over the world including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan..

Scott’s problem-solving abilities were honed during long deployments in places where trust was absent, conflict rampant and he had seconds to make real connections with local communities using his head, his heart, and when threats closed in against these communities, his hands. Using those leadership skills, Scott now helps organizations gain a better understanding of its internal culture, while exposing the potential for conflict that exists when trust has deteriorated. In the same way he empowered local tribes in Iraq and Afghanistan to make transformative decisions, using very few resources, Scott teaches corporate leaders and their teams the relationship-building techniques that drive so many of his successful combat operations.

Scott appears frequently on CNN, Bloomberg, Fox and Friends, Fox Business News, News Max and dozens of syndicated radio shows including National Public Radio, Wall Street Journal Radio, Fox News Radio and the Jim Bohannon Show. His op-eds have appeared in The Tampa Tribune, Washington Post and the Small Wars Journal.

096 Duane France - Colorado Veterans Health and Wellness Agency Mar 30, 2017

Throughout his extensive military and civilian experiences, Duane France has found that one principle continues to stand true time and time again:

“Audacity is the key to victory in battle.”

Duane is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer. During his military service, he participated in five combat and operational deployments. Now, working as a Mental Health Therapist, Duane found that his unique blend of experiences and training have led him to be a successful mentor, advocate, and counselor to an underserved population in our country – our fellow Veterans.

Since his time working as a Mental Health Therapist and Advisor with the Colorado 4th Judicial District Veteran Trauma Court, Duane has established himself as a Veteran Mental Health Thought Leader. On a daily basis, in person and through his writing, he uses his experiences and expertise to bring awareness to Veteran mental health, and act as a voice on behalf of his fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

In Duane's words "I truly believe that the numerous difficulties that some Veterans experience, including unemployment, homelessness, and transitioning difficulties, are all related to their mental health in some form or fashion. It is my mission to ensure Veteran mental health does not go unnoticed in our country".

095 - Patrick Coleman - Housing Discrimination Against Veterans Mar 16, 2017

Patrick Coleman is the President of Fair Housing Advocates, Inc. Many of our US Military Veterans are being subjected to housing discrimination on the basis of their Disability when their Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal is either prohibited, or subjected to "pet rules."

Housing discrimination goes unnoticed every day and is usually misidentified as landlord & tenant law violations instead of the serious civil rights violations they really are. In fact, the Fair Housing Act provides any victim of housing discrimination a very aggressive process to establish and defend their housing civil rights.

Fair Housing Advocates has noticed housing discrimination is going unchecked within our veteran and active duty military, law enforcement, and first responder community- our “Patriots.”

5 Simple Signs of Housing Discrimination:

Your Service Dog is prohibited by your Landlord because of its Breed, Size, or Weight
You are charged a Pet Fee, Pet Deposit, or Pet Rent for your Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal
Your Service Dog is prohibited from using common areas; pool area, fitness center, clubhouse etc.
You are forced to live on a designated floor or unit because you are Disabled or have Children
You are discouraged from renting or applying because you have Children
Complete our Housing Discrimination Questionnaire to learn if you are a victim of housing discrimination.

094 Diana Tsai - Veterati Mar 15, 2017

Diana Tsai is an entrepreneur solving social challenges since 2006 with creativity, tech, grit, and optimism. Diana is a branding, communication, and innovation strategist for emerging brands and Fortune 100 multinational corporations. Advisor to startups & nonprofits. Mentor for Veterans, Military Spouses, entrepreneurs, and good people.

Veterati is a digital platform for veterans & military spouses to access mentorship-on-demand from successful professionals across the nation. Since more than 80% of jobs are unpublished and exist solely within personal networks, Veterati focuses on mentorship as a primary means to discovering career options and securing real jobs. Our mission is to create mentorship conversations between 1.5 million transitioning veterans to the 100 million Americans currently employed across America to secure meaningful post-military careers for our veterans. The Global Head of Military Programs of the #1 Veteran Employer in the United States calls the proprietary mentorship-on-demand software we've developed for veterans “The Uber of Mentorship, a game-changer.”

093 John Lee Dumas - Mastering Productivity, Discipline, & Focus Mar 09, 2017

John Lee Dumas is the Founder and Host of EOFire, an award winning Podcast where he interviews today's most inspiring Entrepreneurs 7-days a week. With almost 1600 episodes and 7-figures a year in revenue, JLD has shown the world the power of Podcasting.

If you've ever struggled with productivity, discipline and focus, the Mastery Journal is your step-by-step guide to mastering these three skills in 100 days!

092 JW Rone - Vet Arts Connect Mar 08, 2017

JW Rone, is the director of veterans initiatives at the Institute for Integrative Health. With 30 years of experience in the arts, he has been a theater artist, director, and producer focusing on arts in education, and served as a board member, volunteer, and employee for nonprofit arts organizations.

A proud Vietnam veteran, JW worked in the Special Services Division of the United States Army while stationed in Korea, where he directed plays and ran the entertainment center on base. He produced and directed soldier shows, and performed USO style shows for active duty soldiers in the combat zone while touring in Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Prior to joining the Institute, JW was the executive director of the Beaufort Arts Council (BAC)–formerly referred to as Arts Council of Beaufort County (ACBC) – in Beaufort, South Carolina. During that time he created exciting opportunities for the community to participate in the arts. He's most proud of the concept, design, and execution of ARTworks: Community Art Center and Arts Incubator, which was dedicated to creating accessible art space for artists and the greater Beaufort County community.

Prior to that, JW served as the director of the Ice House for the Morgan Arts Council (MAC) in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. In that position, he managed all arts and educational programs and oversaw the grant writing and implementation process. J.W. also worked extensively with the West Virginia Commission for the Arts, organizing state-wide art assemblies and serving as a peer assistance specialist.

JW has toured nationally and internationally, performing, directing, and producing theater works with community youth and adults. He spent many years as a street performer, presenting his special brand of New Vaudeville from London to Paris and Munich to Amsterdam.

JW is an excellent blues harp player; when he’s not connecting our nation’s veterans with exceptional art resources in the region, you can find him teaching and playing his unique style of music for anyone who will listen.

091 Brian Knowler - On the Other Side of Broken Feb 09, 2017

Brian Knowler has been a police officer for 17 years, working in Patrol, Community Response, Incident Command and Emergency Management, Media Relations, and Legal Services. In 2004 he was the first one on the scene of a fatal collision in which the driver who died was a close friend of Brian's. Brian buried the impact of that night until 2012, when he hit bottom physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually and was finally diagnosed with PTSD from this experience.

He now speaks and writes extensively on topics around psychological health and trauma in the emergency response field, and has been consulted by media outlets across Canada. In March 2016, he published ‘On the Other Side of Broken – One Cop’s Battle With the Demons of PTSD.’ He is a member of the Police Advisory Group of Badge of Life Canada, an organization dedicated to furthering PTSD awareness and advocacy.

Before pursuing policing as a career, Brian went to law school and trained as a lawyer, but never practiced. In 2010, Brian finally decided to make his Call to the Bar, and now his lawyer’s robes, even though they’ve been worn only once, hang in his office, next to his body armour.

Brian’s wife Cathy, a cop’s daughter, is a teacher, and trauma counselor for families and spouses of first responders. She co-wrote a chapter of Brian’s book and is “one of the strongest women” he knows. They have two teenage sons, who still think it’s cool to have a dad who is a cop.

090 Miles Migliara - AMVETS Feb 08, 2017

Miles Migliara is a recent Communications graduate from Missouri Southern State University. The son of a retired U.S. Army soldier, Miles grew up on several military bases along the East coast and Midwest. During his medical evaluation for Marine Officer Candidate School, Miles discovered he was genetically induced as a Type 1 Diabetic, therefore ended his pursuit of military service. He is currently the Social Media Director and Head Editor at AMVETS (American Veterans), a leading veteran service organization with over 250,000 active members and numerous posts across the nation. Providing many services to veterans and advocating veteran-related legislation, AMVETS is headquartered in Lanham, MD.

AMVETS, which is also known as American Veterans, is the largest and oldest veterans service organization that is open to and fights for all veterans and their families.

AMVETS Mission Statement: To enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.

089 Co-hosting Cigars & Sea Stories Feb 02, 2017

On today's episode I talk about another podcast that you should check out called Cigars and Sea Stories. I was asked by Mike to come on the show as a co-host for a series of episodes that will be all coming out in February. The first in the series is already live so make sure you go and check it out.

http://www.cigarsandseastories.com/category/podcast/

088 Charlotte DiBartolomeo & Sam Stone - Red Kite Project Feb 01, 2017

Charlotte DiBartolomeo is Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Red Kite Project. She earned a Master’s in Conflict Transformation with a specialty in Intercultural Service, Leadership & Management from the School for International Training Graduate Institute in Vermont. She has studied post war development in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and has served as an NGO delegate to the United Nations at the 2003 Economics Conference for Women. Charlotte has been a trainer and facilitator for twenty years working in corporate, government and academic sectors. She has done conflict coaching with managers, developed and instructs curricula for workforce development and transformational leadership, and facilitates dialogue processes within both the public and private sectors.

Sam Stone is the Director of Red Kite Rising, the martial arts healing division dedicated to helping youth and adults resolve traumatic effects of PTSD and developmental trauma. He has written curriculum and instructs programs in the Philadelphia School District and Jane Addams Place, a transitional housing facility in West Philadelphia for women and children.

Red Kite Project assists organizations and their workforce to rise above obstacles to well-being and safety. Red Kite Rising got its start in the shelters of West Philadelphia. Originally, it was created as an intervention for CHOP’s Homeless Health Initiative, to be utilized with the residents at Jane Adams Place, a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. They would use somatic therapies like yoga, and other processes that were aimed at helping participants to re-embody, and reconnect with their bodies to assist them in living healthier, happier lives. Martial arts and circle processes were a large part of the trainings, and after only a short period of time, fighting in the shelters had stopped among the participants of the program.

RKR was then taken to Chester Arthur Elementary school for an eight-week program before being implemented at the Crefeld School- a 6-12 educational facility located in Chestnut Hill.

A short time after this, RKR would find its way to the Perimeter, and start to work with Veterans of the armed forces. A focus that it continues to hold to this day.

087 Josh Davidson - Being receptive to opportunity Jan 26, 2017

Josh Davidson is an Air Force Veteran who grew up in Tullahoma, TN. Josh currently runs his antique store, Exposed Treasures, and a photography studio, Josh Davidson Photography, on Kent Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Josh likes to use driftwood and old barnwood to make sculptures, artwork, furniture & more! Josh's passions, other than photography, also include acting and filmmaking.

Opportunity is like signals coming into a satellite dish. Most of the time you filter out most things that aren't important to you. Once you know the direction that you want to go in, those filters are taken off and you will start to recognize new opportunities that are inline with your goals. Be open to receiving these opportunities and you will be amazed by the "once in a lifetime opportunities" that you find on a regular basis.

086 Phil Randazzo - American Dream U Jan 25, 2017

Phil Randazzo is a second generation Sicilian who learned early on from his father that this country offers the greatest opportunities in the world. At a young age, he quickly learned the value of hard work. From busing tables at his father’s restaurants to working three summer jobs from age fifteen until graduating college, to starting his first company at age twenty-four, Phil has never shied away from hard work His time is currently being spent writing, consulting, and developing a National Entrepreneurship and Coaching program called American Dream U, held at military bases around the country. American Dream U is a nonprofit organization that assists the military transitioning into civilian life. The program, taught by some of the world’s best and most successful entrepreneurs, is designed to provide soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and coast guard personnel with the tools to obtain their dream jobs or start their own businesses.

085 A.C. Fuller - Do you have a book in you? Jan 19, 2017

A.C. Fuller is the author of THE ANONYMOUS SOURCE and the creator and host of the WRITER 2.0 Podcast, a weekly interview show featuring award-winning writers and publishing experts. He teaches English at Northwest Indian College near Seattle and has taught journalism at New York University. He has worked as a freelance reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal and New York Newsday. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, where he received the John D. Lewis Prize for highest honors in political theory. Previously, he was a professional chef specializing in catering. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two children and is hard at work on the sequel to The Anonymous Source.

084 Jeffrey Beck - Semper Fido Jan 18, 2017

The Mission of Semper Fido's program is to unite wounded warriors suffering with PTSD with homeless, rescue shelter dogs, who are evaluated and deemed viable, to nurture a healing and rejuvenating bond between the two. The result is a positive, non judgmental, unconditional relationship desperately needed by both.

Jeffrey’s passion for dog training developed throughout his career as a United States Marine. As he progressed, his appreciation for dogs and their capabilities grew. It was during his deployment to Iraq where he genuinely understood the unique bond that could be developed between a dog and its owner. This can best be described through an excerpt from a poem written by Beth Norman Harris titled ‘A Dog’s Prayer’…”Treat me kindly my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.” Jeffrey is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who specializes in treating trauma related disorders. Additionally, he is a combat veteran who has treated veterans of multiple wars who are diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

083 Lida Citroen - Personal Branding for Veterans Jan 12, 2017

Lida Citroën is an international reputation management and branding specialist, often featured in MSNBC, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Forbes.com, Huffington Post, Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, and CBS Moneywatch.

As founder of LIDA360, Lida is passionate about helping our nation's veterans navigate the military-to-civilian career transition. She is a popular speaker at military installations and events on veteran hiring, sits on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Veteran Serving Organizations (NAVSO), volunteers with ESGR, and teaches in the TAP program at the US Air Force Academy, and leverages her 20 years in corporate branding to help employers recruit, on board and grow veteran employees.

Lida's second book, "Your Next Mission: A personal branding guide for the military-to-civilian transition," is a powerful resource for transitioning military members.

Lida is a regular contributor for Military.com and Entrepreneur.com on the topic of military transition, and is the recipient of many awards for her service to our veterans.

082 Joe Witte - Bunker Labs Jan 11, 2017

Joe Witte is the current Program Director for Bunker Labs PHL, an accelerator for veteran entrepreneurs. Joe is a former Captain in the US Army, Transportation Corps. He served for nine years as a reservist in logistics and completed a tour in Baghdad for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding service. He is also a volunteer for the Liberty USO serving on the Marketing and Communications committee. Joe is an Internet entrepreneur with a marketing and business development background in the digital and media industries. Joe is currently the VP of Global Business Development for ISEBOX, a cloud based communications content distribution platform. Joe is a proud husband and father of 5 kids. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Marketing.

Bunker Labs was founded in 2014 by CEO Todd Connor, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Navy veteran and successful entrepreneur. Bunker Labs PHL, a nonprofit 501c3 accelerator for veteran and military entrepreneurs, has a mission to educate, inspire and connect the veteran community with leading entrepreneurs and VC’s, in order to build thriving businesses and illustrate the value military experience brings in developing innovative companies.

081 Terrance Gant - From Surviving to Thriving Through Veteran Organizations Dec 15, 2016

Terrance Gant is a 12 year Marine Corps veteran. Deployed to Afghanistan twice and Iraq three times, then medically separated from the Marine Corps in 2010, Terrance says "That's when the wheels feel off". Extreme drinking because of loss of purpose and nightmares cost him his marriage, kids, and job. February 15,2015 Terrance even attempted suicide. After months and months of VA care, he started looking to Veteran Service organizations for help. Wounded Warrior project got him out of the house. Save A Warrior saved his soul. Team RWB filled the athletic gap in his life. The Mission Continues and Team Rubicon filled the service gap in his life. Today Terrance is no longer just surviving in life but he's thriving and dedicated to empowering the lives of veterans and helping them take back their lives.

080 Peter Cline - Vet Motorsports Dec 14, 2016

A chance viewing of a short news story prompted Peter A. Cline to create a life-changing charity for veterans injured on the battlefield.

VETMotorsports, Inc., provides wounded veterans struggling to re-assimilate to the civilian world the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with professional motorcycle and auto racing teams. The charity has helped more than 130 veterans since 2012.

“I saw an opportunity after watching a TV short on BBC America about how injured warfighters were using motorsports to recover from battlefield injuries,” Cline said. “I asked myself why someone was not providing a ‘hands-on’ opportunity for veterans. From that point on, it was a matter of doing research and having some discussions with sponsors and friends to work out the details.”

Cline, a former professional motorcycle racer, spends time attending and facilitating race experiences all across the U.S. during the racing season, while focusing on fundraising and outreach to strategic partners during the off season.

Cline volunteers his time as executive director of VETMotorsports while working full-time as Traffic Safety Specialist at Motorcycle Ohio.

“VETMotorsports has allowed me to take 12 plus years of relationships and create this thing where the sum of the parts make a huge difference to those veterans participating,” Cline said. “The program is about creating a culture where injured warfighters are welcome, where we can provide them an outlet that shows them their self-worth and hopefully creates an opportunity for them to succeed outside the program.”

Cline, who lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio, was presented the 2015 Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award from the American Motorcyclist Association for his contributions to the motorcycle racing community.

079 Don Hutcheson - Discovering Your Talent Dec 08, 2016

Don Hutcheson is a lifelong entrepreneur, inventor, author and coach. He hosts the daily podcast: “Discover Your Talent—Do What You Love,” which he created to help you find your true talents and use them to build a career of success, satisfaction and freedom. He’s never had a “boss” and has created 6 innovative companies in advertising, publishing, coaching and career planning—and now on the Internet—over the last 35 years.

078 Frank Bourke - Research and Recognition Project Dec 07, 2016

Dr. Bourke is the Executive Director of the NLP Research and Recognition Project, and Coordinator to the NLP Community. After the 9-11 attacks in 2001, Dr. Bourke designed and implemented a rehabilitation plan for 800 World Trade Center building survivors. He found that he was able to change the symptoms of PTS survivors he was treating with an NLP-derived protocol much quicker and more effectively than the 30 or so therapists he was working with. He founded the Not-For-Profit Corporation to advance the science of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and bring the research up to a scientific standard necessary for more widespread implementation. He brings with him more than 33 years of professional experience in Executive, Clinical and Research roles.

The Research and Recognition Project (R&RP) conducts rigorous, controlled clinical studies to validate therapeutic techniques that support the widespread use of innovative and cost-effective clinical care for traumatic stress and a number of other psychiatric disorders.

077 Jean South - Optimizing your chances for employment Dec 01, 2016

Jean South is a Marine spouse, daughter of two Army veterans, and former FBI Special Agent. During her career she has had the honor of working alongside our nation’s warriors. As the President and CEO of Hire Served , Jean gives companies a competitive advantage to compete for veteran talent by helping bridge the culture gap between military candidates and company recruiters. She also provides career coaching to veterans, teaching them how to use LinkedIn to network more effectively as they transition into their next careers after the military. Jean serves as the Veteran Outreach Director for Bunker Labs Philadelphia connecting with veterans and Veteran Service Organizations in the Philadelphia metro region to provide entrepreneurship opportunities to veterans and their spouses.

076 Joanna Sweatt - The Veterans Directory Nov 30, 2016

Joanna is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She served as a Field Radio Operator (0621) and as a Recruiter (8411). She served honorably from 1998-2007 (E-6 SSgt) and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 with 3D MAW, MWSS 373, MCAS Miramar.

Having to overcome her own transition obstacles; Joanna made the commitment to help other Veteran s transition more successfully. She became a well-known veteran advocate in the AZ community with her previous work at ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center (2012-2015) and her many involvements in the non-profit/volunteer space. She works tirelessly to help bridge the divide between transitioning veterans and the civilian community. She serves as a voluntary board member with ASU’s Veterans Chapter of the Alumni, S.E.E.4 Vets and the AZ Veterans Court Mentor Project. She volunteers to help raise funds for the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund—AZ campaign, teaches career transition curriculum for Fourblock.org, and is a member of the Jar Head Professionals group.

Joanna is married to Mr. Jobiin Sweatt since 1997 and they have three beautiful children, Jeriah (19), Jobiin Jr. (17), and Jordin (15).

075 Wally Carmichael - Choosing Abundance Nov 24, 2016

Wally Carmichael is a husband, father, retired Army Medic, Department of the Army Operations Specialist and Podcast Host of the Men of Abundance Podcast. He was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona and joined the Army at the age of 20 for the education benefits, opportunity to travel and to escape what was clearly a destructive lifestyle. It only took 24 years to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. And he was able to traveled to 23 countries on five continents. Wally has lived in Panama, Germany, Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, and currently lives on the beach in Hawaii. Wally first started in the job force in a slaughterhouse at the tender age of 16, no pun intended. He has also started and operated many business ventures from Real Estate, Sales and installation of satellite systems, residential cleaning and internet marketing. Next to family, his greatest passion is hosting his Men of Abundance Podcast, The Pay it Forward Community, where he has conversations with other Abundant leaders as well as up and coming entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders doing amazing things in their community.

074 Joe Mornini - Team River Runner Nov 23, 2016

Joe Mornini has spent a lifetime going from adventure to adventure. He holds a master's degree in Environmental Education from Goddard College and has been involved in outdoor education for almost four decades. A Special Education Resource Teacher and counselor, Joe is the coordinator of a program for seriously emotionally disturbed adolescents at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD. For 30+ years, Joe’s stress-buster has been whitewater kayaking after school on the nearby Potomac River.

Always the environmentalist and adventurer, Joe has motorcycled across the country three times, walked across Ireland, walked across the state of Maryland and paddled rivers around the country.

In 2004, Joe and kayaking buddy, Mike McCormick, recruited friends and local paddling businesses to support their idea to teach whitewater kayaking to wounded soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. They named the program Team River Runner (TRR) and the goal has been to provide hope, health and healing. Working in partnership with The Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA, TRR is a non-profit volunteer organization that now provides adaptive, therapeutic and leadership training programs for OIF/OEF veterans on a national level.

073 Michael Penney - Provide Value Nov 17, 2016

Michael J. Penney is the co-founder of Cigars and Sea Stories, a podcast devoted to sharing stories with veterans who are adding value to the world. He’s the creator of the “5 Paragraph Business Plan” an actionable approach to business. March of ‘16 he presented at TEDx Raleigh, “What’s Your IED: How to Add Value to During Life's Explosive Situations” - in an effort to bridge the life of veterans and civilians. Michael is a former Sergeant and Marine veteran. He served 8 years as an infantryman and weapons instructor. His service spans three combat tours and two wars - Ramadi iraq (05’/07’), Kajaki/ Sangin Afghanistan (2011). He served as a weapons instructor, having personally trained over 5000 Marines and sailors in rifle and pistol combat marksmanship, foreign weapons, small arms and precision weapons marksmanship and tactics. Having successfully navigated the transition from service member to veteran, Michael now supports fellow veterans seeking the entrepreneurial lifestyle. He currently works as program director for Bunker Labs RDU, calling upon his military experience to assess, train, advise, and assist veterans in business creation.

072 Amanda Patterson Crowe - In Gear Career Nov 17, 2016

As the Program Manager for In Gear Career, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes, Amanda Patterson Crowe serves as an advisor to career-minded military spouses in networking chapters across the globe. In Gear Career's 20+ chapters work to create connections in their local communities and serve as a jumping off point for military spouses moving to the area and looking for professional connections.

As a U.S. Navy Veteran and now military spouse, Amanda also puts her own experience to work answering career questions in the new column "Dear Career", a collaboration between Military.com and Hiring Our Heroes. More of Amanda's writing on military spouse career issues can also be found monthly on NextGen Military Spouse.

071 - How Video Games Are Helping Young Veterans Cope Nov 15, 2016

Today's article comes from Luis Congdon and is titled "How Video Games Are Helping Young Veterans Cope". Specialist Rob Gibson talks about how video games allow him to switch off his symptoms, and how nothing else except sleep (which he isn't having much of) allows him to do that right now.

Also in this episode I talk about the Virtual Reality Exposure Treatment (VRET) that was developed by Skip Rizzo which allows a patient to be more immersed over classic pschoherapy.

Here is the article: http://www.complex.com/life/2016/11/veterans-day-millennials-video-games-ptsd

070 Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Community Nov 14, 2016

Get out into your community and explore everything that it has to offer. New ideas, friends, and opportunities will come from stepping out of your comfort zone.

069 - To the Veterans Who Think You're Broken: You're wrong! Nov 11, 2016

You may be having some big challenges in your life right now, but you are not broken. Your community and your country still need you. Choose to become the person that you want to be.

068 Luis Congdon - Mindset Shift Nov 10, 2016

Luis Congdon had some huge challenges in his life by most people's standards. Loss, abandonment, culture shock, and even homelessness are a part of Luis' story, but thanks to his mindset it is all just a small part of the abundant and optimistic story that is his life.

I could write a bunch of words here to tell you about his incredible story, but hearing it directly from Luis is the only way to really feel the intensity of his message.

Connect with Luis on Facebook, and if you are interested in podcasting or growing your business with Facebook definitely ask him about joining the Podcasters Secret Weapon group.

067 Bill Rausch - Got Your 6 Nov 09, 2016

Bill Rausch is the Executive Director at Got Your 6. He is a former Army Major with over ten years of service including 17 months in Iraq serving under Generals Casey and Petraeus while assigned to the Information Operations Task Force. Prior to joining GY6, Bill was Political Director at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America where he oversaw policy and advocacy campaigns.

Prior to his veteran advocacy work, he was a Senior Consultant providing products and services to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense while assigned to the Pentagon. Bill regularly testifies in front of Congress and has appeared on NBC Nightly News, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal and MSNBC’s coverage of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Bill is also an active community leader and volunteer serving as Chapter Captain for Team Red White and Blue (Team RWB) in his local community in Alexandria, VA. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Volunteer Alexandria, an organization promoting volunteerism across all charity sectors.

Bill received his Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Science from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. He lives in Alexandria, VA with his wife and son.

Got Your 6 is a nonprofit that believes veterans are leaders, team builders, and problem solvers, who have the unique potential to lead a resurgence of community across the nation.

066 Should Military Members be Disciplined for PTSD? Nov 08, 2016

In this episode I talk about a recent article from The Baltimore Sun titled "A soldier battling PTSD reported that he wanted to hurt his commanders. They disciplined him.".

That led to the question in the title of this episode, "Should military members be disciplined for PTSD?". Spoiler Alert: My answer is HELL NO!

065 - Veterans Week Nov 07, 2016

This week is Veterans Day and I want everyone out there, veteran and civilian, to find an organization to get plugged in with and go out into your community to some kind of event. Runs, hikes, comedy shows, entrepreneurial courses, dinners, parties, etc.

064 - Find your passion and go after it Nov 04, 2016

Find out what you're passionate about, and go after it. I walk you through a simple exercise to help get clear on what will provide you a life of passion.

063 Michael Rains - Advancing with Masterminds Nov 03, 2016

Michael has been married for 6 short years and is the father of 2 boys and an adopted brother-in-law. He is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps and has done so for over 7 years. Currently, he is in the process of creating a mastermind for military non-commissioned officers to share ideas and build stronger, more capable military leaders. He’s an aspiring health, fitness, and life coach and does his best to create a home environment of constant self-improvement. He believes that there is a spot for all of us in the hall of greatness and that you don’t have to come from humbled or privileged beginnings to be significant.

062 Kate Germano - Service Women's Action Network Nov 02, 2016

Commissioned in August 1996, Kate Germano served for 20 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. A combat veteran, she participated in numerous operational and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief deployments and had many challenging assignments, including service for year as the Marine Aide to the Secretary of the Navy. She was selected for command twice, and served most recently as the commanding officer of the Marine Corps’ only all-female unit, the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Goucher College, where she majored in history with a pre-law emphasis. In 2011, she graduated with distinction from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, earning her Masters of Military Science degree. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, she became the Chief Operating Officer for the Service Women's Action Network. She is actively engaged in the struggle to end gender bias in the military, and is a vocal proponent for equal rights and the elimination of double standards and lowered expectations for female service members. Service Women’s Action Network is the voice of women in the military. SWAN is a member-driven community network advocating for the individual and collective needs of service women past, present and future.

061 Number of Veterans in Congress Likely to Drop AgainNumber of Veterans in Congress likely to drop again Nov 01, 2016

Jeremy discusses an article out of the Military Times titled "The number of veterans in Congress will likely drop again next year".

060 Choose Your Next Identity Oct 31, 2016

In today's Motivational Monday I draw a parallel between dawning a new identity for Halloween and transitioning from the military. I also lift the curtain to reveal a little bit of my childhood.

059 - 5 Things I Learned from Interviewing 50 Veteran Nonprofit Organizations Oct 28, 2016

I have interviewed over 50 veteran organizations since the start of the Veteran Resource Podcast. In this episode I share the top 5 things that I have learned. The full text can be found at veteranresourcepodcast.com/059

058 Nicholas Caris - How Yoga Saved His Life Oct 27, 2016

Nicholas grew up in Uhrichsville, a small town in Ohio. When he turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. His first deployment was in 2008 to Ramadi, Iraq where he trained the Iraqi police force and encouraged them to take pride in securing their city’s safety. Shortly after he returned home from Iraq, his unit deployed to support the Drug Enforcement Agency on a mission in the seas of South America. He came home just before Christmas in 2009 and immediately started training for his third and final deployment. Six months later he was in Marjah, Afghanistan where his unit was engaged with the Taliban to secure the safety of civilians and the city’s farmlands. In August 2011, after five years of service and three deployments, Nicholas was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and moved to Tampa Florida. Nicholas tried his first yoga class within a few days of being in his new city and was sure that he would never go back again. Shortly after he began to notice some serious physical problems and they started to negatively impact his life. He also was struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries from his time in service. He had become friends with his yoga teacher and she urged him to come back to maybe a less intensive class. After a few classes Nicholas started to feel the physical benefits of yoga and after long talks with his teacher and more yoga Nicholas fell in love with the practice. Still struggling with his physical and mental challenges Nicholas decided to take it further and in 2014 he signed up for a 200 hour RYT teacher training. This particular training was 8 months long and he knew his journey had just began. Today Nicholas teaches yoga with Exalted Warrior Foundation providing adaptive yoga to veterans who are struggling just like he is. Yoga for him isn’t just a class in studio, it is a tool for every moment in his life to battle the physical and mental challenges he still faces every day.

057 Paul Riedner - Veteran Resilience Project Oct 26, 2016

Paul Riedner is the Executive Director of a startup non-profit called the Veteran Resilience Project which uses EMDR to address a number of after effects of military service and war. Paul has an Economics degree and an MBA focused on business anthropology and consumer behavior. From 2006 - 2010 he was a Deep Sea Diver in the US Army. Since returning from war and the military, Paul began exploring how to use art to express his changing perspectives and to connect the public with the experiences, triumphs, and struggles of returning veterans. Paul produces a podcast called ResilienceMN that interviews veterans and serves as the community outreach mechanism for VRP.

056 - Veterans Forced to Pay Back Bonuses Oct 25, 2016

This article from the Los Angeles Times fired me up a little. Veterans from the California National Guard are being forced to pay back enlistment bonuses from a decade ago. Please listen to this episode and then ACT by signing the two petitions.

055 - Season 3 Kickoff Oct 24, 2016

Season 3 kicks off with me apologizing for the late start. But I really feel that setting up the structure and processes that will allow me to deliver five episodes per week was a good use of time. I am dedicated to getting the word out to veterans about some of the amazing veteran organizations that we have available to us, so in addition to five episodes per week I will also be working on speaking to groups of veterans around the country, and maybe even through live webinars here and there so that I can get the word out even further. If you haven't yet, please join me in the new facebook group where we can start to grow a community of like-minded individuals that help each other.

054 Stephen Machuga - Stack-Up May 27, 2016

Captain Machuga is a 1998 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Russian linguistics on an ROTC scholarship. He is a former Army Infantry/Military Intelligence officer and Airborne Ranger, having spent the majority of his service at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq with 2nd Infantry Division and whittled through the seemingly endless 13-month deployment with the help of video games.

Captain Machuga left the service in 2006, where he moved to Washington DC with his wife Margo to work as a government counterterrorism analyst. Once he started to see success with his charity work, his wife and he moved back home to Pittsburgh to run Stack-Up full time.

veteranpodcast.com/054

053 Christianna Capra - Spring Reins of Life May 20, 2016

Christianna Capra (CC) is co-founder & Director of Equine Services with Spring Reins of Life 501c3 (Horses, Humans & Healing). Started in 2012 Spring Reins of Life, almost right away began working with the Men's PTSD Unit at Lyons VA Hospital. In 2015 that expanded to include the Women's and the Domiciliary PTSD Units. CC and Spring Reins of Life have been in four books and numerous print articles. Also featured in the media such as PIX11 News, Verizon Fios, and more. CC has over 40 years of horse experience handling (exercising) riding and competitive showing. Working with horses at liberty is a very freeing experience. Capra spent 25 years in NYC with a background in publicity, she now resides at the farm/facility where the horses live and the work happens.

Operation Horse, EAP/L for combat veterans suffering with PTSD/TBI. Veteran suicide is an out of control epidemic today. There are over 5,000 recorded deaths in Iraq & Afghanistan, yet over 128,000 suicides on US soil. At Spring Reins of Life in New Jersey we are working to be part of the solution. NJ had a high population of veterans, also has more horses per square mile than most states. PTS is an internal injury and trauma robs you of present moment, peace, trust, resiliency. At Operation Horse we do not ride, nor do we teach horsemanship - both of which have immense qualities. We are more focused on the interaction with horses who are "at liberty" (loose and able to express themselves freely). It is impossible to not become fully present when there are 1000 lb + creatures moving around you. Especially if you do not have experience being around horses. Horses are prey/flight animals and you will not get close to a loose horse unless they trust you. Veterans with moderate/severe PTS have lost all trust (even with themselves), so establishing trust with a horse can become a very large metaphor. Horses read body language and energy with acute precision and once this is understood - veterans are able to begin exploring their own set of coping skills. We do not "talk about it", words are not necessary. At the end of each session we do ask for ONE word to describe that days events. Over 300 times we have heard words like: Peaceful, Calm, Relaxing, Awesome, Laughter, Thank-you, Inspiring, etc.

Spring Reins of Life is an EAGALA Model certified program - EAGALA is the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association and is present in all 50 states and over 50 countries worldwide. Spring Reins of Life was founded in 2012, in 2014 we were the first (and currently the only) program in the state of NJ to earn and retain the "Military Services Provider" certificate. Currently we see veterans (OIF, OEF and Vietnam) from Lyons VA Hospital - and we could be doing more. Funding is an issue. With over 23 suicides per day, the VA needs to step up and release some of the millions of dollars set aside for mental health crisis and put it into modalities that are showing results. There is not evidence based research on EAP/L however if the VA put money into it there would be in no time. Because horses heal, and in the case of the veteran population they can and will save lives! Spring Reins of Life also has programming created for veterans families and supports called "Coming HOME", and while we have requests, we have no funding in that area.

Must admit it is rather frustrating to be a volunteer run organization so that we can allocate more than 85% of funding dollar towards services...and then there are places such as Wounded Warriors who Exec Director makes $2M a year and maybe 20% of millions of dollars in funding gets to the veterans themselves. But regardless, we keep pushing and fighting for, the avenues to keep this service going and to ultimately expand it. Really does take a village!

http://veteranpodcast.com/053

052 Michelle Matthews & Belle Landau - Returning Veterans Project May 12, 2016

Returning Veterans Project is a grassroots, independent non-profit serving Oregon and SW Washington. For the past 11 years, Returning Veterans Project has been a conduit for post 9/11 veterans and their families seeking free and confidential mental health counseling and somatic services. Somatic services include chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and naturopathy. In 2015, the Returning Veterans Project had 180 providers and helped deliver more than 4500 hours of free and confidential services. Additionally, RVP has partnered with the Portland Art Museum in art therapy, sponsored women writing groups for military sexual trauma, and dramatic performances from veteran’s own stories. Returning Veterans Project also provides free training for their volunteer providers through out the year on subjects such as PTSD, TBI, MST and orthobionomy. Returning Veterans Projects believes it is our collective responsibility to offer support and healing for both the short and long term repercussions of war zone service on veterans and their families. veteranpodcast.com/052

051 Barbara Van Dahlen - Give an Hour May 05, 2016

Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., named to TIME's 2012 list of the 100 most influential people in the world, is the president and founder of Give an Hour?. A licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in the Washington, D.C., area for over 20 years, she served as an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University, where she participated in the training and supervision of developing clinicians. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland in 1991, her M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland in 1987, and her B.A., summa cum laude, in psychology from California State College in 1982. Concerned about the mental health implications of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in 2005 Dr. Van Dahlen founded Give an Hour, a national nonprofit providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Its nearly 7,000 mental health professionals have given more than 175,000 hours of care and support to those in need, and the organization now also leads the Campaign to Change Direction, a collective impact effort to change the culture of mental health in America. Dr. Van Dahlen has received numerous awards, including the American Psychological Association?s Presidential Citation and the 2013 Richard Cornuelle Award for Social Entrepreneurship of the Manhattan Institute. In 2014 she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Coastal Bend / / http://veteranpodcast.com/051

050 Laurie Phillips - Tech For Troops Project Apr 28, 2016

Laurie Phillips is the co-founder of Tech For Troops Project. Laurie is a successful entrepreneur and founder of seven companies. For 25 years she has been a management consultant to Fortune 500 companies, leading professional services firms, and start-ups. A former Big 4 consulting partner and Information Technology expert, Laurie brings operational, technical, and entrepreneurial leadership to Tech For Troops Project. / / Laurie is also the founder of Sundance Research, an IT consulting and project management company based in Richmond, Virginia. / / http://veteranpodcast.com/050

049 R. Morgan Crihfield - War Writer's Campaign Apr 21, 2016

Sergeant R. Morgan Crihfield served in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Texas Army National Guard. He is an alumnus of Midwestern State University with both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work as well as a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. He currently works as a therapist specializing in Post Traumatic Stress and Depression. He currently lives in north Texas with his wife, children, and two lazy Labradors. / / http://veteranpodcast.com/049

048 Josh Goldberg - Boulder Crest Retreat Apr 14, 2016

Josh is the Director of Strategy at Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness, the nation?s first privately funded rural wellness center dedicated exclusively to combat veterans and their families. The Retreat runs short-duration, high-impact retreats focused on combat-related stress for combat veterans (male and female), spouses, caregivers, couples, families and Gold Star Families. Since opening in September 2013, the Retreat has hosted more than 2,500 guests. / / Josh is responsible for the development and execution of strategic initiatives - including Boulder Crest?s work to develop the nation?s first comprehensive, non-clinical curriculum based on Post-Traumatic Growth, Warrior PATHH. Warrior PATHH is an 18-month program, initiated by a 7-day retreat, designed to harness the unique strength of combat veterans while enabling them to transform their struggle into growth and strength. In addition, he oversees strategic partnerships and scale and expansion efforts. / / Prior to joining Boulder Crest Retreat, Josh worked as a communications executive at ExxonMobil's Dallas headquarters from 2006-2011, and was an entrepreneur-in-residence at 2M Companies. During his time at 2M, Josh began advising several non-profit organizations supporting veterans, with a specific focus on combat-related stress and PTSD. After volunteering for a number of months, and in recognition of the remarkable strength, capacity and potential of the combat veterans, Josh chose to dedicate his life to ensuring that service members, veterans and their families had the opportunity to live the great lives they deserved ? full of passion, purpose and service ? here at home. / / Show notes: veteranpodcast.com/048

047 Danny Farrar - Platoon 22 Apr 08, 2016

He went into the Army straight out of High school joining up as an infantryman. His tenure in the Army saw him take the first team into the Pentagon on 9-11 as well as a combat tour in Iraq from 2005-2006. Since that time he has helped build SoldierFit, a gym based out of Frederick MD, from one sub-let location to 3 stand alone facilities with 3,000 members and over 50 employees. He went from being homeless to generating 2.2 million dollars in revenue this year alone. Soldierfit is now franchised and Danny hopes to open 1-2 franchises as well as 1 more corporate location by the end of the year.

Recently he Co-founded his first 501(c), Platoon 22, to combat veteran suicides. He is currently a sought after motivational speaker and was selected to the 2013 "Top 40 under 40 V.I.P" by The Daily Record, as well as one of the Top 5 Mens health Ultimate guys. Soldierfit has won numerous awards including Small business of the year in several counties and the state. His goal is to revitalize the American dream and remind his fellow Americans no other soil on earth is more fertile for their dreams then America’s.

What is Platoon 22? Platoon 22 is a traveling memorial started by the non-profit 22 Needs A Face. The boots in the Platoon 22 memorial symbolize the 22 lives lost per day, 682 lives lost per month, and over 8,000 veteran lives lost each year to suicide attributed to PTS.

We need to raise awareness of the epidemic across the United States. Free and fun events to bring the veteran community together to strengthen the sense of community and camaraderie that they have lost in transition. Raise capital to help support severally underfunded and undermanned crises call centers to make sure someone answers their call for help. Advocate for legislative and VA policy changes that will ensure a mental health professional sees every veteran as part of the military out-processing and VA enrollment procedures. If it is deemed that they may need or do need further counseling then ensure they are assisted to make the transition into the VA systems (VBA and VHA) a seamless and efficient process.

046 Shawna Barnes - Healing Arts of Maine Mar 31, 2016

Unable to hold employment or successfully retrain/go back to school; I dove head first into the art of pottery. I have found a great therapy in ceramics upon my discharge from the military. My love of the arts has only helped to propel me forward, allowing me to excel in this artistic medium. I have been transitioning into more sculptural work and am truly loving the new direction!

I am a retired (yes, at 32), disabled Iraqi war veteran. I served for nearly 4 years in the US Army as a combat medic. Right around my seventh month in Iraq, my health took a drastic turn; I began having seizures. It has been a downhill slide ever since with more health issues arising as time continues. While the doctors have not yet been able to nail down a diagnosis, I continue to strive and to push forward everyday with the love and support from family. No matter the situation encountered, I choose to always look for the silver linings, focusing on the negatives serves no purpose.

I am also the founder of a non-profit organization called Healing Arts of Maine. The therapeutic effects that I found in clay has led me to be quite passionate about being able to bring this simple method of healing to the greatest audience possible. I hope you take the time to follow the link and check out Healing Arts of Maine, and if so inclined to make a tax deductible donation through our financial sponsor, Fractured Atlas.

045 Sam Pressler - Armed Services Arts Partnership Mar 17, 2016

Sam Pressler is the founder and executive director of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), and a 2015 Echoing Green Global Fellow. Under Sam’s leadership, ASAP launched the only stand-up comedy class for veterans in the United States, and the largest writing group for veterans in Virginia. Sam graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from the College of William & Mary (’15), where he was a Ewell Award recipient, McGlennon Scholar, and TEDx Innovative Thinker. His efforts with ASAP have been covered by CNN, ABC News, BBC, Washington Post, NPR, the Military Times, Stars & Stripes, Soldiers Magazine, and Task & Purpose, among others.

http://veteranpodcast.com/045

044 Nancy Pitchford-Zhe - Blue Star Ranch Mar 11, 2016

Nancy’s interest in horses began at 16 months of age when she received a rocking horse on the first Christmas she can remember. Her interest in the challenges disabled people faced every day started with her Great Uncle Walter who she first met when she was 3 years of age. Uncle Walter was blind. He had lost his sight when he was taking money earned from his business to the bank for deposit. He was robbed by a thug who hit him with a blackjack (as it was called in those days), knocked him unconscious and robbed him of his hard earned money. Uncle Walter was kind, sweet, and never complained about his misfortune. At the time he was a young man, engaged to be married. He broke the engagement because he did not want to burden the girl he loved. Nancy was fascinated by what he could do without sight. Play the piano, he had even taught piano. He took care of his invalid sister, and did all the cooking. Later as a teen-ager, Nancy baby sat a disabled child.

In the early 1980’s Nancy went through a life altering experience. Not to be the first. But, this is when her horse “Dusty” entered her life. The Golden Palomino that she had always dreamed of having as a child. Dusty was her therapy. Dusty started the chain of events that led Nancy to her life’s mission.

In 1985 Nancy was certified by Happy Horsemanship For The Handicapped, Inc. as a Certified Administrator, Instructor, and Clinician. In 1986, she opened Heads Up Therapy With Horses for disabled children and adults. While being Founder and Executive Director of Heads Up she served as Set Advisor for NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicap Association; now know as PATH) in the production of a video with President and Mrs. Regan for Therapy On Horseback. She also served as the Volunteer Training Director for the newly forming California Network of Equestrian Therapy (CALNET). She is a Certified Direct Support Professional for California, and most recently finished her Army one Source Training, PTSD Then and Now.

On the more creative side Nancy has served as a Western Music DJ Host, KHTS Radio, Santa Clarita, California. The show “Around The Barn” featured guests for discussion on topics related to horses, therapy, and achievements of the disabled population, and interviews with celebrity Western Music Artists from all over the country. “Around The Barn” was nominated for Best Radio Show of Years 2011, 2012, 2013 by the Western Music Association (WMA). On a final note, she has become a story/coloring book author for a true story series called “Dusty And Friends”, an educational coloring book. The stories come from the 27 year operation of Heads Up therapeutic riding center for special needs children.

http://veteranpodcast.com/044

043 Clarissa Black - Pets for Vets Mar 03, 2016

Animal trainer, Clarissa Black, graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science Animal Science and from Canisius College with a Masters in Anthrozoology. She discovered her passion for training while working with elephants and dolphins but gradually realized she wanted to develop relationships with the animals for which she cared. Through her career as a dolphin trainer, Clarissa learned advanced animal training principles and applied them to husbandry, veterinary, research and program training. While working with these unique mammals in the water, she decided to further her work and experience training animals on land and began working as a professional dog trainer. She has been successful developing personalized training and behavior plans, as well as teaching dog obedience. Her motto is set both the owner and the dog up for success.

During her experience working with therapy dogs in the company of Americas veterans and wounded soldiers, she saw firsthand how important animals can be in recovery. She has a unique understanding regarding the training each dog receives, as well as being able to recognize what each veteran needs from his or her companion animal. Pets for Vets, Inc. is Clarissa's way to say thank you to our country's heroes.

http://veteranpodcast.com/043

042 Elizabeth O'Herrin - Pat Tillman Foundation Feb 25, 2016

A proud member of the 2010 class of Tillman Scholars, Elizabeth O’Herrin serves as Director of Programs and Scholarships–overseeing scholarship selection, engagement, and opportunities. She served with the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 2001-2008, assembling and transporting conventional weapons for F-16 fighter jets. She received her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her MA from the Johns Hopkins University, where her research focused on the federal government and veteran reintegration.

She has worked on a wide range of issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for nearly a decade. She co-founded the Student Veterans of America and fought with a dedicated team of veteran advocates to successfully pass the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008.

She is passionate about learning people’s stories, promoting all things Wisconsin, her faith, and coffee.

http://veteranpodcast.com/042

041 Daniela Petrilli - Operation MCP Feb 18, 2016

Daniela Petrilli was born and raised in Springfield, NJ. In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts with minors in Marketing and Psychology from Caldwell University. After working in publishing, television and public relations, she decided to pursue graduate school.

In 2007, she received her Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies and Leadership from Kean University. In 2008, she became certified in Human Resources Studies by Cornell University. After completing her education, Daniela relocated to Washington, DC where she currently works in human resources.

Daniela is extremely passionate about and believes it is vitally important to give back to the community. In her spare time, her volunteer work includes animal and United States military causes. Her other interests include: travel, attending concerts, reading, and spending time with friends and her adopted cat, Sweetie.

veteranpodcast.com/041

040 Emily Cherniack - New Politics Feb 12, 2016

Every personal and professional decision Emily Cherniack has ever made has come from a place that honors service and leadership. From her service in AmeriCorps and employment with City Year AmeriCorps, to being part of the founding team of Be the Change -- where she led a coalition of over 200 organizations, engaging 250,000 people for a Day of Action which resulted in the passage of Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, a $6B piece of federal legislation -- Emily has worked tirelessly to serve her nation. Driven by service and servant leadership, Emily also chose to avoid politics until, in 2009, Alan Khazei decided to run for the U.S Senate. Khazei asked Emily to become his Deputy Campaign Manager and, although he was defeated, Emily learned a great deal from his campaign and the power of politicians who chose to serve country before self.It took one campaign for Emily to see why our political system is broken; it is exclusive and has significant barriers that prevent transformational leaders from successfully running for office. It also took one campaign for Emily to resolve to find the leadership necessary to help our country solve the most pressing challenges of the 21st Century. Her experience led Emily to found New Politics, an organization that disrupts the candidate pipeline and ecosystem to bring a new generation of servant leaders into politics. New Politics recruits and runs leaders who will put the country first and who will work together to get things.Show Notes: http://veteranpodcast.com/040

039 Jim Estes - Salute Military Golf Association Feb 04, 2016

Jim Estes, a former PGA Tour Player, and childhood friend Jamie Winslow co-founded the Salute Military Golf Association in late 2006. They both saw first-hand the positive force the game of golf could play in the recovery process for our nation’s wounded warriors. SMGA began with the purpose of creating a therapeutic outlet for post-9/11 veterans undergoing prolonged medical treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.

Jim’s and SMGA’s efforts have been recognized by numerous media outlets. Jim was awarded the prestigious (2010) PGA Patriot Award for his contributions to the recovery of wounded warriors. Articles from ESPN.com tell how several trips from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Olney Golf Park, where Jim Estes is a PGA Teaching Professional, eventually evolved into a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation aimed at supporting post-9/11 wounded warriors.

http://veteranpodcast.com

038 "Mack" Macksam - Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay Jan 29, 2016

Major (r) Scott “Mack” Macksam graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA in History with a Minor in German Studies. He received a commission in the Field Artillery. Major Mack has served honorably 20 years in the United States Army in various leadership, command and staff positions in a global setting. His last assignment was Director of Military Science and Leadership at the University South Florida St Petersburg where he secured over 1.4 million scholarship awards to Cadets and personally dedicated a 8K Veterans Memorial to USFSP. He has graduate of Officers Basic Course, Air Defense Officers Advanced Course ,CGSG and Combined Arms Staff Service School, Air Assault, Military History Instructors Course and holds a Masters in Organizational Management. He also has implemented a National Leadership Development and Internship Programs for US Army Cadet Command. In 2014 he secured a 30K National American Soldier Exhibit which was a first in the State. He now is the Founder and President of the Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay pioneering a model for the State of Florida. Major Mack is active in the community and a serving member: Board of Trustee, St Petersburg Museum of History, Association United States Army Executive Committee, Remember/Honor/Support Advisory Board, Military Officers Association, Global SOF Foundation, Homes for Independence Board, Goodwill Ambassador and Social Enterprise Board of Trustees.

Show Notes: http://veteranpodcast.com/038

037 Amanda Burke – Team Rubicon Jan 21, 2016

In her current position, Amanda is the Region III Administrator at Team Rubicon, where she is responsible for the management of all readiness and response functions in the Mid-Atlantic region. In her previous role with Team Rubicon, she was responsible for managing Team Rubicon's national membership engagement and wellness strategies. Amanda served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps from 2007-2011, where she served as a Company Commander, Assistant Operations Officer and Platoon Commander at Second Radio Battalion in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She joined Team Rubicon after volunteering to serve on Team Rubicon’s disaster relief logistics team in the Philippines, following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. After serving in the Marine Corps, Amanda also worked as an Operations Manager at Target Corporation and as a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. She received her BA in Political Science from Sonoma State University and is currently enrolled as a full time graduate student at George Washington University.

For more information: VeteranPodcast.com/037

036 William Hubbard - Student Veterans of America Dec 09, 2015

Will Hubbard is on the professional staff of Student Veterans of America, currently serving as their Vice President of Government Affairs. His focus is on legislative action and executive branch policy across all issues that impact student veterans in higher education. Mr. Hubbard is frequently called before congress as a subject matter expert to testify on a variety of issues, and often advises executive officials in the administration on higher education and veterans policy issues. Previously, he was a National Executive Committee Member of Deloitte’s Armed Forces Business Resource Group, and led the successful proposal of several veteran-focused projects while serving in the federal practice as part of Deloitte’s Strategy and Operations business line. Mr. Hubbard entered the Marine Corps in 2006, and initially served with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. He later went on to lead Marines with 4th Supply Company at Boling Air Force Base in Washington, DC. Today, he continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves based out of MCB Quantico, VA. He has been a leader with Student Veterans of America at both the chapter and national levels, and has been passionate about veterans health issues since entering the armed services. Mr. Hubbard is a graduate of American University, where he studied International Relations. He currently resides in Arlington, VA with his wife and long-haired dachshund.

veteranpodcast.com/036

035 Lynn Coffland - Catch a Lift Fund Dec 02, 2015

Catch A Lift Fund (CAL) is a 501c3 non profit dedicated to helping post 9/11 wounded veterans recover, rehabilitate and reintegrate through physical fitness. CAL believes each of the over 2,200 veterans in the program has the ability to actively contribute to their health on a DAILY basis. By providing these veterans with the financial assistance and motivation to be in the fitness programs that fit their needs, CAL vets are losing weight, dropping medications, and re-establishing their lives with family and friends.

http://veteranpodcast.com/035

034 Christopher Enders - Operation Second Chance Nov 25, 2015

I recently joined the Operation Second Chance team as the Sales Development & Marketing Manager; after growing up surrounded by the military lifestyle it was hard to picture myself doing anything other than joining our armed forces. It wasn't until college that I began to find my individuality and passions, and began studying communication and marketing. I graduated from The University of Maryland, College Park with my Bachelor's in Communication in 2012 and began a career in sales. But something was missing.Not a day went by that I wondered what my life would have been like if I joined the military, but at the same time I never regretted my choice to not join. Coming from a long line of Marines, my admiration for these men and women, and the sacrifices that they make, only grew over the years.It wasn't until a conversation with my brother in-law, a LtCol in the Marines, that I saw a chance to use my passion and skills for marketing and communication to give back to our soldiers. He told me of a non-profit, Operation Second Chance, and what they did to help the wounded, injured, ill heroes coming home from war. I fell in love; I knew right away that I had to work for this organization. And, as if the stars aligned, not one week after this conversation, I found a job posting for OSC online, and the rest is history. I couldn't be prouder to be part of such a wonderful organization, helping those who gave so much in defense of our freedoms and liberties.

Check out the show notes at http://veteranpodcast.com/034

033 VAP Community Nov 19, 2015

In this episode I talk about creating the VAP Family of Podcasts under the Veteran Artist Program non-profit. I also talk about the new VAP Community that we just rolled out this week to allow veteran artists to interact with and help other veteran artists. A rising tide lifts all boats. This community will strengthen veteran artists as a whole. To get your invite into the community, https://veteranartistprogram.leadpages.co/communityinvite/

032 Denny Meyer - American Veterans for Equal Rights Nov 04, 2015

Born to Holocaust refugees at the close of WWII when Truman was President, Denny began a lifetime of activism at the age of 13 when he joined a NAACP picket line. Since then he has battled for Gay rights, Women’s rights, Transgender rights, and LGBT veterans rights. During the Vietnam Era he left college and volunteered to serve his country, joining the Navy (either for love of the sea or for the dress blue bell bottom 13 button uniform). In less than 4 years he was a Petty Officer Second Class. Later he worked for the Army Reserves as a civilian administrator and, after joining his reserve unit, rose to Sergeant First Class. After AIDS took the life of his love of 20 years, Denny became inspired to found the New York Chapter of AVER – AVERNY, he served as Region 1 VP for a number of years, and currently serves as both the AVER national Public Affairs Officer and Vice President of Veterans Affairs.

031 Sam Eddy / Jessica Rodgers - Veterans Yoga Project Oct 28, 2015

The National Yoga for Veteran's Day is a nationwide event and aims to raise awareness about the benefits yoga has for veterans living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. This will be a fundraising event for Veteran's Yoga Project.At the event, they will offer 3 yoga classes; two 45-min sessions for the adults, and a 30-min session for children (ages 5 and up). All levels of ability are able to attend - complete beginners and yoga gurus will feel welcomed! They will also have food, a raffle, information booths featuring charities that help wounded warriors (such as Catch a Lift, (www.catchaliftfund.com) and Music 4 Vets (music4vets.org), and lots of fun!Jessica Rodgers will be teaching the children's class. See her page here: https://www.facebook.com/inhale0exhale?fref=tsSara Jaye will be teaching one of the 45-minute classes. See her page here: https://www.facebook.com/namastesarajaye?fref=tsSamantha Eddy will be teaching the other 45-minute class. See her page here: www.blisseverydayyoga.com

030 Lexi Lipari - We Stand Comedy Oct 21, 2015

Lexi Lipari is a fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur and motorcyclist that is passionate about helping veterans. An EMT for almost a decade, she has been dedicated to service and surrounded by military personnel for most of her life. A civilian but always on the look for a way to give back, just after graduating Rider University in 2012 she was the Volunteer Chairman of the Philadelphia Veterans Comfort Home. Now, she looks for new and unique ways to give back to the veteran community and one of them has been working as a Director of Marketing for We Stand Comedy to help create and promote We Stand for Female Veterans. The Guardian House is one of the only homeless shelters specifically founded to house homeless female veterans—there are only two in New York State outside of NYC. Located in Ballston Spa, NY since 2011, the House has helped scores of women veterans get back on their own two feet again after their time in the military by providing a safe place to call home. So many of the residents of Guardian House credit it with their first step back on the road to success because the House was there with a helping hand when they needed it most. Now the Guardian House needs our help—it is in dire need of repairs and the goal of the We Stand for Female Veterans event is to raise money to offset their costs.http://veteranpodcast.com/030

029 Richard Harrell - Heroes' Voices Oct 07, 2015

Richard Harrell, Director of Heroes’ Voices, spent over 25 years teaching, creating musical events and providing performance opportunities for singers on three continents at many institutions, including the Juilliard Opera Center, San Francisco Opera Center, the New National Theatre Tokyo, Bangkok Opera, Yale University, Operafestival di Roma, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.While his primary focus is on veteran’s issues with Heroes’ Voices he continues his work as an internationally renowned guest Master Class instructor, and serves as Associate Director of the Orfeo Foundation, an international non-profit organization supporting young opera performers.He performed with such companies as the Baltimore Opera, La Scala, and Lincoln Center Theatre Company. He recorded the role of Bernardo on the Deutsche Grammophon album of West Side Story.His education includes a Master of Fine Arts from the State University of New York, at Purchase. He also studied in the graduate program of the Manhattan School of Music, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in vocal performance from the Catholic University of America.

http://veteranpodcast.com/029

028 Aaron Ojard - Veteran Golfers Association Sep 30, 2015

Aaron Ojard served 20 years in the US Navy. He served 12 years as a Machinist Mate and the last 8 years as a critical care RN. Aaron deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and was injured. He was featured in the June 2014 issue of Sports Illustrated Golf+. Last year Josh Peyton dreamed up and started the Veteran Golfers Association as a platform to get affordable, competitive golf available to all veterans. The Veteran Golfers Association is committed to promoting the game of golf to veterans and their family members. The VGA develops programs that allow our members to compete, socialize, and remain physically active through the game of golf.

http://veteranpodcast.com/028

027 Jim "Coop" Cooper - Heroes on the Water Sep 23, 2015

Jim “Coop” Cooper is from North Carolina and retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2000 after 21 years of service. Coop currently works for the Army as a Civilian. Two years ago, Keith Umberger and Coop took over the Maryland Chapter of Heroes on the Water. Heroes on the Water helps our Nation’s warriors and veterans from all branches of the United States military unwind using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. What looks like a day trip of paddling and fishing is in fact something much deeper and long-lasting.

http://veteranpodcast.com/027

026 Kevin Miller - Swords to Plowshares Sep 16, 2015

Kevin C. Miller served in the United States Marine Corps infantry from 2002-2006 with multiple deployments to Iraq. He graduated from Humboldt State University with a BA in Recreation Administration and a minor in Business Administration in 2011.In 2014, Kevin was selected as a National Service Leader by AmeriCorps Alums, based on his term of service with Swords to Plowshares as an AmeriCorps VISTA (2013), where he worked on employment research, outreach, and helped administer a statewide employment collaborative in California.He has continued and expanded on his work at Swords to Plowshares, now as the Strategic Development and Communications Coordinator, where his primary focus of work includes building partnerships between employment and training providers, relevant state and national entities, not-for-profit associations and private employers.http://veteranpodcast.com/026

025 Jon Jackson - STAG VETS Sep 09, 2015

Jon Jackson founded STAG VETS INC. in 2014 to assist homeless veterans, veterans in need and veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. Jon earned his stripes by serving his country with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. While serving, Jon endured six deployments with a combine total of 40 months of combat time in his first 8 years of service.While overseas Jon provided direct support to multidisciplinary Special Operations Teams spread across austere environments. His Can-Do anything attitude was essential for him to thrive in an environment where critical decisions needed to be made that had a positive impact on every mission.For his actions, Jon was awarded numerous awards and decorations to include the Bronze star for exceptional Cross Continental Management skills that resulted in the kill and capture of High Value Enemy Targets. Although Jon achieved so much as an US Army Airborne Ranger, the extensive combat deployments paid its price. In January 2013 Jon was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury due to multiple blasts from IEDs’ and chronic Post Traumatic Stress.Due to his health and family being more important to him, Jon made the hard decision and sacrifice to medically retire from the 75th Ranger Regiment. Saddened by his ordeal, Jon decided that he was not going to let PTSD and TBI determine his future, nor will he let these injuries define the thousands of vets who are suffering with no assistance.With his knowledge, exceptional leadership skills, and drive to take care of others. Jon created STAG VETS Inc to reintegrate homeless vets, vets suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury receive the care they deserve and use sustainable farming as a tool to build communities and instill a sense of pride into the team of vets that are working through the program.http://veteranpodcast.com/025

024 Jim Perry - American Red Cross Sep 02, 2015

Jim Perry joined the American Red Cross as Service to Armed Forces Regional Manager in June 2015. He was a teacher in Baltimore City for 7 years prior and held summer employment managing sections of a Youth Work Program on the Eastern Shore of MD, and outside Baltimore MD. His role with the American Red Cross is to oversee volunteer activities in 7 Military Treatment Facilities in the Greater Chesapeake Region, as well as Manage Outreach briefings for Military Members and their families. He also supports efforts that provide outreach and support to Veterans, and Emergency Services to Military Members and their families. Jim was in the Marine Corps Reserve from 2002-2008, and served one deployment to Iraq. He was also a participant in the " Telling Project" a play where veterans share their stories along side Jeremy Paris. He holds a Bachelors Degree is Sociology from McDaniel College( Formerly Western Maryland College) and Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. He is originally from Falls Church, Va. But now resides in Baltimore MD.

Check out the show notes: http://veteranpodcast.com/024

023 Deidra Stevens - Music 4 Vets Aug 26, 2015

Dedira is excited to be living her dream of owning her own non-profit organization. The idea came out of her love for music and her mission to make a difference here in the US with our youth. Music was a very important part of Deidra's school experience where she played in her high school marching and concert bands. She started by playing the flute and ended up playing the sousaphone and tuba. She didn't realize at the time how lucky and blessed she was to have that opportunity as part of her school experience. Deidra's goal now is to work with musicians, community leaders, businesses and schools to help provide as many instruments and supplies as possible to the classrooms and our nations veterans.In Deidra's former career she worked in baseball (Orioles, Mets and the Bowie Baysox) and then spent a few years working doing marketing in corporate America. She is also on the Board of Directors for another fun organization called Mammojam and volunteers every summer as a camp councilor for the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp.Currently Deidra works at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine and just finished her Masters in Non-Profit Management at UMUC. Show Notes: veteranpodcast.com/023

022 Clint Honeycutt - Mentors 4 Soldiers Aug 19, 2015

The organization was created in order to match successful veterans in the civilian community with soldiers. This partnership will provide a resource to those soldiers currently exiting the military. A soldier, re-entering the civilian community comes with some challenges. These challenges are mostly in understanding what technical and non-technical career opportunities exist and just where to begin. With the advice of successfully transitioned veterans they will gain a resource which should increase their odds of a successful transition.

Show Notes: VeteranPodcast.com/022

021 Eric Kazmierczak - Resurrecting Lives Foundation Aug 13, 2015

Eric Kazmierczak began his new mission as Director of Operations for the Resurrecting Lives Foundation in August 2014. Eric was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. In October of 1993 he joined the Marine Corps and started his career as an Infantry Rifleman with his first tour of duty at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From this beginning he would progress through the Marine Corps ranks and retire as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt). During his time in the Marine Corps he held numerous leadership positions at all levels of command.

During his Marine Corps career, Eric would participate in operations in; Bosnia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Riverine operations with UNITAS in South America. Volunteer for Recruiting Duty in Cleveland Ohio, where he was meritoriously promoted to SSgt in 2001. In 2005 and 2006, Eric would complete two combat tours as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant to eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Finally, he would serve as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the Command and Operation Center, Marine Pacific Command and Operations Chief for the 3rd Marine Regiment in Hawaii. In 2009 he retired from active duty Marine Corps. Eric’s personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.

After being retired from the Marine Corps, Eric went to work as a local Warrior Care Coordinator assisting Veterans with TBI and PTSD. He provided non-medical care to combat and non combatant wounded by assisting and facilitating their transition to civilian life.

http://veteranpodcast.com/021

020 - Veteran Podcast Roundup Aug 05, 2015

While still on vacation I thought it would be great to give you a special treat. This week I am introducing you to some of the other great veteran-focused podcasts out there. I like to share the podcast love. :-)

Links to the podcasts are in the show notes: http://veteranpodcast.com/020

019 - The Brain Stretcher Jul 29, 2015

Jeremy is on vacation, but don't worry...we still have a great episode. This is a compilation of all of the previous guests answering the "brain stretcher" question: If you woke up tomorrow and found out that somebody made an anonymous donation of $10 million dollars to your organization, what would you do with it?

018 Dave Bray - Madison Rising Jul 22, 2015

Madison Rising, America’s most patriotic rock band, is on a mission to reignite authentic American culture through great rock music.

Since the release of their first album in 2011, the band has worked tirelessly to create an entirely new genre of music – patriotic rock. Combining a brilliant classic rock sound with inspirational tributes to our men and women in uniform, it is clear that this band is on a mission to not only make great music, but to also send a message that American culture is alive and well.

Most recently the band released their completely remastered album- "American Hero - R.E.D." the album is proudly dedicated to the men and women of our armed forces and first responders for their sacrifice and selfless dedication to the land of the free and home of the brave. Madison Rising strives to create music with meaning; songs that are about something: our military, sacrifice, freedom, liberty, gratitude, and living the American dream.

Lead Singer Dave Bray was a Recruit Chief Petty Officer in basic training, a Master at Arms in A-school, and was awarded the honor of Top Dog in Field Medical Service School. He served in the U.S. Navy as an 8404 FMF Corpsman for the 2nd Battalion / 2nd Marines stationed out of Camp Lejeune NC.

For Show Notes: http://veteranpodcast.com/018

017 Lee Ann Doerflinger - American Gold Star Mothers Jul 15, 2015

Lee Ann Doerflinger grew up in Washington state. Following her graduation from the University of Chicago, she and her husband Richard moved to the Washington DC area where they raised their four children. The second of those children, Thomas, joined the Army infantry in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq in October of 2004. In November of that year, he was killed during combat operations in Mosul. In the nearly eleven years since then, Lee Ann has worked on veterans issues in Montgomery County, and has been an active member of the Maryland Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers, and is the immediate past chapter president.

Show Notes at http://veteranpodcast.com/017

016 Peter & Kelley Guidry - Forgotten Not Gone Jul 08, 2015

ForgottenNotGone is dedicated to helping save veterans and their families from the destruction of suicide. Feeling alone,forgotten and abandoned, causes 22 veterans a day to take their own lives in the United States. ForgottenNotGone is committed to taking responsibility for helping our service members who were not lost at war but forgotten at home make a decision to live, through emotional, physical and spiritual activities.

Check out the Show Notes at http://veteranpodcast.com/016

015 Wyly Gray - Soldier On Corps Jul 01, 2015

Wyly Gray is a Veteran Writer, Public Speaker, and Entrepreneur originally from Kansas City, Missouri, serving as the Founder and Director of Soldier On Corps, a veteran service organization dedicated to preserving and sharing veterans’ stories of service, sacrifice and transition.

Following a challenging upbringing, Wyly spent 8 and a half years active duty in the Marine Corps. Wyly served in many roles during his time in the Corps starting from the humble rank of Private in the ammunition field, rising to Sergeant as Assistant Detachment Commander at our Embassy in Yemen, and finally finishing as an Artillery Battery Ammunition Chief earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Wyly deployed twice: 1st in 2003 on the maiden voyage of the USS Iwo Jima in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, then again to Helmand Valley Province, Afghanistan in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Through these progressively more challenging roles, Wyly was able to travel to more than 30 countries spanning 5 continents. Wyly speaks conversational French and poor Serbio-Croat. Upon discharge, Wyly spent 6 months as a security contractor in Sarajevo, Bosnia and followed that with six months teaching English in a small city in the Vojvodina Province of Serbia. He returned to the United States to pursue his education and was accepted into Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to finish his degree. Despite being a student at his dream school, Wyly was discouraged with his transition to civilian life and found himself struggling. Wyly found his calling through service to those that shared similar experiences. Wyly has been involved with veteran’s advocacy since 2012. He has spoken publicly for veterans on behalf of The Telling Project, The Mission Continues, The International Center for Journalists, and Pepsi. He has worked numerous hours in communities nationwide supporting veterans in transition on a national scale with The Mission Continues. His work has been featured at The Library of Congress, has been inducted into the National Archive, as well as in print in Outside The Wire: American Soldiers’ Voices from Afghanistan, edited by Christine Leche. Wyly is incredibly humbled by the outstanding support and luck that he has stumbled into and has always had the fortune of finding himself surrounded by amazing people. Show Notes at http://VeteranPodcast.com/015

014 Jenny Carr - Courage Beyond Jun 24, 2015

Jenny Carr joined Courage Beyond soon after its inception in 2007. In her first role with the organization she personally interviewed hundreds of veterans, service members, family members and experts ranging from the Korean War to the present day conflicts. Currently, she oversees Courage Beyond’s online psychoeducational and support groups, in-person support groups, adaptive retreats and counseling services. Jenny has worked and published with Dr. Edward Taub and Dr. Gitendra Uswatte at their Constraint-Induced Therapy (CIT) Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to develop real-world measures of physical rehabilitation techniques for both adults and children. She holds a BA in philosophy from Birmingham-Southern College and a BS in psychology from UAB. Jenny lives in Nashville, TN with her husband Kevin and her large, lovable dog Bert.Show Notes at http://veteranpodcast.com/014

013 Emily Rich - Operation Gratitude Jun 17, 2015

Emily Rich is Director of National Development for Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that annually sends 150,000+ care packages to new recruits, veterans, first responders, wounded warriors, care givers and to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 1.2 million care packages. Emily is responsible for Operation Gratitude’s nationwide campaigns, including corporate partnerships, cause marketing, large scale employee volunteerism, sports marketing and annual support.Emily has devoted her professional life to non-profit organizations. In addition to Operation Gratitude, she has served in leadership positions with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Foundation Fighting Blindness and Fund for the Public Interest Research Group. In the first six years of her career in nonprofit development, Emily has raised over $6 million for nonprofit organizations.Emily graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) and the National Association of Professional Women.Music:Wartime by Javier & The Innocent SonsWebsite: http://www.javiermatosmusic.com/Purchase CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/javiertheinnocentsonsShow Notes: http://VeteranPodcast.com/013

012 Eryn Mounticure - Teach For America Jun 10, 2015

Eryn comes from a military family. Her father served 28 years in the Army and retired as a Colonel, her brother is a graduate of West Point, and her husband is a Captain in the Army. Growing up, Eryn learned every day what it meant to serve one’s country, and after graduating from Florida State University, headed to Jacksonville as a Teach For America high school English teacher. Given Jacksonville’s proximity to two naval bases and the strong NJROTC culture, Eryn got the chance to bring the military into her classroom every day and expose her students to the opportunities the military could provide them. Today, Eryn is the director of Teach For America’s Military Veterans Initiative, helping to ensure that military veterans and spouses are aware of teaching as a second career, and that students across the country benefit from their talent and commitment. Prior to this role, Eryn began TFA’s Military Spouse Affinity Group to provide support for military spouses on staff who might feel particularly isolated, and gives them an outlet to communicate regularly about the issues facing military spouses – having spouses deployed, transferring to another bases, and leaving community and friends. In 2015 she was named Fort Benning’s Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse Magazine.

Show Notes: http://VeteranPodcast.com/012

011 Jonathan Wei - The Telling Project Jun 03, 2015

Jonathan Wei, the founder and director of The Telling Project, is a playwright, writer and producer. Jonathan’s dramatic work has been staged at the Guthrie Theater, Library of Congress, Maryland Center for the Performing Arts, Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC and Portland Center Stage in Portland, OR among others. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in the Village Voice, Iowa Review, and the North American Review and Glimmer Train, and his work featured by the New York Times, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Inside Higher Ed, the Associated Press, and NPR. He has received support from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, Metabolic Studios, Minnesota Humanities Center, Humanities Iowa, Oregon Humanities Center and others. Jonathan lives with his family in Austin, TX.

The Purpose The Telling Project is a performing arts non-profit that employs theater to deepen our understanding of the military and veterans’ experience. Greater understanding fosters receptivity, easing veterans’ transitions back to civil society, and allowing communities to benefit from the skills and experience they bring with them. Through this understanding, a community deepens its connection to its veterans, itself, and its place in the nation and the world.

The Work The most direct path to understanding veterans’ experience is person-to-person contact. With the dramatic decline in the numbers serving in the military – less than one percent of the population over the last eleven years of war – this contact will not happen through day-to-day life. It must be created and supported. Through performance, The Telling Project puts veterans and military family members in front of their communities to share their stories. We give veterans and military family members the opportunity to speak, and their communities the opportunity to listen.

Show Notes: http://VeteranPodcast.com/011

010 Blayne Smith - Team RWB May 27, 2015

Blayne works closely with Team RWB’s board members, staff, and volunteer leaders to develop and implement programs that serve veterans across the country. He provides strategic and operational guidance to the organization while building and managing key partnerships. Blayne is a West Point graduate and former Special Forces officer with combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon leaving the military, he worked at Quest Diagnostics while earning his MBA at the University of Florida. Blayne currently resides in Tampa with his two boys and leads the Team RWB Tampa chapter.

Mission:

Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

Show Notes:

http://veteranpodcast.com/010

009 Drew Cameron - Combat Paper Project May 20, 2015

Drew Cameron is a second-generation hand papermaker, trained forester and former Army soldier. He co-founded the Combat Paper Project and has been facilitating workshops with veterans and the community in which they transform military uniforms into handmade paper, prints, books and art since 2007. The portable workshop has reached thousands of people throughout the country in 29 states and more than 125 workshops. His work is represented in 33 public collections and has been shown numerous times including at the Corcoran Gallery, Courtauld Institute, Library of Congress, Museum of Contemporary Craft and Craft and Folk Art Museum among others. Combat Paper is now operating in four locations: New York, New Jersey, Nevada and California with open and ongoing programming. Drew is based in San Francisco at Shotwell Paper Mill and continues to practice papermaking, teach and encourage others to do the same.

About Combat Paper

Coming home from war is a difficult thing. There is often much to account for as a survivor. A new language must be developed in order to express the magnitude and variety of the collective effect. Hand papermaking is the language of Combat Paper. By working in communities directly affected by warfare and using the uniforms and artifacts from their experiences, a transformation occurs and our collective language is born.

Through papermaking workshops, veterans use their uniforms worn in service to create works of art. The uniforms are cut up, beaten into a pulp and formed into sheets of paper. Participants use the transformative process of papermaking to reclaim their uniforms as art and express their experiences with the military. The Combat Paper Project is based in San Francisco, CA with affiliate paper mills in New Jersey, New York and Nevada. The project has traveled to Canada, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Kosovo providing workshops, exhibitions, performances and artists' talks. Combat Paper is made possible through the collaborative effort of artists, veterans, volunteers, colleges and universities, art collectors, cultural foundations, art spaces, military hospitals and installations. Through ongoing participation in the papermaking process, we are broadening the traditional narrative surrounding the military experience and warfare. The work also generates a much-needed conversation between veterans and civilians regarding our collective responsibilities and shared understanding in war.

http://veteranpodcast.com/009

008 Aaron Scheinberg - The Mission Continues May 13, 2015

Since joining the Mission Continues in 2012, Aaron has worked as the Director of Strategy and Research, heading program evaluation and internal consulting efforts, while helping lead the Service Platoons initiative. Aaron serves as the Northeast Executive Director.

Aaron was born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to a family of public servants; Aaron’s parents were both K-12 public educators and his brother Joshua was a nuclear missile combat officer in the Air Force. Aaron attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating with a degree in Arabic and Systems Engineering while earning a commission as a United States Army Officer. During his military career, Aaron was an M1A2 SEP tank commander and platoon leader with the 4th Infantry Division, a Civil Affairs officer, and an Army Science and Technology Analyst at Ft. Monroe, Virginia. He deployed to the “Triangle of Death,” Iraq in 2005, leading infantry and tank platoons and earning the Bronze Star Medal during combat operations.

After his military service, Aaron completed a dual-degree graduate program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Columbia Business School, earning both an MPA in International Development and a MBA. During his time at the Kennedy School, Aaron led the Armed Forces Committee and the student government as president. Aaron continued his international development work through independent consulting projects in Nicaragua, Morocco, Tanzania and Qatar.

Aaron was selected as an Education Pioneer Fellow for New York City in 2011 and joined Wireless Generation, an innovative education technology company, helping to build public school districts’ data capacity through the development of a “Dashboard” software program in conjunction with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Before joining The Mission Continues, Aaron was a Senior Consultant for Deloitte Consulting LLP and built industry knowledge through projects with Fortune 500 companies in the aerospace and defense and retail sectors.

Aaron and his wife Natasha live in Harlem, New York City.

http://veteranpodcast.com/008

007 Vanessa Daley - TAPS May 06, 2015

Vanessa Daley is the Project Manager of TAPS Youth Programs. She is the surviving daughter of SFC Dan H Gabrielson, an Army Reservist with more than 20 years of service, who was KIA 9 July 03 in Baqubah, Iraq. At the time, Vanessa was a student at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, studying Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood. In 2005, Vanessa volunteered as a mentor at the TAPS Good Grief Camp in Washington DC. It was during those 5 days that she fell in love with the mission of TAPS & realized just how much she missed that military connection. For the next three years, Vanessa would continue to volunteer, even after taking a 2nd grade teaching position - in the same town that her father worked in for 20 years. Vanessa joined TAPS full time in 2008, moving to Fort Hood to work more closely with military families. In 2009, Vanessa helped the Army to launch it's Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program & set up the first Regional TAPS office on a military installation, which just happened to be across from the 4ID Memorial - a wall on which her father is memorialized. Vanessa moved to Fort Bliss in 2011 with her husband, David - a soldier whom she met at Fort Hood, & began providing support to survivors there, setting up another regional TAPS office and working closely with the Fort Bliss SOS. Originally from Northwestern Wisconsin, Vanessa and her husband just bought their first home Up North & plan to raise their girls close to family.

About TAPS

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

http://VeteranPodcast.com/007

006 Sean Gobin - Warrior Hike Apr 29, 2015

Captain Sean Gobin enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1994 as an Infantry Rifleman and received his commission upon graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2001. As an Armor Officer, Sean served as a platoon commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and again in 2005. In 2011, Sean trained the Afghan National Security Forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Since separating from the Marine Corps and hiking the Appalachian Trail, Sean founded the Warrior Hike “Walk Off The War” Program and completed his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Virginia.

http://VeteranPodcast.com/006

005 Rich Moore - The 6th Branch Apr 22, 2015

Rich Moore is a former Marine and is currently a Clinical Psychologist in the United States Army. Rich is also the Co-founder and Executive Board Co-Chairman of The 6th Branch. Rich received his Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland and is also a Tillman Military Scholar. Aside from The 6th Branch, Rich is also on the Board of Directors for the Veteran Artist Program.

Mission

The 6th Branch is a nonprofit organization utilizing the leadership and organizational skills of military veterans to execute aggressive community service initiatives at the local level.

Rationale

We believe that the military skill set is ideal for the initiation and organization of community projects. Our organization aims to empower veterans by utilizing the characteristics typically strengthened through military service, such as a sense of mission, a dedication to duty, and a love of country. We build community by bringing together service-mined veterans and civilians to serve our community on the home front.

http://VeteranPodcast.com/005

004 Jamie Stacy - Code of Support Foundation Apr 15, 2015

Beginning her time at Code of Support Foundation as an Americorps VISTA, Jamie is now the Director of Partnerships & Integration. She directs and coordinates Code Of Support Foundation’s Warrior, Veteran & Family Support Network (WVFSN) and partner collaboration. Prior to joining the team, Jamie held positions in program development and coordination, research, advancement, and administrative support with organizations such as Siena College Academic Community Engagement, the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, and Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless. She has experience working in community development and engagement at both the macro and grassroots levels. Jamie holds an interdisciplinary degree with concentrations in business, communication and Spanish from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY, and is a native of Averill Park, NY. She is honored and passionate to invest in strategies which better support the military family community.

Show Notes at http://VeteranPodcast.com/004

003 Maureen Stewart - DC Shootoff Video Workshop Apr 06, 2015

Maureen Stewart is the MC, Host & Workstop Producer for the DC Shootoff Video Workshop. Maureen has over 13 years of experience as a videographer, and graphic designer. She joined the Air Force in 1999, and served for 10 years. While in the Air Force she served with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron as an Aerial Videographer, documenting contingency operations around the world. She also has more than 6 years of experience as an instructor and was certified in and taught 3 courses at the Defense Information School. While serving she earned her BFA in Digital Design.Currently she is the Chief of Publishing and Design for AIRMAN magazine, the official magazine of the United States Air Force. She also runs her own freelance graphic design business, Design Stew, where she regularly volunteers her talents to non-profit agencies in need of design work.

002 BR McDonald - Veteran Artist Program Apr 06, 2015

BR McDonald is the Founder and President of the Veteran Artist Program (VAP) and has a vocal performance degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. When 9/11 happened, BR made one of the most crucial career decisions to do something bigger than himself and chose to enlist in the US Army. He served as an Arabic Linguist and Special Operator in the Joint Special Operations Command deploying seven times to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq for some of the toughest assignments with the most elite units in the military. After leaving the military in 2009, BR founded VAP and has now given voice to over 1000 veteran artists in 5 years. BR received his Executive MBA from Loyola University Maryland in 2013 and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY where he runs VAP full time. BR’s work has been highlighted on CNN, Fox News, ABC, BBC, MSNBC and covered by NPR, Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Christian Science Monitor and The New York Times.

001 - Introduction to Veteran Resource Podcast Mar 03, 2015

Veteran Resource Podcast was created to introduce veterans to Veteran Service Organizations. There are literally thousands of VSO’s out there, each with a different mission. The one thing that they have in common is that they want to help veterans in their own way. Some might help financially, some might help emotionally, some might help with homelessness, and others might help by providing the opportunity for veterans to serve their community and help others in need. Each week Jeremy will interview a different VSO to find out what their mission is, what projects they have going on, what challenges they face, and the type of veteran that is in their wheelhouse. With thousands of VSO’s there has to be something out there for every veteran.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected