How does growing up with a war veteran parent shape a childhood? Join us for an emotionally charged conversation with Becky Ellis, author of "Little Avalanches," as she recounts her journey growing up with a father who was a World War II vetera

Empowering Lives: Donna Meltzer on Brain Injury Services and the Path to Recovery

8 days ago 39m 6s

Ever wondered how a community can come together to support individuals with brain injuries? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Donna Meltzer, the CEO of Brain Injury Services, as she shares the powerful story of an organization found

Bridging the Gap: Kayla Arestivo on the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation's Mission to Support Virginia Veterans

15 days ago 24m 19s

Unlock the secrets of how Virginia is transforming veteran support through the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VSF). Join us as we sit down with Kayla Arestivo, the Executive Director of VSF, to uncover the foundation's pivotal role in b

Healing the Hidden Wounds: Dr. Aaron Banas on Mental Health Support for Veterans and Their Families

22 days ago 31m 7s

Embark on an enlightening journey with me as I sit down with Dr. Aaron Banas from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring, MD, for an intimate conversation that promises to reshape your understanding of mental

Protectors of Honor: Insights into the VFW's Veteran Advocacy and the Fight Against Exploitation

29 days ago 41m 34s

Embarking on a mission to unpack the layers of advocacy for veterans' benefits, we've linked up with Ken Wiseman of the VFW. In this stirring session, Ken's insights illuminate the vital role of grassroots movements in crafting policies that re

Strength Forged in Service: Sergeant Major Roy Lewis on Military Life, Leadership, and Transition

May 13th, 2024 41m 40s

Listening to Sergeant Major Roy Lewis, his tales of transformation from a small-town youth to a beacon of military inspiration struck a chord within me. His story isn't just one of duty and discipline but a profound journey of personal evolutio

Empowering Military Families: Blue Star Families' Network of Support and Advocacy with Julie Riggs and Krysti Pereira

May 6th, 2024 27m 33s

Discover the heartwarming support network behind our nation's heroes as Julie Riggs and Krysti Pereira from Blue Star Families join me to share their passion for empowering military and veteran families. You'll be inspired by the origins and ev

A Silent Struggle: Inside the Veteran Experience of Military Sexual Trauma with Dr. Liz Rudisell

Apr 29th, 2024 26m 56s

Dr. Liz Rudisell from the Lexington, Kentucky VA, brings light to a shadowed corner of the veteran experience, military sexual trauma (MST), during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. As we sit with this dedicated Military Sexual Tra

Building Hope and Healing: An Update on the Grand Lodge at Warrior Retreat at Bull Run

Apr 23rd, 2024 11m 45s

Discover the heartwarming journey toward healing and camaraderie as we unveil the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run's Grand Lodge, a six-bedroom beacon of hope for our veterans. I am here with Dianne Polk to give you a quick update on the build. As w

From Combat Boots to Community: The Women Warriors' Network a Safe Place to Connect

Apr 22nd, 2024 21m 45s

Aimee Stoddard from Serving Together joins me to discuss an inspiring new initiative designed for female veterans and service members: the Women Warriors' Network. This robust conversation unveils the importance of creating a safe space where w

Heroes and Their Pets: Alisa Johnson on Dogs on Deployment and Fostering for Soldiers

Apr 15th, 2024 28m 36s

When former Marine Corps C-130 pilot Alisa Johnson deployed in 2011, finding a temporary home for her dog, JD, was a struggle. Dogs on Deployment was born out of that struggle. Alisa founded the organization with her husband, a former Navy heli

Valor Through Time: Jim Hatch on the Evolution of the Purple Heart Foundation

Apr 8th, 2024 43m 43s

Join us on a historical journey with Jim Hatch, the Director of Partnership Marketing for the Purple Heart Foundation, as we discuss the foundation's programs. Prepare to be captivated by the evolution of the Purple Heart, a symbol of valor fro

The Heart of Resilience: Melissa Comeau on the Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregivers Network

Apr 1st, 2024 29m 28s

As I sat down with Melissa Comeau, Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the Red Cross, I couldn't help but be moved by her story of resilience and dedication. A caregiver herself, Melissa has transformed her profound experi

Casting for Recovery: Author Beau Beasley on Veterans' Tales of Triumph with “Healing Waters”

Mar 25th, 2024 56m 41s

I'm joined again by Beau Beasley, our distinguished first repeat guest. His latest literary achievement, "Healing Waters, Veterans' Stories of Recovery in Their Own Words," takes us on an emotional voyage through the lives of veterans, finding

Charting a Course for Change: The American Legion's Crusade for Veterans' Well-Being with National Commander Daniel Seehafer

Mar 18th, 2024 25m 55s

Discover the initiatives the American Legion spearheads to transform veterans' lives as we sit down with National Commander Daniel Seehafer. Our candid conversation unveils the depth of the Legion's 2024 legislative agenda, zeroing in on the cr

Riding as One: The Heartbeat of Run for the Wall with Ed Wehner

Mar 11th, 2024 24m 36s

Feel the thunderous heartbeat of America as we're joined by the awe-inspiring Ed Wehner from Run for the Wall. This organization sees veterans and supporters thunder across the nation on an awesome motorcycle ride. They start in California and

Warriors Healing with Horses: The Miracle of Equine Therapy

Mar 4th, 2024 24m 38s

When the unspoken language between a veteran and a horse weaves its magic, healing begins. Join us as we sit down with Diane Lunsford, event coordinator for the soul-stirring 'Warriors Healing with Horses' event, and our inspiring guests from U

Powerful Medicine: Fletcher Gill on Uniting Recovering Service Members with Their Families through Luke's Wings

Feb 26th, 2024 29m 16s

When the bonds of family intersect with the challenges faced by Wounded Warriors, something extraordinary happens. It's a tale of resilience and reunion, brought to life by Fletcher Gill, CEO and co-founder of Luke's Wings. As our esteemed gues

Conquering Peaks and Potential: No Barriers USA's Journey to Empower Veterans and Beyond

Feb 19th, 2024 26m

Scaling personal summits can transform lives, an ethos deeply etched in the story of Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to conquer Mount Everest. Imagine the power of such an experience replicated for warriors, caregivers, and youth facing t

A Grand Lodge Audio Update with Dianne Polk - Director of Operations

Feb 15th, 2024 7m 27s

Get the latest update on the PenFed Grand Lodge build from Chef Larry and Dianne Polk, Director of Operations at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. As the lodge nears completion the focus is shifting to the furnishings. You can help furnish the h

Shielding the Silent Warriors: Uncovering the Impact of Blast Exposures on Military Brain Health with Dr. James Stone

Feb 12th, 2024 25m 37s

Discover the hidden battles our service members face beyond the frontline as Dr. James Stone from the University of Virginia joins us to expose the silent threat of repeated low-level blast exposure to brain health. Delving into the ongoing res

Echoes of Valor: The Fight Against Veteran Suicide by Mission 22

Feb 5th, 2024 24m 8s

Have you ever encountered a powerful story that compels action from the core of your being? That's what happened when Cory Brown, Virginia State Director for Mission22, shared his journey with us, illuminating the organization’s steadfast commi

Soaring to Serve: The Compassion Airlift Story of Healing and Hope in the Skies

Jan 29th, 2024 25m 7s

Prepare to be uplifted as we sit down with Dan Radtke of Compassion Airlift, an awe-inspiring nonprofit that's transforming the skies into highways of hope for veterans and their families. Encounter the heartfelt stories emanating from the cock

Navigating New Horizons: LTC Willson on the Army's Soldier for Life Program

Jan 22nd, 2024 31m 55s

When I hung up my Air Force uniform in 1983, the road back to civilian life was lonely, lacking the rich resources available today. That's why I was eager to sit down with Lieutenant Colonel Raymond E. Willson of the Army's Soldier for Life pro

From Battlefield to Brain Health: The MossRehab Institute's Veteran TBI & PTS Rehab Program

Jan 15th, 2024 27m 45s

Discover the groundbreaking support offered by the MossRehab Institute for Brain Health (MRIBH) as we sit down with Carlo Aragoncillo, the Veteran Outreach Coordinator at the institute. He is passionate about aiding veterans and first responde