Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans
Welcome Home is a podcast produced by Willing Warriors and the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. It highlights activities at the Warrior Retreat and discusses issues impacting all Veterans. The show aims to support and inform the veteran community. For questions or feedback, listeners can email podcast@willingwarriors.org.
Episodes
From High-OpSec to High-Visibility: How Veteran Entrepreneurs Win at Branding and PR
You can have the best product in the world and still lose if nobody knows you exist. That’s the tension we dig into with Austin Holmes, a Navy EOD veteran who now leads the Nashville-based PR firm Publicity for Good. We talk candidly about the mindset shift veteran entrepreneurs have to make when they leave a high-opsec culture and step into a marketplace that rewards clear, consistent communicati
Why A WWII Propaganda Poster Is Basically Old-School TikTok
Fewer people personally know someone who served, and that quiet shift changes how communities understand sacrifice, leadership, and even citizenship. We sit down with Scott English, president of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to discuss how a modern military history museum can close that gap by telling authentic, relatable stories about the citizen soldier and the
Mission: Entrepreneur — How JDog Brands Is Turning Military Service Into Business Ownership
One customer, noticing an early arrival and a military haircut, kicked off a brand that’s now helping veterans become business owners. We sit down with Tracy Flanagan, co-founder of JDog Brands, to unpack how a junk removal and hauling side hustle grew into a veteran-owned franchise network with roughly 91 locations across 25-plus states and about 90% veteran ownership. Along the way, we get speci
What Good Is A Benefit If No One Uses It; Free Eye Glasses for Veterans
Paying retail for prescription eyeglasses is frustrating enough. Finding out you may have qualified for VA glasses the whole time is worse. We sit down with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical and a West Point graduate with an infantry background, to explain how VA vision benefits actually work and why awareness remains the biggest barrier to better eye care for veterans. We break down the real-world
Stronghold: Where Veteran Healing Meets Purpose
A former Navy SEAL with 10 trips to Afghanistan should have had an easy off-ramp into high-paying contractor work, but Todd Peters chose a different mission. After years of watching suicides stack up across his community, he founded Stronghold Alliance, a faith-based restoration nonprofit built to tackle veteran suicide prevention with urgency, humility, and real-world tools that veterans and firs
How An Iraq War Veteran Turned PTS Into A Band With A Message
A triple agent looks a young soldier in the eye and says the North Gate is about to be hit. Minutes later, the blast proves it. That moment is one of the turning points Sean Martin shares with us, and it’s also part of the story behind why his band, The Quarantined, doesn’t exist just to entertain.Sean is a prior-service Army airborne infantry veteran who deployed to Iraq and ran hundreds of comba
How JPMorgan Chase Helps Veteran-Owned Businesses Succeed Through CEOcircle
Many veteran-owned businesses don’t struggle because their founders lack discipline. They struggle because growth demands a new kind of support system: peers who’ve been there, mentors who tell the truth, and a clearer plan for capital, technology, and scale. That’s exactly where our conversation with Alex McKindra goes, drawing a straight line from military service to building stronger outcomes f
Military Spouse Survival Kit
Your spouse raises a right hand, and suddenly, your whole life has a new rulebook. Larry Zilliox, Director of Culinary Services at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, sits down with Kayla LaFond, military spouse liaison for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), for an honest talk about what the transition into military spouse life really looks like, from the first duty station shock to
A Community Car Show That Funds Healing at the Warrior Retreat
A great car can stop you in your tracks, but a great car show can do more than that. We’re joined by Chuck Berge, board member at Willing Warriors and the team lead behind Vettes For Willing Warriors, to lay out exactly what happens when hundreds of vehicles roll onto the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and the community shows up in force.We talk real numbers and real details: 240 cars and about 865 v
From Service to Survival: The Fight for Veteran Healing
The fastest way to lose your footing after the military is to lose your people and then pretend you’re fine. Host Larry Zilliox sits down with Navy Veteran Jordyn Jureczki, CEO of Frontline Healing Foundation, to talk about what happens when transition feels isolating, anger lingers, and the path to care is blocked by money, red tape, or geography. Jordyn shares how her own post-service road led h
How A Combat Injury Led To A Fitness Mission For Veterans
A locked Marine recruiter door turned into an Army career, and an IED in Afghanistan turned that career into a fight to rebuild a life. I’m joined by Jason Smith, a retired Army infantryman, double amputee, and ambassador for Catch A Lift Fund, and he tells the story with zero polish and a lot of truth: the terror of transition, the identity shift after catastrophic injury, and the small decisions
What If Belonging Is The Best Medicine For Veterans
A lot of veteran suicide prevention talk gets complicated fast. This conversation stays refreshingly direct: isolation kills, connection protects, and a well-run event can be the difference between shutting down and showing up. I’m Larry Zilliox, and I’m joined by Kimberly Jewell Pond, Operational Support Coordinator and Lead Coordinator for the Washington, DC chapter of Irreverent Warriors, to br
Transition Out Of The Military Is Harder Than People Admit
Stop Loss. That single policy changed thousands of military timelines overnight, and it changed Jonathan Tennis, too. Jonathan is a prior-service Army intelligence specialist who served through the post-9/11 shift, and he joins us at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run to talk honestly about what comes next when the uniform comes off and the mission feels unclear.We get into why military transition ca
Priorities Shaping Veterans’ Benefits and Care
What does it take to turn a veteran’s story into law that actually changes lives? We sit down with Jess Finucan, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and now the Director of Policy and advocacy at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, to pull back the curtain on how evidence, testimony, and relentless follow-through move Congress on veterans’ issues. Jess shares her rapid transition fro
Women Veterans And Toxic Exposures
Burn pits and jet fuel aren’t just headlines; they’re lived experiences that can follow veterans for years. We sit down with Dr. Maheen Adamson (Research Director) and Dr. Jennifer Jennings (Clinical Director), two VA physicians leading the Women’s Operational Military Exposure Network Center of Excellence, to explain what we’re learning about military environmental exposure and why women veterans
Inside The Stories Bringing Veterans’ Service To Young Readers
A single word on a headstone—Unknown—sent author Jeff Gottesfeld on a path to write children’s books that carry the weight of service with grace. Today, we sit down with Jeff to trace that path from 21 Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to his new large-format book, Honor Flight: Celebrating America’s Veterans, and a forthcoming project that centers on the kids who also serve.We dig i
Inside The Coast Guard Foundation’s Lifelines For Families
When a cutter launches into a storm or a helicopter hovers over a capsized hull, the story we don’t see is the family at home watching the radar, praying for their service member going into harm's way, or the kid who just switched schools again. This episode pulls back the curtain on the Coast Guard Foundation—the nonprofit lifeline that helps Coast Guard members and their families stay ready
Brain Injury Is A Journey
What if recovery felt less like appointments and more like belonging? We sit down with Donna Meltzer, CEO of Brain Injury Services in Fairfax, to unpack why “brain injury is a journey” and how a purpose-built clubhouse helps survivors—veterans and civilians alike—reclaim identity, skills, and community. From the first welcome to setting personal goals, the model flips the script: members choose to
How One Combat Medic Built A Lifeline For Women Veterans
The most powerful sentence in today’s conversation is also the simplest: “Actually, she’s the veteran.” We sit down with Brooke Jackson Kahn—Army combat medic, neurosurgery PA, and founder of She’s the Veteran—to explore what service, transition, and healing look like when the world still assumes the veteran is a man. Brooke brings clear, lived insight into how women experience PTS differently, wh
Inside The Marine Raider Foundation: Care, Community, Continuity
The quiet work after the mission often decides whether a family bends or breaks. We sit down with Marine Raider Foundation CEO Jessica McAndrews to open the door on a community that rarely seeks the spotlight and yet carries a heavy load long after the headlines fade. From emergency travel and uncovered medical devices to childcare during recovery, Jessica explains how a focused nonprofit moves fa
From Underserved To Seen: Holistic Support For Women Veterans
Too many women who served are still asked to fight for basic recognition before they can access care. We sit down with Virginia Giordano, CEO and founder of the Barbara Giordano Foundation, to explore a different path: small, trauma‑informed retreats and holistic wellness programs designed by listening to women veterans first. From equine therapy and EFT tapping to reflexology and targeted worksho
Building On A Decade Of Healing At The Warrior Retreat
Ten years in, the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run stands on stories that still move us—volunteers who swung the first hammers, families who found rest here, and a community that showed up in sunshine and storms. We take that history and turn it into fuel for a packed 2026, staying true to our core promise of five-night, no-cost respite for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families w
Green Berets, Still On Mission
The question we ask is simple: Who watches the warriors when their war is over? Larry sits down with Denny Caballero, a former Green Beret and media entrepreneur, to explore how the Special Forces Foundation delivers rapid, peer-led support to Green Berets, their families, and Gold Star survivors—without red tape or delay. From crisis response to household needs, this is a ground-level look at a c
From Combat To Community: How "The Battle Within" Supports Veterans And First Responders
A Purple Heart veteran turned advocate, Justin Hoover knows what it takes to look tough at work and feel lost at home. We sat down with the CEO of The Battle Within to unpack practical ways veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and frontline clinicians can get help early—before life hits crisis. The conversation is candid and actionable: why moral injury needs plain language, how timi
Chest Candy, A Veteran’s Quiet Battle to Come Home
A 17-minute film shouldn’t feel this big, but Chest Candy lingers like a conversation you’ve needed for years. We sit down with writer-director-actor Robert Golphin to unpack the story of a Black Army veteran fighting PTS, the collateral grief his family carries, and the cultural scripts that keep too many people from asking for help. Robert didn’t wear the uniform, but he built this film shoulder
How A Navy Admiral Turned Hard-Won Lessons Into A Playbook For Ethical Leadership
A two-star admiral sits down with us and lays out a clear, unvarnished blueprint for leadership, mission success, and the China challenge—no buzzwords, no hedging. Mike Studeman hoped to fly after reading Flight of the Intruder, landed in intelligence when the cockpit queue was full, and still found himself launching with A-6 Intruders off a carrier during Desert Storm. That twist shaped a career
A Year In Service: The Warrior Retreat at Bull Run 2025 Recap
Ten years can bring about significant healing. We open the doors to the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and walk through a year where a 37-acre sanctuary, a pair of five-bedroom homes, and a brand-new Grand Lodge came together to serve thousands of wounded warriors, veterans, and families. From the weekly rhythm of guest stays and Wednesday staging to the Saturday beautification days, you’ll hear how
How A Veteran Hockey Team Builds Tribe, Health, And Hope
Some stories hit like a clean snap pass: direct, fast, and aimed at the open ice ahead. That is the energy we bring to our conversation with Pete Perzel, president of the Capitol Beltway Warriors, a veteran hockey nonprofit serving the National Capital Region. From the first whistle, we delve into how a simple idea—putting skates on veterans and giving them a team—became a powerful engine for purp
How Team Rubicon Mobilizes Veterans And Civilians For Disaster Relief
The call comes after a storm, a flood, or a wildfire—and before the dust settles, the gray shirts are already moving. We sit down with Evan Farley, Northern Virginia Metro Field Operations Coordinator for Team Rubicon, to explore how veteran discipline and civilian grit combine to deliver rapid disaster relief at zero cost to homeowners. From the organization’s roots in Haiti’s 2010 earthquake to
From Isolation To Impact: Building Support Beyond the VA with CJ3 Foundation
A quiet question—why choose the Army?—opens into a candid story of injury, recovery, and purpose with Eric Thomas, founder of CJ3 Foundation. We dig into how a veteran and first responder-led nonprofit tackles what so many systems miss: putting mental health first, pairing people with real service dogs trained from day one, and showing up as relentless advocates when employers or agencies get in t
Inside Fisher House: How Free Lodging Keeps Veterans’ Families Close
What if a warm, welcoming home sat steps away from the hospital where your loved one is fighting to heal—and it cost your family nothing? We open the door to Fisher House, the nationwide network of free lodging for military and veteran families that turns proximity into peace of mind. Julie Riggs, Vice President of Community Relations at Fisher House Foundation, joins us to share how these homes a
Supporting Servicewomen Through Moral Injury Care
Moral injury isn’t a buzzword or a rebrand of Post Traumatic Stress. It’s what happens when military service members face actions and events that violate their core values, or when the institutions and leaders they trusted fail them. We sit down with Air Force Reserve chaplain and Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen (MISNS) board member Lindsay Moser to unpack why women in uniform are un
Who Cares For The Caregivers When The Uniform Comes Off
The moment a service member transitions, the family’s support web can evaporate. We sat down with Hannah O’Brien, Program Director of the Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) at the University of Texas, to map out a better way forward: peer-led groups, practical suicide prevention tools, and data that actually reflects what spouses and caregivers need right now. If you’ve ever wondered how to rebuild the
Congress, Meet A Service Dog That Outperforms Your Red Tape
A trained service dog can do what red tape can’t: help a veteran sleep through the night, step back into a crowded room, and reenter daily life with confidence and safety. We sit down with Marine veteran and K9 handler Chris Baity, co‑founder of Semper K9, to unpack how ethical training, clear standards, and community support turn that promise into repeatable results—and why federal funding has la
One Check, Many Lives: How MOAA Strengthens Families And Benefits For All Veterans
A podcast guest arrives with a $2,000 check—and a clear mission to help a warrior family heal. We sit down with Dennis Corrigan to unpack how his local MOAA chapter funds a full week at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and how the Military Officers Association of America turns membership, mentorship, and policy expertise into real wins for veterans and their families.Dennis shares the arc of his se
Objective Zero, Human Connections Saving Veterans
A six-hour phone call changed everything. When a veteran in crisis found someone willing to listen through the night, a simple truth emerged: human connection can save lives. That moment sparked Objective Zero, a peer support network and free app that connects veterans, service members, families, and caregivers with trained volunteers in minutes—no stigma, no red tape, just fast, compassionate hel
Shooting From the Sky: Tales from an AC-130 Gunship Crew
Anthony Dyer's journey from loading weapons to manning the guns of one of the world's most intimidating aircraft reveals the extraordinary path of a combat aviator in special operations. As a retired Air Force Combat Special Missions Aviator who served aboard the legendary AC-130 gunship, Dyer takes us inside a world few civilians ever glimpse.The conversation opens with Dyer's earl
Caregiving Heroes: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Impact
The unsung heroes of our military community often go unrecognized—even by themselves. Military spouses who manage their loved ones' PTS symptoms, administer medications, and coordinate care frequently don't identify as "caregivers," believing they're simply supporting someone they love. As COO Elizabeth Field explains in this powerful conversation, this revelation stands a
Rebuilding Purpose: How Veterans Grow America Through Entrepreneurship
The transition from military service to civilian life represents one of the most challenging journeys many veterans face. For Donnell Johns, founder of Veterans Growing America, this transition sparked an innovative mission to transform how America supports its veteran entrepreneurs.After 26 years of distinguished Army service spanning Desert Storm, Somalia, and leadership roles in recruiting, Joh
Pioneering the Skies: The Story of One of the First Air Force Female Flight Engineers
The sky was never meant to be a boundary—especially for those determined enough to break through it. Chef Larry welcomes longtime friend Lois Hobby, whose remarkable 33-year military career broke barriers as one of the first two USAF active-duty female flight engineers on the C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft.When a sergeant flatly told her, "Women will never fly on the C-141," Hobby d
American Warrior Association: Faith, Camaraderie, and Healing for Veterans
What happens when veterans and first responders lose their tribe? Master Sergeant Chet Olesky knows firsthand the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life after his 20-year Air Force career working on some of America's most sophisticated aircraft. Now, as a guide with the American Warrior Association (AWA), he's helping others find healing, purpose, and communit
Super Cells: How CAR-T Therapy Changed One Veteran's Cancer Battle
When Navy Captain Jeffrey Sapp began feeling unusually fatigued while working in Saudi Arabia, he initially brushed it off. This decision nearly cost him his life. Medevaced to Georgetown University Hospital, he received devastating news—he had primary plasma cell leukemia, a rare and aggressive blood cancer with a typical survival rate of just 7-12 months.Captain Sapp takes us through his remarka
Accidental Entrepreneur: When Plan A Becomes Plan Me
What happens when a decorated Army lieutenant colonel with 20 years of service faces an unexpected divorce just as she's transitioning to civilian life? For Olivia Nunn, it meant becoming what she calls an "accidental entrepreneur." Despite having what she considered "the master playbook" for military transition from her work with the Army's Soldier for Life program,
The Cold War: America's Forgotten Conflict
Hidden in the rolling countryside of Northern Virginia lies a remarkable time capsule preserving one of America's most consequential—yet understudied—chapters of history. The Cold War Museum at Vint Hill stands as a guardian of memories that textbooks have largely forgotten.Founded by Gary Powers Jr., whose father became an unwitting Cold War icon when his U-2 spy plane was shot down over the
The Silent Battle Within
What happens when the system fails those who've sacrificed everything to protect it? Frank Larkin, former Navy SEAL and CEO of Troops First Foundation, takes us on a heart-wrenching journey through military service, devastating loss, and his mission to transform veteran care.After serving eight years in the Navy SEALs and decades in law enforcement, Frank watched his son Ryan follow a similar
The Marine Corps Legacy: Inside One of America's Premier Military Museums
Step into the living legacy of the United States Marine Corps through the eyes of Colonel Gentry, Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. What began as two modest facilities has transformed into an architectural marvel purposefully designed to evoke the iconic Iwo Jima flag raising - from its angled mast mirroring the famous flagpole to its floor transitioning from sea to shore, repre
The Hunt for Revolutionary Treasures: A Museum Curator's Tale
Paul Morando, Chief Curator at the National Museum of the United States Army, unveils the fascinating story behind the museum's newest exhibition, "Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War." This meticulously crafted exhibit represents a remarkable four-year journey, bringing together nearly 180 Revolutionary War artifacts from 35 different institutions and collectors acr
Dustoff: The Lifesaving Legacy of Col. Douglas Moore's 1,874 Vietnam Combat Missions
The heroism of Vietnam War helicopter pilots rarely receives the spotlight it deserves, but Colonel Douglas Moore's story stands as a testament to extraordinary courage under fire. With over 1,874 combat missions flown and 2,782 wounded soldiers evacuated during his two tours in Vietnam, Moore's experiences reveal the life-and-death stakes faced by Dustoff pilots daily.Moore's journ
History's Guardians: How Archaeology Is Rebuilding Veterans' Careers
Archaeology might conjure images of dusty excavations and Indiana Jones adventures, but for veterans seeking meaningful employment transitions, it's becoming an unexpected bridge to civilian careers. In this eye-opening conversation, host Chef Larry welcomes Caroline and Gabi from the Veterans Curation Program in Alexandria, Virginia, revealing a groundbreaking initiative that's transfor
Horsepower with Heart: When Corvette Enthusiasts Rally for Veterans
When American muscle meets military gratitude, something special happens. The sixth annual Vets for Willing Warriors Corvette Show returns to the breathtaking 37-acre Warrior Retreat at Bull Run on July 19th, creating a unique convergence of automotive passion and veteran support.Picture this: rows of gleaming Corvettes spanning seven decades of American innovation, from pristine 1953 classics to
The 40-Cent Solution: How Simple Dog Tags Are Saving Veterans' Lives
What if saving a veteran's life could be as simple as a 40-cent dog tag? That's exactly what Ben Guinan and Robert Adamczyk from Dog Tags 4 Life are doing with their groundbreaking suicide prevention initiative.The program began after a sobering moment during a national veterans' organization meeting when one member had to abruptly leave because a fellow post member had attempted s
The Ben Ward Story: Creating a Legacy of Service at the Warrior Retreat
Meet Ben Ward, a remarkable young man who began his philanthropic journey at just 10 years old when he donated his birthday money to support Wounded Warriors at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. What started as a modest $60 contribution has grown into more than $12,000 in donations over nine years through creative fundraising efforts, including bake sales, yard sales, and strategic partnerships wit
Building a Home for Heroes: The Puller Veterans Care Center Coming Soon
Northern Virginia's veteran community has been eagerly watching the construction of the Puller Veterans Care Center, and now we're getting closer to its highly anticipated opening. Mary Tietjen, the center's Director of Admissions, will join us to explain precisely what makes this facility so special and what veterans and their families can expect.As Virginia's fourth state-run
When Your Classroom Follows You Around The World
What if your child's education could follow your military family around the world? For service members facing 7-15 relocations during a career, finding educational stability for their children often feels impossible. Each PCS move brings the stress of uprooting kids from schools, disrupting friendships, and navigating new academic systems – sometimes with devastating effects on children'
From Marine to Mentor: Ryan Woodruff's Journey at Clear Path for Veterans
When Marine veteran Ryan Woodruff returned from two combat deployments to Iraq, he found himself adrift in civilian life. "It was even difficult just to strike up casual conversation," he reveals, describing the profound disconnect many veterans experience after service. Today, as CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, he's transforming lives through programs built on firsthand understandi
Rescued Horses, Rescued Heroes: A Transformative Connection
A profound connection exists between traumatized warriors and rescued horses. Both have experienced hardship, both carry invisible scars, and both possess remarkable resilience. This powerful relationship forms the foundation of the life-changing work happening at Lifeline Horse Rescue in Gaithersburg, Maryland.Executive Director Leila Hertzberg brings her expertise as an EGALA-certified equine sp
Semper Fi & America's Fund Transforms Lives
What happens when a Marine survives what should have been unsurvivable? Tony Porta's story begins with a catastrophic IED blast in Iraq that claimed the lives of his fellow Marines and left him with burns over his entire body. From that moment in 2007, his journey through 143 surgeries and six years of hospital care reveals both the brutal reality of combat injuries and the extraordinary resi
Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Events at the Warrior Retreat
The transformative power of community support takes center stage in this revealing conversation with your host and Diane Lunsford, the Warrior Retreat Events Coordinator. As the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary of opening its doors to wounded warriors, it shares the profound impact its work has had on over 2,700 service members and their families."I used to think my family would b
Championing Veteran Health: Dr. Matthew Reinhard on Interdisciplinary Approaches to Military Exposure Research
Ever wondered how military service shapes a career in healthcare? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Matthew Reinhard, a leading figure in neuropsychology and the Director of the Complex Exposure Threat Center of Excellence at the VA in Washington, DC. Discover the personal journey that led him to champion veterans' health, inspired by his family's deep military roots. Dr. R
Military Kids Matter: The Blog Giving Voice to Children of Wounded Warriors
What happens when the children of wounded warriors grow up and decide to create the support system they wish they'd had? Meet Sinaiyah (16) and Azara (14) Emami, two remarkable sisters who are changing the landscape for military children navigating the complexities of life with a wounded parent.When the Emami sisters first visited the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run in 2018, they were just childr
From Military Paychecks to Civilian Budgets: Creating Your Financial Battle Plan
Financial transitions can be just as challenging as emotional ones for our military service members. Veterans who once had legal, financial, and human resources support readily accessible suddenly face navigating these complex systems alone—often at significant out-of-pocket expense.The Warrior Retreat at Bull Run's innovative Financial Literacy Program addresses this critical need head-on. L
Defending Our Hidden Heroes: Colonel Schaffer's Mission to Protect Military Children
Colonel Adrienne L. Schaffer Esq., a retired Army JAG officer with over 33 years of service, reveals the often-overlooked struggles of military children and the powerful work of the Military Children's Six Foundation. As founder and CEO, she champions a mission of leadership development and advocacy for these "hidden heroes" who sacrifice alongside their parents.Military children fa
Serving Those Who Served: Inside The Warrior Retreat Volunteer Community
The heart and soul of the Warrior Retreat beats through its remarkable volunteer community. With only one full-time executive director and six part-time staff members, this extraordinary sanctuary for wounded veterans thrives thanks to the dedication of over 1,300 volunteers who contributed their time and talents last year alone.Volunteer Coordinator Faith Lillemo guides listeners through the thir
SEAL Team 6: Inside Stories with an Original Plank Owner
A rare conversation with Frank Phillips, one of the original "plank owners" of SEAL Team 6 and Red Cell, takes us behind the curtain of America's elite counter-terrorism unit and reveals startling truths about national security vulnerabilities that later became tragic realities.Frank shares his remarkable journey from being a restless 17-year-old who "just wanted to be a warrio
Empowering Military Families: Overcoming Challenges with Operation Homefront
What unique challenges do military families face, and how can we support them in times of need? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Vivian Dietrich, the Senior Regional Director for Region 4 of Operation Homefront, who brings 17 years of experience to the table. Gain insight into the critical financial assistance programs aimed at alleviating unexpected burdens like car repairs and housi
Supporting Veterans Through Mindfulness and Compassion
What if the key to healing and thriving after service lies in mindfulness and community? Join us as we welcome Charla and David Truesdale, the dynamic force behind the Warrior Spirit Project, a nonprofit that’s making waves in Texas by transforming the lives of veterans and first responders. Charla's expertise in health education and yoga, combined with David's extensive military and law
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Understanding TBI and Its Impact
Brain injuries are more common than most of us realize, and this episode sheds light on the critical issue of traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness. Join host Larry Zilliox, along with Donna Meltzer, CEO of Brain Injury Services, and Dr. Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, adjunct faculty in the Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, as they explore the far-reaching effects of TBIs on both child
Building Stronger Veteran Communities with GenVets
Join us for an engaging conversation with Jen Wagman, the visionary president and founder of GenVets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and easing their transition into civilian life. Inspired by her father, a retired Air Force colonel and judge advocate, Jen made a remarkable shift from her Wall Street career to championing veterans' rights. Uncover how her personal j
Empowering Veteran Futures: The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Discover Ray Toenniessen's transformative journey as he takes us from his early days as an ROTC cadet at Syracuse University to his influential role at the Daniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families. Ray shares his insights on how a generous $30 million endowment from alum Dan D’Aniello has revitalized the Institute, turning it into a powerful force for veteran empowerment. This epi
Advocating for Affordable Military Housing Solutions
Unlock the challenges facing U.S. military service members in their pursuit of affordable housing with insights from our guest, Alissa Czyz, a Director at the Defense Capabilities and Management Section of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO report titled Military Housing: DOD Should Address Critical Supply and Affordability Challenges for Service Members is the cornerstone of our
Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: Rachel Miller on Fostering Sustainable Growth at the PenFed Foundation
Discover the transformative journey of Rachel Miller, program manager for the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program, as she shares her inspiring transition from banking to education to empowering veterans in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Rachel gives us an inside look at the impactful initiatives designed to help veterans develop and scale their businesses, offering a fresh perspective
Guarding Guam: Phil Massicotte on Military Life and Transitioning to Civilian Adventures
What does it take to transition from high school to the Air Force and end up guarding nuclear weapons on a tropical island? Join me, Larry Zilliox, as I chat with Phil Massicotte, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force veteran, who shares his unexpected journey to Guam after enlisting right out of high school. We reminisce about the strange mix of tropical storms, unforgettable characters
Resilience in Crisis: Supporting Veterans Through California Wildfires
Join us as we sit down with Commander Joe Ramirez from the American Legion Post 283 in Pacific Palisades, California, for an eye-opening conversation about the recent wildfire crisis that nearly brought their close-knit veteran community to its knees. With compelling firsthand accounts, Commander Ramirez sheds light on the harrowing experience of evacuating with the flames encroaching dangerously
Driving Independence: Tammy Phipps on Empowering Veterans Through Driver Rehabilitation
Ever wondered how a retired Army major transformed her passion for helping wounded warriors into a groundbreaking driver rehabilitation program? Meet Tammy Phipps, the driving force behind the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, LLC, where she empowers wounded warriors to regain their independence through vehicle modifications. Her journey from serving in Iraq to founding a pioneering prog
Leading the Way: Commissioner Chuck Zingler on Transforming Veteran Services in Virginia
Join us as we welcome Chuck Zingler, the dynamic Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, who takes us on an extraordinary journey from his early days enlisting in the Navy to the pivotal role he plays today. Inspired by the disciplined footsteps of his Marine father, Chuck's career is a testament to resilience and leadership, having worked for influential figures like Col
Navigating New Beginnings: Peter Baker on Military Transition and Finding Community in Civilian Life
Retired Army Colonel Peter Baker joins us to unravel the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military service as an officer. Imagine standing at the crossroads of duty and personal freedom, deciding when to leave the structured life of the military behind. Peter candidly shares his journey, emphasizing the emotional weight of retirement ceremonies and the critical steps of planning
Bridging the Gap: Michelle Lang on Supporting Rural Veterans' Transition to Civilian Life
What if transitioning out of military life was harder than being deployed? Join us as we explore this provocative question with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor: Rural Salute. Michelle shares the poignant story of her husband, Chris, an Army veteran, and their challenging journey from military to civilian life. Despite having a job and family support, Chris faced the unseen battles of
Empowering Homeownership: Jennifer Beeston on Unlocking the Full Potential of VA Loans for Veterans
Discover how VA loans can be a powerful asset for veterans and active duty service members with insights from the nation's top VA loan officer, Jennifer Beeston. In our conversation, Jennifer unravels the intricacies of VA loans, from eligibility criteria to the standout benefits like zero down payment and exemption from monthly mortgage insurance. Her mission is to advocate for fair pricing
A Legacy of Love: Larry Jackson on Reconnecting Families and Honoring Active-Duty Service Members
Larry Jackson's journey from a Navy veteran to the co-founder of the Ben Jackson Foundation is both touching and inspiring. In this episode, we're honored to hear from Larry as he shares the heartfelt story of his late son Ben, whose legacy lives on through the foundation. Designed to support young active-duty service members in reconnecting with their families during the holidays, the &
The Healing Canvas: Zach Herrick on Harnessing Art Therapy for Veteran Recovery
Could art be the key to healing wounds? Join us as we sit down with Zach Herrick, a combat veteran whose story of resilience is both harrowing and inspiring. Inspired by his father's footsteps, Zach joined the Army at 20, seeking a higher purpose. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he endured a life-changing ambush that tested his grit and determination. Through his recounting of that fatefu
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