Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans

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 bridging funding gaps and providing essential services to over 700,000 veterans across the Commonwealth. Kayla demystifies the distinctions between the Virginia Department of Veteran Serv...

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 health care for military families. Uncover the deep-seated compassion and dedication that fuels this partnership between the Cohen Veterans Network and Easterseals while providing a beacon o...

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 resonate with the real challenges veterans face – from the hardships of homelessness to the battles with mental health.

Our conversation turns sharply into the murky wat...

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 evolution that speaks to any listener seeking growth amidst life's toughest challenges. In this episode, we traverse Roy's 36-year odyssey through the ranks of the Army, unearthing the...

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 evolution of Blue Star Families, an initiative spearheaded by military spouses who recognized the pressing need for a support system that tackles the unique challenges faced by their ...

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 Trauma Care Coordinator, we unravel the complex web of MST's effects on our veterans. This episode is a heartfelt journey through the often silent struggles of those who've served, rev...

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 we count down to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18th, Dianne and I are brimming with enthusiasm captured in every word of this episode. From ADA-compatible design considerat...

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 women can forge connections, find empowerment, and access critical resources as they transition from military to civilian life. We're bringing to light the network's mission to ...

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 helicopter pilot. Now at the helm of Dogs on Deployment, Alisa shares the transformative impact of their mission to provide foster care for the pets of our nation's defenders during times of...

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 from the days of George Washington, now a tribute to the bravery of combat-wounded soldiers. We explore not only the rich history of this prestigious award but also the meticulous process b...

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 experiences into a beacon of hope for others navigating the complexities of caring for Wounded Warriors. Our heartfelt conversation unveils the critical yet often unseen role military caregive...

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 solace and strength in fly fishing. The inspiration for the book, ignited by artist and disabled Vietnam veteran Alan Folger, is a powerful reminder that the echoes of ser...

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 critical mission of suicide prevention and mental health support. Commander Seehafer sheds light on the poignant "Be the One" campaign, a rallying cry for community involvem...

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 ride all the way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. in a moving tribute that extends beyond the asphalt. We're not just talking about a ride; it's a full-blown mission to...

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 Unbridled Joy, Jack and Amy. They unravel the profound connection fostered through equine therapy, where every nudge and gaze from these majestic animals can mark the start of a new ...

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 guest, he shares the moving origins and pivotal mission of an organization committed to bringing together service members and their loved ones during recovery. Picture the embrace of a ...

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 their own battles. John Toth from No Barriers USA joins us to narrate how Erik's legacy has grown into a robust movement, empowering individuals to shatter limitations and thrive. Learn h...

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 house by contributing to the Make A House A Home program. Here you can purchase specific items for the Lodge.

Together, Chef Larry and Dianne unwrap the latest and greatest achievemen...

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 research that started in the mid-2000s, we uncover the cognitive symptoms that mimic mild traumatic brain injury seen in our troops and Tier 1 operators. The collaborative efforts of institution...