Borne the Battle

In this compelling episode, we welcome Dr. Holt, a board-certified Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, associate professor at the University of Miami, and a key member of the Miami VA Healthcare System. Dr. Holt leads a highly successful lung cancer screening program, showcasing his commitment to veteran care through early detection and advanced treatment methods.Key Highlights: Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP) Overview: Dr. Holt dives into the core mission of LPOP – identifying and examining lung tumors in their earliest stages, crucial for effective treatment. With lung cancer being a significant threat to veterans, LPOP's targeted approach is a game-changer in cancer care. Innovative Diagnostic Techniques: Discover how navigational bronchoscopy and CT scans are transforming lung cancer detection, offering non-invasive, precise tumor mapping. These technologies enable personalized treatments tailored to the patient's specific needs and the molecular profile of the tumor. Advancing Lung Cancer Treatment: Learn about the latest advancements in lung cancer therapy, focusing on targeted treatments with fewer side effects. Dr. Holt emphasizes the importance of early screening and the role of LPOP in driving scientific research and medical breakthroughs. Nationwide Impact of LPOP: Explore how LPOP, with its network of hubs across the country, is making advanced lung cancer screening and treatment accessible to veterans nationwide, contributing significantly to cancer research. Veteran Involvement and Advocacy: Understand how veterans are at the heart of LPOP, not only benefiting from cutting-edge treatments but also participating in the progress of scientific research. Resources and Events: Visit Lung Cancer Kilts Research Cures for more information on lung cancer advocacy and research. The Great American Smokeout: A reminder of the importance of smoking cessation in preventing lung cancer and supporting overall health. Tune in to this episode for an in-depth look at how Dr. Holt and the LPOP initiative are reshaping lung cancer care for veterans, offering hope and cutting-edge treatment options.

On this week's episode of Borne the Battle, host Pablo Meza spoke with Rachel Han from VA's mobile app team, who shared how VA is using apps as a digital bridge connecting Veterans to VA's benefits and services.

On this episode of Borne the Battle, we dive into the VA's efforts to make it easier for veterans to access the programs, services, and benefits they've earned. We learn about the VA's phone number, 800-MYVA411, and how it's the organization's "voice front door" to connect veterans with the right person or program. We hear a heartwarming story of a veteran who received assistance from a customer service representative and patient advocate to access the voucher program for the homeless. Our urges listeners who are veterans or have family members who are veterans to enroll in the VA healthcare system and use MYVA411 as a starting point for information and eligibility questions. Overall, this episode highlights the various services and programs offered by the VA and the efforts being made to improve accessibility and assistance for veterans.

In this episode, we talk with Jason Strickland, director of communications for The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. In this week-long event, veterans from 42 different states and 80 VA medical centers or clinics participate in activities such as skiing, fly fishing, rock climbing, and even sled hockey. Participants have a variety of disabilities, including profound disabilities, vision impairment, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. Organizers work with DAV to bring in sponsors who are committed to serving the veteran community, especially those suffering from disabilities.Additionally, we discuss how the staff and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to create this event. In addition to serving breakfast, repairing wheelchairs and instructing skiers, there are several volunteer opportunities available. We discuss the competitive nature of the application process for becoming a volunteer, as well as the importance of registering as early as possible.Follow their journey on social media with the handles @Sports4Vets and at www.wintersportsclinic.org

In this episode of the Borne the Battle Podcast, we're connecting Nick Beelner the Director of the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, an adaptive golf program focused on empowering disabled veterans from coast to coast. We'll discuss the tailored golf lessons, user-friendly equipment, and entertaining activities they offer, as well as the sense of camaraderie and personal growth experienced by participants. Join us as we uncover the power of connection, teamwork, and triumphing over challenges with the remarkable individuals at the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic.  How To Apply For VA Health Care | Veterans - National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic

This week's Borne the Battle – a benefits breakdown – features the Million Veteran Program (MVP), which is a national, voluntary research program to learn about how genes, lifestyle and military exposures affect health and illness and improve health care for Veterans.Sumitra Muralidhar, Ph.D. is the program director under VA's Office of Research and Development. Dr. Sumitra is motivated to help Veterans by overseeing the policy and infrastructure development for the collection and use of samples and genetic, clinical, lifestyle and military exposure data from one million Veterans. Since the program's inception in 2011, 870,000 Veterans have enrolled and partnered with MVP.The Million Veteran Program is the world's largest health care system-based research program on genetics, lifestyle, military exposure and health, with the goal of providing precision health care to Veterans and the population at large. Dr. Sumitra provides overall direction and management of the national program across sixty-plus VA medical centers, more than 70 community-based outpatient clinics; she also oversees operational leadership, coordination, implementation and oversight of all aspects of the program's development and implementation, including policy development, fiscal management, regulatory affairs, public relations and scientific direction.Precision medicine is an innovative approach that has the potential to cure cancers, wipe out rare diseases, and improve the overall health of Veterans and even the general public. It's changing the way we think about health care. With MVP, VA hopes to provide an invaluable tool for scientists to use in order to advance research and tailor disease prevention and treatment by taking into account the differences in an individual's clinical, lifestyle and genetic information.In this episode of Borne the Battle, Dr. Sumitra answers these questions and more: What motivates her to help Veterans at VA? Why should Veterans enroll in the Million Veteran Program? Why should Veteran's trust MVP with their genetic information? What studies are coming out of the program? What is the overall purpose of MVP? How VA can keep this genetic data safe through cloud databases? How can Veterans sign up and participate in MVP? Dr. Sumitra encourages Veterans from all backgrounds, races and ethnicities to sign up for the program, so it can really make a difference. It's a legacy program, and it can revolutionize how health care is delivered for all other Veterans and even the general public.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Ismael MedinaAdditional Links: VA genetics program aims to increase mental health treatments for Veterans; Million Veteran Program – 10 years, 850,000 Veterans and one dream to revolutionize health care; VA's Million Veterans Program seeks to enroll more women Veterans; VA's Million Veteran Program Publications through December 2021; We Need Volunteers; You Can Now Join VA's Million Veterans Program Online. VA publishes Interim Final Rule for Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program

Retired Army Major General Charles (Chuck) Swannack, Jr. served in various command and staff positions during his thirty-plus years in the Army. He commanded the 82nd Airborne Division from October 2002 to May 2004, served as a brigade commander during Operation Uphold Democracy, was a battalion commander during Operation Nimrod Dancer and served in many more roles.Despite his impressive military service, Swannack argues that his contributions pale in comparison to the ones made by service members who lost their lives while in the line of duty. As a civilian, he helps Veterans and military families honor those who have fallen.In this Memorial Day Borne the Battle episode, Swannack discusses his eventful military career and then talks about how he does his part to honor the fallen.Swannack touches on his work with Speedway Motorsports (SMI) as executive director for SpeedwayChildren's Charities. Through this non-profit fundraising organization, he works with local groups to help children facing challenging circumstances overcome obstacles standing in the way of their success.As SMI's Vice President for Armed Forces Affairs, he also leads Speedway Motorsport's “Welcome Home Patriots” initiative, designed to close the gap between the military and civilian community.Swannack further speaks about the Coca-Cola 600, a motorsport event that he looks forward to every year. Slated for the Sunday of every Memorial Day weekend, this race centers entirely around honoring the fallen. Listen to the podcast episode to learn more about why Swannack cannot help but shed tears at the Coca-Cola 600 every year.FOR A VIDEO RECAP OF THE 2021 COCA-COLA 600, CLICK HERE Swannack also serves as president of the Patriot Military Family Foundation. The foundation provides various forms of Veteran and military family support, including housing assistance, scholarships for children of Veterans, post-traumatic stress treatment assistance and much more.Swannack fundamentally believes that all Americans should live a life worthy of those who gave their lives for our freedom. He contends that fallen service members died so that members of the military and civilian community can be afforded the same opportunities to enjoy a fulfilling life. And he hopes that after this Memorial Day weekend, we can come out as a less divided nation and one that can promote our shared interests.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Every Veteran who has given their life for our country.Additional Links: PBS' National Memorial Day Concert airs on PBS Sunday from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. ET. For more information about the event and alternative ways of viewing it, click here. Coca-Cola 600 schedule here. VA launches $20 million innovation challenge to reduce Veteran suicide. After two years without gatherings, VA National Cemeteries to host public Memorial Day ceremonies. VA implements COVID-19 health protection levels enhancing Veteran, visitor and employee safety at medical facilities.

Major General (retired) Mark Graham lost his two sons, Jeffrey and Kevin, less than a year apart from one another. Their deaths came unexpectedly and rocked the course of his life forever. For him, happiness will never be the same. And yet, he still finds joy in his life through helping Veterans triumph in their darkest moments.On this week's episode of Borne the Battle, Graham takes listeners on a riveting journey through his life. He described how personal loss, depression, mental health, family, grief, healing, perseverance and his service to the nation all intersected to shape him into the person he is today.Graham dedicated a substantial part of his life after his sons' deaths to combat the stigma surrounding mental health. When he parented his sons, he felt that he severely underestimated the seriousness of depression. But he now iterates that mental health is real and a serious concern. Along with his wife, Carol, Graham established the Jeff and Kevin Graham Memorial Fund, among other organizations and funds, to collect donations that support the prevention of suicide and the study of depression.And because of his experiences, Graham is currently the director of Vets4Warriors, a nonprofit that runs a 24/7 confidential peer support network for struggling Veterans, active-duty service members, national guard, reservists, and families of any of these groups. This program hires Veterans and trains them to help guide Veterans or those in the military community who may be going through a difficult time in the right direction by connecting them with resources or just being a place to lend an open ear. The service is completely free and confidential.Call 1-855-838-8255 to get in touch with a Vets4Warriors peerThe Vets4Warriors program collaborates closely with the Veterans Crisis Line, which provides pointed assistance for Veterans in crisis.Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to get in touch with a Veteran Crisis Line responderPBS's 2022 National Memorial Day Concert will feature Graham and his wife sharing their story and how they hope to motivate those that are struggling to get help.Graham wants everyone who hears his story to seek assistance if suffering from poor mental health or depression. He recognizes that the first step of reaching out for help can be hard. But Graham also argues that there are people who want to help, people like himself who know what going through a traumatic time in life is like. He and his team at Vets4Warriors are ready to help.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Jeremiah Thomas Wittman Additional Links: Distance should never be an impediment to getting support. The VA MISSION Act of 2020 improves access to community care. Learn more about the Act here. Borne the Battle episode 212 features Aaron Quinonez and his app Operation Pop Smoke. The app helps Veterans build their post-service squad to help one provide support for one another. Statement from Secretaries Fudge, McDonough, Vilsack and Yellen on continued efforts to connect homeowners to pandemic relief.

This week we revisit Army Green Beret Veteran and 37 year old NFL rookie Nate Boyer's interview.

Olivia Nunn knew from a young age that she would join the Army one day; her father had been a combat engineer. She planned to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, but low test scores in math prevented her admission. Nunn's parents supported her decision to join the military, but they insisted that she receive an education and become an officer, so she enrolled at Radford University in Virginia and joined the school's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program.After college, Nunn wanted to become an armor officer and be part of a tank crew, but when she joined the Army in 2001, women weren't allowed to fill certain roles in the military. Instead, she spent a decade as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer in the Chemical Corps and served multiple tours of duty in Iraq before moving into public affairs. For several years, she helped to produce the Army's Soldier for Life podcast and eventually hosted the program.“It looks easy, it looks glamorous,” Nunn says of podcasting, “but the truth is there's a lot of work that goes into it.” Nunn spent a total of 20 years in the Army and recently retired. Afterward, she became a communications consultant and a beauty queen. “Your identity is wrapped up in your uniform,” Nunn says, “whether you do it for two years or 20 years.” While she was still on active duty, Nunn suffered a mental health crisis and contemplated suicide. In this episode of Borne the Battle, she opens up about her experience and talks about how she found the help she needed, the challenges of transitioning from soldier to civilian and the need for better mental health resources for military personnel.EXTRA LINKSOfficial Army Soldier for Life site – https://soldierforlife.army.mil/ 

Navy Veteran Ken Harbaugh grew up in a family of military pilots but never really thought about joining the military himself. However, in a moment of clarity while studying abroad during his junior year of college, he changed course. That led to him commissioning in the Navy and becoming a fighter pilot leading combat reconnaissance missions.After serving nine years, Harbaugh left the Navy and later enrolled at Yale University to study law. But the transition to civilian life was not easy for him. In this episode, he talks about what it was like adjusting and processing his emotions after leaving the military.Harbaugh discusses how his transition – and a trip to the Bethesda Naval Hospital – inspired him to co-found The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization. He also talks about his progress to help Veterans transition back to civilian life and assist those with mental health issues.Harbaugh is a nonprofit entrepreneur who has been in leadership roles for many Veteran nonprofit organizations, such as The Mission Continues, ServiceNation and Team Rubicon. He talks about why he continues to serve in Veteran nonprofits.Lastly, Harbaugh talks about why he decided to work in media and how he became the host for multiple podcasts, such as Burn the Boats and Medal of Honor at Evergreen Podcasts. He also delves into how he formed partnerships with various podcast networks and what steps Veterans can take to start a new podcast.In this episode, Harbaugh also talks about: What he learned from his experiences in the military. Earning his law degree from Yale Law School. His time as a human rights researcher in Afghanistan. Working as a consultant for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Running for public office and how Veterans can become active in politics. Why it's important to continue serving after the uniform comes off. Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Army Veteran Thomas Ferrell AllisonAdditional Links: Borne the Battle #239: Marine Corps Veteran Jake Wood, Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Team Rubicon. Borne the Battle #264: Veteran Roundtable – Afghanistan Withdrawal / Evacuation. Clay Hunt Act complements VA's ongoing commitment to mental health. Veteran suicide prevention. Redevelopment of VA Greater Los Angeles West L.A. Campus represents proof of concept for the nation as a way forward in tackling homelessness  VA establishes presumptive service connection for rare respiratory cancers for certain Veterans VA encourages volunteers to “Carry The Load” for an American hero during trek across country VA expands reimbursement agreement program to Urban Indian Organizations

This week's Borne the Battle–a benefits breakdown—features the Office of Harassment and Assault Prevention. The office's goal is simple: All those who visit a VA facility should be treated with dignity and respect.However, recognizing how harassment or assault can manifest and what you can do to combat it may be less simple.Lelia Jackson, Marine Corp Veteran and director of the Office of Harassment and Assault, joins this week's episode of Borne the Battle to discuss some difficult and even uncomfortable topics related to sexual harassment and assault. Topics include: Listening to some first-hand accounts of Veterans being sexually harassed or assaulted to show how hostile situations can manifest and how the victim feels in the moment. The cultural and generational influences that limit how some Veterans understand sexual harassment and assault and how to help them expand their worldviews. The different ways Veterans can combat sexual harassment and assault. Jackson firmly believes that the path to eliminating sexual harassment and assault in VA facilities necessitates having these tough conversations. Research indicates that 25.2% of women Veterans who routinely use VA primary care clinics reported facing inappropriate or unwarranted comments by male Veterans on VA grounds. And there are likely many more unreported cases and unaccounted instances where male Veterans face sexual harassment and assault. The path to elimination requires education.One way Jackson's office educates Veterans is through their comprehensive Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans. The engaging 30-minute training teaches participants how to recognize hostile situations, the many ways of responding to them and how to get help.Jackson's office also promotes the White Ribbon VA pledge. For her, the VA pledge is special because it recognizes that sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence affect people of all genders.Importantly, every Veteran should report every instance of sexual harassment and assault they face. If you are a Veteran who has been sexually harassed or assaulted at a VA medical facility, contact one of the following for assistance: VA Police. Patient Advocate. Your Primary Care Provider. Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Air Force Veteran Rosemary Hogan Luciano Additional Links: Jackson's office partnered with the VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program to combat the rise of domestic violence seen over the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our podcast episode with that program here. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and VA, as it is year-round, is ready to offer mental health support and services. Learn more here. VA issues Notice of Funding Opportunity for Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Are you one of the 3 million Veterans eligible to join VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR)? If you were exposed to toxic materials during your service and are worried about how it might affect you, joining the AHOBPR allows you to report your exposure and discuss your concerns with a health care professional after a free, voluntary medical exam. The information you provide will contribute to research that may help other Veterans in the future. To learn if you are eligible and how to sign up, tune in to this week's special rewind episode of Borne the Battle.

Before he was Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World or KITT on Knight Rider, William Daniels was a soldier in the U.S. Army. Daniels was drafted into the Army near the end of World War II and later used his GI Bill benefits to attend college and study acting. Tune in to this week's special rewind episode of Borne the Battle to hear Daniels talk about being the first person in his family to attend college, meeting the pope, and using the skills he learned in the military to be successful after service. 

In honor of Coach K's record breaking 13th and final - Final Four appearance - this week we go back in time and revisit his Borne the Battle interview.

Six. That was the number of black bags Army Veteran Frederick Bourjaily and his comrades carried back to base after completing his first operation control assignment while serving in the Vietnam War. And though the experience happened over half-a-century ago, that memory lingers deeply in Bourjaily's mind today.Bourjaily shares this story precisely because he wants others to hear it. He wants today's young service members and military prospects to understand what war is like and to be prepared for all its brutality. He also wants Veterans who may be coping with their own traumas to know that they will never be alone.In this episode of Borne the Battle, Bourjaily shares what his war time experience was like while also being a father, and some ways he continues to help the Veteran community today as the national commander of the Combat Infantrymen's Association. More than just being a group that brings together Veterans who received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bourjaily leads the group agitating for military-oriented legislative reform in political arenas.Bourjaily was also a mentor with the Genesee County, Michigan Veterans Treatment Court.These Veteran-oriented courts – which regularly coordinate with VA – help many Veterans who commit non-violent offenses avoid falling into a cycle of trouble with the law. And Bourjaily helped Veterans who participated in this program follow a strict but manageable plan to get their lives back on track and get their crimes expunged from their record.Bourjaily struggled to readjust to civilian life because of the images he saw while serving. But he argues that the help he received from Veteran support groups, including the services provided by VA, helped him tremendously. He hopes that other Veterans will take the step to reach out for help as he did. Veterans like him are ready to assist.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Navy Veteran Kimberly Mitchell Additional Links: Want an idea of what treatment court is like? Check out this blog post featuring a day in the Milwaukee Veterans Treatment Court, here. Click herefor a complete list of Treatment Court related blog posts. For additional Veteran specific resources, check out the VA resources page, here. Treating Veterans with lingering “Long COVID”

At age 17, Linda Maloney knew that she wanted more. Her parents were divorced and couldn't afford to send her to college. Looking to take control of her life, she joined the Navy.“I think when you grow up in a difficult situation, obviously you want better for yourself, you know?” Maloney asked. “And I just wanted to impact my own life.”In the Navy, Maloney served as both an air traffic controller and a public affairs officer. She wanted to be a pilot – and had been fascinated by flight since her childhood – but postings for naval aviators were rare, with only a handful available each year. Her fortune changed in 1987, when one of that year's flight school candidates dropped out, allowing Maloney to take that person's place. She graduated as a Naval flight officer in 1988 and spent the next 16 years as a U.S. Navy pilot. After the military's Combat Exclusion Policy was lifted in 1993, Maloney became one of the first women pilots in the armed forces to serve in a combat role.On this week's episode of Borne the Battle, Maloney discusses her two decades of military service, including the sexual discrimination she faced in the Navy, the value of maintaining personal relationships and the experience of ejecting over the Atlantic Ocean following an aircraft malfunction.After retiring from the Navy in 2004, Maloney became an author, public speaker and entrepreneur, and now serves as the project director of “Proudly She Served.” This project highlights and honors the service of women Veterans by depicting them in a collection of 12 hand-painted portraits that are both published in a printed book as well as exhibited to the public.“It was an amazing opportunity, I wouldn't change it for anything,” Maloney said of her Navy career. “I could never repay the military for the opportunities that it gave to me.”Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Navy Veteran Katherine Leahy Additional Links:  Borne the Battle #187: Darlene Iskra: First Woman to Command a Ship in the Navy Borne the Battle 232: Graciela Tiscareño-Sato, USAF Veteran, Children's Book Author, Global Marketer VA releases Asset and Infrastructure Review report 

Navy Veteran Andrew Bliss always wanted to work in the video production industry, but his journey wasn't straightforward. Before serving in the military, Bliss was an accomplished professional martial artist with over 10 years of experience coaching and mentoring students. Working as a martial artist eventually led him to the military.In the interview, Bliss talks about serving six years as a Navy broadcast journalist in Combat Camera at the Pentagon and his time directing and producing a feature film while on active duty in Italy before leaving the service.After creating a comfortable life for himself as a civilian, Bliss made the uncomfortable decision to sell all of his belongings, buy a motorcycle and make the long journey across America to the west coast. Bliss talks about why he chose not to take a differnet path to pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry.Bliss discusses how he leapt from doing freelance and independent work to fulfilling his dream of working for a major entertainment company like Bad Robot Productions. He also talks about content creation, his current position, and how the framework he learned in the military helps him stay focused and grounded while working in Hollywood.Finally, he explains how important it is for Veterans to get involved with Veteran networking organizations, such as Veterans in Media & Entertainment, if they are interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.In this episode, Bliss also talks about: What he learned from his experiences in the military. Earning a degree in Interactive Design at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The principles that have guided him during his military career and throughout civilian life. The fundamentals to being a part of any industry. Why it's important for Veterans to have insatiable curiosity and the courage to pursue their dreams. His view of NFTs and the future of cryptocurrency. Borne the Battle Veteran of the WeekArmy Air Corps Veteran Gail "The Candy Bomber" Halvorsen Additional Links: Borne the Battle #217: Jennifer Marshall – Navy Veteran, Host of CW's Mysteries Decoded. VA will propose adding rare cancers to the presumed service-connected list as related to military environmental exposure VA supports women Veteran entrepreneurs in how to obtain government contracts  VA publishes Interim Final Rule for Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Veteran communities receive latest resources for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis 

Tim McCoy was born in Fort Jackson, S.C. and grew up in a military environment. He eventually joined the military and gave almost 26 years of service until a health condition forced him out. Despite his abrupt departure, he continues to involve himself with the military community in his capacity as a historian focusing on giving a voice to the lesser known and often forgotten figures in American military history.McCoy lived a unique life compared to most Americans. He was a military brat whose service ended suddenly because of factors beyond his control. In this episode of Borne the Battle, he shares some details of his own life's history: What it was like to adjust to new schools and environments as a military brat. How he coped with not being able to see his father for long periods of time as a kid. How his father inspired him to enlist in the military. The way he struggled to adjust to civilian life – “When you're a warrior, it's hard for you to admit that something's wrong with you.” How he eventually found his place of belonging and purpose after being out of the military. But beyond just retelling his own past, McCoy loves studying America's military past as well. As a historian who aspires to open his own military museum one day, he possesses a wealth of knowledge in military history. Here are some of the many historical facts McCoy mentioned in this episode that you may not have known or thought about: The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black women battalion that ensured mail reached U.S. soldiers in the frontlines during World War II. “The Golden Thirteen” – the first 13 African American sailors who became commissioned and warrant officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II. A World War II destroyer escort and submarine attacking vessel, the USS Mason, which had a majority African American crew. The fact that Hawaiians participated in the American Civil War. In 2021, McCoy was the featured in PBS's National Memorial Day Concert highlighting the 2nd Ranger Company, the Army's only elite and all-Black Ranger company and served during the Korean War.From when he was born to today – all 57 years of it and counting – the military has been an integral part of McCoy's life. Today he is committed to giving back by helping tell the stories of other Veterans who have not yet been heard.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Army Veteran Marcia Anderson Additional Links: McCoy's nonprofit, Winged Warrior Inc., is running the Winged Warrior Project, aiming to “document the development, employment and deployment of Airborne Operations from its inception to present.” VA asks for public input on Veterans outdoor recreation experience

This week's Borne the Battle – a benefits breakdown – features the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). They are an internal accountability office that protects and advocates for Veteran-owned businesses. They also work to ensure that Veteran entrepreneurs can compete and be selected for a fair amount of contract opportunities.Air Force Veteran Michelle Gardner-Ince is the director of the Women Veteran-Owned Small Business Initiative (WVOSBI), a directorate under OSDBU at VA. Gardner-Ince is motivated to help women Veteran entrepreneurs get opportunities, access and education to achieve their business goals. Since WVOSBI's inception in 2019, it has provided women Veterans with networking and collaborative opportunities with Federal agencies and private-sector corporations.In this episode of Borne the Battle, Gardner-Ince answers these questions and more: What motivates her to help Veterans at VA? What is classified as a small business? What are the eligibility requirements for being certified as a Veteran-owned small business? How can a Veteran-owned small business become a Certified Veteran Enterprise (CVE)? How can Veteran-Owned small businesses avoid common mistakes when breaking into federal contracting? For Veterans who need help verifying their small business, OSDBU partnered with Procurement Technical Assistant Centers (PTACS), which helps to ensure that Veteran-owned small businesses can compete successfully in the government marketplace.Additionally, OSDBU helps Veterans understand the process of bidding on federal contracts through its Direct Access Program and Strategic Outreach and Communications office.But before contacting OSDBU, Gardner-Ince recommends that Veterans first reach out to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Veteran Business Outreach Center for assistance.OSDBU provides various services and programs that are ready to help Veteran-owned small businesses take the next steps to secure a federal contract. However, not enough women Veteran entrepreneurs know that these programs exist. Gardner-Ince aims to close the gap by reaching out to and helping Women Veteran-owned businesses by providing them with opportunities to understand the system and improve their business goals.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Marine Corps Veteran William McDowell Additional Links: Borne the Battle #231: Army Veteran Dawn Halfaker, Combat Wounded Amputee, CEO of Halfaker and Associates WVOSB Resources. VA Women Veteran-Owned Small Business Initiative. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA). VA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program updates. Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program. Veterans pave way forward through STEM and small businesses. Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization Vets First Verification Program. 2.5 Million Small Businesses Are Owned by American Military Vets. VA proposes updates to disability rating schedules for respiratory, auditory and mental disorders body systems

With 44 years of service under his belt, Air Force Veteran, four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Larry Spencer decided that he earned a well-deserved break and retired on a Friday in 2015. But that very following Monday, he went right back to work, promoting aerospace education in his new role as president of the Air Force Association.Did Spencer regret going straight back into work after retiring and does he recommend it to others? You might be surprised by his answer and what he recommends Veterans do instead.While Spencer commanded at all levels of the military and was the second-highest military member of the Air Force, he claimed that his favorite experience remains his first command post as a squadron commander. It might be a low-level command job, but Spencer explains why he found it to be the most rewarding of all his leadership experiences.Spencer also specializes in financial management and is a well-respected comptroller in the Air Force community. He wrote extensively on how money is used during times of war. In his latest book, The Green Eyeshades of War, he analyzes the complex policies, negotiations and procedures that are involved in financing a war.In recognition of his service to the nation, the Air Force created the General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award in 2015. This award honors Airmen who made significant contributions to saving Air Force financial and manpower resources through innovation.Today, he is on the board of directors for Whirlpool Corporation and president of the Armed Forces Benefit Association and 5Star Life Insurance Company. He has lived a rich life thus far and shares much of his experiences and wisdom on this episode of Borne the Battle.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Alwyn C. Cashe Additional Links: In addition to writing The Green Eyeshades of War, Spencer also wrote on his upbringing and the journey that he took to reach the heights he did in his book Dark Horse. VA, HUD and community partners conduct annual homeless census. VA funding available to create technology helping eligible service members and Veterans adapt their homes.

Elysa Acosta-Millan was inspired by her brother to join the armed forces. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in the weeks following 9/11, and Acosta-Millan saw the positive effect that military service had on his personality. That, combined with an increasing desire for change in her personal life, led Acosta-Millan to consider a career in the Corps.Acosta-Millan spent more than seven years on active duty in the Marine Corps and now serves as a reservist working in public affairs. She is studying at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication on the campus of Arizona State University, and has also competed in beauty pageants, winning her first title in 2011.Join us on this week's episode of Borne the Battle as Acosta-Millan discusses her experiences in the service, including how she and her brother were both posted to the same duty station in Japan, the importance of being professional and why she decided to become a journalist. She also talks about taking advantage of Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS), a program common to several branches of the military that allows reservists to serve in temporary postings while receiving all the benefits of of active-duty, including time accumulated toward retirement.Acosta-Millan began working as a show host shortly before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which prevented her from conducting in-person interviews. Instead, she interviews subjects online, reaching out to them through email and social media. She invests a great deal of time and effort into researching and setting up each interview. At this stage of her career, in order to expand her portfolio, any expenses she incurs (wardrobe, editing, renting studio space, etc.) has to be paid for out of her own pocket – a subject she says is “just part of the job.” However, Elysa is determined reach her goals, both professionally and personally using the perseverance she learned in the military.

This week's Borne the Battle features Army Veteran Greg Williams, who has over 30 years of experience  training the skills and techniques used to identify specific human behavior patterns. Over that time, he's instructed every Tier One military force in the United States, as well as various international organizations.After serving six years in the Army, Williams transitioned to civilian life, working as an urban law enforcement professional. He discusses the specific skills and abilities he acquired while on the force and the limitations he faced while on duty.In the episode, Williams talks about progressing from police work to training the Human Behavior Pattern Recognition Analysis technique. He breaks down the definition of human behavior pattern recognition, how it can be used to predict danger, what it takes to gain expertise in human behavior pattern recognition and the factors that influence behavior.Williams decided to transfer the skills and abilities he learned to develop the world-renowned USMC's highly successful and lifesaving Combat Hunter Program. He delves into the program's history, its recruitment process, the high-profile endorsement he received, and what Marines can learn while taking the course. He talks about how human behavior is the foundation of many important programs. As a human behavior pattern recognition specialist, he explains how humans are the best part of the job – and the most challenging.Later, he explains why gas stations are the most dangerous places in the world and the importance of using critical thinking when stopping for a fuel up. Williams also shares advice on how Veterans can start a career in human behavior pattern recognition.In this episode: His mentors and the lessons he learned while in the military. The human pattern behavior recognition podcast he co-hosts. Why it's important to listen to Veterans' personal stories and how to get involved in community programs for Veterans. Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Navy Veteran Leah RosettiAdditional Links: Borne the Battle #191: Brian Marren, Human Behavior Pattern Recognition Expert S. Marine Corps Combat Hunter Program The Combat Hunter Program and Securing the Victory The Evolution of Combat Hunter Threatened by lone-wolf attacks, Marines must become true human hunters A Situational Awareness Discussion Guide: “Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life”

With over two decades of experience, Mark Cooter and Alec Bierbauer have been called the “Wright Brothers” of the U.S. drone warfare program. They were the ones – in January 2000 – who were tasked with finding terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. They had nine months to carry out their mission.This week's episode of Borne the Battle explores the history of drone warfare, which dates back to the 1990s, when drones were used as relatively simple, short-range surveillance tools.Here, Cooter and Bierbauer discuss how their team located bin Laden a full year before the events of 9/11 (and why they couldn't take action against him), how weapons were first added to drones, and the ways in which drone technology has evolved over the last 20 years. They also talk about the psychological stress endured by today's drone operators and caution against minimizing the combat trauma faced by pilots and support crews.“It could very easily be perceived as a video game,” said Bierbauer in the podcast, “and it's not.”U.S. rules of engagement hold that military forces could only attack an enemy target if they had “eyes on” – that is, if the target was under direct observation. Political considerations also meant that American troops could not be stationed in a friendly “host” country. Further complicating matters, manned spy planes could not be deployed unless they were also supported by search and rescue personnel, in case the aircraft was shot down. Using unmanned drones provided a solution to all of these problems: They didn't require the presence of troops on the ground and could monitor targets from a distance without any risk to a pilot or crew.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Wendall Robert Cram Additional Links: VA, Civil Air Patrol chaplain corps to support families of Veterans at national cemeteries Most recent VA Secretary press conference VA delays electronic health record implementation date due to COVID-19 surge in Ohio

SSVF is a program administered by VA to rapidly rehouse Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. National director of the SSVF program, John Kuhn, joins this episode of Borne the Battle to speak on the following: How the SSVF operates and what resources eligible Veterans can receive from utilizing it (2:18) An overview of the requirements organizations must meet before becoming a SSVF provider (5:02) How a local nonprofit can become a SSVF partner (6:04)  Additional VA resources available for Veterans needing eviction protections, homelessness avoidance, and rapid rehousing resources (8:00) And unlike many VA-backed programs, enrolling into SSVF does not require any interaction with VA. Instead, an eligible Veteran simply needs to call or email their county's SSVF partnered nonprofit or consumer cooperative to start receiving SSVF assistance. OPEN THIS EXCEL FILE TO FIND YOUR 2022 SSVF PROVIDERThe SSVF Program Office also provides its Shallow Subsidy service. The Shallow Subsidy provides rental assistance to low-income and extremely low-income Veterans who are enrolled in SSVF Rapid Rehousing or Homeless Prevention projects. And the Shallow Subsidy service is designed to incentivize recipients to raise their income by fixing the money they receive for two years. That means SSVF recipients can increase their income or benefits without the fear of losing their subsidies. For Veterans experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and where SSVF assistance is not sufficient, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program will be able to help. Check out this Borne the Battle episode featuring HUD-VASH national director Meghan Deal for more details.   Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department also has funds available to assist households unable to pay rent or utilities through its Emergency Rental Assistance Program.There is a variety of services and programs ready to help Veterans and their families overcome homelessness. However, not enough people know that these programs exist. SSVF aims to close that gap by connecting Veterans with housing support experts in their local communities. These people who can provide relevant and specialized support to meet any eligible Veteran's needs.Of course, they need your help spreading the word about their program as well.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Lawrence BrooksAdditional information: Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. They can also visit their closest VA medical center without calling in advance. VA seeks feedback to guide new copayment waiver program for Veterans at risk for suicide VA health records now display gender identity VA designates flexible funding to support homeless Veterans

Approximately four months have passed since the Afghanistan withdrawal. Since then, Veterans across the country have grappled with figuring out what it means to them. For some Veterans, these last four months could have felt like a painful slog. For others, it could have felt like a chaotic blur that whizzed right on by.We know that every Veteran will process the withdrawal from Afghanistan differently.This episode of Borne the Battle features four intrepid Afghanistan Veterans who discuss how they processed their own emotions as the Afghanistan withdrawal unfolded while reflecting on their service. The four Veterans are: Marine Veteran Stephen Kupryk served two tours in Afghanistan and now wrestles professionally under the name Steve Maclin. Air Force Veteran Amanda Huffman served in Afghanistan as a civil engineer before transitioning out of the military. She now hosts her own podcast addressing real issues women face while in the military, called Women of the Military Podcast. Marine Veteran Daniel Sharp served 11 years in the military and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He now runs his own media company to bring laughter to troops worldwide, and hosts his own podcast named The Smoke Pit. Marine Veteran Zachary Bell served two tours to Afghanistan and now dedicates a substantial part of his life assisting service members, Veterans, first responders and their families with his project, Veteran With A Sign. During and after the withdrawal, Kupryk thought about what he would have done differently. Huffman experienced the withdrawal with a therapist by her side. Sharp thought about the war in Afghanistan within its broader historical context, while Bell coped by using humor.In the end, no Veteran should ever have to feel alone. If this Borne the Battle roundtable resonated with you, please consider parsing through your own experience with fellow Veterans. To learn more about group counseling services, talk to a representative at your local Vet Center.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Air Force Veteran Jamie Fox Additional Links:If you are a Veteran in crisis and need Veteran-oriented help, contact: 1-800-273-8255. Check out VA's four-part series on how Afghanistan Veterans can get help through VA with the following links: How Afghanistan Veterans can reconcile their service How Afghanistan Veterans can learn from Vietnam Veterans How spouses, caregivers can support Veterans with PTSD Resources for PTSD VA and Indian Health Service broaden scope to serve American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans  VA statement on GPO printing and mailing delay VA advances Electronic Health Record Modernization program For Veterans who need assistance due to the Afghanistan withdrawal, consider calling The Independence Fund call center

Original Air Date - 9/25/20192019 marks the 40th Anniversary of  VA's Vet Centers. They started as outreach for Vietnam Veterans who did not utilize the VA as much as WWII Veterans.This week's interview is Pennsylvania National Guard Veteran Michael Fisher who is the Senior Readjustment Counselor. He leads and has direct oversight of over 300 Vet Centers, 80  Mobile Vet Centers and the  Vet Center Call Center. We broke it all down - how vet centers started, their differences between them and VA Medical Centers, their services and who is eligible. Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Army Veteran Bernadette Agnes Payla Miller

Original Air Date -7/27/2021This week's episode of Borne the Battle features one of its largest panels to date, as representatives from VA and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) break down the details of the Alaska Native Veterans Program of 2019. This episode features: Program manager Paul Krabacher (BLM). Acting Chief, Adjudication Services Section, Native Allotment Lead Candy Grimes (BLM). Land Transfer Resolution Specialist and Acting Native Liasion Ralph Eluska (BLM). Deputy Communications Director and Marine Corps Veteran Eric Tausch (BLM). Tribal Government Relations Specialist for the Continental/Midwest/North Atlantic Regions and Marine Corps Veteran Peter Vicaire (VA). The Alaska Native Veterans Program of 2019 allows Alaska Native Veterans who served in the Vietnam era, or an heir of theirs, to claim between 2.5 and 160 acres of land in Alaska. The BLM website hosts information about the program, including contact information, proposed rules for the program, a link to available lands, answers to frequently asked questions, and video from virtual public meetings about the program.How to Ensure You Receive your ApplicationPotentially eligible Veterans should update their contact information with the Bureau of Indian Affairs' (BIA) Realty Tribal Service Provider and with BLM. BIA Enrollment Verification: (907) 271-4506 BIA Realty: (800) 645-8465 BLM Native Allotment Section: (907) 271-5998 Potentially eligible Veterans should also request a copy of their DD-214 from the Alaska Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, US Department of Veteran Affairs. Your local VA office or Veteran Service Organization can provide assistance.How to Ensure the Program Works for YouPotentially eligible Veterans can coordinate a personal representative appointed by an Alaska State Court, or contact the Alaska Legal Services Corporation, for help coordinating a personal representative.Potentially eligible Veterans should also read the draft proposed rules for the program. There is a 30-day window for public commenting that ends on August 10, 2020.Use the interactive map of available lands for the program from the BLM website. You can claim and save a plot selection as a .pdf and turn it in with your claim. The map will be updated regularly as more lands become available and allotments are made. (This is an image of the interactive map; please click the link to go to the BLM website to use the interactive map.)Help Spread the WordVA, BLM and BIA need every Veteran's help to spread the word about the program. In order to reach the estimated 2,200 eligible Veterans or their heirs, the program needs its contact information to be as up-to-date as possible. Veterans and non-Veterans can use this PDF flyer to spread the news and ensure that every Alaska Native Veteran who has earned their land will receive it.BtBattle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Jefferson E. Keel

Originally Aired - 11/20/2019: Native American Vietnam Veteran Robert Primeaux shared his journey from a Lakota reservation to the Army, to Hollywood.As a young man, Primeaux was eager to get off the reservation and see the world. To leave, he decided to join the Army. He trained in Fort Lewis and Fort Knox before joining the 101st Airborne Division and sent off to Vietnam.In 1972, Primeaux returned to the United States. His younger brother had been killed in a car accident, leaving Primeaux as the sole male survivor of his family.However, he did not stay in the Army long. A car accident of his own put him in a coma for three weeks. After he recovered, he was discharged.Primeaux then lived on his grandmother's ranch while he recovered from his injuries. To help with his recovery, he began to self-rehab by working with the horses on the ranch. His love for horses gave him the opportunity to go to school through a rodeo scholarship from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).Between school and living on his family ranch, Primeaux met Michael Apted on the set of Thunderheart in South Dakota. Through this meeting, he landed a stunt role on Thunderheart and become eligible for access to the Union of the Screen Actors Guild.Later, Robert moved to LA to begin his film career where he landed roles in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and a more prominent role in Rough Riders. This role as Indian Bob was special to Primeaux because the director John Milius specifically created it with him in mind.Recently, Robert has been advocating for fallen service-members to be enshrines in the NFL Hall of Fame.Throughout his life, through thick and thin, Primeaux credited the Four Cardinal Lakota Virtues for helping him recover from the Vietnam War and his car accident.From childhood, Lakota Warriors were taught these four virtues. Primeaux stated that warriors who were taught the true meaning of these virtues learn to treat their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Air Corps Veteran Gus Palmer Sr. 

When Marine Corps Veteran Kelly Murphy began an Instagram account to document his workouts, he never dreamed that it would lead him to becoming the winner of CBS' "Tough as Nails" competition show. He left the set $200,000 dollars richer and the owner of a brand-new Ford F-150.In this week's episode of Borne the Battle, Murphy talks about life in the Marines, helping student Veterans find their place in civilian life and winning season one of the CBS competition show Tough as Nails.Murphy also works for the University of Central Missouri. He helps with outreach and recruitment for the university as well as mentors and helps student Veterans with their transition to civilian life.Murphy reflects on his own difficulties with transitioning to civilian life and advises Veterans currently separating from the military: “Go find your tribe to hang out with; go find your fellow Veterans, because it'll help you.”Though he is retired from the Marine Corps, Murphy continues to maintain his physical strength and fitness. When the Instagram account he created to document his workouts gained a following, he was approached by the casting director of Tough as Nails. Of his time on the show, Murphy says: “It brought me back… to my Marine Corps days. The show kind of made me feel like my old self again.”Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Marine Veteran Gregory “Pappy” Boyington Additional Links: Murphy's Tough as Nails Bio GI Bill Benefits Information

If there is anyone who knows what it means to be a warrior, it is Air Force Veteran D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas. D.J. Vanas travels around the country speaking at conventions packed with audience members, giving motivational presentations that teach people how to find their unique warrior spirit.You might be wondering, what exactly is the warrior spirit? Tribal nations, Fortune 500 companies, the military, and even the White House on two occasions have hired Vanas to answer that question. This episode of Borne the Battle offers the opportunity to hear him describe what exactly it means to embody the warrior spirit.Modern American culture often over romanticizes the warrior role and makes it out to be something unrealistic. Vanas brings the term back down to earth and emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, especially the warrior's ability to learn and grow from mistakes.Leading by example, in this episode of Borne the Battle, Vanas talks about his life's highs and lows: The life changing moment he learned of his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy Struggling to learn how to take responsibility when starting out in the Academy Serving as the Academy's youngest Chief of Minority Enrollment Grappling with managing his military duties while also building up his speaking business Developing a network and building the momentum he needed to reach the professional height he is at today Vanas sympathizes with the challenges that many face when leaving the military. Part of embodying the warrior spirit entails being flexible and leveraging the many skills we honed while in the military to build our new tribe, and then using those skills to make our communities a better and brighter place.To learn more about the warrior spirit, PBS hosted a program featuring Vanas teaching audiences how to tap into their slumbering warrior spirit.Being a warrior does not mean facing life's struggles alone. It is okay to feel overwhelmed and it is okay to not always know the answer. We might not be bulletproof, but as Vanas argues, being a warrior means rising over and over again and to keep moving forward one step at a time.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Dennis Wolfe. Additional Links: Check out our interview with fellow Lakota Warrior Billy Mills, a Marine Corps Veteran and 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist. His path to Olympic Gold was never certain but he certainly never quit. Lakota Warrior and Vietnam Veteran Dr. Robert Primeaux bounced back after suffering a terrible car accident while serving. He kept moving forward and achieved his dream of being an actor. VA expands offering of COVID-19 booster vaccines VA extends presumptive period for Persian Gulf War Veterans

At first glance, Tim Davis was not an ideal candidate for the Marine Corps. Although he had wanted to join the Marines since grade school, Davis was unathletic, overweight and had a shoulder problem that would require surgery before he could qualify for service.“I was a big nerd,” Davis laughed. “I was functionally fat in the Marine Corps.”Davis was sworn into the Marines a week before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Over the course of a 15-year career in the Corps, he deployed nine times, engaged in anti-terrorism operations in Southeast Asia, and collaborated with military forces from around the world.Today, Davis is working toward a doctorate in adult education and teaches ethics to the next generation of Marine Corps leaders. He's also a minor internet celebrity, having appeared in a couple of Marine memes that went viral.In this week's episode of Borne the Battle, Tim Davis talks about the life lessons he learned in the Corps, making the transition from soldier to civilian, how his experiences in the military helped him prepare for a career as a teacher, and the difference between teaching adults and children. He also discusses the benefits of studying jiu-jitsu and how it helps to heal both body and mind.How does he do it? “Remain calm,” Davis said. “Find the humor in the situation.”Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Marine Veteran John Reyes Additional Links:  Veterans Jiu-Jitsu VA prepares to get ahead of surge in backlogged claims  VA stands up commission to recommend new Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary 

This week's Borne the Battle – a benefits breakdown – features VA Mobile Mental Health Apps, which provides free tools and information to support and help Veterans manage PTSD-related symptoms and stress, learn mindfulness practices, aim to reduce suicide risk and strengthen parenting skills. The apps were designed to meet the needs of Veterans; they are free, easy to download, and are available via VA App Store, Google Play and Apple App Store.According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, some hopeful data shows that 399 fewer Veterans died from suicide in 2019 than in 2018, reflecting the lowest raw count of Veteran suicides since 2007.Navy and OIF Veteran Tim Avery, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and readjustment counselor at the Peninsula Vet Center. These statistics are the reason why Avery's work is so vital. In this episode of Borne the Battle, Avery answers these questions and more: How are the apps developed? How can Veterans access these apps via VA App Store/Google Play/App Store? How have these apps helped Veterans? What training is required to use these apps effectively? The VA Mobile Mental Health Apps are available to and beneficial for all family members of Veterans as well. Avery delves into how apps such as Couples Coach and PTSD Family Coach provide a great source of information that can help enhance communication and improve relationships.Having access to effective mental health care resources is important to improving quality of life after service. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is experiencing a mental health crisis, call VA's Veterans Crisis Line for immediate assistance. People like Avery are working for and alongside VA, and are committed to providing mental health care for all Veterans and their families, 24/7, and are ready to help at a moment's notice.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Navy Veteran Michael Edwin Thornton Additional Links: Borne the Battle #247: Irreverent Warriors VA Mobile Mental Health Apps Playlist National Center for PTSD Apps Digital Safety Plan YouTube introduction Vet Centers (Readjustment Counselling Services) Tech into Care site Millions in adaptive sports grants help disabled Veterans with rehabilitation goals  VA improves quality of care for Veterans diagnosed with ALS

When Bill Czopek decided to transfer to the Naval Academy, he knew that he wanted the structure and support of a military career. Through persistence and dedication, he was accepted. Little did he know, that experience would lead him to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).In this week's episode of Borne the Battle, Special Agent Bill Czopek discusses his time in the Navy, his experience in the DEA, and some things Veterans should be concerned about when it comes to counterfeit pills and the illegal drug trade.In the Navy, Czopek served as a Surface Warfare Officer. He became a “jack of all trades” and learned versatility in this role. His first-ever “drug bust” happened off the coast of North Africa, where his ship intercepted a dhow (fishing boat) smuggling two tons of hashish.After his service, Czopeck turned his eyes toward serving his country in a civilian role, today as a DEA officer, and and he talks the state of drug trafficking in America, including: DEA foreign offices Counterfeit pills The drug trafficking supply chain Online drug sales How Veterans and other citizens can protect themselves from the effects of drug trafficking He also gives advice for other Veterans planning on applying to federal agencies after their service.Want to know more about counterfeit pills, an issue that directly affects Veterans receiving medical care? Among other details in the podcast, Czopeck shared: Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl can look exactly like legitimate prescription pills. According to the DEA, the number of counterfeit pills in circulation has increased 430% since 2019. According to the FDA, consumers should ensure their pill and drug packing look normal before taking any medication. Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army and Air Force Veteran William Bonelli  Additional Links https://www.dea.gov/ep/360-strategy https://www.dea.gov/alert/sharp-increase-fake-prescription-pills-containing-fentanyl-and-meth VA resumes overpayment notifications, medical copayment collections while continuing to offer Veterans expansive debt relief options  Veterans Legacy Memorial expands to include VA-grant funded state, territorial and tribal Veterans cemeteries VA embarks on process to design new model to deliver seamless integrated care

In 1945, warehouses in Birmingham, England, were brimming with unsent postal mail intended for U.S. soldiers at the frontlines. At the same time, African American organizations pressed the War Department to create more opportunities for African American Women's Army Corps members to serve. Tackling two issues at once, the War Department started recruiting African American women and formed the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The job was expected to take six months. The "Six Triple Eight" did it in three.Retired Air Force Major Fannie Griffin McClendon was one of these women to take up the monumental task of ensuring soldiers on the frontlines received mail sent to them by their loved ones, regardless of rain, sleet, “buzz bombs,” racism, and sexism. Indeed, throughout her time in the 6888th Battalion and later as a commander with Strategic Air Command, she faced and overcame many instances of racism and sexism thrown at her. This ranged from men who refused to serve under her because she was a woman. Focusing on her vital duties to the country, McClendon knocked down barriers and shattered glass ceilings at every corner of her military career.Even as a centenarian, McClendon remembered stories from her days in the military like the back of her hand. Stories she discussed in this episode of Borne the Battle include: What life was like for her while serving abroad in Europe during WWII The casualties the 6888th suffered while in France Becoming a commander in the Air Force Surrounded by the stench and sight of death, soldiers on the frontlines depended on members of the 6888th, like McClendon, to deliver them letters written by their loved ones back home. Despite the importance of their role, the 6888th, like many other segregated units from WWII, received little recognition after the war.The 6888th only recently started gaining popular recognition, with a documentary on it released in 2019.In 2021, the Senate passed the “Six Triple Eight” Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, an act awarding congressional gold medals to members of the 6888th for their “pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and contributions to the morale of personnel stationed in the European theater.”While formal recognition for her service was long overdue, McClendon seemed not to mind too much. Rather, she focused on the many opportunities the military gave her and the spectacular life it allowed her to live.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Marine Veteran Zane Jones Additional Links: Even at the age of 100, McClendon went out of her way to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Click here to learn how you can get vaccinated through the VA. To read more about the 6888th Veterans, check out the 6888th's website. practical resources for transitioning service members  VA stands ready to offer COVID-19 booster vaccines VA request for information on proposed rule change published in Federal Register on character of discharge  VA, National Support Network teach Veterans how to fight cybercrime

If you know of Black Rifle Coffee Company or watch Mayans MC on FX, you may already know this week's Borne the Battle guest – Army Veteran, entrepreneur, actor and overall entertainer Vincent Vargas.It was a windy road that led him to this point in his life. Too many wild parties got him kicked out of college and ended his childhood dream of playing professional baseball. At 20, as a young father who was no longer playing ball or attending school, Vargas felt like a disappointment to his family.In 2003, during the invasion of Baghdad at the outbreak of the Iraq War, Vargas watched a televised newscast in which a Marine helped to topple a statue of dictator Saddam Hussein. News reporters interviewed the Marine's family, who emotionally expressed their pride in his service.The next day, Vargas went to a military recruiting office to enlist. He later served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Ranger, became a drill sergeant, and after serving, even joined the U.S. Border Patrol.In this week's episode of Borne the Battle, Vincent Vargas discusses his many transitions between sports, military and civilian lives, getting into acting, his time on the Drinkin' Bros podcast, and the founding of Beteran, his Veteran-focused clothing line that emphasizes empowerment and positivity rather than the prevailing Veteran narratives of depression, alcoholism, and suicide.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Army Veteran Ricardo Barraza Also Mentioned in this Episode: https://vincentroccovargas.com/ VETSmile pilot program to improve affordable dental care access for Veterans Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to provide an additional year for eligibility and reassessment of certain participants

David Bonilla grew up in El Monte, California, where, as a child, he had the opportunity to be involved with a few film projects. Through his mother's connections, he gained both experience in the film industry and an interest in filming and directing. He initially had no plans to join the military, but when a recruiter offered to buy him lunch, his life found a new direction.Bonilla discusses his deployments overseas to Baghdad and his position as part of the logistics team during the Gulf War. There, he experienced what it was really like to be in the field and understand what a near death experience was like.After completing his service and later a college degree, Bonilla landed a position at Solar City, a company under Elon Musk. While working at Solar City, Bonilla's assistant noticed how he was struggling with panic attacks and helped guide him to VA. This led him to VR&E, where he found purpose and goals in life.Now finished with his military path, Bonilla returned to his early love of the film industry and began studying audio by using his GI Bill benefits. He started working as a foley artist, eventually winning an Emmy for his work on Disney's Eleanor of Avalor.In this episode, Bonilla discusses: His experiences in the military Working in the film industry Working for Raytheon His time at a company under Elon Musk His projects as a sound engineer, including Disney's Eleanor of Avalor Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: Army Veteran Jose Lopez Additional Links:  VA enhances geriatric emergency care for older Veterans VA annual report shows decrease in Veteran suicides VA assembles Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention Workgroup

(Originally casted 9/11/2019)On September 11, 2001, Air Force flight surgeon John Baxter showed up to work at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, to a full load of patients and completing physicals–just like any other day.Halfway through his morning while getting his next patient, he saw that a civilian airliner had flown into one of the World Trade Center towers.While with the patient, Baxter said he noticed the background noise in the Pentagon changed. It seemed quieter than usual. Then, he heard shouts. He opened his door and saw people running and shouting, and smoke in the hallway.At first, Baxter didn't know if there was an explosion, a fire or some other event. Despite the unknowns, he assembled his team of flight surgeons, a nurse and medical technicians. They grabbed medical kits and traveled as a group. Their emergency plan was to meet up with other medics at the Pentagon's DiLorenzo Clinic.Then they heard the news: there were casualties in corridor 5.Baxter's team ran to the spot. They found Army Veteran Brian Birdwell, who was in excruciating pain from burns. It was a situation that Baxter was unexpectedly prepared for: Months earlier, in an emergency exercise, the flight clinic trained for the same scenario that unfolded on 9/11: a plane crashing into the Pentagon.John Baxter still serves at the Pentagon, though now as a civilian flight surgeon. For this week's Born the Battle Podcast, Baxter details his story of 9/11 and the days that followed.#BtBattle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran and 9/11 victim Max Beilke Additional Links: https://www1.cbn.com/biblestudy/brian-birdwell:-refined-by-fire https://pentagonmemorial.org/ https://archive.defense.gov/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=924 https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/News/Article/Article/1627463/vice-president-dod-leaders-honor-pentagons-911-sacrifices/

This episode of Borne the Battle – a benefits breakdown – features HUD-VASH, a collaborative program between HUD and VA that provides support to help homeless Veterans and their families – and those at risk of becoming homeless – to find and sustain permanent housing.Veterans Matter is one of the many nonprofits which work alongside and enhance HUD-VASH's ability to reduce homelessness among Veterans.According to the 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, there were 37,252 homeless Veterans in 2020, and 15,204 of those Veterans were unsheltered.For Meghan Deal, national director of the HUD-VASH Program, and Ken Leslie, a former homeless man and founder of Veterans Matter, these troubling statistics are an indication of the importance of their work. In this episode of Borne the Battle, Deal and Leslie answer these questions and more: What motivates them to help Veterans despite not being Veterans themselves? What does help from HUD-VASH and nonprofits like Veterans Matter look like? What makes a Veteran eligible for HUD-VASH assistance?What makes a Veteran “homeless?” How can people get involved with helping homeless Veterans in their community? If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness, call 1-877-424-3838 for immediate assistance.The HUD-VASH program also has resources geared specifically for the Native American Veteran population. For tribes that are interested in providing rental assistance and supportive services to Native American Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, read up on Tribal HUD-VASH and considering submitting an application.Having access to safe and adequate housing is a human right. If you know a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of being homeless, encourage them to call VA for assistance. There are people working for and alongside VA, like Deal and Leslie, who are committed to rooting out homelessness and are standing by ready to help.Borne the Battle Veterans of the Week: Marine Veteran Darin T. Hoover of Salt Lake City Utah Marine Veteran Johanny Rosario Pichardo of Lawrence Massachusetts Marine Veteran Nicole Gee of Sacramento, California Marine Veteran Hunter Lopez of Indio, California Marine Veteran Daegan Page of Omaha, Nebraska Marine Veteran Humberto Sanchez of Logansport Indiana Marine Veteran David Espinoza of Rio Bravo, Texas Marine Veteran Jared Schmitz of St. Charles, Missouri Marine Veteran Rylee McCollum of Jackson, Wyoming Marine Veteran Dylan Merola of Rancho Cucamonga, California Marine Veteran Kareem Nikoui of Norco, California Navy Veteran Maxton Soviak of Berlin Heights, Ohio Army Veteran Ryan Knauss of Corryton, Tennessee Additional Links: Check out the Borne the Battle episode on Supportive Services for Veteran Families, another VA program helping tackle Veteran homelessness in its own way. The VA recently announced its Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grants to enhance Veterans' abilities to live comfortably in specially adapted homes. VA expands rental support, increasing housing options for Veterans

On this episode of Borne the Battle, Army Veteran Tommy Davis shares his story about deploying to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and Afghanistan, then later working in the video game industry.Tommy always enjoyed playing video games, but his journey to working in the video game industry was not straightforward. After taking some courses at a community college, he still felt uncertain about the future and what he wanted to do. He spoke with a recruiter and enlisted in the Army.After serving seven years in the Army, Davis transitioned to civilian life and enrolled in George Washington University. He discusses connecting with fellow Veterans on campus and serving as president of GW Veterans. They are a chapter of Student Veterans of America, who focus on issues regarding Veterans and education.Next, Davis talks about becoming interested in and doing extensive research about the video gaming industry after earning his bachelor's degree. He discusses how he convinced himself to apply to his dream job after being encouraged by his family and friends. His determination led to him applying to and accepting a position with ZeniMax Media as a video game quality assurance tester working on The Elder Scrolls Online.Later, he delves into how the framework he learned in the military helps him stay focused while working in web development. He talks about the Veteran community affiliation within Zenimax Online Studios. That community helps recruit Veterans and helps them with civilian integration.Finally, he provides advice for Veterans interested in joining the gaming industry and developing specific skillsets by attending the Microsoft Software and Assistance Academy.In this episode, Davis talks about: What he learned from his experiences in the military. His post-military education at George Washington University. Various positions available to Veterans at Zenimax Online Studios. Career advice to transitioning service members and how they can gain valuable specific industry training. How important it is for Veterans to get involved with Veteran service organizations, such as Team Rubicon and Wounded Warrior Project. Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Air Force Veteran Patrick Peter Caruana Additional Links: Borne The Battle 140: Danny Chung – Marine Veteran, Chief of Staff, Microsoft Military Affairs VA spotlights special benefits for elderly wartime Veteran population VA grants improve transitional housing, prevent Veteran homelessness 

Army Veteran James Stejskal spent nine years in West Berlin during the Cold War, serving in a clandestine and small special forces unit known as Detachment A. His mission bordered on the impossible, tasked with being ready to cross into East Germany and sabotage the Soviet army at a moment's notice in case the Soviet Union ever decided to launch an invasion.He spent 23 years in service with special forces and 13 years operating under the CIA. Stejskal lived a life brimming with unique experiences. A few of the stories he shared on this episode of Borne the Battle include how he: Fought to get a role in the Army Special Forces after initially serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. Was prepared to blow up Soviet trains and destroy Soviet railway networks if West Berlin was invaded. Nearly had to amputate his leg after being in a vehicle that rolled over an old Soviet tank mine, but had it saved by an orthopedic surgeon with an ingenious idea.  For nearly half a century, information pertaining to Detachment A remained classified and hidden from the public eye. The government only declassified information about this unit in 2014. With a story virtually absent from the history books, Stejskal is determined to keep Detachment A's legacy from being forgotten.One of Stejskal's most notable books on Detachment A is “Special Forces Berlin.”Though Stejskal is a professional historian, he also enjoys writing fiction. Adept at writing in a variety of styles, Stejskal has written a diverse selection of books, ranging from historical fiction to professionally researched historical narratives.For decades, Stejskal had to keep his lips sealed about Detachment A because it was classified information. Now with it declassified, he wants everyone to know its story. Hear what Stejskal could not talk about for years by listening to this episode of Borne the Battle.Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Tom Rice Additional links: Stejskal gave his opinion on the state of publishing in the age of digital media from the perspective of being an author. Hear Navy Veteran and singer-songwriter Jonathan Kingham share his perspective on the future of the music industry in Borne the Battle #246  Many credit the tactics used by Detachment A as being the basis for today's special operations and law enforcement tactics. VA expands mandate for COVID-19 vaccines among VHA employees Afghanistan: How Veterans can learn from Vietnam Veterans

Links to programs and resources mentioned in this episode: Veterans Crisis Line: call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/ https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ https://www.maketheconnection.net/ https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ Women Veterans Call Center: 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET) https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ https://www.va.gov/files/2020-11/mental-health-quick-start-guide.pdf

In 1954, the United States became actively involved in the Vietnam War. John Ligato followed suit and joined the Marine Corps to serve his country after receiving a draft notice in 1966.Ligato breaks down his experience during the Battle of Hue City from an operational view. He discusses what he calls the three missing days in Marine Corps history due to the nature of the battle, and how he pushed for 13 years to get the medals that his team rightfully deserved. He was awarded three Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam in addition to other valor awards.After being wounded, Ligato transitioned to civilian life, went to school, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees.Ligato discusses working for the The ARC of the United States (ARC), which helps severely handicapped children and adults, and then joining the FBI. There, he got involved in undercover work, spending a total of eight years working undercover in various locations in the 70s-90s. He also talks about working as a pilot with the FBI and spending much of his latter career in diplomatic training missions in various locations around the world. His efforts and time working with the FBI resulted in him receiving the Directors Award and Attorney General's Award for investigative excellence.In this episode, Ligato talks: Becoming an adjunct college professor and teaching counter-terrorism and international security at Campbell University. Writing several books and providing advice to aspiring professional authors. Appearing in several movies. How Veterans can become involved in Veteran Service Organizations, such as Hope for the Warriors and Semper Fi Fund.

VA's Office of Community Care (OCC) aims to place the choice of provider in the hands of eligible Veterans and assist them in finding the best options for their care.On this episode of Borne the Battle, Dr. Elizabeth Brill, chief medical officer at OCC, breaks down the process of determining eligibility, making appointments and receiving care through community care.Types of care available under Community Care include: General care Urgent care Emergency care Foreign medical care Home, health and hospice care Indian Health Services In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) State Veterans Homes Flu shots CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE TYPES OF CAREEligibility depends on the individual Veteran's needs and circumstances. For example, travel distance from a VHA facility is now calculated by drive time, not mileage, and Veterans living over 30 minutes from a VHA facility are eligible for community care.The other eligibility categories include: Needing a service that VA doesn't provide. Not having a full-service VA in the state or territory in which you live. When VA cannot schedule appointments in a timely manner. When available VA care isn't meeting quality care standards. It is also possible for Veterans to receive Community Care authorization at the recommendation of their VA doctor, even if they don't meet any of the eligibility criteria.CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTSOnce Veterans are approved to receive care in their community, VA will make the necessary appointments or assist the Veteran in making the appointment.Dr. Brill also provides instructions for providers to apply to become Community Care Network providers for VA. If a Veteran wants to be seen by a provider that isn't in the Community Care Network, they can ask that provider to follow the instructions to care for Veterans under VA benefits instead of private insurance. Providers can also receive CCN provider status without a Veteran's request to better serve the Veterans in their community by making themselves available under VA benefits.CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME A VA COMMUNITY PROVIDERBorne the Battle Veteran of the Week:Army Veteran Mike Tarpley Additional Links: Provider and Facility locator VA Community Care Network CCN – Extended informational video Borne the Battle BONUS: COVID Update #7: Clinical Trials and Emergency Department Procedures Online scheduling – manage community care appointments online at the click of a button – VAntage Point VA MISSION Act: Answers to top questions about community care appointments – VAntage Point VA to start processing disability claims for certain conditions related to particulate matter VA clinical breakthrough study shows effective male UTI treatments in just seven days