Todays American Veteran

Betsy Nolan Vice President Of Villagers for Veterans. Medical Service Corps Navy. 26 years. Villagers for Veterans is 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization founded for the sole purpose of helping severely wounded veterans. We help veterans directly with much-needed funding or additional resources, or by providing grants to other organizations that provide services for veterans. Either way, we are here to help wounded veterans transition into civilian life with as much support as possible. Villagers for Veterans meets a real need today, as veterans too often face difficulty in securing resources through established sources, such as governmental agencies.  The Organization is building the House of Love for Sgt Pam Kelly They are having an Orchid Gala (May 2019) they are having Gary Sinise and Lt Dan Band October 27 and a Film Festival in November.  villagersforveterans.orgVillagers_for_Veterans.mp3

Author Mark Heathco on his book Call Sign: Purple Three: Patrolling the US Sector of the Korean DMZ The current event's between North Korea and South Korea are at the brink of War, and will be picking up from where it was stopped in 1953. Mark Heathco  has written a true event book about American Soldiers conducting Combat Patrols on the DMZ South Korea during 1985. No one has ever asked the men who did the Combat Patrols on the DMZ. Other documentary and books have been about only other areas of the DMZ.   This is the story of the young 18 year old who had to help keep peace between both Korea's.Call_Sign_Purple_Three.mp3

  Dennis O. Baker, CDR, USN, (ret)Commander Dennis O. Baker, United States Navy (ret), has been recently appointed as President, Florida Veterans Foundation. Commander Baker was first recruited by Major John Haynes, Chairman Emeritus, FL Veterans HOF Inductee, and Governor’s Medal of Merit, to work with FVF in July of 2015 in the completion of the Medal of Honor Brick Memorial program. He completed the Medal of Honor Memorial in October of 2016. His duties at FVF are fundraising and staff operations. FVF is a Direct SupportOrganization of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. During his time at the foundation as the Special Projects Coordinator he penned, received, and executed a $1.25Mil Grant from Attorney General Pam Bondi. The grant served at the precipice of serving Florida Veterans in financial need on levels far an above any before. Additionally, the grant provided for the health, education, and welfare of Veterans in Florida.  Dennis was born in Newburgh, NY and graduated from Delaware Valley Central School in 1970 and then enlisted in the Navy as a Seaman Recruit. In 1980 he was selected as the East Coast Sailor of the Year for Tactical Wings Atlantic Fleet. He earned the Enlisted Air Warfare Designation. The following year he was commissioned as an Ensign Aviation Maintenance Officer. He served 28 years retiring as a Commander. During his time in the Navy he was awarded three Navy AchievementMedals, Three Navy Commendation Medals and Two Meritorious Service Medals for his leadership in support of airpower missions ranging from Persian Gulf Earnest Will Missions to Middle Eastern conflicts. He was recruited as the Senior Vice President of National Aviation Academy in Clearwater, FL. Following that he served as the Executive Vice President of First Coast Technical College and then was hand-picked to be the Director of Flagler College, Tallahassee serving under Representative Dr. William L. Proctor, 2016 Florida Hall of Fame Inductee. Commander Baker served as a passionate advocate for postsecondary education, and volunteered for many other civic and military organizations in the Tallahassee area. He is frequently asked to speak at public events and most recently co-spoke with Bobby Bowden at a Commitment to Character dinner for a fundraiser. He is a screenwriter and author most notably for “Restless Hearts, What if Fallen Heroes Could Go Home?” It has earned distinction in the Military Writers Society of America with the Silver Award, and Vietnam Veterans of America, and is in discussion with HBO to make his book a series.Restless_Hearts_What_If_Fallen_Heroes_Could_Go_Home.mp3

No event in “The West’s Most Western Town” can match the action at Rodeo Scottsdale. This annual event is back for its 65th year, making it the oldest one in the city, along with the Parada Del Sol Parade. Rodeo Scottsdale is known as one of the biggest kickoff events in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, or PRCA. Last year, it drew 75 professional bull riders, which is about double what competing events will see. They’ve added a separate day (Thursday) just for bull riding to accommodate for all the contestants. For all events combined, there will be about 700 contestants which draws quite a crowd. Thousands of fans flock to Scottsdale each year to watch these cowboys from all over the country compete in a variety of rodeo events, including Bull Riding, Bronc’ Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping and Barrel Racing. Rodeo Scottsdale will take you back in time to traditional Rodeos, according to Rodeo General Manager Dave Alford. “We keep it old school.Rodeo_Scottsdale.mp3

Jack talks with Steven Svoboda about The National Coalition For Men and how they are helping men with their Rights. NCFM formed in 1977 to address men’s issues. Since that time, a men’s rights movement has been steadily growing globally to address men’s rights that have been seriously neglected in laws and public policies worldwide. Men have been systematically discriminated against in parenting rights, child custody, criminal entencing, military conscription, education, domestic and sexual violence laws that neglect male victims and support false accusations, reproductive rights, genital integrity laws. NCFM is the oldest men’s group committed to ending sex discrimination. Throughout our history we have advanced step by step, across three nations, toward our goal of resolving issues which are barriers to progress and freedom.National_Coalition_For_Men_1.mp3

Ron has served with Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard units throughout the world. He designed the Marine Corps’ “Warrior Transition Program,” which he has been featured on CNN’s “Newsnight” program and in many related Newspaper articles and other news shows around the country. He writes a weekly column on life issues syndicated in several newspapers entitled  “Chappy’s On Eagles’ Wings.”  Ron and his son Ross were featured in a documentary film on trauma and war entitled “Between Iraq and a Hard Place.” Ron has consulted as a military and trauma expert on feature films such as, "Hacksaw Ridge" and "UNBROKEN, Path to Redemption." He is affectionately known as the "Reality Doc" As a Marine, Police Officer, Social Worker, Counselor and Clergy, Ron’s challenging life and experience has been the catalyze for his passion in healing and development of human potential. Through keynote speaking, writing, training and coaching, Ron empowers listeners with innovative strategies for life balance, personal integrity, communication and  “Energizing others with Hope and Healing.”  ronringo.comNavy_Marine_Corps_Coast_Guard_Movies.mp3

Jack talks with Edrick Hid about Live Nation and how they help and support our Veterans. Live Nation Entertainment is an American global entertainment company, formed from the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster in 2010. It owns, leases, operates, has booking rights for and/or equity interests in a large number of U.S. entertainment venues. Hero Nation - This internal resource group is dedicated to fostering a supportive and progressive environment for our US military veteran employees and their families – focusing on education, networking, and career development opportunities.   To Support The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes make a one time or monthly donation  text the word SALUTERADIO to 91999 Live_Nation_Entertainment.mp3

Colonel (Retired) John C. Buckley, II, U.S. Army, completed 30 years of active duty service in September 2014.  His military career as an Infantryman includes commanding Soldiers in combat and peacekeeping operations, contributing to the strategic and operational planning for operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Libya as well as providing daily advice to the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff, Army and other senior commanders who answered directly to the President of the United States. As the Director of two of the Army’s most prestigious schools, he designed an enduring curriculum for future Army leaders. John Buckley talks to Jack about Koch Industries and how they Create a sustainable military veteran recruiting and retention program to advance Koch Industries, Inc.'s long-term business strategies, including current demand and future talent needs Ultimately, attract, hire, integrate and retain well-qualified military veterans by: Leveraging mutually beneficial relationships; Increasing awareness of the program; Collaborating across all Koch companies; Improving consistency of effort and representation; Sharing best practices.  Through education programs we have focused on closing the cultural and communication gap and as a result our retention rates have increased.  Moreover, we are attracting even more veterans because our veteran employees are excited to refer their former battle-buddies and mates. Our communication effort also educates our non-veteran community on “life in the military service”, shares veterans success in Koch, and has resulted in a record number of ESGR recognition. Our Transition mentoring supported by our Transition Guide has proved to be very successful. Our tools are not only used by the job seekers, but also by our veteran mentors who use the tips and best practices. Also, our onboarding and internal mentoring programs are improving the retention rate of newly hired veterans.John_Buckley.mp3

The mission of the Mary Seau Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Foundation is to raise funds that will aid in the investigation of the long-term effects from repetitive head impacts sustained during contact sports, military conflicts or other potentially hazardous environments. www.msctefoundation.orgMery_Seau.mp3

Kathy Roth-Douquet is an advocate for the role of the military in civil society; she is an author, nonprofit leader, attorney, and former government official. Kathy is the CEO of Blue Star Families, the largest Chapter-based nonprofit organization serving active duty of all branches, Guard and Reserve, wounded, and transitioning veterans and their families. Blue Star Families mission is to strengthen military families and our nation by connecting communities and fostering leadership to millions of people. bluestarfam.orgKathy_Roth_Douquet.mp3

My life was forever changed when I was catastrophically wounded while on deployment in Iraq. On August 22, 2004 I saw the world for the last time. An improvised explosive devise crushed 45% of my cranium, took both of my eyes and left me with other life-altering injuries. That day my service in the military ended but my service to others continued. When I woke up in that hospital bed faced with the greatest adversity I had ever encountered I had to make a decision; what kind of life was I going to live. I drew on my Marine Corps training; not just in leadership and character development, but in mission accomplishment as well. I decided to develop a personal vision of what I wanted my life to be and then I started to implement a plan to make that vision a reality. Overcoming adversity is something that I have become good at; not so much by choice as by necessity. Michael_Jernigan_pt_1.mp3Michael_Jernigan_pt_2.mp3

Barbara Allen was just 32 years old when her husband was killed in Iraq at the hands of a fellow soldier. She has since triumphed over tragedy and has written two books, is a national speaker, a co-founder of American Snippets, a veteran’s advocate and supporter of other Gold Star Wives.Gold_Star_Wife_Barb_Allen.mp3

Lance was canoeing near his hometown of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas in 1993, when a decision to dive into the river to retrieve his baseball cap resulted in life-changing circumstances. Lance’s head hit a submerged rock, shattering his C5 vertebrae and leaving him paralyzed.  In 2011, without having tried any of the sports, Lance signed up for the Marine Corps Trials, competing amongst 200+ Marines to field a 50 man Marine team for the Warrior Games (the military's version of the Paralympics).  After success in multiple Trials & Games he was selected for the emerging shooter program with the USOC. He has completed the Challenged Athletes Foundation Million Dollar Challenge 4 times (a 620-mile bike ride from San Francisco to La Jolla, CA).   Lance also works as Canine Companions for Independence as the Veteran's Liaison. His latest achievement has been the Silver State 508, a 508 mile bike race in Reno, Nevada. www.teamchase.netLance_Weir.mp3

John had developed a unique set of skills thru his life, from personal adversity, to military training to traveling the world as an MMA fighter. When the opportunity came available for him to train soldiers for the US Army; John embraced this opportunity with the same passion and dedication that had helped him grow and develop to be the man he is today. John was the first civilian certified by the Army to train soldiers and has direct influence on several of the cutting-edge trainings that all soldiers go thru in the military. As John was leaving the Army to pursue his bachelors degree he found a new phenomenon to display his inner “scrapper” it was called MMA. This adventure lasted 10 years with 68 professional MMA, boxing and kickboxing matches under his belt and 6 world titles spanning three different continents. Proving Adversity can be overcome time and time again!  he has now found a new adventure in the travel industry. It is a perfect mission for his talents and abilities that have made John successful so far, to come together and help entrepreneurs find success doing business God’s way, by giving back and never asking in return. Thru all his adventures, John has been a “Traveling Warrior”; you will not find anyone better suited to lead you on your next business adventure that provides more time, more freedom and more life. https://johnrenken.com/John_Renken.mp3

Elliott McKenzie is a U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War veteran turned R&B singer/songwriter. When he came home from Iraq, Elliott experienced severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety. So much so that he ended up homeless. After years of treatment, Elliott started using his abilities in music as a form of therapy for his issues and is now a successful recording artist and college graduate. His debut single entitled “Gunshots” is a powerful anthem about being a combat veteran with PTSD. His latest single called “Fight Back” is another inspiring song about fighting back against mental illness. His music has influenced and inspired people all across the world. Elliott’s debut album “Therapy Session” is set to release in 2019. To learn more about Elliott and support his music please visit www.elliottmckenzie.com  You can listen to Fight Back at the end of this interview.Elliott_McKenzie.mp3

     Jack Scalia had the opportunity to speak to Golden Knight's Mike Elliott who had the privilege to tandem dive with President Bush. Listen to the interview on the coalition to Salute America's Heroes Show aired December 1,2018parachuting_with_George_H_W_Bush_1.mp3

Here at the Academy of United States Veterans, we believe in the magic of collaboration among powerful communities to create a more united, sustainable and healthy tomorrow not only for our veterans, but all Americans. Every veteran deserves to have a voice in our American community. Every single service member on active duty, in transition, or separated from the military has a right to live a meaningful and sustainable life. As veterans, we all believe in an old fashion conviction called public service. We wear our title of veteran as a badge of honor. As brothers and sisters in arms, we are called to confirm our values and our vows, to hold them against a hard reality and see how we are measuring up to the legacy of those who served before us and will serve long after us.Academy_of_United_States_Veterans.mp3

Steele Kelly: When Sinners Like Me Come Home tells the story of a veteran whose heart and mind remained in war, long after he returned home.  Steele bravely shares his personal account of denying, ignoring and finally prevailing over his demons of war.  He is a US Army Veteran with more than 334 hours of dismounted combat patrols during Operation Enduring Freedom.  Every veteran reading this book will find part of themselves within its pages.Steele_Kelly.mp3

David Meadows was born and raised in the mountain coal town of Wheeling, West Virginia before setting out in August 2000 to enlist in the Military and become a Navy SEAL. After serving 13 years in the Navy, Dave went to work for a fortune 500 company but soon followed a calling for acting and began studying at The Actor's Place in Hampton roads, VA. This led to David Booking his first role in a stage play and then signing with his first agent. In recent years Dave has found himself working in LA, NYC and the SE markets appearing in TV shows as-Banshee, TURN, Mercy Street, House of Cards and Dystopia as well as the Feature films "Worth the Price" and "Imperium" Opposite Daniel Radcliffe. In what little spare time he finds Dave enjoys teasing his Black Lab, Hemi, hanging out with his parents and two sisters and working on whatever motor powered street speed machine currently has his eye.David_Meadows.mp3

Major Linda Stanley served over 20 years in the military - six years in the Army and 14 years in the Air Force as a nurse. She was deployed to Balad, Iraq in 2006 with the 322 squadron as a trauma nurse. She retired in 2010 and used her Post-9/11 GI Bill to obtain a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at USD so that she could help other veterans reintegrate back into society and cope from trauma related to their military service. She now works as a nurse practitioner at the VA specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She also speaks nationally educating mental health providers, doctors, nurses, and students about PTSD and combat stress.Linda_Stanly.mp3

  Suzanne Gordon is an award-winning journalist and author. She has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Nation, The Washington Monthly, The American Prospect, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, JAMA, The Annals of Internal Medicine, The BMJ, and others. She is the co-editor of the Culture and Politics of Health Care Work series at Cornell University Press. Wounds of War: How the VA Delivers Health, Healing, and Hope to the Nation’s Veterans. U.S. military conflicts abroad have left nine million Americans dependent on the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for medical care. Their “wounds of war” are treated by the largest hospital system in the country—one that has come under fire from critics in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and in the nation’s media. The resulting public debate about the future of veterans’ health care has pitted VHA patients and their care-givers against politicians and policy-makers who believe that former military personnel would be better served by private health care providers.Suzanne_Gordon_Wounds_of_War.mp3

Bob Vincent is President of Reel Heroes Media in Dallas, Texas, and serves as the Communications Director for the Airpower Foundation.  Bob founded the company in 2008 with a revolutionary online marketing product called VideoPilot360.  Bob’s talents are rooted in his unique ability to create valuable relationships and produce high-quality productions.  That skill has made him a trusted resource by some of the largest brands and entertainers across the United States, including Rascal Flatts, Gary Sinise, Tony Orlando, Lee Greenwood, Chef Robert Irvine, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Terry Fator, with accolades from corporate giants like Disney, American Airlines, DEKA Research & Development Corporation, MGM Resorts International, and Sears.  His compelling and sensitive video productions for the Airpower Foundation, Sky Ball, American Airlines Veterans Initiatives, Snowball Express, The American Fallen Soldiers Project, The Gary Sinise Foundation, and many other organizations, have earned him praise from military family members who benefit from those philanthropies.  His videos are credited for helping motivate patriotic Americans to donate millions of dollars in donations to those organizations and inspiring others to volunteer their time to help.  One particular video produced by Bob was recently responsible for assisting the Independence Corps Foundation, along with inventor, and DEKA Corp. CEO, Dean Kamen, to resume production of the iBOT mobility device, making the next generation of this amazing technology available to those who need it most.  Bob and his company were also proudly featured in U.S. Veterans magazine.Bob_Vincent_For_Real_Heroes_Media_1.mp3

Jeff has been a professional pilot at Southwest Airlines for 25 years. His previous Aviation experience involved his skills as a Screen Actors Guild aerial coordinator and film pilot with movie credits such as “True Lies”, “Executive Decision”, “Hot Shots”, “Space Cowboys” and hundreds of Military photo chase missions including the Blue Angels Canadian Snowbirds and USAF Thunderbirds. Jeff flew a specially equipped Learjet with the Nettmann Vectorivision system for 15 years, capturing some of the most stunning aerial photo shots enjoyed by many in movies and Military research and development. Jeff also was a News Helicopter Pilot for Channel 9 KTLA in Los Angeles, California for over 5 years. As a Civilian pilot, Jeff was allowed to fly next to almost every Military jet in the inventory to capture the shots. He also became a helicopter pilot and flew for Channel 9 News in Los Angeles for many years. Jeff says the music of CTS is the melodic story of his life and that we can all achieve great things in life if we try and believe in ourselves. To date Jeff has logged over 27,000 hours in the air and has fueled the inspiration of the music he writes. The band has performed all over the country in various venues and opened for numerous National Artists. CTS performs in cities around America, it’s one of a kind show called “Freedom Rock Experience”. The concert is a multi media rock show, placing high school or college orchestras on stage for a high energy performance with up to 250 students rocking the stage with CTS. Honoring the real American Hero from Military, Police, Firefighters and Teachers, the show is designed to inspire our youth of today, to live their dreams. Jeff’s passion for making dreams become realities is evident in his life besides as a musician.  Jeff_Senour_Called_To_Serve.mp3

We Are Not Done Yet: Ten U.S. veterans of varied backgrounds come together at a poetry workshop to combat their traumatic military pasts through the art of written word. Grappling with PTSD, the “warrior poets” share fears, vulnerabilities, and victories that eventually culminate into a live performance at Washington D.C.’s Lansburgh Theatre. Under the direction of actor Jeffrey Wright, the warrior poets take their stories to an audience of five hundred civilians, family members and fellow warriors to tell too often hidden truths about the consequences of intimacy with war and death. The documentary weaves in and out of the lives of the veterans exposing the human stories behind their poems and their turbulent acclimation back to civilian life. Jeffrey_WrightYs__Documentary_We_Are_Not_Done_Yet__Gives_Veterans_a_Voice.mp3

What if we can repair ourselves? The world of regenerative medicine is offering breakthrough treatments and hope for patients around the globe. Dr. Elliot Lander is currently involved in cutting edge translational stem cell treatment research at the California Stem Cell Treatment Center based in Rancho Mirage Ca Dr. Lander joins Jack to talk about the growth of stem cell treatment and the impact it can have on Veterans. Dr Lander is a founding member of the International Cell Surgical Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education regarding the medical use of adult stem cells. Dr. Lander and his team of multispecialty experts were instrumental in bringing fat derived stem cell technology to the United States in 2010 and have pioneered several new techniques in regenerative medicine. Dr. Lander is co-founder of Cell Surgical Network, an international research network dedicated to developing cell surgical techniques studying the clinical applications of adipose derived stem cells and growth factors. Research affiliate physicians trained by the Cell Surgical Network team can be found in many U.S. cities and all around the world. The Cell Surgical Network organization oversees an online regenerative medicine database to track clinical outcomes and adverse events from stem cell treatment centers all over the globe. Dr. Lander is co-author of The Stem Cell Revolution, a popular book on regenerative medicine.Stem_Cell_Treatment_to_Help_Our_Veterans.mp3

Jack talks with Ben and Chondra Brown Brown served as an officer in Iraq, leading a platoon of soldiers, some of whom had been in the Army longer than he was alive. Brown deployed in 2004 and was in Iraq for 15 months straight--he led extremely tough missions that involved removing roadside bombs, enduring daily detonations on his vehicle and patrol. In one incident, he lost his driver after an IED exploded and his patrol came under a small arms fire ambush; in another he had to pull his squad leader out of a burning Bradley assault vehicle. His squad leader survived but he lost his leg. After he got out of the military in 2010, Brown struggled with flashbacks and PTSD and at his lowest point was considering suicide. He credits his wife Chondra as being his “angel,” helping to pull him out of his darkest depths, building him back up and finding his “why” in his family. He has six children and is devoted to coaching his kids’ sports teams and volunteering at R. Roger Rowe, where he attended himself and his mother Barbara was a teacher for 37 years.  Now Ben and his wife run 9 Week Warrior , 9 Week Warrior is open to Everyone. There is no cost to Active Duty, Veterans, or 1st Responders. 20% of the proceeds from all purchases along with Donations go to sponsoring Active Duty, Veteran or 1st responder’s participation in 9 Week Warrior program. 9_Week_Warrior.mp3

SBP was founded in March 2006 by Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney after the couple (now married), who originally lived in Washington, D.C., volunteered in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish following Hurricane Katrina. The parish, located just outside of New Orleans, was rendered 100% uninhabitable by Katrina’s floodwaters. Seeing the inefficiency and unbearably slow progress of the institutional - or “traditional” rebuilding process, but inspired by the residents' collective spirit and fierce determination to rebuild, Zack and Liz launched an organization - originally called St. Bernard Project - to help them achieve their recovery goals. With the tremendous support of donors, volunteers and corporate partners, that organization has grown from a three-person volunteer team into a national organization headquartered in New Orleans, and recognized as a leader in disaster resilience and recovery, with a mission to shrink the time between disaster and recovery.Reese_May.mp3

On October 7th, 2001 just weeks after 9/11 our best and finest military men and women were deployed to defend our country under Operation Enduring Freedom. The focus of Stride & Ride Relay’s is to honor, remember and raise awareness about the October 7th, 2001 deployment of our military men and women. Take time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including those who lost their lives due to military PTSD and the Invisible Wounds of War and continue to support those currently serving, our veterans, first responders and never forget the the lives that perished on 9/11.Heather_Viveiors_for_Stride_and_Ride.mp3

The idea for The Honor Group was founded by Mark “Coach” Soto, a retired high school football coach of 18 years. Mark has two sons that served in the military and he coached both of them in football. His youngest son after serving 9.5 years  in the US Army as an Infantry Sniper, retired in 2015. His oldest son is an injured US Marine who medically retired in 2013 after 8.5 years of service. Over their years of service, his two sons saw more than 31 months of combined combat deployments. As a result of the deployments, the family saw many military friends deploy and return changed. Many returned wounded, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) or witnessed their military brother or sister killed in action. The service men and women were forever changed, as was their families. In 2010, as requested, Coach Soto took over a fledgling football showcase in Northern California called Battle at the Capital that was struggling and losing support. As a father and football coach wrapped up in the emotional turmoil of his boys multiple deployments, Mark saw this football event as being the perfect venue to educate students, coaches and communities about the needs of our military veterans. Since 2010, the event has changed names, grown throughout California and has morphed into one of the best high school football showcases in the nation. The anchor event is now called: The Honor Bowl. In December 2012, The Honor Group officially became a non-profit and launched other educational programs to help educate our youth and fund raise to assist injured, ill and wounded military veterans. Nationally respected, The Honor Group has goals to expand across America.Mark_Soto_on_THE_HONOR_BOWL.mp3

Gordon Brown is the founder of Team Veteran LLC, and the nonprofit Team Veteran Foundation, Inc., he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War 1972-1980. As a MM3 (E-4) he was qualified as the Chief Machinist’s Mate of the Watch (Top Watch) in the Aft Engine Room (AER) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany CVA/CV-34. As a MM2 he transferred to the carrier USS Ranger CV-61 as a Leading Petty Officer (LPO) and Top Watch for #3 Main Machinery Room. He served in Guam in the mid 1970’s assigned to the USS Proteus AS-19 and worked with several government agencies to investigate and stop a major drug smuggling operation that was moving heroin from Thailand through the island of Guam bound for the Continental US aboard Pan Am Airways.  Gordon_Brown_Team_Veteran_1.mp3

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Sonoran Winds Hospice, provides palliative and hospice care specializing in providing care for veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters and first responders. Hospice and palliative care focus on the entire patient, clinical, emotional, psycho- social, and spiritual. Our patients often have unique issues that come from combat stress and/or PTSD issues. We go to extra lengths to make sure we honor these patients in ways that we know work, as we are veterans ourselves. We also employee title 38 agents to help apply for benefits and navigate the VA system to apply for available benefits at no cost to the veteran. We are a VA certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and the owners are both veterans with combat deployments and one with a purple heart.  We are currently expanding in areas like San Diego with large military populations, and partnering with foundations toensure we have the full scope of services for all veterans regardless of their country of service.Hospice_Care_for_Veterans_with_AJ_Fierro_2.mp3

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Lieutenant Colonel Orlowski’s 20-year Army career included assignments in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), HQ United States Army Europe, HQ U.S. Continental Army Command and the Office of The Adjutant General of the Army. For his service in Vietnam, Colonel Orlowski was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor with two Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Medal. His other awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. His public service includes co-founding Sailors Onboard 4 Soldiers, a non-profit corporation dedicated to teaching sailing to PTSD and other stress-related disorder sufferers. He is also the President and Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division Monuments Association. This non-profit organization oversees and, through an agreement with The American Battle Monuments Commission (Europe), pays for the annual maintenance of the 1st Division’s 11 WWI and WWII battle monuments in locations throughout Europe from Omaha Beach to Cheb in the Czech Republic.Lieutenant_Colonel_Thomas_J._Orlowski.mp3

During his second tour of duty in Afghanistan on October 9, 2010, Army SGT Jack Williams stepped on an IED causing him to become a triple amputee, losing both legs and an arm. JD was conscious during the entire episode and ensuing firefight with the Taliban. After arriving at the Kandahar Air Base, his vital signs bottomed out and the doctor tried an emergency procedure massaging his heart, which saved his life. As horrific as these injuries are, JD was glad he was the one to step on the IED and not one of the other soldiers under his leadership.Ashlee_and_SGT_Ret._J.D._Williams.mp3

Next Step Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization who's mission is to assist, employ, and empower veterans, active military, and first responders who have PTSD, TBI, and/or mobility limitations.  The training program trains amazing service dogs to greatly improve quality of life for each client.Next_Step_Service_Dogs.mp3

Reese May joined the Marine Corps Reserves at 18 and turned 21 in western Iraq. When he heard about Veterans Corps at the St. Bernard Project, he felt like it had been designed just for him. He interviewed in mid-September and went to work the following Monday. “I thought I wanted to be a site supervisor, but they asked me to take a more analytical position,” he says. “I told them, ‘I want to do whatever you think will make me help best.’ May works on a computer at the St. Bernard Project headquarters, sorting and tracking information from the beginning to the end of each rebuilding project and looking for ways to make each step more efficient. He’s also in charge of filing all building permits. He has no idea what his title is. “I work with an incredible group of people who are more focused on what needs to be done than on titles”. He says being part of Veterans Corps feels fantastic.St._Bernard_Project_with_Reese_May.mp3

Dr.Carlos Vazquez is an Adjunct Professor in Psychology at Pepperdine University. He is a peer reviewer for the esteemed Perspectives on Terrorism Journal. He is a Senior Consultant at the Behavioral Analysis Group. The Behavioral Analysis Group consults with civilians, law enforcement and military on terrorist recruitment and human behavior.Dr._Carlos_Vazquez.mp3

Jorge joined U.S. Army in 2001 after eight years on the police force in Puerto Rico. Jorge was deployed four times and on his second deployment to Afghanistan in April 2004, Jorge and his unit were on their way back to camp after a patrol through the region. Jorge was driving a Humvee, the lead vehicle of the convoy when it ran over an anti-tank mine. Having taken the full brunt of the mine, Jorge was the only one injured in the explosion. He lost his right leg immediately in the explosion and his left leg was severely injured. He underwent a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and now wears a computer-controlled prosthetic leg. Jorge briefly returned to law enforcement, working for the Department of Defense as a radio operator with the police department at Fort Sam Houston. Today Jorge supports the veteran community through his role as an Ambassador for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes.Jorge_De_Leon.mp3

Mark Harmon continues his story about his family both on and off the set, and what it is like to be an Executive Producer for NCIS and NCIS New Orleans while starring as Gibbs.Mark_Harmon_AKA_Leroy_Jethro_Gibbs_NCIS_Show_Pt_2.mp3

Since 2003, Harmon has starred as Gibbs in the CBS drama NCIS, a role which earned him six nominations at the People's Choice Awards including a win for Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor in 2017. During his time on the show, he was reunited with three of his former Chicago Hope co-stars, Rocky Carroll, Lauren Holly, and Jayne Brook. Since 2008, he has also been a producer and executive producer.Mark_Harmon_AKA_Leroy_Jethro_Gibbs_NCIS_Show_Pt_1.mp3

WHY WE EXIST  We exist to solve the mental health crisis and to heal our military members, veterans, and their families dealing with PTSD and combat-related stress, so they can live productive, fulfilling, and service-oriented lives at home. OUR MISSION To provide free, world class, short-duration, high-impact retreats for combat veterans and their families. OUR VISION Revolutionize a model of healing that integrates evidence-based therapies, a safe, peaceful space and unparalleled customer service to improve physical, emotional, spiritual and economic well-being for our nation’s combat veterans and their families.Sean_Bode_of_Boulder_Crest.mp3

MilTeen Chat App is a Program for Military Connected Teens. The App was created to help Military Teens stay connected even when they move do to there parents being re a signed. Pt Pal has been serving patients since 2013. There technology allows clinicians to send patients interactive information on an app. Pt Pal is made up of highly skilled medical and business professionals who deeply value patients' health and wellbeing and clinicians work in providing that care.  Naveen_Khan_CEO_of_MilTeen_Chat_app__Pt_Pal_app.mp3

Jack Continues the Conversation with our modern day Bob Hope....Gary Sinise.Todays_Vet_With_Gary_part_2.mp3

     The Great Gary Sinise catches up with his pal Jack Scalia and talks  about his love for all who serve our great country and his foundation. We also learn a little about Gary, his family and their new grandbaby girl!Todays_Vet_With_Gary_Sinise_part_1.mp3