Podcasts about paralyzed veterans

In this episode of Spinal Cast, we shine the spotlight on the 44th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games, coming to Minneapolis from July 17-22, 2025. Hosted by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, this event is the largest adaptive sports and rehabilitation competition for U.S. military veterans with disabilities. Our guest is Seth Thomas, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the PVA and a U.S. Navy veteran. Seth shares his powerful story – from his service and injury to his leadership role – and gives us an inside look at what makes these games so special. Over 700 athletes will compete across 20+ events, supported by thousands of volunteers. Participants include veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions requiring the use of a wheelchair. The Minnesota PVA plays a vital role in veteran advocacy, employment connections, legislation, and community engagement and, of course, providing a network of support and opportunity through sport. If you're in the Minneapolis area, don't miss this inspiring six-day celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and athletic excellence. It's like a mini-Paralympics, complete with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals – a true showcase of American heroes from every military branch and era. For more information, check out the links below: National Veterans Wheelchair Games - https://wheelchairgames.org/ 2025 Game Schedule - https://wheelchairgames.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/44th-NVWG-Sch-Wkbk-V2.xlsx03.10.pdf 2025 Venues - https://wheelchairgames.org/about/event-venues/ Paralyzed Veterans of American – Minnesota Chapter - https://mnpva.org/ Special thanks to Seth for being our guest! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3v If you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/ Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/

This week, we'll join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to explore Veteran employment and the upcoming career fair. We'll also hear from the National Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include: Raymond Douha – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic […] The post Veteran Employment and Paralyzed Veterans of America appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Trump has called for the impeachment of a judge who recently ruled the administration had to re-import some illegal immigrants back into the country. Today, we will discuss some of the most ridiculous judicial opinions issued against the President and what Trump should do about the problem of Left-wing judicial activism. -----⭐ SPONSOR: Good Ranchers Spring into action with Good Ranchers and make a real impact! Support our American farmers and get 100% American-sourced meat, free from antibiotics and hormones. Over 140,000 family farms have closed since 2017, but you can help preserve these traditions. Enjoy free meat in every order for a year and $40 off when you use promo code NICK. Plus, support Paralyzed Veterans of America. Let's uphold American values and quality one delicious bite at a time!

Trump may be on the verge of finally dismantling the Department of Education…some are celebrating, some are mourning…but what happens next? What does the world without the DOE look like?-----⭐ SPONSOR: Good Ranchers With over 140,000 family farms lost since 2017, your choice makes a difference. Enjoy meat free from antibiotics, added hormones, and seed oils. Get $40 off and free meat for a year with code Nick. A portion of your purchase supports Paralyzed Veterans of America. Let's uphold American values, one delicious bite at a time.

Zelenskyy and Trump just had a huge blow-up in the Oval Office right when peace negotiations were about to start. Trump has now frozen all US aid to Ukraine. So what does this mean? What happens next? How is this war likely to end?-----⭐ SPONSOR: Good Ranchers With over 140,000 family farms lost since 2017, your choice makes a difference. Enjoy meat free from antibiotics, added hormones, and seed oils. Get $40 off and free meat for a year with code Nick. A portion of your purchase supports Paralyzed Veterans of America. Let's uphold American values, one delicious bite at a time.

Veterans groups have praised passage of a bill to expand once again benefits. Congress passed the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act shortly before Christmas. For how it will help, we turn to the chief policy officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Heather Ansley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Veterans groups have praised passage of a bill to expand once again benefits. Congress passed the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act shortly before Christmas. For how it will help, we turn to the chief policy officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Heather Ansley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this "Ask the Expert" episode, Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Dr. Rebecca Martin, who detailed the mechanism and benefits of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSS). Dr. Martin explained how TSS, a non-invasive method, aims to amplify spinal cord excitability and improve neurological functions like movement and sensation [00:01:25]. She contrasted TSS with implanted spinal stimulators, noting their respective applications and advantages [00:02:34]. Dr. Martin shared the promising outcomes of TSS in clinical trials, emphasizing its potential for widespread clinical use, and she urged patients to inquire about it at their clinics [00:05:42]. You can read her group's recent paper here: "Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Enables Recovery of Walking in Children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis" https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/9/1116 Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Boston University in 2001 and her Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Allied Health Professions in 2008. Prior to joining the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Dr. Martin worked in brain injury rehabilitation in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Martin joined Kennedy Krieger in 2005 as a Senior Occupational Therapist in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. Since 2010, Dr. Martin has been the Manager of Clinical Education and Training at ICSCI and is responsible for program development, staff training, and oversight of the clinical research program. Dr. Martin speaks nationally on topics related to Activity-Based Rehabilitation; she has taught many continuing education courses for rehabilitation professionals in the areas of neurological pathology, rehabilitation, and research. She has been the principal investigator and co-investigator for grants from the Paralyzed Veterans of America Education Foundation and Department of Defense to develop, promote, and disseminate an activity-based restorative therapy training program and curriculum. In 2011, Dr. Martin was awarded the Leader in Spinal Cord Injury Care by the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger. From 2011-2016, Dr. Martin served as a Committee Chair for the annual Contemporary Trends in Spinal Cord Injury Management Symposium at Kennedy Krieger. As a consultant for SwissStim, she has helped create clinical use guidelines for training and documentation. In 2015, Dr. Martin was invited to serve on the NIH and NINDS Committee to establish Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Common Data Elements.

This week's special educational episode shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support caregivers, families, and survivors of veterans. In this educational episode, Maureen Elias, a Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits at the VA, provides a comprehensive overview of the vast array of benefits and programs available through the Veterans Benefits Administration. Elias expertly navigates the three key buckets of VA support - caregiver benefits, family benefits, and survivor services. From healthcare and respite care to legal assistance and bereavement support, the VA ensures caregivers have the resources they need to avoid burnout and continue providing exceptional care. Equally impressive are the VA's efforts to adapt homes and vehicles and offer educational benefits for family members and robust survivor benefits, including burial assistance, life insurance, and dependency compensation. Listeners are left with a renewed appreciation for the VA's commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their loved ones. About Maureen: Maureen Elias serves as the Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits on the development, adoption, and implementation of Department-wide programs and policies related to Benefits. In this role she analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of these programs and policies and presents balanced recommendations for improvements. She represents the Under Secretary for Benefits in dealings with the senior staff of Cabinet officers regarding Departmental programs, initiatives, and policies. Ms. Elias is a U.S. Army veteran and a U.S. Army retiree spouse. Prior to coming to the VA, Ms. Elias served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and at two of the “Big Six” VSOs including Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vietnam Veterans of America. She has been recognized as one of the We Are the Mighty “Mighty 25”, 2021 VA Women Veteran Trailblazer, and as a HillVets100. She has appeared on various podcasts, testified before Congress, and written articles for various media outlets. Ms. Elias also volunteers as a storytelling instructor, helping Veterans, servicemembers, their families, survivors and caregivers learn to share their stories in ways that are meaningful. Support the show Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn! Tune in on Whole Care Network

This week's special educational episode shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support caregivers, families, and survivors of veterans. In this educational episode, Maureen Elias, a Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits at the VA, provides a comprehensive overview of the vast array of benefits and programs available through the Veterans Benefits Administration.Elias expertly navigates the three key buckets of VA support - caregiver benefits, family benefits, and survivor services. From healthcare and respite care to legal assistance and bereavement support, the VA ensures caregivers have the resources they need to avoid burnout and continue providing exceptional care. Equally impressive are the VA's efforts to adapt homes and vehicles and offer educational benefits for family members and robust survivor benefits, including burial assistance, life insurance, and dependency compensation. Listeners are left with a renewed appreciation for the VA's commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their loved ones.About Maureen:Maureen Elias serves as the Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits on the development, adoption, and implementation of Department-wide programs and policies related to Benefits. In this role she analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of these programs and policies and presents balanced recommendations for improvements. She represents the Under Secretary for Benefits in dealings with the senior staff of Cabinet officers regarding Departmental programs, initiatives, and policies.Ms. Elias is a U.S. Army veteran and a U.S. Army retiree spouse. Prior to coming to the VA, Ms. Elias served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and at two of the “Big Six” VSOs including Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vietnam Veterans of America. She has been recognized as one of the We Are the Mighty “Mighty 25”, 2021 VA Women Veteran Trailblazer, and as a HillVets100. She has appeared on various podcasts, testified before Congress, and written articles for various media outlets. Ms. Elias also volunteers as a storytelling instructor, helping Veterans, servicemembers, their families, survivors and caregivers learn to share their stories in ways that are meaningful.Support the showConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn!Tune in on Whole Care Network

Taylor talks to Charles McCaffrey, MBA, and Genia Hachenberg, CRC, MS at the Paralyzed Veterans of America about their Veterans Career Program. The program employs CRCs located all over the country to provide free employment support and vocational counseling assistance to all veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers. Learn more about the PVA's Veterans Career Program.Share your story or invite a client to share a story about working with a CRC here.

In this preview of the next episode of Inside Rehabilitation Counseling, Taylor talks to Charles McCaffrey, MBA, and Genia Hachenberg, CRC, MS at the Paralyzed Veterans of America about their Veterans Career Program. The program employs CRCs located all over the country to provide free employment support and vocational counseling assistance to all veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers. Look forward to the full episode next week!

Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome while traveling. However, Expedia Group's latest research reveals that Black, Latino, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and those with disabilities still face significant barriers that hinder their travel experiences. Lawrence Phillips, CEO of Green Book Global, shares how his platform empowers Black travelers with authentic reviews and resources, helping them navigate the world with confidence. Joining the conversation, Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer at Paralyzed Veterans of America, highlights the challenges disabled travelers encounter and the advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring safe and dignified travel experiences. Together, they offer inspiring insights and actionable strategies to break down barriers and create a more inclusive travel industry for all.Read the full report here: Journeys for All: An Expedia Group Study on Inclusion in TravelPowering Travel is produced by Expedia Group in association with Quill.

If you've been alive for more than 30 years, you probably remember a time, when people generally believed that America was a good place, communism was bad and no one was confused about whether or not men could get pregnant.But now, you're probably a little stunned by how quickly all of that seemed to change. How did “woke progressivism” manage to achieve so many drastic changes to American culture in such a short time, and what, if anything, can we do?I'm joined by James Lindsay as we attempt to answer these questions.---Sponsored by: Good Ranchers Craving meat that doesn't come with a side of mystery? Visit GoodRanchers.com for Prime Week deals on 100% American meat. Subscribe now and save up to $150! Order today for free express shipping and support local farmers and Paralyzed Veterans of America—all without antibiotics or added hormones. Prime deals end July 21st, so act fast! Good Ranchers: American Meat Delivered. Remember, that's GoodRanchers.com!Save up to $150 HERE: https://go.goodranchers.com/nickfreitas---Join our community chat: https://bit.ly/MTACommunityChatInstagram: www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickfreitas3.0

In this podcast episode, we speak with Charles W. McCaffrey (Director of Veterans Career Program at Paralyzed Veterans of America) about his experience in the Navy and how he is transforming the employment support for Veterans. Charles shares what he does to stay sharp as a leader, his leadership AHA moment, advice for new leaders, and details his approach to change and challenging moments in his life.  To contact Charles:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-w-mccaffrey-b510742a Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://pva.org This podcast is sponsored by:  Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses, Inc. (FAVOB)  Website: https://www.favob.net  and  A Hero For Kids Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.AHeroForKids.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Triple Nikel  Website: https://triplenikel.com/theleadershipvoidpodcast 

On this episode of ACB Advocacy Update, Claire speaks with Heather Ansley from Paralyzed Veterans of America about Congress's long over due passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act. This bill includes numerous provisions that will improve the air travel experience for passengers with disabilities. Claire and Heather talk about key provisions of the new legislation including a pilot program to alleviate the burden of service animal attestation forms when flying.

This week we get an update from the Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America and meet with the a Public Affairs Officer and the Chief Chaplain from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include: Todd Kemery – Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America Ch. Daniel Young – Minneapolis VA Health Care System Melanie Nelson – Minneapolis […] The post Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans and VA Chaplaincy appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

This week on The Nasty Guard Podcast we bring on the highly educated and resourceful Shayla. Shayla has a bachelor's degree from The City College of New York, a master's degree in Art Therapy & Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and is currently working on another master's degree in Applied Neuroscience from King's College London. She has contributed to clinical and community research at New York University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is also a registered yoga teacher and certified in mindfulness for trauma and stress reduction. As a lifelong advocate of nonprofit community programs, Shayla devotes her time to supporting initiatives for veterans, the military, and survivors of war or armed conflict. She is currently the Sustainer Donor Manager at Paralyzed Veterans of America and serves on the Junior Board of Tuesday's Children. In this episode, we talk about art therapy, Shayla's background with the military, her calling to care for veterans, and discuss how little we know as military personnel about our mission. Thank you for the love and support!www.thenastyguard.com

In light of the recent and unexpected passing of our longtime host, Jeremy Holden, Connecting ALS is taking a pause to regroup. During this time, we'll be revisiting impactful past episodes that continue to resonate with the ALS community.In today's episode, which first aired on August 4th, 2022, Jeremy talks to Maceo Carter and Heather Ansley from the Paralyzed Veterans of America about the ins and outs of traveling with a disability – particularly the challenges of traveling by air.

On today's episode I sit down with Dr. Mike Van Thielen! Dr. Mike Van Thielen is the Medical Director at ClariGenZ Health, an innovative medical company with a new pill providing all the benefits of Adderall without any of the harmful side effects. He is also a treating physician for Boston Neuro Pain and Psych Centers, helping tens of thousands of patients with chronic pain and mental health conditions. Dr. Mike loves to give back to the community and has managed to start funding one of the Paralyzed Veterans in urgent need of Stem Cell Therapy and helps veterans pro-bono with their health challenges. CONNECT WITH DR. MIKE  FB: https://www.facebook.com/mike.vanthielen IG: https://www.instagram.com/drmike_health4life/ https://mvtonline.com/

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we had the privilege of sitting down with Centra "CeCe" Mazyck, an Army veteran, to delve into her journey both before and after her injury. CeCe shared with us the incredible impact that different nonprofit organizations and people had on her journey to success post-injury, emphasizing the importance of finding supportive communities and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.Resources mentioned:Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)Disabled American Veterans (DAV)Travis Mills FoundationVetsFirst

More than 70,000 U.S. veterans are living with MS. That's why the only federal funding specifically earmarked for MS research comes from the U.S. Department of Defense. It's why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has established the Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. And it's why, in 2019, the National MS Society established a strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This week, we're saluting the men and women of our armed services, and we're highlighting some of the resources available to U.S. veterans who are living with MS. Izzy Abbass, the Co-Chair of the Paralyzed Veterans of America MS Committee, joins me to discuss all the ways the PVA assists U.S. veterans in obtaining their VA benefits. We're also sharing the results of a study that compared the efficacy of being treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) and being treated with a high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy.  We'll tell you about the results of a study that may begin to explain why African Americans who are living with MS often experience a more severe disease course. We'll give you the details about where and how to register for this Thursday's International Progressive MS Alliance's global webcast that's focused on treatments and new research for cognitive challenges in progressive MS. And actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler is also joining me this week to talk about her MS journey and to share some news about a new project that she has developed for people living with MS. We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??! This Week: Resources for U.S. Veterans living with MS  :22 My guest, Izzy Abbass, explains how the PVA assists U.S. Veterans with MS in receiving their VA benefits  2:41 A study compared the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) with a high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy  11:21 Results of a study may begin to explain why African Americans who are living with MS often experience a higher level of disease activity and faster disability progression  14:36 This Thursday, the International Progressive MS Alliance is hosting a global webcast exploring treatments and research focused on cognitive challenges in progressive MS  17:31 Jamie-Lynn Sigler discusses her new guide for people living with MS  19:13 Share this episode  30:25 Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  30:45 SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/323 ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: jon@realtalkms.com Phone: (310) 526-2283 And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group! LINKS If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com National MS Society: Resources for U.S. Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis https://nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Support/Veterans-with-Multiple-Sclerosis U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence https://www.va.gov/ms Paralyzed Veterans of America: Multiple Sclerosis Resources https://pva.org/research-resources/multiple-sclerosis STUDY: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is Superior to Alemtuzumab in Patients with Highly Active Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and Severe Disability https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034823005977 STUDY: African American Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Have Higher Proportions of CD19+ and CD20+ B-Cell Lineage Cells in Their Cerebrospinal Fluid than White MS Patients https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034823005485 REGISTER for Thursday's Global Webcast on Cognitive Challenges in Progressive MS https://msif.org/cognitive-webcast Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200 Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 323 Guests: Izzy Abbass and Jamie-Lynn Sigler Privacy Policy

This week, we learn about the Daniel Drevnick Memorial Fund, meet with the Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include: Ken Drevnick – Daniel Drevnick Memorial Fund Julie Drevnick – Daniel Drevnick Memorial Fund Todd Kemery – Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America Sandra Roy […] The post Drevnick Memorial Fund and Paralyzed Veterans of America appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the FDA approved the first biosimilar medication for treating MS. As generics and now, biosimilars, become more available, it seems like the right time for us to get clear on the similarities and differences between generics, biosimilars, and the name-brand drugs that they mimic.  Dr. Jiwon Oh joins me to explain everything you need to know to be an informed medical consumer when it comes to generic and biosimilar disease-modifying therapies. Dr. Oh is a neurologist, scientist, and the Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Program at St. Michael's Hospital in Ontario. We'll also tell you about a simple blood test that can measure MS disease activity.  Izzy Abbas, the Co-Chairperson of the Paralyzed Veterans of America MS Committee will explain how the PVA supports veterans who are living with MS. We're sharing the details of a large study that determined routine vaccinations don't cause MS relapses. And if you're in New York and you're ready to laugh for a good cause, we have the details about the StandUp2MS comedy club benefit at Gotham Comedy Club. It's less than a week away! We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??! This Week: Generic and biosimilar drugs for MS   :22 A simple blood test that can assess MS disease activity 1:51 Izzy Abbas explains how the Paralyzed Veterans of America supports veterans living with MS   7:19 The StandUp2MS comedy club benefit is less than a week away!  17:28 Study results show that routine vaccinations don't cause MS relapses   18:37 Dr. Jiwon Oh explains the differences and similarities between generics, biosimilars, and the name-brand drugs that they mimic   21:19 Share this episode  37:40 Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  38:00 SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/315 ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: jon@realtalkms.com Phone: (310) 526-2283 And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group! LINKS If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com STUDY: Clinical Validation of a Multi-Protein, Serum-Based Assay for Disease Activity Assessments in Multiple Sclerosis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521661623004515 Paralyzed Veterans of America https://pva.org Standup2MS Comedy Club Benefit https://standup2ms.org/comedy-club-benefit STUDY: Vaccines and the Risk of Hospitalization for Multiple Sclerosis Flare-Ups https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2809144 National MS Society: Detailed information on vaccinations for people living with MS https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Diet-Exercise-Healthy-Behaviors/Vaccinations#section-1 Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200 Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 315 Guest: Izzy Abbas, Dr. Jiwon Oh Privacy Policy

Dr. Mike Van Thielen is the Medical Director at ClariGenZ Health, an innovative medical company with a new pill providing all the benefits of Adderall without any of the harmful side effects. He is also a treating physician for Boston Neuro Pain and Psych Centers, helping tens of thousands of patients with chronic pain and mental health conditions. Dr. Mike loves to give back to the community and has managed to start funding one of the Paralyzed Veterans in urgent need of Stem Cell Therapy. Try ClariGenZ for free here: TryClariGenZ.com/new-customer2344 Check out Dr. Mike's Website here: BiohackingUnlimited.com Dr. Mike's Published Books: The IZOD Method - Unleash Your Superpower EMR (Electro-Magnetic Radiation) - The Invisible Threat Optimize Your Immune System: Be Bullet Proof Against Viruses & Diseases of the 21st Century Be Lean - The Healthy Weight Loss Approach Stem Cells 1-on-1: 7 Keys Questions to Ask When Considering Regenerative Medicine Fibromyalgia into Remission - Do it Yourself Health 4 Life - User Manual Walking the Talk - The $400 Journey (Autobiography)

In this 76th episode of About the House with Troy Galloway, Troy talks to Tiffany Dill & Gretchen Kingma of CustomJoySTL.com about making homes more accessible. Find out how they can customize a home for a paralyzed veteran without sacrificing beauty or property values. Submit your questions at the Galloway Building Services Facebook page ⁠https://www.facebook.com/GallowayBuildingServices  ⁠  About the House is brought to you by ⁠http://gallowaybuildingservices.com/  4:22 What is an occupational therapist?  6:30 When did Custom Joy become an official company? 7:54 Why were Tiffany and Gretchen cut out of the process multiple times by contractors? 10:02 What can a blind person do to improve their home? 12:00 What can be done to improve a mentally handicapped person's home? 15:00 How can home modifications get funded through grants? 18:30 Universal designs will not decrease the property's value 19:30 Tiffany and Gretchen can be contractors on the project 20:00 What modifications can be made in the commercial space? 22:30 Can a stretcher get around your building's corners? 25:00 BecomingRentable.com highlights accessible short-term rentals. Of the 1.3 million listed, only .002% of short-term rentals are accessible 26:30 Over 26% of Americans have a disability but everyone will have one eventually 28:15 Tiffany's friend with cancer couldn't get into her dream home and had to fundraise for a lift 30:45 Planning for progressive disorders with proactive designing 33:30 Veterans Affairs grants for home modifications 35:11 Most falls happen on the way to the bathroom at night  36:00 There are smart home devices that can help keep an eye on loved ones from afar 38:20 Paralyzed Veterans of America has grants for home modifications 39:00 https://customjoystl.com/, tiffany@customjoystl.com, hello@customjoy.com, https://empoweredhomes.com/, https://www.facebook.com/CustomJoySTL/, https://www.instagram.com/customjoystl/

Episode Description On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, ACB's advocacy team speaks with Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), about opportunities to improve the air travel experience for people with disabilities within the ongoing Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization process in Congress. They discuss key items of interest to the disability community, including how advocates can keep in touch with the rapidly moving reauthorization process and ensure provisions that would make air travel much more accessible and enjoyable remain in the final version of the FAA Reauthorization Act. To learn more about PVA, visit pva.org. To keep up with all developments in the FAA Reauthorization process, visit pva.org/airtravel. Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

This week we welcome Charles Brown, two-term President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).  From a very young age, Brown knew he wanted to serve his nation and had a calling to work with military aircraft. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1985 and was trained in aviation ordinance. In 1986, Brown sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a diving accident while serving in Cherry Point, NC.  During his initial rehabilitation at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Spinal Cord Injury center in Augusta, GA, he was introduced to PVA and became a member of the Southeastern Chapter.  PVA is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946.  They have developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of their members – veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injuries and dysfunction.  “PVA helped me through the process of filing for benefits,” Brown says. “They gave me ideas for accessible bathrooms and entrances to my house. They have offered me sporting opportunities I never would have thought about.”  In 1987, he moved back to his native Missouri. Wanting to give back to the organization who had given so much to him, Brown served on the Gateway Chapter board in a multitude of capacities, including as Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, advocacy director, treasurer, and vice president. While in St. Louis, Brown helped establish the Rolling Rams quad rugby team.  He recalls recruiting players by making phone calls to rehab facilities, and even talking to people in wheelchairs at the mall. The team really took off when a couple of recreational therapists got involved and brought athletes with them.  Brown believes in helping his fellow Veterans improve their quality of life and is passionate about continuing to help PVA improve the accessibility of our nation.  Currently on the USA Boccia team, Brown was selected team captain for the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Ranked 63rd in the world after one international tournament, he fully believes that an active life has kept him healthy. Get ready to be inspired with this week's interview!For more information about PVA go to https://pva.org.Support the show and get your Bulletproof Veteran apparel at https://amzn.to/3BA3dx9 or see all the available shirts at http://bulletproofveteran.com/apparel.

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Charles Brown, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America & Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Affairs for PVA. Charles and Heather discuss the work PVA does to support paralyzed veterans nationwide, from help with home accessibility to advocacy for safer and more accessible air travel.

Charles McCaffrey is a Navy Veteran with over 35 years of military, government contracting and small business experience; and is a serial entrepreneur, instructor, mentor and ardent supporter of the military community. Charles serves as the Director of the Veterans Career Program (VCP) at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) that provides FREE employment support and vocational counseling assistance to ALL veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers. Prior to joining PVA in October 2021, he served as the Executive Director of Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS), a nonprofit, and designated DC Main Streets program, dedicated to fostering a collaborative, connected, and competitive business community in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington, DC.He was on the staff at George Mason University's Community Business Partnership; and served as Director of the Business Incubation Center (2012-2013) and Director of the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center (2013-2015) before founding and serving as the Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center for the Mid-Atlantic region from 2015 to 2019. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program (a program of the Small Business Administration) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. In 2016, he was named Boots to Business Instructor of the Year; and in 2018, the VBOC at Community Business Partnership was named the Veteran Business Center of Excellence by the Small Business Administration.Charles is also active in the broader community; serving as a learning lab partner for the Dog Tag, Inc., Fellows program. He is also an avid storyteller, writer and artist; and has been a mentor with the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP). Charles told his first story on stage in 2017 as a graduate of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) Storytelling 101 class; and has since gone on to perform at ASAP's Service to Stage performance (DC Improv in 2018), Story District's annual OutSpoken show (9:30 Club in 2019), and Story District's TopShelf performance (Lincoln Theater in 2020). His first short story (fiction), “Dancing in the Dark,” will be published in a special literary issue of the Journal of Veterans Studies in Spring 2023.

Charles McCaffrey is a Navy Veteran with over 35 years of military, government contracting and small business experience; and is a serial entrepreneur, instructor, mentor and ardent supporter of the military community. Charles serves as the Director of the Veterans Career Program (VCP) at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) that provides FREE employment support and vocational counseling assistance to ALL veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers. Prior to joining PVA in October 2021, he served as the Executive Director of Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS), a nonprofit, and designated DC Main Streets program, dedicated to fostering a collaborative, connected, and competitive business community in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington, DC.He was on the staff at George Mason University's Community Business Partnership; and served as Director of the Business Incubation Center (2012-2013) and Director of the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center (2013-2015) before founding and serving as the Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center for the Mid-Atlantic region from 2015 to 2019. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program (a program of the Small Business Administration) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. In 2016, he was named Boots to Business Instructor of the Year; and in 2018, the VBOC at Community Business Partnership was named the Veteran Business Center of Excellence by the Small Business Administration.Charles is also active in the broader community; serving as a learning lab partner for the Dog Tag, Inc., Fellows program. He is also an avid storyteller, writer and artist; and has been a mentor with the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP). Charles told his first story on stage in 2017 as a graduate of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) Storytelling 101 class; and has since gone on to perform at ASAP's Service to Stage performance (DC Improv in 2018), Story District's annual OutSpoken show (9:30 Club in 2019), and Story District's TopShelf performance (Lincoln Theater in 2020). His first short story (fiction), “Dancing in the Dark,” will be published in a special literary issue of the Journal of Veterans Studies in Spring 2023.

Phil Soussan is a bass player, songwriter and music producer.  He has worked with some absolute legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page and Billy Idol. His latest project, Last in Line has a new album out on March 31st titled “Jericho.” We discuss the new album, songwriting process, satanic themes in music, working with Jani Lane & Vince Neil and more! 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Technical Difficulties 01:38 - New Last in Line Album 03:50 - Progression of the Band 05:18 - The Evolution of the Songs 07:58 - Songwriting Process 11:35 - Biblical Themes & Positive Message 14:28 - Satanic Imagery in Music & Ultimate Sin Cover 16:35 - Music Bringing People Together & Challenges 18:20 - Work with Jani Lane 19:20 - Common Thread Among Superstar Frontmen 20:40 - Phil's Continued Success & Taking a Break 24:25 - Phil's Work with Vince Neil 26:05 - MusiCares & Randy Castillo 27:38 - Paralyzed Veterans of America 28:40 - Outro Phil Soussan website:https://philsoussan.com/Last in Line website:https://www.lastinlineofficial.com/MusiCares website:https://www.musicares.org/Paralyzed Veterans of America website:https://secure.pva.org/Chuck Shute website:https://chuckshute.com/Support the showThanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon!

This week we learn about the My Credit Union Community Foundation, meet with the President of the Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include: Todd Barduson – My Credit … Continue reading → The post Veterans Charities and Paralyzed Veterans of America appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Josue Cordova, Paralyzed Veterans of America, on the struggles of air travel in a wheelchair // Feliks Banel, All Over the Map -- the "Frisco Effect" // Ted Buehner on the inner workings of a county elections office // Dose of Kindness -- a special, double "iron man" racer // Gee Scott on Russell Wilson's struggles // Mike Salk on this week's Mariners trades // Rachel Belle talks with Aimee Carrero, one of the stars of The MenuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Curtin tells Nestor how Weis Markets and you can support Paralyzed Veterans of America this month

Scott Griffith- Government Relations Director for Paralyzed Veterans of America Wisconsin Chapter, Inc.. Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2.. served 25 years. Scott was stationed in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down. He was served in Desert Storm, in supporting roles during the GWOT. Scott has an incredible story and passion for what he does. I am glad to know him and call him a friend.

Regenerative Medicine Today welcomes Dr. Rory Cooper.  Dr. Cooper is FISA & Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Professor and Distinguished Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology, and professor of Bioengineering, Physical Med & Rehab, and Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). Dr. Cooper is Founding Director and VA [...]

00:00:00  Intro00:00:50  What's on Today's Show00:02:48  Panel Introduction00:04:30  Sponsor Introduction00:07:00  Recumbent News with Honza Galla00:11:25  Al and Alice Krause Co-Directors of World Human Powered Speed Challenge IHPVA Event01:07:37  InnerTuba aka Jon Hodkin Home Concerts and Plans for Upcoming Mississippi River Tour and ICE Trike's Patrick Selwood01:44:39  Heiko Truppel with HP Velotechnik showing us Speedmachine S-Pedelec e-assisted two wheeled bent01:51:20  Paul Kilgore with Paralyzed Veterans of America talks with Larry Seidman about riding in Adaptive Mountain Biking World Championship in Crested Butte02:16:50  Sponsor Thanks02:19:00  Announcements: Update on Cycle-Con 2022 in Dayton, Ohio02:22:55  Goodbye to panel and crewCan InnerTuba pull off his most ambitious tour to date? Our pal Jon Hodkin has been planning to ride the length of the Mississippi south to north since his last American tour. That was his triumphant ride across Iowa during RAGBRAI in 2019. We catch up with Jon in Cornwall, England at the ICE Trike facility and chat with he and ICE's Patrick Selwood about the tour, ICE's support for him and the kit he will use to accomplish his goals.Next we have the co-directors of the World Human Powered Speed Challenge Al and Alice Krause talking all about the details of the upcoming race at Battle Mountain. We learn about the history, rules, track, timing, launch and catch of the event. We also find out about those famous hats given as trophies.Heiko Truppel from HP Velotechnik shows us their latest electric version of their  two wheeled bent known as the Speedmachine. He also shows us the electric updates recently added to the Scorpion and Gekko trikes.Larry Seidman interviews Paralyzed Veteran of America rider Paul Kilgore about an off-roading race in Crested Butte, Colorado last month. The ADAPTIVE MOUNTAIN BIKING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is a grueling 3 day event with many trikers and hand cyclists having overcome many obstacles before and after the days of racing.Honza shares the recumbent news with us including the death of the legendary Mike Burrows.Please subscribe to us on YouTube (https://goo.gl/CHOOgX) and Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laidbackbikereport/) if you haven't already done so. Lot's more info and you can also buy a hat on our website: https://www.laidbackbikereport.com/.We would love to have you as a Patreon Patron where you can support all we do for as little as $1/month. Check out how it works and the benefits you can reap here: https://www.patreon.com/laidbackbikereport*Honza's News Report Links*--Recumbent News  https://www.recumbent.news/Mike Burrows LBR 2018 interview video  https://youtu.be/OgQ-e2lBIug*Guest Links*Al and Alice KrauseWorld Human Powered Speed Challenge  https://www.facebook.com/groups/123929127660938/IHPVA  http://ihpva.org/home/Jon Hodkin (InnerTuba) and Patrick Selwood (ICE Trikes)InnerTuba https://innertuba.org.uk/ICE Trikes https://www.icetrikes.co/Heiko TruppelHP Velotechnik Speedmachine S-Pedelec  https://www.hpvelotechnik.com/en/Paul KilgoreAdaptive Mountain Biking World Championship  https://www.adaptivesports.org/adventures/camps/adaptive-mountain-biking-world-championshipParalysed Veterans of America  https://secure.pva.org/Support the show

“Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” – Christopher ReeveBacked by decades of experience producing exceptional clinical outcomes, Kintinu Telerehab connects recovery to everyday life. In this podcast, we explore hot topics in rehabilitation, the keys to personal growth and recovery, and how to apply it all to the real-world.In this episode of Kintinu'd Conversations, Brad Dexter, Claire Thelen, and Tim Benak welcome Dr. David Gater to the podcast to discuss spinal cord injuries. We were grateful for our time with Dr. Gater, as we learned he suddenly passed away from a myocardial infarction only 3 weeks after our conversation. Dr. Gater was president of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals and was active in the American Spinal Injury Association, the Veterans Health Administration, VA System of Care, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He was also a member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, along with other associations.Dr. Gater was also a research scientist at The Miami Project; chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service for UM Hospital and Clinics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship director. Nationally, he was co-director, National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System, one of just 14 such centers in the country.Board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, electrodiagnostic medicine, and spinal cord injury medicine, Dr. Gater was extensively published and made hundreds of local, departmental, and conference presentations. He was internationally known for his work in obesity and metabolic disease among people with spinal cord injury and disease, and was a staunch advocate for his patients.A world-renowned physician and researcher, Dr. Gater will be remembered as brilliant, innovative, kind, and compassionate. His influence will be carried forward by his colleagues, patients, and those he taught and mentored.We hope you can learn from and enjoy our conversation!Listen to the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout, or on your favorite podcast platform.Resources:Facing DisabilityChristopher and Dana Reeves FoundationThe Miami Project to Cure Paralysis

Jason Middleton sits in for Jennifer Jones Lee for your Monday morning, Labor Day Wake Up Call. Charlie Brown, President of Paralyzed Veterans of America joins the show to share information about this past Labor Day weekend when it comes to travel and emphasizing the dangers of air travel. And Aymar Azaizia, one of the creators of the hit video game Assassin's Creed comes on to talk about the popular game and the book he wrote based on the game's story.

Jason Middleton brings on Charlie Brown, President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The two talk about the high volume of travelers over the Labor Day Weekend while highlighting the dangers of air travel.

This week, Jeremy talks to Maceo Carter about the challenges of air travel while living with ALS, and checks in with Heather Ansley of the Paralyzed Veterans of America to learn about some legislation in Congress that can help reduce some of the burdens of traveling while living with mobility challenges. Become an advocate at https://als.quorum.us/register/This episode is brought to you by The ALS Association in partnership with CitizenRacecar.

Michael Harris is a Marine veteran who suffered a post-discharge spinal cord injury after a car accident. He found help with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA). MPVA is the state chapter of PVA and has served Michigan since 1961, "making a difference" in the lives of veterans, their families, and the public. MPVA is a leadership organization reaching out on behalf of members (veterans with spinal cord injury or disorders), associate members, and all people with disabilities to provide the highest possible quality of life in Michigan. Harris talks with host Jim Fausone about MPVA programs, loan closet, and legislative focus.  

Charles Brown, President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, a paralyzed veteran himself shares information on the many valuable services provided to our brave men and women who have developed a debilitating paralysis. I was amazed at all the organization can do to make life a little bit easier for those with paralytic injuries and believe it or not some illnesses result in paralysis.  

In this week's episode, Chris speaks with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) Chief Strategy and Impact Officer and US Marine Veteran Sherman Gillums Jr. about his leadership journey. A humble man, Sherman attributes his success to the many people who helped him along the way and talks about how a leader's success is a product of his follower's beliefs. Sherman believes that a leader's readiness is measured by their accountability for every aspect of their team's well-being. As a leader, Sherman stresses the importance of making enough mistakes and learning from them to build trusting relationships with your team. Sherman and Chris recount the many “holes” they must overcome to get to their positions today. Furthermore, Sherman shares how it is important to align your experience with your mission and reflect the constituency of the people you are trying to serve. Through NAMI, Sherman has shared his story and strength with countless other veterans and propelled them through their difficulties. Through his relentless character and valiant journey, Sherman demonstrates that no obstacles can stop a determined leader, as long as they have a passion to change someone's life and make a difference in their world. Additional Biography:Sherman Gillums Jr. is a retired U.S. Marine officer and former senior executive at Paralyzed Veterans of America and AMVETS, two of the largest congressionally chartered veterans service organizations in the country. For 17 years, he has fought to remove barriers to timely access to quality care and worked to reduce unemployment and suicide among the nation's most vulnerable veterans, as well as military families and caregivers.He has testified on Capitol Hill, engaged the White House on a host of issues, and appeared on major networks such as CNN, NPR, and C-SPAN, and in national print media as an influential voice on policy and government accountability. He was selected by HillVets as among the 100 Most Influential Persons in 2016 and one of the Mighty 25 Military Influencers by “We Are The Mighty” in 2020.Sherman holds a graduate degree from the University of San Diego School of Business Administration and completed his executive education at Harvard Business School. Sherman enlisted in the Marines at age 17; twelve years later, shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and while preparing to deploy to Afghanistan with the 1st Marine Division, he suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) in an automobile accident. At age 29, this recipient of two Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Global War on Terror Service Medal, was paralyzed and honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. He turned to Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), the advocacy organization founded by returning WWII service members with spinal cord injuries, for support in re-entering the job market after his SCI. Not only did he find a career he enjoys - and return to school for a master's degree - but, today Sherman is PVA's Associate Executive Director for Veterans Benefits, overseeing field services, vocational rehabilitation services, and architecture services.He reflects upon the extraordinary courage and determination he mustered on his path to recovery, being able to reach out for help and not only survive, but become that person who can extend a helping hand.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherman-gillums-jr-8148231a9/https://nami.org/Home

Anne Robinson and Tammy Jones from the Paralyzed Veterans of America speak to Military Sexual Trauma, as well as their own stories in the service. Additionally, they discuss the Anita Bloom Women Veterans Committee as the first women's initiative in the Veteran Service Organizations in the country, while encouraging women to register for VA services.

This episode CONNECTS you to Mr Sherman Gillums a retired U.S. Marine officer and former senior executive at Paralyzed Veterans of America and AMVETS. For 17 years, he has fought to remove barriers to timely access to quality care and worked to reduce unemployment and suicide among the nation's most vulnerable veterans, as well as military families and caregivers. Please check out his episode on our Capers Business Ventures CONNECT Podcast YouTube channel.

Following an amazing 30-plus year-career at UPS while proudly serving for nearly 22 years in the United States Air Force and National Guard, Chris Peck shares his wisdom, expertise and advice in an inspiring conversation with host Mike Abrams. In this episode, Chris answers questions about why he joined the Air Force, how he began his career with UPS, and how he managed dual military and civilian careers, citing the values alignment between UPS and the military as one of the keys to success. Chris also shares how the experience that he gained in the National Guard concurrently helped him to advance in his career at UPS and explores how the military could leverage the civilian skills that our reservists have and integrate that expertise and experience into the military. As Vice President Corporate Human Resources at UPS, Chris was responsible for maintaining UPS's reputation as an employer of choice for nearly 500,000 global employees. He oversaw human capital strategy in identifying, cultivating and engaging a globally diverse and highly skilled workforce committed to world-class service and safety. Chris was a UPS partner for over 30 years, with proven experience in the operations, human resources and global strategy development. Starting as an entry-level part-time package handler while attending university, he was promoted to lead multiple line operations and Human Resources teams in New Jersey, California, Indiana, Chicago and Virginia. In 2001, Chris was expatriated to Belgium where he served as Vice President of Human Resources & Labor for UPS' Europe, Middle East & Africa region. Chris' decade of international experience was then leveraged in UPS' strategy group. Among his achievements in this role, he started up a 21-country Middle East joint venture in Dubai, expanded UPS' Global Healthcare strategy and optimized the UPS Store franchise network. In 2011, he assumed senior HR leadership for UPS' largest operating region worldwide based in New York City and was subsequently promoted to his current UPS HQ role in Atlanta in 2014. Dedicated to his country and his community, Chris proudly served for nearly 22 years in the US Air Force & National Guard. Chris is passionately committed to veteran causes and is active with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Corporate Partners, VETLANTA, and the USO. He currently serves on boards with United Way, ACP, VETLANTA, Mercy Care, USO, and Rutgers University. He is an active alumnus of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2016 and leads a financial ministry with his wife Lisa at Buckhead Church. Chris obtained his BA in Economics from Rutgers University, his MBA from Saint Mary's College, with post graduate studies at INSEAD and professional certifications as Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) and Global Professional in HR (GPHR).   ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.  

About Today's GuestDr. Kratzer is the Regional Education Coordinator for the University of Charleston, West Virginia, in the School of Business and Leadership. He represents the Leadership Department through building and maintaining relationships with students and strategic partners, identifies opportunities for program growth and coordinates recruitment events to attract prospective military-connected students and other constituents. Additionally, he is a professor in the graduate program for the School of Leadership.Dr. Kratzer is a consultant with the American Council on Education (ACE). At ACE, he has been a faculty assessor for over six years, assessing military workplace learning and official training courses to determine if there is college-level learning equivalencies that can be recommended for the award of credit. His work directly impacts the college opportunities for service members in every branch through identify Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which is documented on their Joint Service Transcript (JST). In addition to serving as a faculty evaluator, he works with colleges and universities to help them understand how they can best use ACE credit recommendations in their undergraduate degree programs. Dr. Kratzer retired from the Kentucky Air National Guard in 2015, after over 35 years of service in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard. He deployed in 2012 to Kandhar Province, Afghanistan, with the Army National Guard Agri-Business Development Team, working with Afghan farmers. He received his B.S. in Management/Human Resources from Park University, an M.Phil. in Military Strategy from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Air University, an M.A. in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Kratzer earned his Ph.D in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeThe American Council on Education Military GuideRecognition of Learning Across Military and Corporate Settings PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThe PsychArmor resource for this week is resource of the week is the PsychArmor Course Series for Ill and Injured Student Veterans Seeking Higher Education, Sponsored by Paralyzed Veterans of America. In this two-course series, Shaun Castle, Deputy Executive Director for Paralyzed Veterans of America, discusses the benefits of having a college degree in addition to military training and Maureen Elias, an Associate Legislative Director of Government Relations at Paralyzed Veterans of America, discusses how ill and injured students can seek appropriate assistance and support through their school's accessibility or disability office. You can find out more by going to the link here: https://psycharmor.org/press-release-strategic-partnership-campaign-mmaa-p-a/ This Episode Sponsored By:This episode is sponsored by PsychArmor, the premier education and learning ecosystem specializing in military culture content. PsychArmor offers an online e-learning laboratory with custom training options for organizations.Join Us on Social Media PsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

Back to Boot Camp for Episode 12 and Jeff Mills brings back an old buddy with Travis from @chipofftheolblunck.  This week's Military Minute brings us Paralyzed Veterans of America. Since 1946, PVA has been a leading advocate for quality health care, spinal cord research and education, veterans benefits, and civil rights for Veterans and all people with disabilities. Topics discussed:  Sarge is talking to himself again; old recruits reunite; don't be a recruiter in Iowa; yes, you still get paid in the military, sorry Genevieve; the effects of being 40; Wade is almost redeemed from his horrible geography knowledge; Sarge's one good idea gets muted; shipping from Hawaii sucks; Travis gives us all a fun fact; reasons to may our military more; monkeypod is super awesome and expensive; the importance of pre-show research; shipping epoxy to Hawaii; stirring epoxy with a power drill; sneak peek of a future show; locking up Spam (Hawaiian delicacy); Sarge makes up more statistics; ambushing peasants and pheasants;  South Dakota folks are so nice they are almost Canadian; welcome to Texas you jerk; Jesse isn't bad for a Yank; does Wade think Texas is south of the equator?, Mills goes small spoon to keep warm during a Texas snow storm; upgrading your logo with Wade's sister-in-law; logos and sawblade requirements; there is only one Colorado Springs; Travis and his onomatopoeia; short and scary drill sergeants; Jesse refuses to fly with anybody names Schinabeck; the cost of learning how to fly; Gateway computers are powering our war machines; shark diving without a cage; lifecycle of a whale; don't be an arrogant mainland jerk when in Hawaii and you will learn the good food spots; details of Wagyu; have y'all seen any vegans?; sourcing monkey pod wood; pheasant wood is hard!  Please note, we do not have paid advertisers.  Everything that we recommend comes from our personal experience.  With that said, if you want to support, please write reviews, subscribe, and share with your friends.  We would love to hear from you too, please email with any feedback and/or suggestions for our show.  We are here to serve!Guest Links:IG: @chipofftheolblunck Military Minute:Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaPva.orgIG: @pva1946 Hosts:Jeff (Sarge) @sergeantmakerJeff (Flash)  @flashpoint_woodworksJeff (Mills) @_damn_yankee_Wade @hill_craftJesse @steele.woodworksSupport the show