Ken Heitger is an Army veteran who's now on a new mission — becoming a school teacher. After years of military service, he's traded camouflage for college textbooks and is preparing to make a lasting impact in the classroom.

We talk about the transition from military to student life, the challenges of starting over, and how military discipline and leadership are shaping his approach to education. It’s an honest, inspiring look at life after service and the powerful calling to teach the next generation.

Whether you're a veteran, an educator, or someone in the middle of a big life shift, this story will remind you that the mission doesn't end, it evolves.

Learn more about Robert Morris University's Center for Veterans and Military Families: https://www.rmu.edu/about/military

Learn more about the Restore 22 events and fundraisers: https://restore22.org/events

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by ⁠Roger Cegelski⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com/

In this powerful and deeply personal documentary, acclaimed storyteller Makia Harper explores the resilience of the human spirit.

Better than Before: Journey to Now features the stories of three veterans as they discuss the social, emotional, physical, and cultural effects of the Vietnam war. The film explores ways in which they heal from trauma and overcome adversity and discrimination as they establish a new sense of self at a pivotal moment in their lives.

Better than Before is more than a film; it’s a tribute to Makia's uncle, a proud military veteran whose unwavering optimism and strength carried him through a diagnosis of multi-myeloma as a direct result to his exposure to the hazardous herbicide Agent Orange.

Makia knows that storytelling has a healing power that is immeasurable and has been used to transmute trauma. The personal stories of veterans aim to provide an individual and collective catharsis, while providing hope and inspiration through adversity. This film also aims to preserve the history of one of the world’s most controversial wars.

Most of this project has been self-financed, and the film is 75-80 percent complete. Makia needs your help to finish the film. Contributions of all sizes will play an important role in bringing this  film to the screen.

Donate to support Better than Before: Journey to Now.

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠⁠⁠⁠

We sit down with historian and author Robert B. O’Connor to discuss his powerful book Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge. Blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling, O’Connor brings to life the little-known story of a group of entertainers turned soldiers who risked their lives to lift spirits on the front lines during one of the most brutal battles of WWII.

Learn more at jeepshowbook.com.

Read the Warco's Summary.

Purchase Jeep Show on Amazon or BookShop.org.

$1 from every book sold benefits Shields and Stripes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a to-tier rehabilitation program for military veterans and first responders.

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Carissa Pierson never served in the military, but she has plenty of experience with PTSD. The daughter of a Vietnam veteran and trauma nurse, Carissa understands how the wounds of war deeply impact those who serve and everyone around them. As the CEO of Deathstalker Productions, she has produced over 18 horror films. Her upcoming film titled A Soldier's Decent dares to explore the haunting effects of war and PTSD like never before.

Follow A Soldier's Descent on Facebook.

Donate to support A Soldier's Descent.

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠⁠⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com⁠

Today, T.Shane Johnson is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, world record athlete and dedicated father with an unwavering desire to give back. When a traumatic event nearly ended his life, he fought his way back and eventually built a successful business. Then, when circumstances led to two years of homelessness, he used the same determination to move ahead yet again. T.Shane shares his story with us in this inspiring interview sure to motivate anyone who has experienced trauma, unfavorable circumstances or the everyday challenges of day-to-day life.

Learn more about T.Shane at https://tshaneinspires.com.

Get a bag of Big Guns Coffee at https://www.biggunscoffee.com.

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com

Military service often produces physical, mental and emotional challenges that can cause veterans to withdraw from society. For those experiencing hair loss, the tendency to isolate becomes even greater.

Shanna Cochran is a certified hair loss specialist and vendor for the Veterans Administration who is using her talents to serve those who served our country. A caring and compassionate professional with several family members who served, Shanna wants veterans to know that VA healthcare benefits may cover hair loss services.

Contact Shanna at Salon SC: https://www.salonsc412.com

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com

At 17, Ryan Pavel looked forward to attending the University of Illinois. When the school rejected him, he took a different path and enlisted in the Marines. Today, Ryan draws on this experience to help other veterans prepare for college as CEO of Warrior-Scholar Project. In partnership with the nation’s top colleges and universities, WSP hosts intensive and immersive one and two-week college-preparatory academic boot camps for enlisted veterans and transitioning service members.

Learn more about Warrior-Scholar Project.

Contact Ryan Pavel on LinkedIn.

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com/

John Tan enlisted in the Navy later than the average sailor, but that didn't stop him from fully engaging in the experience and transitioning the skills he learned to a successful civilian career. Now, as owner of Taitan Game Shop, he's building a community of gamers while supporting fellow veterans.

Taitan Game Shop

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠
https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com/

In 2021, TSgt Scott Lauderbaugh was just months away from earning a military retirement. All seemed on track until an unexpected twist threatened his future. Scott found himself in a lonely place when he stood up for his beliefs and honored the Oath of Enlistment he swore when enlisting in the service.

Links mentioned by Scott:

The Forgotten Soldiers

Military Accountbility

America's Front Line Doctors

Liberty Council

Military Back Pay

First Liberty Institute

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com⁠

Army veteran Mathius Carter deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like so many others, Carter's military service left him with physical and unseen wounds that continue to affect him nearly 20 years after separating from the Army. After becoming a father, he soon learned he needed a way to explain his challenges to his son. In part one of this episode, Carter candidly described his military experience. This is part two, with Carter sharing his road to recovery and how he came to write the book Instead of Sheep: A Soldier's Way of Explaining PTSD to His Son.

If you are a veteran in crisis or someone who is concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then pressing 1 to be connected to qualified responders 24/7, 365 days a year. The call is free and confidential. You can also text 838255 for help.

Learn more about Carter's book: ⁠https:/insteadofsheep.net/⁠
Learn more about Road Home Program: https:/roadhomeprogram.org/
Contact Road Home Program: 312-942-8387 (VETS)

Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com⁠