Service Before Self Podcast

Today we tackle the challenges of veteran homelessness with our guest, Danielle Applegate, chairperson of National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV). Danielle will share a personal story of how homelessness impacts both veterans and non-veterans alike but also how there are resources and strategies available that can provide a way out. She will also share the work of NCHV and if you are part of an organization that may be tackling homelessness in your community, how NCHV can help. You can connect with NCHV at their website, NCHV.ORG.

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosts a conversation with Jennifer Grubb--combat veteran, veteran advocate, registered nurse, wife, and mother. Jennifer shares her candid, raw, and thought-provoking experience of reintegration following military service. She pulls no punches but also demonstrates her resiliency and the potential of our military-connected community. Listen more than once and encourage others to listen as well.

A conversation with Secretary Patrick J. Murphy, former Under Secretary of the Army and a leading advocate for veterans and their families. Secretary Murphy is the Chairman of Task Force Movement, www.taskforcemovement.org, an organization that is creating successful careers for the military-connected community in transportation, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

A conversation with Robin Kelleher, Co-Founder and CEO of HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS, recipient of the 2023 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award.

Psych/Armor educates and trains organizations on how to better understand and connect with military-connected individuals: transitioning service members, military spouses, veterans, and their families. Listen to Tina explain how her family’s history of military service and her experiences as a military spouse created opportunities to ensure that veterans and their families reach their full potential.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] Tina shares what motivated her to assist and support veterans and their families.

[9:51] Tina explains how she started Psych/Armor, a nonprofit organization.

[11:17] Psych/Armor’s primary mission is to help connect the military and civilian communities in various ways.

[14:08] Tina shares more about the work accomplished by Psych/Armor.

[16:08] Psych/Armor was funded by a licensed mental health counselor in San Diego who was a civilian.

[17:14] At Psych/Armor, there is a cultural competency requirement to understand the people that they serve.

[18:44] Tina comments on the vast ecosystem that forms Psych/Armor.

[21:46] Psych/Armor’s primary focus is on health equity.

[23:17] Colonel Sam expands on the two common narratives from our society’s perspective on veterans: Veterans are either super soldiers or broken soldiers.

[25:20] Psych/Armor is made by a cross-generational Team.

[29:43] Tina received an award from SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration).

[30:17] Tina discusses the concept of wellness and its importance for the veteran community.

[33:51] Tina shares her call to action with anyone wanting to help the veteran community.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Psych/Armor

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Wellness Initiative envisions a future in which people pursue health, happiness, recovery, and a full and satisfying life in the community. Below are brief descriptions of each dimension of wellness. Being able to balance these eight dimensions is a foundation for positive outcomes for veterans and their families. To learn more, visit Creating a Healthier Life.

• Physical Wellness: A healthy body. Good physical health habits. Nutrition, exercise, and appropriate health care. These make up the physical dimension of wellness.

• Intellectual Wellness: keeping our brains active and our intellect expanding … reading, taking a class at your local community college, and engaging in debate/discussions.

• Financial Wellness: proactively managing your income, debt, and savings, as well as increasing your understanding of financial processes and resources.

• Environmental Wellness: being in a safe, supportive environment, having a place that you can call home. An environment where you can live, learn, and thrive.

• Spiritual Wellness: a broad concept that represents one’s personal beliefs and values and involves having meaning, purpose, and a sense of balance and peace.

• Social Wellness: involves having healthy relationships with friends, family, and the community, and having an interest in and concern for the needs of others and humankind.

• Occupational Wellness: involves participating in activities that provide meaning and purpose and reflect personal values, interests, and beliefs, including employment.

• Emotional Wellness: involves the ability to express feelings, adjust to emotional challenges, cope with life’s stressors, and enjoy life.

Tweetables and quotes:

“The military community is so diverse; it represents a great example of the larger civilian community.”

“Suicide prevention and PTSD are not exclusive to the military community.”

“There are two common narratives from our society’s perspective on veterans: Veterans are either super soldiers or broken soldiers, and neither are the norm.”

“At Psych/Armor, we want to reduce isolation and increase belonging in our veteran community.”

In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by 

Carl Cricco, the CEO of K9 For Warriors, and John Tappen, a Navy veteran who has directly felt the impact of K9 for Warriors in supporting veterans and their families.

K9 for Warriors is the largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. Carl shares K9’s history, approach, and impact, and John, as someone who has a service dog from K9s for warriors, shares his inspiring story and how his dog, Henry, made all the difference in the world for him on his journey of healing with honor.

Key Takeaways:

[2:03] Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.) explains what Heal with Honor is about.

[4:02] Carl shares the background for K9 for Warriors.

[6:15] Carl talks about 9/11 being the second worst day of his life.

[8:03] John shares his perspective about K9 for Warriors.

[12:38]  How are dogs selected? What kind of training do they go through?

[14:24] John talks about his experience with a service dog.

[15:51] Carl describes the K9 for Warriors program.

[17:58] John talks about the science that backs up the importance of the connection between veterans and service dogs.

[19:26] Carl talks about the legislation that helps to connect a service dog to a veteran.

[21:02] John shares his words with all those struggling veterans: Ask for help; you are not alone.

[25:07] John and Carl share their call to action with all military veterans. 

[27:14] Donate to K9 For Warriors,

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and  Instagram

Learn more about Heal with Honor. 

Tweetables and quotes:

“K9s prevent veterans to fall into suicidal ideation.”

“When you are not seeing any progress, suicidal ideation is inevitable.”

“My scars were not visible, I thought I didn't deserve a service dog, but getting one saved my life.”

“It takes 6 months for a dog to get the proper training to become a service dog.”

“82% of veterans with service dogs had a reduction in their suicidal ideation, and 90% have a reduction in their medication dependency.”

In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by Joshua Caldwell and Stephen Camelio. Joshua and Stephen are the director and writer of the new film Mending the Line. Joshua and Stephen discuss their new movie, which will be launched in theaters on June 9th, 2023. Mending the Line is the story of a marine who’s been wounded in Afghanistan and has now been sent to a VA facility in Montana, where he meets a Vietnam veteran who teaches him how to fly fish to deal with his emotional and physical trauma.

Key Takeaways:

[5:23] What brought Stephen to this particular subject?

[7:42] Joshua shares his motivation to get involved in the topic of veterans.

[10:10] Actual veterans participated in the movie; how could they contribute to the project?

[14:35] Stephen shares what surprised him during the research for the movie.

[16:02] Joshua speaks of their partnering with the marine.

[18:40] Joshua opens up about what surprised him about what it meant for a soldier to get wounded in war.

[22:11] Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.) highlights the character’s fear of losing his identity.

[22:52] Military is not the whole story; it is just a chapter.

[24:08] Being wounded is a forced exit from the military.

[25:43] Stephen talks about the research he did on PTSD.

[28:30] The movie shows the separation between Vietnam veterans and the post 9/11 and how they need each other to heal.

[32:50] Joshua talks about a particular character: Lucy.

[34:57] Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.) singles out the character who really connected with him.

[36:10] Stephen shares what he considers the best scene in the movie.

[37:33] Joshua clarifies it was never their intention to demonize the VA.

[40:21] Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.) discusses his favorite scene.

[43:55] What is next for Mending the Line?

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Warriors and Quiet Waters

Tweetables and quotes:

“After recovering from a wound, you can feel that physically you are ready, but mentally, you are not, and the mental wounds are the dominating factor.”

“Military is not the whole story; it is just a chapter.”

“Five percent of active duty military actually see combat; still more than 50% experience PTSD.”

“We may not all experienced combat, but we all experience loss at some point in our lives.”

In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is continuing a conversation that was started several months ago regarding the opportunities that are available for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who want to become entrepreneurs and small businesses owners.

This time, Col. Sam welcomes Col. Scott Jensen (Ret.) to talk about the opportunities for Federal Contracting, which has the amount of $30 billion a year set aside in contracting for veterans to own small businesses.

Key Takeaways:

[3:45] Col. Scott shares his story.

[7:07] Col. Scott talks about who he moved to the non-profit space.

[9:23] NVSBC occupies a unique place in supporting veterans and Col. Scott explains why.

[11:56] Getting started and sustaining success are two of the challenges of the first stages of a veteran entrepreneur.

[14:28] Col. Scott talks about the advocacy piece.

[15:37] What is the greatest challenge that veteran entrepreneurs have to face?

[18:15] Col. Sam stresses the importance of networking.

[18:59] Col. Scott shares the work of NVSNC in helping veterans overcome some of the barriers to networking and to motivate them to increase their social capital.

[23:10] Col. Scott speaks about current policy changes that need to take place or are taking place now to support veteran entrepreneurs.

[27:10] Col. Scott talks about the certification process to be in business with the Federal Government.

[29:40] Col. Scott highlights the importance of having the VA certification.

[33:30] Col Scott shares his words of encouragement for all veterans.

[36:43] The Dixon Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Listen to Episode 015: Empowering the Entrepreneurial Dreams of Veterans with Blake Hogan

Learn more about Col. Scott Jensen (Ret.)

Visit NVSBC

Tweetables and quotes:

“What is unique about NVSBC is that all its focus is in supporting veteran businesses in the federal marketplace.”

“It is critical for any business, but particularly in federal contracting, to realize that is not just bureaucracy, it is people, and you have to know who the people are and you have to be willing to talk to them.”

“If you are yet not certified, go to the VA right now and get certified.”

“Veterans make very successful entrepreneurs.”

Colonel retired Sam Whitehurst, your host, welcomes Michael Brown to today’s episode. Michael Brown is the Director of the Office of Veterans and Military Service at Villanova University. Michael shares how Villanova provides opportunities and a path to success to veterans, recognizing the challenges they sometimes face when they pursue a higher education track. Michael also shares what “The Villanova Experience” is about.

Key Takeaways:

[6:12] Why is Villanova such a great fit for members leaving active duty and for veterans?

[9:53] Michael explains why the military experience is a great foundation.

[12:07] Student veterans bring so much to the College Campus, their experiences enrich the community, affecting positively both teachers and students.

[15:04] How is Villanova helping students overcome challenges?

[17:22] Michael speaks about his passion for creating a Villanova Experience for veterans.

[19:52] Villanova works toward re-establishing the sense of community and belonging for veterans.

[21:18] Sam and Michael talk about the School of Nursing at Villanova.

[26:19] Michael shares the most important aspect to focus on in regard to the GI Bill.

[29:16] Michael encourages organizations, institutions, and corporations to do the best they can do to go above and beyond to just saying “Thank you for your service”.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, and  Instagram

Listen to Episode 016: Ending Veteran Homelessness. Part 1 with Bruce Buckley and Episode 017: Ending Veteran Homelessness. Part 2 with Bruce Buckley

Tweetables and quotes:

“Higher education is a great space for transitioning members and veterans to decompress, learn about themselves and their career aspirations while creating a network.”

“Always look for opportunities to continue to build yourself.”

“We should strive to be life-long learners.”

Colonel retired Sam Whitehurst, your host, welcomes Bruce Buckley to the second part of an insightful conversation about Veteran homelessness. Bruce is the CEO of Soldier On; he is one of the leading subject matter experts on the challenges impacting homeless veterans. Bruce has been dedicating his career to finding solutions to assist veterans and their families who find themselves in that situation.

In today’s episode, Bruce keeps sharing the work done by Soldier On which is a great model that needs to be replicated across the country. He talks about how they dealt with the pandemic at its beginning and the great help they received from the Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families (SSVF). Bruce dives deep into the crucial importance to Veterans of belonging to a community and he highlights the spectacular job Soldier On’s staff does to make it all happen.

By the end of this episode, Bruce shares his distress caused by the potential closing of the VA Medical Center in Leeds, Massachusetts, you can help prevent this from happening by raising your voice! (links below)

Key Takeaways:

[3:19] Bruce shares some of the lessons learned from the pandemic.

[5:58] Bruce talks about how fortunate they were to have a good relationship with VA Western Massachusetts.

[8:47] Bruce speaks about the role that the Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families (SSVF) plays in Soldier On.

[12:04] Bruce explains the vital importance of being part of a community for Veterans and how the staff is a very big resource apart from the housing.

[12:39] Bruce shares on the peer program.

[14:49] Is there a spike in veteran homelessness?

[16:05] Bruce talks about their support in regards to financial literacy.

[17:32] What are Soldier On’s plans for the future?

[20:09] The VA recently issued a report announcing they will shut some facilities down in order to relocate them; how does this impact veterans who need those services?

[26:42] Colonel Sam shares his experience visiting the Soldier On Program.

[27:30] Bruce shows his gratitude to all the staff that makes the program work.

[29:40] Colonel Sam shares some additional information about the potential closing of the VA Medical Centre in Leeds Massachusetts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dixon Center: Reaching America

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.

Dixon Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Listen to “Episode 16: Ending Veteran Homelessness. Part 1 with Bruce Buckley”

Make sure your voice is heard about the VA's recommendation to close the Northhampton, Leeds, VA Medical Center. Please contact your Congressperson or Senator or reach out to Secretary Patrick Murphy, nominee to be the chair of the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission, and let them know how you feel.

Soldier On

Tweetables and quotes:

“The more we build the more communities want to recreate what we built.”

“Soldier On’s plan is to keep on listening to the needs of Veterans and their families and to stay strong in the work towards stopping veteran homelessness, one veteran at a time.”

“If they close the VA, it will become a ghost town of about 40 buildings.”