12:00 PM – Andy Sexton (Proactive Response Group)
Andy Sexton, a former SWAT officer, discusses the importance of proactive responses to active threats. His organization trains civilians to detect and respond to danger effectively, increasing survival chances.
12:15 PM – Patrick Fortenberry (Fountain Inn Police Chief)
LEAD Upstate presents funding to local law enforcement agencies, including support for the Fountain Inn PD’s K9 unit. Fortenberry discusses recruitment, retention, and challenges faced by officers.
12:30 PM – Lt. Joe Hovis (SC Highway Patrol)
Lt. Hovis continues the conversation on law enforcement funding, recruitment, retention, and challenges in the field.
12:45 PM – Lt. Donnelly & Lt. Weibel (City of Simpsonville)
Both lieutenants join to expand on the impact of LEAD Upstate’s funding and the state of law enforcement in their community.
1:00 PM – Billy Crank (LEAD Committee Member)
Retired Michelin executive Billy Crank speaks about his advocacy for law enforcement wellness and his role in supporting officers through LEAD.
1:15 PM – Shannon Sports (Upstate Warrior Solutions)
Shannon Sports from Upstate Warrior Solutions shares his mission to support veterans, emphasizing that seeking help is never a sign of weakness. He highlights available resources and the importance of community in overcoming challenges.
1:30 PM – Shawn Currie (Highlands Chiropractic)
A Marine veteran turned chiropractor, Currie shares his journey from a career-ending injury to founding his own chiropractic practice, which now serves veterans in the Upstate.
1:45 PM – Matt Lostaglia (Upstate Warrior Solution)
Army veteran and grad student Matt Lostaglia discusses the Outdoor Recreation Program at Upstate Warrior Solution, highlighting upcoming events and the value of community engagement.
2:00 PM – Brian Mullins (Vital Care of Greenville)
Brian Mullins discusses Vital Care of Greenville's infusion therapy services, which provide safe and convenient treatments for patients with acute and chronic conditions, either at home or in private infusion suites.
2:15 PM – Neil Sondov & John Geherac (Soldier Songs & Voices)
Sondov and Geherac discuss a nonprofit that provides songwriting instruction and a supportive space for veterans to share their music. The next meeting is on 2/2 at the Rupe.
2:30 PM – Rich Cochran (Goodfellows After Action)
Rich Cochran highlights the success of the Goodfellows Food Drive, an annual initiative by American Legion Post 3 that provides food boxes to families in need during the Christmas season. He also shares plans to host baseball games through American Legion Post 3.
2:45 PM – Bradley Holland & Jeremy Johns (Miracle Hill Overcomers Program)
Holland and Johns discuss Miracle Hill Ministries’ Overcomers Program, a residential addiction recovery initiative for men. They highlight collaboration with Upstate Warrior Solution to support veterans in recovery.