The VetsConnection Podcast

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Lucas Lewis transforms his family farm into a free mountain retreat for veterans, giving them space to rest, relax, and reconnect through Project Gallantly Forward. The nonprofit offers cabins, RV hookups, and a peaceful natural setting where veterans can decompress without financial burden.

• Founded by Iraq War veteran Lucas Lewis after witnessing veterans struggle with civilian transition
• Named to honor the 10th Mountain Division's 171st Cavalry and their motto "Forward"
• Provides completely free 3-5 day stays in cabins that sleep families of six
• Features a disc golf course, interaction with farm animals, and access to hiking trails
• Run by Lucas and his wife Christine, who manages grant writing while working full-time
• Future plans include transitional housing for homeless veterans and those recently released from incarceration
• Building a 50x30 conference center to accommodate veteran groups and events
• Partners with local organizations to offer classes in farming, gardening, and other skills
• Annual fundraiser held in December features an "ugly sweater party"

If you're a veteran interested in staying at the retreat, visit ProjectGallantlyForward.org to check availability and book your stay. Veterans interested in volunteering or those who wish to donate can also find information on the website.

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Ryan Woodruff shares his journey from Marine Corps combat veteran to Program Director at ClearPath for Veterans, revealing how his own healing path led him to help fellow veterans through comprehensive support programs.

• Established in 2011, ClearPath for Veterans offers multiple services including their flagship service dog program for veterans with PTSD and TBI
• Veterans often carry constant stress that doesn't ebb and flow like civilians, creating unique challenges in transition to civilian life
• The Wednesday Canteen program welcomes 200-300 veterans weekly for community meals, connection, and introduction to other services
• ClearPath offers wellness programs including massage therapy and meditation to help veterans manage pain and stress
• The organization's 78-acre campus provides a healing environment with hiking trails, workshops, and natural surroundings
• The peer support model connects veterans with others who understand their experiences, creating psychological safety
• Service dogs provide life-changing support, helping veterans regulate emotions and reconnect with daily life
• The Operation Socrates program helps transitioning service members enter K-12 teaching careers
• ClearPath serves approximately 7,000 veterans annually with a staff of over 40 people and numerous volunteers
• Family members are included in all programs, recognizing they also carry the weight of service-related challenges

If you want to learn more about ClearPath for Veterans or support their mission, visit ClearPathforVets.org or reach out directly to speak with their team.

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When Navy veteran Evan Graver's motorcycle collided with a semi-truck in 2001, his life changed forever. The accident left him a T10 paraplegic, abruptly ending his military career just months before 9/11 and forcing him to rebuild his identity from the ground up. Yet two decades later, Evan has transformed this devastating injury into a launchpad for an extraordinary life of purpose and service.

In this raw, honest conversation, Evan takes us through his journey from enlistment in 1997 to his current role as a prolific thriller author with 24 published books. He recounts the darkest moments of his recovery with surprising humor – from his memorable five-day odyssey to reach the Cleveland VA ("hospital purgatory") to the pivotal moment when he found himself on his bedroom floor, unable to get back into bed. These seemingly small victories became the building blocks of his remarkable resilience.

What makes Evan's story so powerful isn't just his personal triumph, but how he's channeled his experiences into helping fellow veterans. As a board member for two impactful nonprofits – Dive for Vets and Fishing with America's Finest – he helps disabled veterans discover healing through underwater adventures and fishing expeditions in the Florida Everglades. These organizations embody what Evan calls the essential elements of recovery: "purpose, belonging, and connection."

The conversation also explores Evan's writing process, his supportive marriage to Becky (whom he's known since before birth), and the unexpected ways his injury prepared him to embrace life's challenges. Now exactly half his life has been spent in a wheelchair – 24 years walking, 24 years rolling – giving him a unique perspective on adaptation and finding joy regardless of circumstances.

Whether you're a veteran seeking inspiration, someone facing your own life-changing challenge, or simply looking for an uplifting story of human resilience, Evan's journey demonstrates how tragedy can become transformation when viewed through the lens of possibility rather than limitation. Learn more about his nonprofit work at diveforvets.org and fwaf.net.

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What happens when the guns fall silent? When a director embarks on a journey to understand his brothers' experiences in war, he discovers a story far more complex than he anticipated—one that spans 15 years and follows the profound transformation of men who went from young soldiers to veterans finding their way home.

In "Brothers After War," documentary filmmaker Jake Rademacher reconnects with his two brothers and ten other veterans he embedded with during the Iraq War. The film weaves together past and present, creating a tapestry that shows these warriors as they were—young, idealistic, and thrust into the chaos of combat—and as they are now—seasoned adults navigating the challenges of civilian life with humor, wisdom, and sometimes, deep pain.

The documentary doesn't flinch from difficult truths. In perhaps its most powerful moment, Jake's brother Joe reveals he once sat with a gun in his mouth, half a pound of pressure away from ending his life—something he'd never told his family before. This raw confession illuminates the epidemic of veteran suicide that has claimed 35,000 lives since the War on Terror began. Yet the film isn't defined by darkness. We watch as veterans forge new paths—building businesses, raising families, supporting fellow veterans, and finding purpose beyond their military service. From a former sniper turned commercial banker to a lieutenant colonel who discovers joy in forestry management, these stories illustrate the remarkable resilience of those who've served.

What distinguishes "Brothers After War" is its intimate perspective, possible only because of Jake's unique position as both filmmaker and brother. The camera captures unguarded moments of brotherly love, conflict, and healing that transcend the typical war documentary. When one veteran says his most memorable moment from the past two decades is "right now—knowing someone still cares," we understand the film's true mission: to ensure veterans know they're not forgotten, that their stories matter, and that the bonds forged in war can help build bridges to civilian life. Executive produced by Gary Sinise, this is more than a documentary—it's a reminder that while war ends, the journey of the warrior continues, deserving of our attention, understanding, and support.

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Do you struggle with sleep? You're far from alone—especially if you've served in the military. In this fascinating deep dive, research scientist Lindsay Hildebrand reveals how the disrupted sleep patterns military personnel experience can persist long after service ends, potentially leading to serious health consequences.

Sleep isn't just about feeling rested. As Hildebrand explains, it's a critical biological process with profound implications for brain health. Poor sleep quality strongly correlates with earlier onset of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. For veterans trapped in the vicious cycle of anxiety preventing sleep and sleep deprivation worsening anxiety, this connection is particularly troubling.

But there's hope on the horizon. Hildebrand's work with the Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Lab focuses on groundbreaking non-pharmaceutical approaches to sleep disorders. Their research into Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) yielded remarkable results—just 40 seconds of targeted stimulation significantly improved sleep quality by quieting the brain's default mode network, responsible for those racing thoughts keeping you awake.

Even more accessible is their light therapy research, now recruiting for the largest Department of Defense light therapy study ever conducted. This completely remote study provides specially designed glasses participants wear for just 30 minutes each morning, potentially resetting disrupted circadian rhythms without medication.

What makes these approaches revolutionary is their simplicity and effectiveness. Rather than just treating symptoms, they address underlying neurobiological processes, potentially breaking the sleep-anxiety cycle that plagues so many veterans.

Want to participate or learn more? Active duty personnel from any branch and veterans separated within the last five years may qualify for the nationwide light therapy study. Visit the SCAN Lab website through the University of Arizona to see if you're eligible to contribute to this groundbreaking research—and possibly transform your sleep in the process.

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Mental Health Awareness Month takes on powerful new meaning through the eyes of Dr. Richard Peate, a VA psychologist who's spent 18 years finding innovative ways to support veterans beyond traditional therapy. In this candid conversation, Dr. Peate unveils the trio of elements every veteran needs: purpose, belonging, and connection.

The West Palm Beach VA is buzzing with activity this May – from weekly resource fairs to community socials where veterans can meet hospital leadership over half-priced tacos. But it's Dr. Peate's newest initiative that truly stands out: a Volunteerism Expo connecting veterans with 37 organizations across three counties.

"Veterans have an innate sense of wanting to serve," Dr. Peate explains, highlighting how volunteering taps into core military values while combating isolation and providing renewed purpose. Research even shows volunteers live longer – a testament to the healing power of giving back.

Most compelling are the stories of small interactions that make enormous differences. One veteran podcast interview heard by the right person at the right time saved a life. A newsletter that seemed ineffective suddenly connected someone to life-changing equine therapy. These ripple effects remind us that mental health support comes in many forms.

At its heart, Mental Health Awareness Month isn't about grand gestures but simple acceptance. "All you have to do is not judge and just be aware and accepting," Dr. Peate reminds us. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer someone struggling is simply our time and attention.

Explore upcoming VA events, discover volunteer opportunities, and learn how small moments of connection can create profound healing for our veterans. Sometimes the most meaningful service happens after the uniform comes off.

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A plate of pancakes became the catalyst for a nationwide veterans support movement in this remarkable story of love, legacy, and service. After Susan Combs' father, Major General Roger Combs—who served 39 years across three military branches—developed Agent Orange-related cancer, one poignant morning changed everything. Unable to eat due to his feeding tube, he simply stated: "I want pancakes for breakfast." This heartbreaking moment eventually sparked what would become Pancakes for Roger, a nonprofit creating pathways to improve veterans' lives.

Susan shares the raw emotional journey from personal grief to purposeful action. What began as a social media tribute evolved into an annual February campaign where pancake photos trigger donations supporting veterans' causes, most notably the University of Missouri Veterans Legal Clinic providing free legal services for VA claims. Their latest campaign generated an impressive $13,000 and drew participation from all 50 states and six continents.

Beyond fundraising, Pancakes for Roger partners with smaller veteran organizations where modest financial support creates outsized impact. From construction projects for disabled veterans to mental health crisis support through QRF Up, these collaborations address immediate needs without bureaucratic delays. Susan's philosophy resonates throughout: "Small nonprofits can change lives with $2,000 that would barely register at a large foundation."

The organization's future looks promising with weightlifting competitions dubbed "Dragon Slayer" events, community outreach initiatives, and plans to establish an endowment for veteran micro-grants. Susan's book, "Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons," furthers her father's legacy through wisdom and life lessons while generating additional support for veterans' causes.

Want to transform breakfast into meaningful change? Visit pancakesforroger.org to learn how you can host a pancake event, donate to their mission, or connect veterans with crucial resources. Together, we can ensure veterans receive the support, recognition, and community they've earned through their service.

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The journey from military service to civilian career success can be one of the most challenging transitions many veterans and military spouses face. In this enlightening conversation with Victoria Thompson from American Corporate Partners (ACP), we uncover a powerful resource that's transforming thousands of veterans' lives through personalized mentorship.

Victoria shares her own compelling journey – from joining the Army at 17 and serving in Psychological Operations to navigating college as a veteran and building a career while supporting her military spouse lifestyle. Her firsthand experience with the "otherness" many veterans feel when reentering civilian life provides authentic context for the work she now does helping others bridge that gap.

At the heart of this episode is the remarkable story of ACP, a nonprofit founded in 2008 that has grown from serving 300 veterans to maintaining approximately 5,000 mentorship pairs at any given time. The program pairs veterans and military spouses with corporate professionals who guide them through the complexities of career transition – from translating military skills on resumes to navigating salary negotiations and professional networking.

What makes ACP unique? Unlike many resources, they focus on meaningful employment rather than just job placement. Their comprehensive human-driven approach (no AI here!) includes one-on-one mentorship lasting a full year with regular check-ins and personalized support. Perhaps most impressive is their track record: proteges who find jobs during mentorship average starting salaries exceeding $90,000, and remarkably, only about 45% have four-year degrees.

The conversation explores how networking has become increasingly critical in today's job market, where AI screening systems often filter out qualified candidates. Victoria shares practical insights about how veterans can overcome common transition challenges, from imposter syndrome to difficulty articulating military experience in civilian terms.

Ready to transform your own transition or support a veteran in your life? Discover how ACP's free mentorship program is building bridges to meaningful careers and restoring hope for the military community. Visit acp-usa.org to learn more or volunteer as a mentor yourself.

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The Veteran Yoga Project provides free yoga classes specifically designed for veterans nationwide, addressing both physical and mental health needs through mindfulness practices that complement traditional PTSD treatments.

• Founded by Dr. Daniel Libby during his Yale postdoctoral fellowship to fill a gap in veteran care
• Classes are completely free and unlimited for all veterans through in-person, hybrid, and online formats
• Instructors receive specialized training in "Mindful Resilience" to accommodate veterans' specific needs
• Focus extends beyond physical postures to mindfulness, breathing, and emotional regulation techniques
• Designed to be accessible to all veterans regardless of flexibility or fitness level
• Approaches yoga as a practical tool for managing pain, reducing PTSD symptoms, and improving daily function
• Veterans can find classes by visiting veteranyogaproject.org or using their mobile app
• The organization relies on donations to maintain its infrastructure and services

Visit veteranyogaproject.org to find a class near you or access online resources. Consider donating to support their mission of bringing yoga to veterans everywhere.

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Henry Angulo returns to share how The Firewatch is creating a measurable impact on veteran suicide rates across Florida through their community-based approach. As Regional Programs Director for South Florida, Henry reveals the powerful statistics behind their work – including a consistent 27% decrease in veteran suicide in Northeast Florida since their program began.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Scott shares a personal story of using his Firewatch training to help a veteran in crisis, highlighting the effectiveness of their "Veterans Safe Place Program." This free 45-60 minute training provides participants with a wallet card containing critical resources and a step-by-step process for handling crisis situations – a simple tool that literally saves lives.

Henry explains how The Firewatch is expanding across Florida through county grants and their Ambassador program, which allows passionate volunteers to become certified trainers. We learn how states like California and Alaska have expressed interest in implementing similar programs, showing the potential for this Florida success story to develop into a national movement.

What makes The Firewatch's approach unique is their focus on creating "connectors" throughout communities – regular people equipped to recognize warning signs and guide those in crisis toward professional help. Their model acknowledges that suicide affects everyone, with approximately 135 people impacted by each suicide, making prevention truly a community-wide responsibility.

Ready to make a difference? Visit thefirewatchorg.org to request training for your organization, become an Ambassador, or support this vital mission through donations that help keep these life-saving resources free and accessible to all.

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Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: [email protected]. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast