USA Cares Podcast

What does it really take to make a difference for veterans?

On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, hosts Matt Castor and Maeve Armstrong sit down with Kentucky State Senator Matt Deneen for a candid conversation about public service, veteran advocacy, and the importance of simply showing up.

Senator Deneen shares how a lifetime of service—from nearly three decades in education to local government and the Kentucky Senate—shaped his commitment to Kentucky's military and veteran communities. The conversation also goes behind the scenes in Frankfort to explore how legislation actually moves, why some good ideas take years to become law, and why relationships and public-private partnerships matter when trying to create meaningful change.

Most importantly, they discuss the work being done every day to help veterans before a financial crisis becomes something much worse.

From keeping a veteran in their home or helping with a utility or car payment, to connecting families with long-term resources, Senator Deneen explains why the immediate assistance provided by USA Cares can be the bridge that keeps a difficult situation from becoming a life-changing crisis.

The conversation also covers veteran services across Kentucky, investments in veteran care, the upcoming legislative session, the Military Installation Protection Act, and the importance of bringing veterans and military representatives to the table when decisions are being made.

It's a conversation about service, relationships, getting involved—and remembering that supporting veterans requires more than words. It requires action.

🇺🇸 Learn more, get involved, or support military families in crisis at USA Cares.

Former U.S. Army Specialist Jeff Young and his wife, Nicole, join the USA Cares Podcast to share their story of service, family, and life on Youngs Farm in Wyoming.

Jeff reflects on his time in the Army and the journey that followed his military service, while he and Nicole discuss the work, challenges, and rewards that come with building a life together on the farm. From military service to agriculture, their story is one of hard work, partnership, perseverance, and finding purpose in a new chapter.

Join USA Cares for a conversation about life after the uniform, the importance of family, and how Jeff and Nicole Young have created a place—and a life—they’re proud to call home.

What does it take to lead at the highest levels of the United States military? On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Wayne "The Bull" Troxell, who served as the 3rd Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) from 2015 to 2019.

As the nation's highest-ranking enlisted service member, "The Bull" advised the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on issues impacting the entire enlisted joint force while serving alongside military leaders across every branch of service. Drawing on more than three decades of military experience, he shares powerful insights on leadership under pressure, building resilient teams, servant leadership, and the unwavering commitment required to serve something greater than yourself.

John Wayne Troxell also reflects on life after the military, the importance of supporting veterans and military families, and why organizations like USA Cares play a critical role in helping those who have sacrificed for our country.

Whether you're a veteran, a leader, or someone striving to make a greater impact, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, inspiring stories, and practical lessons that extend far beyond the battlefield.

🎙️ Topics include:

• Leadership at the highest levels of the U.S. military
• Serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman
• Building resilient teams and overcoming adversity
• Transitioning from military service to civilian life
• Supporting veterans and military families
• The mission and impact of USA Cares

Retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López joins the USA Cares Podcast for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, leadership, and life after the military.

A decorated U.S. Air Force Pararescueman and Special Operations veteran, CZ served more than three decades in uniform and rose to become the highest-ranking enlisted service member in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, he shares lessons from combat, leadership at the highest levels, resilience under pressure, and the importance of supporting veterans and military families through the transition to civilian life.

From his roots in Puerto Rico to special operations missions around the world and ultimately advising the nation’s top military leaders, CZ’s story is one of courage, purpose, and service.

Watch this episode of the USA Cares Podcast to hear an inspiring conversation with one of America’s most respected enlisted leaders.

Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, military leaders, advocates, and changemakers supporting those who served.

On this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we are joined by two incredible leaders and veterans — Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny and Sgt. Maj. William Johnson Jr., Regional Manager for Merging Vets and Players (MVP).

Together, they dive deep into the realities of military service, leadership under pressure, the transition from active duty to civilian life, and the importance of finding purpose and community after service. William Johnson Jr. also shares how MVP is helping veterans and former professional athletes build connections, battle isolation, and strengthen mental wellness through peer support and teamwork.

This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, brotherhood, service, and the ongoing mission to support those who have sacrificed for our country.

Topics include:
• Life lessons from military leadership
• The challenges veterans face after service
• Mental health and finding purpose
• The mission behind Merging Vets and Players (MVP)
• Building community and accountability
• How organizations like USA Cares continue to support veterans and military families

If you support our veterans, believe in the power of community, or want to hear incredible stories of leadership and perseverance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations from the USA Cares Podcast.

#USACares #Veterans #Military #MVP #MergingVetsAndPlayers #Leadership #VeteranSupport #Podcast #MentalHealth #Army

In this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with Mark Pfeifer, founder of Wigglewow, for a conversation that blends service, sacrifice, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Mark shares heartfelt stories from his and his wife’s journey in the military—offering a raw and personal look at the challenges, transitions, and values shaped by their service. But the story doesn’t stop there.

Out of that foundation, Mark built Wigglewow—a unique dogtrot-style retail concept with a mission that goes far beyond business. Wigglewow is dedicated to employing and creating meaningful career opportunities for adults with special needs, proving that impact and innovation can go hand in hand.

This episode is about more than business—it's about purpose, people, and building something that truly matters.

🔹 Military life & lessons learned
🔹 Transitioning from service to entrepreneurship
🔹 The vision behind Wigglewow
🔹 Creating careers for adults with special needs
🔹 Leading with purpose and impact

👉 Don’t miss this inspiring story of service continuing beyond the uniform.

#USACares #Veterans #Entrepreneurship #Wigglewow #SpecialNeeds #PurposeDriven #MilitaryStories

On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with Jay Franze and his wife Monica France for a powerful conversation about commitment, resilience, and walking with purpose.

Jay shares the story behind his incredible milestone — 5 million steps — and the mission that fueled every single one of them. What started as a physical challenge became something much deeper: a statement of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering support for the veteran community.

Monica joins the conversation to give a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support a goal of this magnitude. Together, they open up about sacrifice, accountability, partnership, and why serving those who served matters so much to their family.

This episode is about more than steps.
It’s about movement — in body, in spirit, and in community.

If you believe in supporting veterans and honoring those who have worn the uniform, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🇺🇸 Learn more about USA Cares and how you can get involved.

In this powerful episode of USA Cares, we sit down with Purple Heart recipient Joseph Bates to share a story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Joseph opens up about his military service, the life-changing moments that earned him the Purple Heart, and the challenges he faced transitioning beyond the battlefield. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of supporting those who have served. This episode honors not only Joseph’s service, but the mission of USA Cares to stand beside veterans and their families when they need it most.

Join USA Cares as we sit down with Captain Marj Graves, retired U.S. Army nurse, to explore her remarkable journey of service, compassion, and resilience. From caring for wounded soldiers to navigating the emotional weight of military medicine, Capt. Graves shares powerful stories that illuminate the often unseen heroism of military nurses. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to those who serve—not only on the battlefield, but at the bedside.

In this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we welcome Heather French Henry — longtime veterans’ advocate, former Miss America, and daughter of a Vietnam veteran — to discuss the vital resources available to those who have served. From housing and health care to education and employment, Heather shares insights on how communities and organizations can work together to ensure no veteran is left behind. Tune in to hear her passion for service, her personal connection to the mission, and practical ways to help veterans thrive beyond the uniform.