VET S.O.S. Podcast

By Shawn Welsh, Keith Cassant, Eric Brew, Mark Elder

VET S.O.S. Podcast is your lifeline to success, dedicated to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Discover invaluable information, resources, and insights from veteran suppor... more

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FAQs about VET S.O.S. Podcast:

How many episodes does VET S.O.S. Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 132 episodes available.

VET S.O.S. Podcast episodes:

January 15, 2025 Empowering Military Families: Christina Etchberger on Building Community with It's a Military Life
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we
welcome Christina Etchberger, founder and CEO of It's a Military Life, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military families,
spouses, and veterans. Christina’s inspiring journey began as a military
spouse and educator, and her determination to make a difference has
evolved into a thriving 501(c)(3) organization that empowers the
military community through innovative programs.
Christina takes us through the origins of It's a Military Life, which
started as a personal blog during her husband's deployment and grew into
a full-fledged nonprofit. She shares how the organization addresses the
unique challenges faced by military families, emphasizing the
importance of connection, empowerment, and community.
We explore the three cornerstone programs of the organization:
- Veteran Pen Pal Project: Reviving the art of letter writing to connect
veterans in hospice care, veteran homes, and deployed service members
with supportive communities through thoughtful correspondence.
- Military Child Life: Providing a platform for military spouse and
veteran authors, distributing books that reflect the military family
experience, and creating opportunities for children to connect and learn
through storytelling.
- Military Connection: Offering workshops, cohorts, and mentorship
programs to help military spouses and transitioning veterans build
careers, develop skills, and thrive in the civilian workforce.
Christina also highlights the impact of their efforts, from delivering
over 100,000 cards to veterans during the holidays to helping
military-focused authors bring their stories to a broader audience. She
emphasizes the organization's commitment to collaboration, whether
through volunteer opportunities, ambassador roles, or partnerships with
other organizations.
In this episode, Christina shares actionable ways to get involved,
whether as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor. Her passion for empowering
others shines as she reflects on her journey, the dedication of her
volunteers, and the transformative power of community.
Tune in to this episode for a powerful conversation about resilience,
service, and the importance of creating meaningful connections in the
military community.
Listen now on YouTube, iHeartRadio, Odyssey, and the TuneIn app. Let’s
make a difference together!
https://www.itsamilitarylife.org/
#vetsos #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport #MilitarySpouse #NonprofitLeadership #Empowerment

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27min
January 08, 2025 Kick Off Season 5 with Pancakes for Roger: Inspiring Stories & Veteran Support
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast - Season 5 Premiere! 🎙️
Welcome to the highly anticipated first episode of Season 5 of the VET
S.O.S. Podcast! We're thrilled to kick off the new year with a special
guest who embodies the spirit of service and innovation—Susan L. Combs,
founder of Pancakes for Roger Inc.
Susan shares the deeply personal and inspiring story of how her father,
the late Major General Roger E. Combs, and his simple request for
pancakes during hospice care became the catalyst for a global movement.
Through Pancakes for Roger Inc., Susan has channeled her grief into a
force for good, creating pathways to honor veterans and their families.
Episode Highlights:
- The Pancakes for Roger Story: Learn how a moment of love and care
sparked a nonprofit that has reached all 50 states and 29 countries
across all seven continents.
- A Lifelong Commitment to Service: Raised in a military household,
Susan’s upbringing instilled a service ethos that drives her
philanthropic endeavors today.
- Empowering Veterans: Discover how Pancakes for Roger supports veterans
through creative initiatives, such as:
- Veteran Legal Assistance: Partnering with the University of
Missouri’s School of Law Veterans Clinic to help veterans navigate VA
claims and discharge upgrades.
- Pancake Month: An annual February tradition inviting people
worldwide to share pancake photos, raising awareness and funds for
veteran support programs.
- Future Initiatives: Susan’s plans for programs like “Soldier Shark
Tank” to foster veteran entrepreneurship and tiny home communities for
veteran recovery.
Fun and Heartwarming Details:
- From creative pancake designs to incredible locations (like
Antarctica!), hear how Pancake Month has become a beloved tradition.
- Stories of meaningful connections, including military bases, families,
and organizations coming together to support the cause.
Be Part of the Movement:
February is Pancake Month! Whether you’re enjoying classic buttermilk
pancakes, waffles (aka “pancakes with abs”), or international variations
like crepes and scallion pancakes, your participation makes a
difference. Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #PancakesForRoger
and tag the organization to support veterans worldwide.
🔗 Learn more and join the movement: pancakesforroger.org
📸 Don’t forget: Posts must be public to be counted toward donations!
This is an episode packed with inspiration, laughter, and actionable
ways to give back. Tune in to hear Susan’s incredible journey, and join
us in making an impact—one pancake at a time. 🌟
#vetsos #vetsospodcast #PancakesForRoger #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies #ServiceAndSacrifice

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35min
January 01, 2025 Veteran Success: Transitioning Careers with Purpose – Insights from Rob Pangero
In this inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Robert
Pangaro, a retired Army veteran with a remarkable track record of
service, advocacy, and leadership in the veteran community. Rob
currently serves as a veteran outreach lead at Guidehouse, a global
consulting firm, where he champions innovative programs and support
systems designed to help veterans transition into meaningful civilian
careers.
Rob shares his personal story of transitioning out of the military,
discussing the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the
way. He emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, identifying
personal goals, and finding a career path that aligns with one’s
passions and skills. With firsthand experience in navigating a rocky
transition, Rob now dedicates his work to guiding other veterans through
this critical phase of life.
This episode covers:
- Rob’s role at Guidehouse and their veteran-focused initiatives,
including SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes.
- The importance of understanding your worth and leveraging military
experience in the civilian workforce.
- Practical advice on rewriting resumes, acing interviews, and building a
professional network.
- How to maintain a sense of mission and purpose after service by
aligning your career with your values.
- Success stories of veterans who’ve transitioned into thriving careers
with the help of Guidehouse and other resources.
Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran advocate, or a
company seeking to improve its veteran hiring practices, this episode is
a treasure trove of actionable advice and inspiration. Join us to learn
how you can navigate the sea of transition with confidence and purpose.
https://guidehouse.com/
#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranCareers #EmpoweringVeterans #SkillBridge

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33min
December 25, 2024 Healing Trauma: How Operation Angel Wing Supports Veterans & First Responders
In this deeply moving episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Mary
Millsaps and Zeke Vanderpool, the dynamic duo behind Operation Angel
Wing (OPAW). Their organization has been a lifeline for veterans, first
responders, and their families, offering innovative trauma-informed care
and post-traumatic growth strategies that have changed countless lives.
Mary, a survivor of prolonged cycles of abuse, and Zeke, a 23-year Army
Special Operations veteran, share their personal stories of resilience
and purpose. Their combined expertise and life experiences form the
foundation of OPAW, which provides tailored support to those navigating
the emotional and mental scars of service.
Discover the groundbreaking six-week protocol they’ve developed, which
addresses the root causes of trauma and empowers individuals to move
beyond it. The episode also explores the systemic challenges in
traditional mental health systems, the importance of addressing
pre-service trauma, and the power of community and faith in the healing
process.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
- The Birth of Operation Angel Wing: How Mary and Zeke’s paths merged to
create a mission-driven organization.
- Breaking Down Pre-Service Trauma: Understanding how unresolved trauma
before service impacts long-term mental health.
- The Six-Week Protocol: A revolutionary approach that achieves results
traditional systems struggle to match.
- Challenges with the Mental Health Industry: Why current frameworks
fail many and how OPAW fills the gaps.
- Faith, Resilience, and Community: The vital role of faith-based
support in healing trauma.
📢 Resources Mentioned:
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://www.OperationAngelWing.org
💼 LinkedIn: Operation Angel Wing
🎧 Why Watch This Episode?
- Gain insights into trauma and its lasting effects from experts with
firsthand experience.
- Learn about innovative approaches to mental health and post-traumatic
growth.
- Find out how you can support or seek help from Operation Angel Wing.
📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring
stories from VET S.O.S. Podcast!
Follow Us:
💻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Podcast Platforms: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
"Don't drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!"
#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #FirstResponders #TraumaRecovery #OperationAngelWing

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37min
December 18, 2024 Wayne Soares: Veteran Advocacy, Cooking Show & Vietnam Stories | VET S.O.S. Podcast
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast: Special Guest Wayne Soares 🎙️
In this
episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the
multi-talented Wayne Soares—actor, entertainer, syndicated columnist,
and tireless advocate for veterans. With a career spanning broadcasting,
comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, Wayne is on a mission to uplift and
honor the brave men and women who serve our country.
Wayne’s
work ranges from writing the widely acclaimed Veteran Spotlight column,
where he’s conducted over 780 interviews with veterans, to hosting the
hit cooking show The Mess Hall, which brings veterans into the kitchen
to share their favorite recipes and stories. He’s also the creator and
co-producer of Silent Dignity, a moving documentary that sheds light on
the untold experiences of Vietnam veterans, giving them a voice after
decades of silence.
📌 What to expect in this episode:
- Wayne’s unique journey into the veteran advocacy space despite not being a veteran himself
Heartwarming stories from his Veteran Spotlight series, including incredible tales from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam heroes
-
The origins of The Mess Hall cooking show and the delicious dishes
shared by veterans—including Maryland crab cakes and Mexican sweet corn
🌽
- Behind-the-scenes stories of Silent Dignity and the powerful healing it has brought to Vietnam veterans
- Hilarious moments from Wayne’s comedy career, including unforgettable encounters with generals and troops
- Plus, Wayne delivers his signature Joke of the Day that will leave you in stitches! 😂
💡 Who should tune in?
Whether
you’re a veteran, a military family member, or simply someone who
admires the courage and resilience of our service members, this episode
is packed with inspiration, laughter, and stories that will stay with
you long after you listen.
🔗 How to connect with Wayne:
Email: [email protected]
Websites:
The Mess Hall - https://www.youtube.com/@themesshall9190
Veteran Spotlight Articles - https://www.capenews.net/
Silent Dignity Documentary - https://www.silentdignity.us/
📣 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the VET S.O.S.
Podcast on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms for more
incredible stories and resources to help veterans thrive.
🛟 Remember: Don’t drown in a sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. Lifeline.
#WayneSoares #SilentDignity #TheMessHall #VeteranStories #MilitaryCookingShow #vetsos #vetsospodcast #Veterans

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31min
December 11, 2024 Road Home Program: Free Mental Health Support for Veterans & Families | VetSOS Podcast
Welcome to another powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! 🎙️
In
this episode, we’re honored to speak with Joseph Zolper, Manager of
Veteran Outreach and Networking for the Road Home Program at Rush
University Medical Center. Joseph shares his journey from serving as an
Army Infantry Officer to finding his purpose in helping veterans and
their families access critical mental health services.
The Road
Home Program provides comprehensive, no-cost mental health care to
veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Through its
innovative Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), participants can achieve
months of therapy in just two weeks. The program’s impressive results
include a 93–96% completion rate and significant reductions in PTSD
symptoms for 50% of participants.
Joseph dives into the
challenges veterans face in their transition to civilian life and how
programs like Road Home fill the gap by providing personalized,
impactful care. He also highlights the importance of breaking the stigma
around mental health and offering support to service members,
regardless of discharge status, VA eligibility, or location.
📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Joseph’s personal transition story and his passion for supporting the veteran community.
-
How the Road Home Program provides global access to mental health care,
with all travel, lodging, and services covered at no cost.
- The details of the two-week IOP, including individual and group therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, and even acupuncture.
- The program’s holistic “mind, body, and soul” approach and its success in improving mental health outcomes.
- How veterans and their families can sign up for or support the Road Home Program.
🌟 Key Takeaways:
- Camaraderie and Community: How veterans find renewed connection and support during the program.
- Customizable Care: Options for family members, virtual therapy in 42 states, and a focus on long-term success.
-
Breaking Barriers: The importance of serving veterans who may not
qualify for VA services or who have challenging discharge statuses.
📞 Contact Information for Support or Collaboration:
Website: https://roadhomeprogram.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 312-854-9807
💬 Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, family member,
or supporter, this episode is packed with insights, resources, and hope.
Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. Lifeline!
📺 Subscribe for more episodes filled with impactful stories, resources, and actionable support for the military community.
#MentalHealthAwareness #RoadHomeProgram #HealingJourneys #vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies

...more
32min
December 04, 2024 Operation Homefront: Transforming Veterans' Lives | SOS Podcast 🎙️ #GivingTuesday
🎙️ Welcome to the VET S.O.S. Podcast! Today, we’re diving into an
inspiring conversation with Bob Thomas, President and COO of Operation
Homefront. Join us as we explore how this incredible organization is
transforming the lives of veterans and their families through innovative
programs and unwavering support.
After a distinguished 31-year
career in the Air Force, Bob has dedicated his post-service life to
building strong, stable, and secure military families. From offering
critical financial assistance to families in need to providing
transitional housing programs that set veterans up for homeownership
success, Operation Homefront ensures that military families thrive—not
just survive.
💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life.
-
How Operation Homefront’s programs like holiday meals, back-to-school
supplies, and baby showers offer both emotional and economic relief.
- The game-changing transitional housing program, where families save thousands and are set up to purchase their own homes.
- Inspiring success stories of military families who have found stability and new opportunities through Operation Homefront.
🎯 Why this matters: Veteran homelessness, financial struggles, and
transitional challenges are real issues. This episode sheds light on
solutions and resources available to veterans and their families, and
how you can contribute to making a difference.
📢 It’s Giving
Tuesday, and there’s no better time to support Operation Homefront’s
mission. Whether you can donate, volunteer, or simply share their story,
every action counts.
👉 Visit Operation Homefront: https://www.operationhomefront.org
💌 Get involved: Donate, volunteer, or learn more about how you can make an impact.
Don’t
miss this episode packed with insights, stories, and actionable ways to
support those who have served. Like, subscribe, and share to help us
spread the word!
#OperationHomefront #GivingTuesday #vetsos #vetsospodcast #OperationHomefront #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies

...more
32min
November 27, 2024 How the Adopt-A-Vet Dental Program is Changing Veterans’ Lives | Interview with CEO Deme Gonzalez
In this emotional and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts
Keith and Shawn welcome Deme Gonzalez, the passionate CEO of the
Adopt-A-Vet Dental Program. Deme dives into the incredible work his
organization is doing to provide free dental care for low-income
veterans, addressing an often-overlooked area of healthcare that
profoundly affects quality of life.
The conversation covers the origin story of the program, which began 15
years ago with a simple desire to help a few veterans and has since
grown into a statewide initiative in Nevada. With over $10 million worth
of free dental services provided and a network of more than 160
volunteer dentists, this program is changing lives one smile at a time.
Deme also shares the personal experiences that drive his unwavering
commitment, including the loss of his brother in Afghanistan and the
challenges he faced transitioning out of the military himself. From
raising awareness about the critical gap in veterans' dental care to the
ambitious vision of bringing Adopt-A-Vet to every state, Deme's
dedication is truly inspiring.
The episode explores:
✅ The barriers veterans face in accessing dental care and how
Adopt-A-Vet is bridging the gap.
✅ The importance of partnerships with dentists, legislators, and
community members.
✅ The upcoming state-of-the-art dental clinic exclusively for veterans,
set to open in January 2025.
✅ Plans to expand the program nationwide with training and support for
other states.
Support the Adopt-A-Vet Dental Program:
🌐 Website: https://adoptavetdental.org
📞 Contact: Las Vegas: 702-268-2836 / Reno: 775-470-8707
Join the Mission: Whether you’re a veteran in need of care, a dentist
looking to give back, or someone passionate about making a difference,
you can help expand this incredible program. Visit their website to
learn how you can get involved or make a donation.
Follow VET S.O.S. Podcast:
💻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Podcast Platforms: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
Experience the power of community, passion, and purpose in this
must-watch episode. As Demi says, "It’s not just about fixing teeth—it’s
about restoring dignity, confidence, and smiles to those who served."
“Remember, don’t drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S.
lifeline.”
#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteransSupport #DentalCareForVeterans #AdoptAVetDental #HelpingHeroes

...more
30min
November 20, 2024 Military Transition Success: Wendi Wray’s Journey & Tips for Women Veterans | VetSOS Podcast
In this empowering episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and
Keith sit down with Wendi Wray—a devoted woman of God, wife, mother of
three, Army veteran, and passionate advocate for women veterans. Wendy
shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey of transitioning from
military life, highlighting the lessons she’s learned and the unique
challenges faced by service members, especially women, during this
critical time.
Wendi discusses how she prepared emotionally,
mentally, and financially for her transition and offers practical advice
for others. She touches on the importance of seeking support,
leveraging resources, and staying true to your personal and professional
values. Wendi also dives into her work as a career coach and host of
the Beyond the Military podcast, where she helps women veterans navigate
life after service and build confidence in their new identities.
Key Highlights:
-
Transition Preparation: How Wendi started preparing two years before
leaving the military and why emotional and mental readiness is crucial.
- Leadership Lessons: The importance of leaders supporting service members during their transition period.
- Family First: Balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities.
- Empowering Women Veterans: Addressing unique challenges faced by women, from self-doubt to finding a supportive community.
- Practical Tips: Networking, aligning career goals with personal values, and exploring non-traditional career paths.
Featured Topics:
- Wendi’s journey from active duty to career coaching
- The significance of being honest about your bandwidth and priorities
- Why identifying as a military spouse or veteran can open doors in the job market
- Resources like returnship programs and veteran-specific pipelines
Check out Wendi’s Podcast: Beyond the Military – A safe space for women
veterans to explore faith, family, mental health, and career
development.
👉 Follow Wendi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendiwray/
👉 Check out Wendi's Website: https://wendiwray.com/
👉 Listen to Beyond the Military Podcast: https://wendiwray.com/podcast/
👉 Learn More About VetSOS Podcast: https://vetsospodcast.com
🔔
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more
inspiring stories and resources designed to help veterans and their
families thrive in their next chapters.
#WomenVeterans #CareerAdvice #BeyondTheMilitaryPodcast #vetsos #vetsospodcast #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport

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35min
November 13, 2024 Transforming Veterans' Lives: Wounded Veterans Relief Fund's Dental Program Spotlight
🎙️ VetSOS Podcast: Transforming Lives Through Dental Care for Veterans 🦷
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith
are joined by Tammy Martin, Senior Dental Program Manager at the Wounded
Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF). Tammy shares her inspiring journey of
dedicating over 35 years to the dental field and how she now helps
veterans in Florida overcome critical dental challenges to improve their
health, confidence, and quality of life.
💡 Topics Covered:
- The shocking gap in dental care for veterans—why only 15% qualify for VA dental benefits
- How WVRF bridges the gap with over 190 dental partners across Florida
- Tammy's personal connection to veterans and her passion for service
- Real-life transformations: before-and-after stories of veterans regaining their smiles
- The critical link between oral health and overall health, including heart disease and diabetes
- Step-by-step: How veterans can apply for assistance and what qualifies them for the program
- The organization's ambitious plans for expansion beyond Florida
- Ways businesses and individuals can support WVRF, including the "Adopt a Veteran" initiative
📊 Incredible Impact Stats:
- Over $823,000 in dental care provided to veterans year-to-date
- Partnered care value exceeds $1.8 million when undiscounted
🚨 Don’t Miss: The jaw-dropping stories of veterans who regained not
only their smiles but also their confidence, health, and sense of
belonging. Tammy also shares how WVRF’s advocacy helps veterans navigate
complex VA systems to get the care they deserve.
💬 How You Can Help:
- Donate: Every dollar makes a difference in transforming a veteran's life
- Volunteer: Join as an ambassador to spread the word and build community support
- Connect: Know a dentist or specialist who can help? Spread the word about WVRF!
📢 Learn More & Get Involved:
Visit www.wvrf.org to explore their
programs, donate, or volunteer. Together, we can make a tangible
difference for those who served our country.
🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more heartfelt stories and
impactful conversations. Let’s ensure no veteran is left behind!
🌟 Follow Us: Stay connected for more inspiring episodes and resources to support veterans in their transition journey.
#WVRF #DentalCare #LifeChangingSmiles #OralHealthMatters #vetsos #vetsospodcast #SupportOurVeterans #DentalCareForVeterans

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31min

FAQs about VET S.O.S. Podcast:

How many episodes does VET S.O.S. Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 132 episodes available.

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