episode, hosts Shawn Welsh and new co-host Keith Cassant are joined by

Chris Elder and Yogi Hernandez, the co-hosts of the Mil2Vet podcast.

Chris and Yogi share their unique and inspiring experiences of

transitioning from military service to civilian life. They highlight the

challenges and emotional toll that veterans face during their

transitions, offering invaluable insights for others going through

similar journeys.
Chris Elder’s Transition Story
Chris, a

veteran and horse boarding facility manager, opens up about his medical

retirement due to Meniere’s disease and the challenges he faced trying

to secure medical care in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also

discusses his transition from the military, how he navigated medical

issues, and the importance of bringing resources to transitioning

service members. His experience includes relocating to Washington State

and spearheading efforts to bring educational programs and mentors to

support veterans through the transition process.
Yogi Hernandez’s Transition Experience
Yogi,

an active-duty Navy Chief Petty Officer, discusses his emotional and

mental journey transitioning from Japan to San Diego. He opens up about

the personal challenges he faced, including feelings of isolation and

the lack of support he encountered after leaving his command role. Yogi

emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the San Diego Veterans

Coalition, and the critical role these resources played in helping him

through his transition. Together with Chris, Yogi co-created the

Mill2Vet podcast to help others who are going through similar

transitions by sharing helpful resources and offering a sense of

community.
The STAR Program and Advocacy for Better Support
In

the latter part of the episode, Yogi and Chris introduce the STARR

(Shore-Based Transition Assistance and Reintegration Readiness) program.

This initiative was created in response to the difficulties they faced

during their own transitions. Yogi explains how the STARR program aims

to provide better guidance and support for veterans, especially those

going through medical boards. They discuss the overwhelming amount of

resources available to transitioning service members and the need for a

more structured and less confusing process. Both Chris and Yogi stress

the importance of advocating for change to ensure that veterans get the

care and support they deserve.
🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Mill2Vet Podcast and Resources: https://mil2vet.com/

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