Veterans’ Voices with VTC

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Aleen, case manager at Lightfighter Village, and resident Yvonne. Yvonne opens up about her experience as a woman in the military, the challenges she faced during and after service, and her journey of overcoming PTSD. Together, Aleen and Yvonne share powerful insights about resilience, recovery, and the support systems that help Veterans rebuild their lives.

This week, we sit down with Craig Linfoot, VTC resident and front desk receptionist, alongside Denise Hernandez, Director of our LTORR program. Denise shares what it’s like leading the program and the many ways her team works daily to support our Veterans. Craig opens up about his military service, his journey with VTC, and how, thanks to Denise and the VTC team, he received the life changing gift of a new kidney.

Francisco takes us deeper into his military journey, revealing how the discipline, hardships, and brotherhood of service have shaped not only who he is, but how he leads as GPD Director. His story is one of carrying the values of the battlefield into the heart of community service. Steve shares the next chapter of his own path, life after service, navigating the challenges of going back to school, and chasing new dreams. A powerful continuation about the relentless pursuit of a better life.

GPD Director Francisco Narewski shares goes in depth about his military background and his roles as department director at VTC. Joining him is our Veteran resident Steve Hawthorne, as he opens up about life after service, his experience with homelessness, and how VTC helped him rebuild. Twice. A moving conversation about transformation, purpose, and the power of community.

In this episode, we talk with Bobby Merritt, a longtime case manager at the Veterans Transition Center and current liaison for Lightfighter Village, and Gary Roidt, a U.S. Veteran and VTC graduate who now lives in the supportive housing community. Bobby and Gary share their personal experiences, insights on the transition from homelessness to housing, and what permanent support really looks like for Veterans.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Richard Hibbard, a Veteran and former VTC resident whose journey is nothing short of remarkable. Richard opens up about life before, during, and after his time at VTC, reflecting on the people, moments, and ideas that helped shape his path forward.

From launching his own radio segment, working on a new podcast, and now preparing to buy his first home, Richard is living proof of what can happen when determination meets opportunity.

In this powerful episode of Veteran Voices with VTC, our CEO Kurt Schake opens with a moving overview of the Veterans Transition Center and the life changing work being done to support veterans in crisis. He shares a heartfelt story of one Veteran’s transformation, setting the stage for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with our guest, Thomas Lamphere. A U.S. marine, and VTC’s very own grant writer, Thomas shares his story of service, struggle, and redemption. From life in uniform to life behind bars, and finally, to a future filled with purpose, this episode is a raw and honest look at what it means to rebuild, reclaim, and rise.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Timothy Jackson, a former VTC resident, and Adriana Kosinski, one of our dedicated case managers who supported Timothy throughout his journey.