Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans

How do dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, and passionate riders come together to create an unforgettable event for our veterans? This episode promises a heartwarming and inspiring journey through the 7th Annual Warrior Ride in Haymarket. Join me, your host Larry Zilliox, as I engage with incredible individuals like Solomon Montgomery, a licensed physical therapist assistant who fervently supports soldiers with traumatic injuries. Listen to Faith Lillemo, our unstoppable volunteer coordinator, as she reveals the immense teamwork required to orchestrate such a meaningful event. Hear from Shirley Dominick, the founder of Serve Our Willing Warriors, who shares her personal experience of riding for the cause. And don’t miss Rozlyn Giddens from UVA Health, who talks about their unwavering support and community engagement.

Prepare to be moved by the phenomenal stories of riders who push their physical boundaries. Discover how targeted therapy can lead to astounding improvements, even enabling some participants to ride 30-40 miles. Learn about Joe's rigorous training for a 100-mile run at Halloween and the role therapy plays in alleviating his pain. We close with an invitation to participate in next September's Warrior Ride, underscoring how these activities are both rewarding and transformative. This episode is a testament to the collective effort and enduring spirit that honors and supports our veterans.

Major Gerald Gangaram, USA (Ret.) shares his remarkable journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his path from troubled youth to distinguished Army veteran. Discover how a mentor in junior ROTC guided Gerald to West Point and set the stage for his career as an Apache helicopter pilot. Gerald recounts his experiences in flight school, his service in Afghanistan, and his leadership roles at the Army's flight school, shedding light on the unique approach to military leadership and training. This episode emphasizes the critical role ROTC programs play in mentoring and providing opportunities beyond military recruitment.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Gerald opens up about coping with severe injuries from a bicycle incident, battling mental health challenges, and transitioning out of the military. Hear about his struggles with feelings of unworthiness, the battle with depression, and the mentor's advice that transformed his life. We also dive into Gerald's insights on the VA's dedication, the need for robust support systems for veterans, and his current mission with the Bill of Rights Institute. Gerald's work with BRI underscores the importance of civic education and fostering better citizenship among future generations, highlighting the collective effort needed to honor and support those who have selflessly served.

Discover how the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transforms lives through an inspiring conversation with Dan Clare from DAV Headquarters in Kentucky. Learn about Dan's journey from the Marine Corps to his impactful role in communications with DAV. We'll shed light on DAV's foundational mission of advocating for veterans' benefits, offering transportation to medical appointments, and supporting career and entrepreneurial goals. You'll hear from host Chef Larry who shares his personal testimony, showcasing the profound difference DAV's support makes in the lives of veterans.

We also highlight the critical role of transportation services, emphasizing the urgent need for volunteer drivers to assist veterans, especially older ones, in getting to medical appointments. If you want to volunteer as a DAV driver, visit volunteerforveterans.org. Explore the advancements in telehealth and the continued importance of in-person care. Gain insights into the Women Veterans Report, which addresses unique challenges faced by women veterans and the collaborative efforts with the Military Officers Association of America to streamline the claims process. Dive into how your donations can sustain these essential services, ensuring comprehensive support for all who have served. For more information on DAV benefit services, go to Benefitsquestions.org.

Discover the transformative journey of Bob Bauer, founder of the Sergeant Robert Bauer Warriors Foundation, in our latest episode. Bob shares his personal story, from military service and law enforcement to becoming a dedicated trauma recovery and mental health coach. Learn about the foundation's vital role in providing support to military personnel and first responders, including their collaboration with Veterans Affairs and the impactful Reboot Recovery program. Bob underscores the essential role of community in the healing process, and you'll find out how to access these valuable resources through https://www.gismr.org/.

Explore the profound effects of intergenerational trauma and moral wounds on the lives of military personnel and law enforcement officers. Drawing from personal experiences, we discuss the four roadblocks to recognizing moral wounds: denial, being emotionally overwhelmed, harmful coping behaviors, and escapism. Using the metaphor of a rucksack, Bob illustrates the weight of unresolved issues and the difficulty of showing vulnerability in tight-knit communities. Grieving, addressing abnormal coping mechanisms, and creating a concrete plan for seeking professional help are all part of the discussion aimed at breaking these cycles of trauma.

Understand the challenges of isolation and loss of community faced by retired veterans and first responders, along with the distressing rates of suicide among veterans. Hear about initiatives by law enforcement agencies to build trust and provide psychological support, as well as the crucial need to recognize generational trauma among new recruits. We'll share personal stories and compassionate insights to raise awareness and offer a roadmap for those struggling with trauma and mental health issues. Tune in to learn more about the vital work being done to support our heroes and the resources available.

Meet Brenda Lauer, founder of the Truman Foundation, who shares her remarkable journey from serving in the Army to advocating for veterans with PTSD. Discover how a service dog named Truman transformed Brenda's life and inspired her to help others through her foundation.

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of service dogs for veterans and the lack of a national training standard. Brenda opens up about the emotional toll of losing her service dog, Truman. She even talks about writing two books to educate children and veterans about the importance of service dogs, making a compelling case for public education on service dog etiquette and ADA laws.

Join us as we discuss the transformative impact of service dogs on veterans' mental health and well-being. Brenda shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on the rigorous training required, the potential for shelter dogs to become service animals, and the diverse breeds that can be trained. We also highlight Brenda's active participation in veterans' events in Northern Virginia, encouraging listeners to connect with her and Teddy Roosevelt. Don't miss this heartfelt episode emphasizing the importance of integrating service dogs into veterans' lives for a brighter, more secure future.

Ever wondered how a pilgrimage can help heal the wounds of war? Father Steven Rindahl, a retired Army chaplain, joins us to share his transformative journey from the battlefield to the Camino de Santiago. After a career in the Army and a life-changing pilgrimage, Father Steve founded Warriors on the Way, a nonprofit that leads veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and moral injury on a 180-mile trek across Spain. He reveals the genesis of this healing initiative, the meticulous preparation involved, and the remarkable blend of physical, emotional, and spiritual support it offers veterans.

Our conversation covers the rigorous selection process that ensures veterans are ready for the physical and mental demands of the pilgrimage, starting with applications opening on October 15th. Father Steve also sheds light on the intricate differences between PTS and moral injury, emphasizing the unique ministerial support provided to help veterans reconcile their combat experiences. Don't miss this heartfelt exploration of resilience, healing, and the unyielding spirit of those who've served. Listen in for a powerful, inspiring story of faith and recovery.

Learn what it truly feels like to shift from a structured military life to the unpredictable civilian world. Retired Marine Corps Captain Garret Biss takes us on a raw and unsparing journey from his days flying the KC-130 Juliet to his transition out of the Marine Corps in 2015. Garret reveals the conflicting emotions of excitement and fear that accompanied his departure from the military and how he found a new purpose through nonprofit work and recovery coaching. Tune in to hear about his experiences with the often lacking Transition Assistance Program (TAPS) and how it influenced his path to supporting other veterans in their own transitions.

In our discussion, we uncover the often-overlooked struggles veterans face, such as the staggering number of preventable deaths and the critical need for a sense of purpose and connection. Garret shares insights on how organizations like Valiant Path and Unspokentrauma.vet play a vital role in providing authenticity and meaning for veterans re-entering civilian life. We also highlight the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation for a successful transition and the pitfalls of focusing solely on financial gain. Join us as we delve into the complexities of life beyond service and discover how life coaching can enhance veterans' potential to lead fulfilling lives.

How do extracurricular activities transform the lives of military children? Join us as we uncover the heartwarming stories behind Our Military Kids with special guests Michelle Tran and  Chelly Criqui. Chelly, the Director of Marketing and Communications, reveals her personal journey from a grant recipient to an advocate, sharing the profound impact of the program on her own family during her father's deployment. From local swimming lessons to elite gymnastics camps, Chelly discusses how these grants provide vital opportunities for children of deployed Guard and Reserve and injured service members to explore their passions and build resilience. Michelle Tran, the Combat Injured Kids Director and Program Manager, delves into her crucial role in outreach and application processing, particularly for families affected by combat injuries, and highlights the special support offered to these deserving children.

Listeners will gain insight into the different types of grants available, tailored to the unique needs of children of both deployed and combat-injured service members. Chelly recounts memorable success stories, including that of Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, and underscores the importance of promoting the program through social media and word of mouth. We discuss the vital need for consistent funding and community support to ensure these grants can continue to enrich children's lives, strengthen family bonds, and improve mental health. This episode is a touching tribute to the resilience of military children and the extraordinary role Our Military Kids plays in supporting them.

What happens when those sworn to protect our nation become victims of its negligence? This episode features a riveting conversation with Army Major Amanda Feindt, who reflects on her military career and the devastating Red Hill fuel storage leak her family endured in Hawaii. Major Feindt takes us from her post-9/11 inspiration to join the Army, through her various leadership roles, and ultimately to the distressing situation in Hawaii, where a hidden environmental disaster wreaked havoc on military families' health. 

We expose the alarming health crisis that unfolded due to contaminated water, revealing the severe illnesses and dismissed warnings that plagued families stationed at the base. The narrative uncovers the unsettling reality of a fuel leak that poisoned the water supply, resulting in fatigue, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, and skin rashes. Major Feindt shares her emotional journey as she realized the extent of the contamination, shedding light on the significant impact on her family and the broader military community. 

The episode critically examines the lack of transparency and accountability in military crises, drawing stark comparisons to the infamous Camp Lejeune incident. We delve into the retaliatory actions faced by Major Feindt as she fought for clean water and better conditions, the institutional cover-ups, and the ongoing legal and activist efforts to shut down the Red Hill facility. Through compelling personal stories and a call for public awareness, we emphasize the importance of collective action to ensure such environmental and health crises do not recur. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on this critical issue affecting our service members and their families.

What unique challenges do justice-involved veterans face when navigating the criminal justice system? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Donna Harrison, the Director of Housing and Criminal Justice for the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, as she unpacks the complex journey that veterans experience from pretrial to post-conviction and incarceration. Donna shares her insights on the pivotal role veteran treatment courts play and the significant outreach efforts being made to identify and support veterans entangled in the legal system.

We also explore the pressing need to expand veteran treatment court dockets, especially in smaller counties where such resources are limited. The episode delves into the importance of educating judicial personnel on veteran identification and discusses potential legislative solutions to enhance this process. Discover how early intervention and the dedication of veteran justice specialists are crucial in providing comprehensive support to veterans, particularly those grappling with substance abuse or mental health issues due to their service.

The discussion shifts to the critical resources available for incarcerated veterans, with a strong focus on housing and connecting them to VA benefits. Donna highlights the unique barriers justice-involved veterans face in securing housing and the ongoing efforts to provide trauma-informed care. Special attention is given to the distinct needs of female veterans and the importance of collaborative support systems. As we conclude, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Donna for her invaluable insights and remind our listeners of the significant impact they can have by advocating for justice-involved veterans. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference. For more information, call 804-801-2520 or send an email to [email protected]. You can download their brochure as a PDF here.