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

When the unspoken language between a veteran and a horse weaves its magic, healing begins. Join us as we sit down with Diane Lunsford, event coordinator for the soul-stirring 'Warriors Healing with Horses' event, and our inspiring guests from Unbridled Joy, Jack and Amy. They unravel the profound connection fostered through equine therapy, where every nudge and gaze from these majestic animals can mark the start of a new chapter for our heroes. Jack, despite his blindness, shares how the intuitive bond with horses opened up a world where sight is unnecessary, and trust is everything. This episode promises to leave you in awe of the extraordinary ways these gentle giants can mend the mind and spirit.

Imagine an event where the gentlest touch of a horse can ignite a transformative journey. It's not just about a demonstration at the Marriott Ranch—it's about feeling the pulse of a community rallied around our warriors, offering peace and healing through the grace of horses. This episode extends an invitation to the 'Warriors Healing with Horses' event, a fusion of hope, therapy, and support for Wounded Warriors. We're setting the scene for an intimate gathering limited to just 150 lucky attendees, ready to witness how a single encounter can alter the path of a veteran's life. If the stories of resilience and companionship between man and horse intrigue you, this heartfelt conversation is one you simply can't afford to miss.

For Tickets visit Warriors Healing With Horses. To learn more about UnBridled Joy visit their Facebook page. 

When the bonds of family intersect with the challenges faced by Wounded Warriors, something extraordinary happens. It's a tale of resilience and reunion, brought to life by Fletcher Gill, CEO and co-founder of Luke's Wings. As our esteemed guest, he shares the moving origins and pivotal mission of an organization committed to bringing together service members and their loved ones during recovery. Picture the embrace of a child, the support of a spouse, the comfort of a parent—these are the moments that Luke's Wings makes possible, with over 16,000 flights ensuring that no hero heals alone.

This conversation is more than just stories of heartwarming homecomings; it's a look behind the scenes at the partnerships and technology that make these moments possible. From Delta's mileage donations to American Airlines' price matching, the intricate dance of logistics and compassion comes to life. As we navigate the organization's journey and its funding lifelines, we're reminded of the ongoing need for support—whether for veterans headed to therapeutic retreats or families grappling with the aftermath of military sexual assault trauma. Fletcher's call to action is clear: join the effort to uphold our service members and their families in their time of need because healing together is the most powerful medicine of all.

Scaling personal summits can transform lives, an ethos deeply etched in the story of Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to conquer Mount Everest. Imagine the power of such an experience replicated for warriors, caregivers, and youth facing their own battles. John Toth from No Barriers USA joins us to narrate how Erik's legacy has grown into a robust movement, empowering individuals to shatter limitations and thrive. Learn how these extraordinary adventures, extending from majestic mountain expeditions to enriching online classrooms, challenge participants to harness adversity and embark on a path of self-discovery and community-building, guided by the No Barriers Life framework.

As we converse with John, the vivid tapestry of No Barriers' future unfolds, revealing both the surge in demand from veterans yearning for transformative experiences and the poignant realities of capacity constraints. But hope is on the horizon, with plans to double the number of trips, expand eastward, and enhance digital outreach. Hear about the heartening collaborations with organizations like the Cheyenne Wyoming VA and the unwavering mission to forge communities where support networks leave indelible marks on the lives of all involved. This episode isn't just a peek into an organization; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the collective effort to lift each other higher.

Get the latest update on the PenFed Grand Lodge build from Chef Larry and Dianne Polk, Director of Operations at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. As the lodge nears completion the focus is shifting to the furnishings. You can help furnish the house by contributing to the Make A House A Home program. Here you can purchase specific items for the Lodge.

Together, Chef Larry and Dianne unwrap the latest and greatest achievements in what's shaping up to be a haven for culinary and comfort delights. Diane brings her project management prowess to the table, detailing the driveway installation that heralds the imminent arrival of top-tier kitchen appliances and the final touches, from a fresh coat of paint to selecting furniture that complements the Lodge's grandeur.

The conversation heats up as they discuss the outdoor kitchen's pizza oven, the promise of warm gatherings around a large fire pit, and the stamped concrete patio supporting the pavilion. With the exterior nearly completed, excitement for the spring bloom is palpable, signaling the final landscaping touches. Mark your calendars for noon on May 18th, when this labor of love opens its doors to the public with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Discover the hidden battles our service members face beyond the frontline as Dr. James Stone from the University of Virginia joins us to expose the silent threat of repeated low-level blast exposure to brain health. Delving into the ongoing research that started in the mid-2000s, we uncover the cognitive symptoms that mimic mild traumatic brain injury seen in our troops and Tier 1 operators. The collaborative efforts of institutions like the Naval Medical Research Center and the University of Utah shed light on memory and brain imaging changes among instructors with significant blast exposure. This episode is a tribute to their valor and a call to action to protect our warriors from unseen adversaries.

Protecting the brain health of our warfighters requires a strategy as complex as the missions they undertake. We discuss the parallels between managing blast exposure and radiation and the development of equipment designed to shield our troops from the damaging frequencies of blasts. With the introduction of medical strategies aimed at prevention and rehabilitation, we also question the traditional career progression of Tier 1 operators, emphasizing the urgency to reevaluate their roles to prioritize their long-term well-being. Tune in to grasp the consequences of closely timed blast exposures and the critical role of monitoring individual exposure histories.

In our commitment to those who serve, we spotlight the BLAST exposure threshold survey and the importance of capturing data that can map our service members' potential future health landscape. While acknowledging the necessity for research anonymity, we also highlight the support from the Department of Defense, the Navy, and Congress, signaling a growing awareness and response to this critical issue. Our discussion with Dr. Stone concludes with a promise of continued collaboration as we strive to bring more developments to light. Join us for an episode that honors our guest's dedication and the unwavering spirit of our military personnel.

Have you ever encountered a powerful story that compels action from the core of your being? That's what happened when Cory Brown, Virginia State Director for Mission22, shared his journey with us, illuminating the organization’s steadfast commitment to preventing veteran suicide. Our conversation unveils the roots of Mission22, planted by Magnus Johnson's sculpture tour and grown into a sanctuary for veterans seeking holistic recovery. Cory brings to light the myriad of programs tailored to veterans' diverse needs, the irreplaceable support of volunteers, and the unyielding adaptability of the organization through times as trying as the pandemic.

Collaboration is the undercurrent of this episode, as we highlight the synergistic relationship between nonprofits like Mission22 and government agencies in bolstering the veteran community. Cory and I dissect the impact of creative partnerships, such as the one with "This Is Us," and how they amplify the message and reach of veteran support services. We celebrate the resilience inherent in these programs, the lifeline that professional and peer networks offer, and the preparation for a long-term commitment to our veterans' well-being.

As we conclude this heartfelt dialogue, we focus on the essence of resiliency and healing that Mission22 fosters among veterans. We share stories of transformation, from struggle to triumph, reinforcing that one negative experience must not deter veterans from reaching out. A single call can be a turnaround, and we stress the importance of tapping into the abundant resources available. To all our listeners who wish to support this cause, we guide you on contributing through donations and services, ensuring the legacy of support for our veterans continues.

Prepare to be uplifted as we sit down with Dan Radtke of Compassion Airlift, an awe-inspiring nonprofit that's transforming the skies into highways of hope for veterans and their families. Encounter the heartfelt stories emanating from the cockpit as these heroes receive much-needed medical transportation, unveiling the relationship between Compassion Airlift and Bonanza Angels and the remarkable capabilities of their aircraft tailored for the most delicate missions. You'll gain an understanding of the meticulous coordination required for patients who can't travel seated and the profound impact of reuniting families after life-altering treatments.

As we navigate the skies with Compassion Airlift, we'll explore the operational side of these charitable flights that touch down on the runways of human kindness. From fuel costs to the admirable support of airports waiving fees, Dan Radke shares how each journey is a testament to the power of community. This episode will inspire seasoned and aspiring pilots to spread their wings for a noble purpose while also calling on listeners to fuel these missions of mercy with their support. Experience the elevation of the human spirit in an episode that soars beyond expectations, where the generosity of volunteers meets the gratitude of those they serve.

If you need medical transport on the East Coast, contact Compassion Airlift at [email protected] or Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic.

When I hung up my Air Force uniform in 1983, the road back to civilian life was lonely, lacking the rich resources available today. That's why I was eager to sit down with Lieutenant Colonel Raymond E. Willson of the Army's Soldier for Life program, a vital initiative guiding service members through the transition to civilian life with a comprehensive support system. Our discussion opens a window into the program's mission: embed a lifelong soldier mindset and provide advocacy and connection for soldiers, veterans, and their families. We unravel the depth and breadth of support that spans career opportunities, wellness programs, and the camaraderie that outlasts active duty.

Transitioning back into civilian society is an expedition that every soldier must navigate, and this episode shines a light on the Army's arsenal of programs designed to equip service members for success. Col. Willson and I delve into how the Army prepares soldiers for new career paths with programs like DOD Skillbridge, the Army Career Skills Program, and the PACE program's promise of job interviews. We also discuss the support offered by organizations like the American Warrior Partnership and the Cohen Network. These initiatives address more than just vocational needs—they are about the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness that solidifies the transition process and the unexpected yet cherished outcomes that come with the bonds formed in military service. Join us to discover how these efforts enrich the lives of those who have served and continue to serve and how they contribute to an enduring sense of community and opportunity within the Army.

Discover the groundbreaking support offered by the MossRehab Institute for Brain Health (MRIBH) as we sit down with Carlo  Aragoncillo, the Veteran Outreach Coordinator at the institute. He is passionate about aiding veterans and first responders with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Our conversation sheds light on MRIBH's comprehensive coverage for all treatment expenses, affirming its dedication to providing help without the added stress of financial burdens. Delve into the institute's vital role within a network that addresses not only TBI and PTS but also the substance abuse that often accompanies these conditions, a trio that significantly impacts veteran and first responder suicidality.

Our dialogue with Carlo takes you through MRIBH's specialized three-day evaluation. This process meticulously assesses the health of our nation's heroes, focusing mainly on those dealing with the invisible wounds of service. The pioneering "fishbowl" approach adopted by the institute ensures patients' stories are heard by an entire team of clinicians, fostering a truly collaborative and comprehensive care strategy. They cover everything from the seamless acquisition of medical records, with help from a VA liaison, to the creation of a long-term support network, reinforcing the institute's commitment to minimizing care barriers and providing a lifeline for veterans and first responders in need.

Lastly, the episode details MRIBH's intensive three-week brain 'boot camp,' a program that acknowledges the full spectrum of TBI and the importance of peer support and family education. Stressing the no-cost nature of the program it underscores the institute's veteran-centric approach, which extends well beyond traditional resources. If you're a veteran or first responder or know someone who might benefit from this supportive network, take the first step towards an improved quality of life with MRIBH.

When one door closes, another opens, and for Chris Duffley, leaving the Air Force was just the beginning of a new mission. Now at the helm of Military and Veteran Programs for the American Red Cross in Northern Virginia, Chris joins me to reveal the depth of commitment and care the organization extends to our nation's heroes. We weave through his personal journey, uncovering how the Red Cross serves as a beacon of hope, providing not just blood services and disaster relief, but also crucial support systems for soldiers, veterans, and their families. From facilitating urgent communications to aiding those grappling with the transition back to civilian life, the episode uncovers how this network of volunteers and professionals keeps the promise of support alive for those who have served.

It's the untold stories that often resonate the most, and in this conversation, you'll hear the powerful anecdotes of local volunteers who've made a world of difference in the lives of veterans facing critical emergencies or the daunting path of reintegration. Discover the behind-the-scenes operations of the American Red Cross, including their behavioral health workshops and the challenges of connecting veterans to the myriad of resources available to them. As Chris Duffley guides us through the intricacies of these programs, the episode stands as a heartfelt salute to the unwavering spirit of our service members and the invisible army supporting them every step of the way.