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

Imagine a retreat built with love and care where our nation's heroes can find respite and rejuvenation. Welcome to our conversation with Dianne Polk, Director of Operations at Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, as we journey through the development of the Penfed Grand Lodge. Dianne's vivid depiction of the construction process, from the essentials like plumbing and electrical fittings to the aesthetic details such as countertops and slate flooring, is a testament to the dedication that has gone into creating this sanctuary for warriors. She also unveils the vision for the activity room and kitchen layout that will stir your curiosity.

But it’s not just about the bricks and mortar. The retreat has been a source of solace and safety for warriors. This year, we've hosted three off-site sessions on Moral Injury for soldiers and families with the Soldier Recovery Unit at Ft. Belvoir. The implications of moral injury on first responders and caregivers are a major issue for the community.  We explore how the Penfed Grand Lodge is poised to help. Also, we shed light on the evolving mission of the Warrior Retreat and a program close to our hearts - the Make A House A Home initiative. Lastly, we express our gratitude for the assistance received from our contractor TJ of T&T Construction and Ferguson Suppliers. Don't miss out on this insightful episode as we progress toward making a difference in our Warriors' lives!

Can you imagine the loneliness that engulfs many of our Veterans and elderly folks? Our guest for this episode, Luke Frazza, Program Outreach Manager at the Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA) shares how they are tackling this isolation head-on by providing volunteer drivers for these often overlooked members of society. Luke takes us on a journey through DATA's incredible programs, the partnerships they've formed, and their dedication to supporting Veteran spouses.

Navigating through the trials of recruiting volunteers mid-pandemic, Luke provides insight into the importance of transportation as a healthcare issue. He lets us in on DATA's travel training program that guides people on using buses and the metro and how Fairfax County is playing its part through subsidies.  Tune in and be a part of this truly inspiring conversation about the community's power, volunteerism's impact, and unwavering commitment to our Veterans.

Have you ever wondered about the role of spirituality in healing, particularly within a military setting? We've got a fascinating conversation lined up with Captain Brittany Wooten today. As the chaplain at the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Belvoir, Captain Wooten has created a groundbreaking course that addresses moral injury amongst soldiers. We're not just talking about physical healing here, we're delving into the often-ignored aspect of emotional and spiritual recovery. Listen in as we take you on a journey of healing at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, where a unique hospitality is offered that fosters holistic healing and recovery.

This episode unravels the intricate relationship between post-traumatic stress (PTS) and moral injury. Acknowledging that these can coexist, Captain Wooten enlightens us on identifying soldiers who could benefit from this innovative program and shares her insights on the effectiveness of current PTS treatments. We also get to explore the dynamic landscape of military healing, learning about the evolution of Soldier Recovery Units for the betterment of care. The highlight is the gift of chaplaincy - a sacred space allowing soldiers to share their deepest truths confidentially, ultimately promoting profound healing. If you're interested in moral injury and military healing, this conversation should not be missed.

Ever wondered about the extraordinary journey of a service dog and the intricate training process involved? This dynamic episode welcomes Sonny Madsen from K9 Caring Angels, granting listeners a backstage pass to the world of training these compassionate canines for Veterans. We navigate the rigorous application process, dive into the specifics of their training regime, and discover the profound impact of having therapy dogs in fire stations. With the Fairfax County Fire Department being the trailblazer in this initiative, the ripple effect is felt nationwide.

Transitioning from one service dog to another is undoubtedly a challenging phase. Sonny shares some tear-jerking experiences, shedding light on how K9 Caring Angels assists during these emotionally turbulent times. We delve into the details of psychiatric versus diabetic service dogs, underlining the crucial bond between the service dog and its human. Lastly, we discuss the priceless contributions of volunteers and breeders, the cost of a service dog package, and how you, our listeners, can support this noble cause. This episode is a heartwarming exploration of the service dog’s journey from early training to becoming an invaluable companion for Veterans. Tune in for a profound understanding of these unsung heroes.

Have you ever wondered about the inspiring tales of bravery and sacrifice that went unnoticed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks? What if you knew there was a project, The 9:57 Project, aimed at honoring these brave individuals who took action at 9:57 AM during the Flight 93 hijacking on September 11th, thereby creating a continuum of courage linking them to every service member who has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond? Today, we're thrilled to introduce Army Veteran John Hamilton and Riley, a Wakefield School junior who will unravel this patriotic endeavor's creation and purpose.

Our conversation traverses through John's fascinating military journey to the inception of The 9:57 project during a simple school talk. On the other hand, Riley will share his experiences being a part of this project and contributing to its podcast. As we move along, we'll delve into the unique approach of The 9:57 Project in engaging young minds, about their comprehensive 90-page curriculum guide, and their leadership initiatives like the CREST Program. John and Riley will also discuss the importance of educating young people about 9/11 and how The 9:57 Project inspires hope during dark times through knowledge and experiential learning. So, get ready to be engrossed by this enriching dialogue, and we encourage you to check out The 9:57 Project podcast for more insights.

Join us as we uncover ground-breaking research on veteran suicide with none other than Jim Lorraine, a leading authority on this critical subject and the president and CEO of America's Warrior Partnership. Have you ever wondered about the real impact of veteran suicide on our communities and the specific strategies being utilized to address this crisis? This episode promises an enlightening exploration as Jim guides us through Operation Deep Dive's insightful research, detailing the unique data-sharing policies and how this precious data has been successfully utilized in crafting focused prevention strategies.

We are not stopping there. We switch gears to tackle the heavy subject of drug overdoses and their startling effect on veteran mortality. We delve into a candid discussion on the potential of preventive measures and the implications of using the 44-a-day mortality rate for fundraising. Not only do we explore the link between the length of service and time since discharge, but we also highlight the value of qualitative data in creating a nuanced understanding of this issue. Don't miss out as we navigate the sea of data, discussing its impact on veteran service organizations and the urgent need for funding to keep this vital research alive.

Have you heard of Sons and Daughters in Touch? Come and join us as we sit down with Colleen Shine, a founding board member of this remarkable nonprofit organization. For more than thirty years, they've been providing solace, and connection for those related to American soldiers lost in the Vietnam War. Listen in as Colleen relives the moving history of the organization, their National Father's Day gatherings, and the life-changing pilgrimage to Vietnam in 2003. Her narrative unfolds a tale of community, compassion, and shared healing, a testament to the human spirit.

Ever wondered what it's like to advocate for POW/MIA families since childhood? Colleen takes us on a journey through her personal experiences, highlighting the vital role played by the National League of POW/MIA Families in the birth of Sons and Daughters in Touch. She vividly shares the deeply personal story behind her father's missing-in-action bracelet, revealing the strengthening bonds of solidarity among these families. We also touch on the ongoing quest to locate missing soldiers and the closure it brings to their relatives, along with the immense support provided by the National League of POW/MIA Families. It’s a poignant conversation, revealing the resilience of the 'hidden heroes' - the children of those who served. You won't want to miss this!

Have you ever wondered why Vietnam War Veterans kept their heroic tales of their time on the battlefield under wraps for so long? Join us on a heart-rending journey with Dave Merlino, co-creator behind the fascinating documentary Apache Blues: Welcome Home. He takes us behind the scenes of their filmmaking process, how they unearthed riveting narratives from Veterans and presented them in an authentic manner, using recreated Polaroids and exclusive footage from a pilot who was embedded with the squad. 

The episode highlights include a profound conversation about the responsibility of filmmakers when dealing with sensitive matters like war stories and the therapeutic effect it had on Veterans who finally got an outlet to share their experiences. We also take a deep look into the stark contrast between the support and resources available for Veterans today as compared to those who served in the Vietnam War. The silence of the Vietnam Veterans, their struggles post-war, and how they've been perceived over the years forms a crucial part of our discussion. 

To round off, we delve into the commendable efforts of the Apache Troop 1-9 Reenactment Society in recreating the Vietnam War experience. The episode leaves us with a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and honoring what Veterans have gone through. This episode guarantees to be a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with powerful lessons of courage, resilience, and empathy – all woven together with the captivating stories of the Vietnam War Veterans. Join us as we shed light on stories that should have been heard long ago. 

Have you ever wondered about the final resting place of the forgotten heroes? Veteran and Virginia State Representative for the Missing in America Project, Forrest Lingenfelter, joins us to unveil a noble cause. We discuss his captivating journey from his early days in the Army to his tireless efforts in providing honorable burial services for unclaimed veterans.

As Forrest takes us through the partnership between the Missing in America Project and the National Park Service, you'll feel the solemn reverberation of the memorial services at the Vietnam Memorial and Woodbind Cemetery. From the honor internment of 75 unclaimed cremains, Forrest paints a picture of the touching tributes attended by veterans, riders, and other organizations. His narration of the hurdles in obtaining a firing party, and the flag lines upheld by fellow organizations, brings to life the tireless efforts taken to properly honor these veterans.

We also delve into the poignant story of a Norfolk couple who dedicated over 35 years to the US Navy. Forrest highlights the Missing in America Project's endeavors to honor the 120 unclaimed cremains left behind at a Tidewater nursing home, including a touching Native American ceremony performed at one veteran's internment. The discussion concludes with a heartfelt appeal from Forrest, encouraging listeners to join in their cause, whether subscribing to their newsletter or attending internment ceremonies. Get ready for a discussion that not only pays homage to those who served but also underscores the importance of never forgetting our veterans.

Can you imagine fighting a war only to return home and discover an entirely different battle looms ahead? Our guest for today's episode, Bruce Wright, doesn't need to imagine, he's lived it. Bruce, a Vietnam veteran, was exposed to Agent Orange during his service, leading to a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) years later. His story is one of survival, resilience, and advocacy. Bruce takes us through his journey within the VA system, emphasizing the significance of proactive healthcare, expert consultations, and seeking help when facing the aftermath of Agent Orange exposure.

In addition to his personal story, Bruce introduces us to the CLL Society, a beacon of support for veterans grappling with a CLL diagnosis. As the chair of the Patient Advisory Board, Bruce has been instrumental in providing guidance, resources, and a sense of community to hundreds of veterans. His mission is not just about offering help but empowering other veterans to receive the disability rating they've earned and live their lives to the fullest. Immerse yourself in this powerful conversation and learn about the unwavering spirit of a veteran turned advocate. Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to strength. Bruce's story is a powerful reminder of that.