The VetsConnection Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What drives a 17-year-old to falsify his age and enlist in the Navy during one of history's most tumultuous periods? Meet James Crider, a Navy veteran whose extraordinary journey began in 1945. From his rebellious enlistment decision to the swift transition from a dairy job to basic training in Maryland, James' story is a rich tapestry of youthful courage and sacrifice....

Send us Fan Mail Can the transition from military to civilian life be seamless? Join us as we uncover the inner workings of the Military 2 VA (M2VA) program with Jose Lopez Rodriguez, a dedicated Transitional Patient Advocate from the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jose shares the VA's proactive approach to assisting combat veterans and those who served post-9/11,...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a community comes together to combat veteran suicide? In this episode, we welcome Henry Angulo, the Regional Programs Director for the Firewatch in South Florida, who shares the organization's profound mission and its grassroots approach to suicide prevention. Inspired by General Fleming, the Firewatch provides free suicide prevention training to turn partic...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the VetsConnection Podcast? Join me, Scott McLean, for an update as we celebrate a major rebranding milestone and some impressive podcast statistics. You’ll discover why we transitioned from Vets Connect to VetsConnection and how this new name better encapsulates our mission. We've surpassed the average podcast lifespan, proudly p...

Send us Fan Mail What inspired a young boy from Haiti to not only conquer the challenges of immigration but to thrive in academia, athletics, and ultimately serve in the Marine Corps? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Djery Clement, a Marine veteran and Florida Atlantic University alum. Coming from Haiti to the United States at age 11. Discover how his experiences in cross country and w...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the treasure trove of veteran support and heartening tales of triumph over adversity in our latest episode, where empathy meets action. Our vibrant West Palm Beach VA Wellness and Mental Health Fair interviews begin with Catherine Doe from Compass Community Center, who paints a vivid picture of the inclusivity and care offered to the LGBTQ+ veteran community. Then, Afghanis...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the unsung heroes of the legal battlefield as I, Scott McLean, sit down with Melva Rozier and Brittany Horton from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. These legal champions are not just attorneys; they're lifelines to veterans in dire need of advocacy and support. Melva, known affectionately as the "veterans whisperer," alongside Brittany, a militar...

Send us Fan Mail When Judy Weaver connected her passion for yoga with a commitment to support those bearing the invisible scars of service, Connected Warriors was born. Hear Judy's remarkable tale of overcoming her own health challenges with yoga and how it ignited a mission to bring healing to veterans. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the organization's evolution, the restora...

Send us Fan Mail When courage falters and the battle within rages, where does a veteran turn? John Schrey, a Marine Corps veteran and our guest from Haven for Heroes, shares his harrowing yet hopeful story of confronting the invisible wounds of war. From the dust of the Afghan conflict zones to the cold grip of homelessness and addiction, John’s journey is a stark reminder of the cost of service....

Send us Fan Mail My conversation this week is with Lisa Browne- Banic. As Lisa walks us through her incredible life's journey, you'll feel the gravity of her mission and the weight of her achievements. This episode is an intimate exploration of the trials and triumphs faced by women who have served, seen through the eyes of someone who has been on the front lines of change. From her earl...

Send us Fan Mail Embarking on a journey laced with bravery and resilience, we sit down with Dan Hendrickson from the Panhandle Warrior Partnership, whose life narrative binds the legacy of a Marine father with his own valorous chapters in the Marine Corps. Dan unveils the tapestry of his experiences, stretching from the technical intricacies of his role as a Communications Maintenance Field System...

Send us Fan Mail When I first crossed paths with Ashley Williams at a veterans outreach event, I knew I’d stumbled upon someone extraordinary. Her dedication as Program Director for 22 Project shines through as she aids veterans in their battle against traumatic brain injury and PTSD, using hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This episode peels back the curtain on the life-altering work done at 22 Project,...

Send us Fan Mail When Rhonda Fritzshall and Nongae Johnson, the dedicated souls behind HERD Foundation, sat down with me, we didn't just chat about equine-assisted services for veterans - we ventured into the profound impact that horses can have on the human spirit. Rhonda's transition from her farm upbringing and mental health expertise to founding HERD Foundation with Nongae, a horse a...

Send us Fan Mail When Air Force veteran Scott McLean steps into the world of equine therapy, he doesn't just find solace; he discovers a new chapter in his life's mission. Join us as Scott recounts his remarkable transition from serving in the military to battling PTSD, and how the power of horses offered an unexpected form of healing. His tenure as a military and U.S. Customs and Border...