A Badge of Honor Podcast

Mental health for first responders and military personnel is crucial in today's challenging landscape. This episode dives deep into the Unbroken program at the Meadows, a lifeline dedicated to helping those who serve our communities. Join John and Sam as they welcome Andrea Keith and Caitlin Pena, expert therapists specializing in trauma and mental health support. They share their experiences with...

Join us as Doug Gallagher from Mission Equipped shares heartfelt insights into the vital support needed for children from military and first responder families. Doug, raised by two police officers, reflects on his invaluable experience and the sense of purpose that propelled him through Navy SEAL training and deployments. He addresses the often-overlooked challenges first responders face, particul...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative work of Sierra Delta, a pioneering organization that redefines veteran support through innovative service dog programs. Host John and co-host Sam welcome BJ Ganim, a Marine Corps veteran and the driving force behind Sierra Delta. BJ shares his personal journey from the battlefield to advocating for an approach to service dogs that empowers veterans...

In a world where school safety is paramount, this episode dives deep with veterans who have pivoted their skills from military operations to ensuring the security of our children in educational settings. Louis Asito, a 21-year Army veteran, shares his journey from special operations to founding Allegiance Project Security, an initiative that seeks to bridge the funding gap and improve school safet...

In a heartfelt exploration of veteran support, this episode unveils the mission behind Twin Rotors Mission, led by Army veteran Paula Morgan. As she shares her personal journey from service to her dedication towards aiding fellow veterans, listeners are invited to reflect on the often-overlooked struggles, such as PTSD, that plague many who have served. Paula recounts her significant experiences d...

Join Frank Vos, founder of Retro Responders, as he shares his personal battle with alcoholism, depression, and his journey towards healing. He candidly discusses the physical and mental health challenges faced by first responders, emphasizing how crucial physical fitness is for overall mental wellness. Frank reflects on the intimidating stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement, revealin...

In a world confronting unprecedented challenges, former NYPD detective Robert DeMarco sheds light on the hidden battles law enforcement face daily. From the haunting echoes of childhood trauma to the exhausting pressures caused by rising teen disturbances nationwide, DeMarco reflects on a police environment that is rapidly evolving yet steeped in camaraderie and complexity. Join him and filmmaker...

In a heartfelt discussion, Kelly Cooper, founder of Ministering Our Military, shares the profound mission of her organization dedicated to supporting veterans and active service members. From sending care packages to military units, including a submarine crew during the holiday season, to fulfilling unique wishes like sending a nursing home veteran to a Texas Rangers game, the episode showcases th...

As thousands gather in Revachon Park this Memorial Day weekend, the air is thick with reflection, remembrance, and purpose. More than just an event, Carry the Load emerges as a poignant reminder of the true essence of Memorial Day — honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Walk among 7,000 flags and hear the stories etched on heart-wrenching storyboards that span back to th...

A Badge of Honor TV dives deep into honoring our fallen heroes and their families in a heartfelt discussion with Pep Tablada and Todd from the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation. With touching reflections on camaraderie and resilience, this episode sheds light on the vital community programs aimed at supporting Gold Star families. As they recount powerful stories from a recent retreat honoring famil...

In a heartfelt dialogue, John Salerno and Samantha Horowitz welcome Rod Gregg, an ambassador for Carry the Load, to reflect on the importance of honoring fallen first responders and veterans. Through shared experiences, they explore the profound significance of the Carry the Load initiative, which not only commemorates lives lost in the line of duty but also fosters healing in communities. Rod rec...

Badges symbolize protection, but for police officers and first responders, the burden grows heavy. Join Samantha Horowitz and John Salerno as they unveil the mental health struggles faced by those who serve. This episode dives deep with Pete Elsie, whose journey through 27 years of policing reveals the toll of cumulative trauma. From the dangerous streets of Brownsville, Brooklyn to his current ro...

In a world where law enforcement officers are increasingly scrutinized, the recent conviction of an NYPD sergeant stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing first responders today. Join John Salerno and Samantha Horowitz as they delve into this poignant case and its implications for the men and women in blue. With bold commentary, they question the fairness of the judicial system that pun...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Evan Easter, veteran law enforcement officer, speaker and founder of The Fractured Mind on @A Badge of Honor TV. Evan is best known for building resilience and mental well-being in demanding professions. With over 21 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, Evan brings firsthand insights from his expertise in...

Allegiance Project Foundation provides tangible solutions for school security in order to put power back into the hands of parents and local communities for providing safe schools. By mobilizing the community, they empower parents, businesses, and ordinary citizens to take action through funding the ability to provide specially trained Veterans for school protection. Allegiance Project Foundation...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Trinidad Aguirre Founder of VetsForever on @A Badge of Honor TV. Trinidad is a 100% P&T disabled USN veteran and has over 20 years of professional and non-profit leadership experience. He is reimaging the business model to effectively disrupt the way veterans can get the disability benefits they earned. He envisions...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Michael Barron, retired Police Sgt., Publisher of The Blues Police Magazine, and author of Thin Blue Line: Life Behind the Badge on @A Badge of Honor TV. What does it truly mean to wear the badge in America? In Thin Blue Line: Life Behind the Badge, retired Sergeant Michael Barron pulls back the curtain on a profession...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Danielle Schwarz, Law Enforcement Officer, CISM Team lead, Peer Support Coordinator, mental health advocate from Tompkins County Dept. of Emergency Response on @A Badge of Honor TV. Danielle is a fierce mental health advocate, national speaker, 20+ years as a first responder serving to break stigmas and glass ceilings i...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with John Hosea, Law Enforcement Chaplain, Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, and Mental Health Counselor on A Badge of Honor TV. With years of experience supporting first responders, veterans, and individuals navigating trauma, crisis, and high-stress environments, John specializes in bringing calm, clarity, and compassionate g...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Keynote Speaker and Expert in Leadership & Communication, J Loren Norris on @A Badge of Honor TV. J Loren began his speaking career at 19 by delivering fire safety speeches to elementary schools while serving in the US Air Force as a Fire Fighter. Since then, he has spoken for audiences from 14 to 40,000 in five nat...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Steven Grayhm, award winning actor, writer, director, lead actor in the award winning movie Sheepdog on @A Badge of Honor TV. Decorated U.S. Army combat veteran Calvin Cole (Steven Grayhm), is court ordered into treatment and into the care of a VA trauma therapist in-training (Academy Award Nominee Virginia Madsen), who...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Matt Cahill, Founder of the Green Star Families of America on @A Badge of Honor TV. Green Star Families of America is a veteran-led nonprofit fighting for federal recognition of the Green Star Service Banner—a national symbol to honor the families of veterans who died by suicide. Matt is a Sergeant First Class (Retired)...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with David Sumrall, documentary filmmaker and founder of StopHate on @A Badge of Honor TV. David Sumrall, is a Christian, carpenter, small business owner, activist, citizen journalist, January 6 documentary filmmaker of “Righting History,” “Bloody Hill,” “1000daysofTerror,” founder of StopHate and StopHate.com, co-founder of...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with James Collins, President and founder of Heroes in the Sky on @A Badge of Honor TV. Heroes in the Sky Foundation crafts personalized memorial ceremonies that pay tribute to first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and those who have sadly lost their internal war. Through meticulously curated memorial boards ador...

Hosts and PTSI Resilience Trainers John Salerno and Samantha Horwitz talk with Jeff Dill, founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance on @A Badge of Honor TV. The mission of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance is to collaborate, develop and implement behavioral health awareness, prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies to provide firefighters with an easily accessible and conf...