Coming Home Well

Join Dr. Tyler Pieron on this heartwarming holiday episode of Coming Home Well as he converses with John Hughes Wilson, retired British Army, about the remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914. Discover the humanity that emerged amidst the horrors of World War I, as soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas together. This episode delves into the history of fraternization i...

Tyler welcomes Guy Jaquier from Operation Encore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veteran musicians. Discover how Operation Encore helps bridge the gap between the military and civilian communities through music. Guy shares his journey, the mission of Operation Encore, and how they support veteran and military spouse artists in their professional music careers. Learn about the sel...

Join Tyler as he engages in a conversation with Jeremy Stalnecker from Mighty Oaks Foundation. Discover the impactful work of this organization, which provides invaluable support to veterans, active duty service members, and first responders struggling with PTSD and other challenges. Learn about the unique, faith-based, non-clinical approach that Mighty Oaks employs to help individuals reclaim the...

Join Dr. Tyler Pieron as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Colonel John Hughes-Wilson, a 30-year veteran of the British Army and Intelligence. Delve into the fascinating world of military intelligence blunders and cover-ups, as Colonel Hughes-Wilson discusses his renowned book, "Military Intelligence Blunders." Discover the intricacies of intelligence failures from historical events...

Joining Dr. Tyler Pieron once again is author William "Bill" Bonk about the hidden dangers faced by veterans at Fort McClellan. Uncover the chilling history of chemical and biological exposures at this military base, which has been largely overlooked by government and media alike. Bill discusses his extensive research compiled in his book, "Exposure: Surviving Historical Fort McClellan," providing...

In today’s episode of Coming Home Well, Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with William "Bill" Bonk, a semi-legend in the intelligence and law enforcement community, to discuss his riveting book, "Apprehended: Riding Shotgun with the U.S. Marshals in the 1990s." Bill shares gripping stories from his time with the U.S. Marshals, including the apprehension of a fugitive who had been on the run for decades....

Dr. Tyler Pierron sits down with Christine Collins, a former Air Force nurse who shares her incredible journey from a rural town in Arizona to the war zones of Afghanistan. Christine recounts her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the resilience she developed. They discuss her new book, "Service, Honor, and Sacrifice: Memoirs of a War Nurse," which discusses the emotional and physical toll...

Damia December, Program Director of Veterans Rebuilding Life joins Tyler today to share the organization's mission to catch those who fall through the cracks, providing direct impact services and a comprehensive reintegration program known as Project 360. This initiative is not just about addressing immediate needs but also about rekindling purpose and community connection, crucial elements often...

Strum the chords of healing with Peg Andre from Guitars for Vets . Discover how this incredible organization orchestrates the power of music to soothe the souls of Veterans battling PTSD, TBI, and other challenges. Peg shares the journey of Guitars for Vets, from its humble beginnings in Milwaukee to its nationwide reach, offering veterans ten free guitar lessons and the joy of a new acoustic guit...

In the early morning hours of 3 June 1969, off the coast of Vietnam, the USS Frank E Evans collide with Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21). As a result, we lost 74 sailors. Joining Tyler today is one of the survivor's of the Frank E Evans, Stephen Kraus to talk about that tragic day and the USS Frank E Evans Association efforts to have their names placed on the Vietnam Wall Memorial....

We are catching up with a previous guest, ret. Col. Tom Rempfer as we continue the conversation about finding justice for those who have served. Tom uses his organization Hoping4Justice.org to request Vaccine Mandate Record Corrections by the POTUS. To learn more: Thesis award from the Naval Postgraduate School... https://www.chds.us/ed/anthrax-vaccine-a-dilemma-for-homeland-security/ Whistleblowe...

Navigating the murky waters of VA rating reductions can feel like an uphill battle, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it's a fight you can win. In today's episode Tyler talks with Bill Libby, Legal Liaison for the Virginia Department of Veteran Services as he walks you through the maze of procedures and rights you're entitled to when facing this overwhelming challenge.  Support the Show....

On Coming Home Well, we shine a light on the incredible journeys of America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen. Their stories, brought to life by Doug Melville, are a testament to perseverance and courage in the face of systemic racism and overwhelming odds. Doug Melville | The Official...

Samantha Allen from the Department of Veterans Services honors us with her presence to unravel the transformative PACT Act in our latest episode. She brings to light the profound strides in healthcare and benefits for our heroes, a testament to their endurance and our nation's commitment to them.   As Samantha eloquently shares, the PACT Act is not merely legislation; it's a lifeline extended to v...

Brushstrokes meet battle lines with Kris Battles, Artist in Residence at the National Marine Corps Museum. Kris unveils the valor and vulnerability of the Marine Corps through the kaleidoscope of combat art, sharing tales from his dual role as both creator and curator. The Marine Corps Combat Art Program stands as a testament to the power of art in capturing the intricate tapestry of military life...

Haunted by the specter of war long after his plane touched down, Bob Taylor, a Desert Storm veteran and former B-52 navigator, bravely opens up about his personal battle with PTSD, a struggle many of our valiant servicemembers confront in silence. As Bob recounts the haunting nightmares and the darkness of depression and the profound courage it took to reach out for help. In our candid dialogue, B...

Discover the revolutionary shift in veteran healthcare with Meghen Erboe from the Richmond VA Medical Center, as she joins Tyler, to shed light on the VA's Whole Health approach. From health behavior specialists to psychologists, dietitians to movement experts, we discuss the collaborative effort in guiding veterans to set and achieve their health goals. Our conversation culminates in appreciating...

Have you ever wondered about innovative solutions to end veteran homelessness? We're bringing you an inspiring conversation with Dana Spain, the founder and president of Veteran Villages . This visionary organization is reshaping the concept of housing for veterans, redefining the roadmap from homelessness to self-reliance. Let's explore together the ways we can help our brave veterans truly 'come...

In the episode, Tyler is navigating the crucial transition from military to VA with our esteemed guest, Dr. Omekio Riggins. As the program manager for the POST 9-11 Military to VA program at the Hampton VA, she offers us unique insights into the challenges faced by veterans and the myriads of resources available at the VA to aid in their transition. From intricate case management services to prima...

There's a quiet storm rumbling in our military ranks—one that's unspoken yet devastating. It's the mental health crisis affecting our service members, and it's a topic we're not afraid to tackle head-on. Join us as we have a conversation with Dan Joseph, a combat engineer who understands this complex issue in a deeply personal way. Having joined the Army at 32, Dan's experiences in the military an...

Are you ready to shift your perspective on mental health crisis response? We're tearing down the barriers with Harley Christensen, an EMT, QMHA, and community education specialist with Cahoots, a mobile crisis intervention program that has been in existence since 1989. Harley enlightens us about Cahoots' unique approach to handling mental health crises in the Eugene/Springfield metro area using a...

Ever wondered what it takes for a veteran to transition into the corporate world? Join us as we sit down with military transition expert, Matt Louis. Matt's a beacon of light for veterans trying to find their footing in the corporate landscape. Drawing from his own experience, Matt shares the pearls of wisdom from his two insightful books that serve as a compass, guiding veterans on a journey to a...

Unlock the secrets of navigating the maze of Veterans Benefits in today’s insightful discussion with Paul Lawrence, the former Undersecretary for Benefits at the Veterans Affairs. Offering an insider's perspective, Paul unravels the complexities surrounding veterans benefits, clarifying common misconceptions and highlighting less-known benefits that can significantly improve veterans' lives. His b...

We're grateful to have Charles Stamper, a former Air Force member, law enforcement officer, and current Operations Manager for the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, as our guest. Charles' military service, coupled with his law enforcement experience, has given him a unique perspective on suicide prevention. His insights, drawing from his years in the Air Force and his current role wit...

Experience the magic of storytelling through music as we converse with Mike Byer, the executive director of Operation Song. Stay hooked as we unveil the power of music in helping veterans to transform their unique stories into touching songs. Operation Song is a unique initiative that connects veterans, active-duty military, and their families with professional songwriters. With a repertoire of ne...