Promise Keeper's Podcast

In this gripping episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast, hosts Frank Sepko and Ray Stender sit down with Teddy Daniels, a retired Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who shares his incredible life story. From his challenging high school years and football dreams dashed by injury to his service in the most hostile regions of Afghanistan, Teddy opens up about his struggles with PTSD, overcoming...

In this episode of the Promise Keepers podcast, hosts Frank Sepko and Ray Stender are joined by special guests Senator Bryce Reeves of Virginia and Dr. Kara Rothschild. The discussion covers a multitude of topics, including Senator Reeves' service, his personal experience with PTSD, and his journey into politics. They delve into veterans' treatment initiatives, the effectiveness of Veterans' Treat...

In this compelling episode, hosts Frank Sepko and Ray Stender sit down with veteran Rob Squier from Rocky Ridge Farm. Rob shares his journey from serving 12 years as an Army infantryman to becoming an educator and farmer. He discusses the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of finding a new mission, and the value of vulnerability in seeking help. The c...

In this insightful episode of the Promise Keepers podcast, co-hosts welcome Dr. Kara von Dresner de Rothschild and Senator Bryce Reeves of the Virginia Senate for a critical conversation on mental health. The discussion covers Dr. Kara's unique therapeutic practices, the importance of family involvement, and ways to support veterans struggling with PTSD. They delve into the implications of AI on m...

In this powerful episode, we welcome Jennifer Spitler, the Regional Program Outreach Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Jennifer shares valuable insights about her role and the range of services her department offers to veterans and their families. From VA healthcare eligibility and financial assistance to tackling mental health challenges and homelessnes...

In this heartfelt episode, we revisit with Renee and her husband John as they share their deeply personal journey dealing with the loss of their son Kyle, who battled PTSD and addiction after his military service. Renee opens up about her regrets, the signs she missed, and Kyle's untimely death by suicide. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing PTSD symptoms, seeking help, and sup...

In this episode, hosts Frank and Ray discuss the intricate realities of PTSD and suicidality among military personnel with Dr. Kara Von Dresner Rothschild, a prescribing psychologist. Dr. Von Dresner Rothschild shares her experiences from working in forensic psychiatry to treating military personnel and the unique challenges it entails. The conversation covers her unconventional yet highly effecti...

In this episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast, we welcome Major Tim Booth, the Director of Veterans Affairs for Lackawanna County, and a 20-year Army National Guard veteran. The discussion focuses on the importance of cooperation and partnerships in supporting veterans, understanding the difference between the Veterans Affairs and Veterans Administration, and the various benefits and programs ava...

In this heartfelt episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast, co-host Frank Sepko is joined by Dave Ragan and Ray Stender to tell the impactful story of Airman Shannon Purcell. The discussion covers Shannon's legacy, her contributions, and the immense community support that brought her home after her tragic passing. Featuring an emotional conversation with Shannon's father, Dave Purcell, this episode...

Join us for an extraordinary episode of The Promise Keepers Podcast, recorded at the Penn Stater in State College, featuring our special guest, Lavar Arrington. Renowned former NFL player and Penn State legend, Lavar dives deep into his life, sharing heartfelt stories about his upbringing, his incredible football career, and the profound impact of his father's military service. Lavar also opens up...

In this episode, we feature a powerful and emotional recounting from Victor, a veteran who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Victor shares his vivid and heartfelt experiences from the battlefields of Germany to the chilling encounters at Chosin Reservoir. He discusses the impact of these wars, the loss of fellow soldiers, and his ongoing struggle for military transparency and recognition...

In this touching episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast, hosts Frank Sepko and Ray Stender engage in profound conversations with Tracy Riley and Renee Martinuk, mothers of Sergeant Michael Bender and PFC Kyle Sylvester, respectively, who both lost their lives to suicide. Their stories highlight the deep impacts of military PTSD and the personal battles faced by veterans. These emotional narratives...

Join hosts Frank Sepko, Dave Ragan, and Ray Stender in this heartfelt episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast as they welcome Army veteran Joey McCormick and Navy veteran Patrick Hart. Hear their moving stories about joining Veterans Promise, an organization devoted to supporting veterans' reintegration into civilian life. Dive deep into discussions on the challenges veterans face, the profound sen...

Join Frank Sepko, Dave Reagan, and Ray Stender from Veterans Promise as they sit down with Denise Carey, a licensed clinical social worker from the Scranton Vet Center, on the Promise Keepers Podcast. This heartfelt episode explores Dave's powerful journey through recovery, highlighting the critical role of the Scranton Vet Center’s services and support. Denise elaborates on the comprehensive, con...

Join hosts Frank Sepko, Dave Reagan, and Ray Stender on an emotional episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast, where they are joined by Marine veteran Tim Morris to recount stories of profound honor, sacrifice, and brotherhood. This powerful narrative explores the mission to recover the remains of Sergeant Fernando Padilla-Ramirez during the early days of the Iraq War, highlighting the intense brave...

This episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast welcomes Sgt. Eric Darling (US Army Ret.), Executive Director of Valhalla Veteran Services. Follow along as Eric explains the mission of the Valhalla Veterans Services organization, focusing on mental health counseling and suicide prevention for veterans. We also hear about personal stories, that speak to the struggles and bonds formed in the military an...

Join hosts Frank Sepko, Dave Ragan, and Ray Stender on the Promise Keepers Podcast as they engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Megan Velo-Zorzi of Redbird Mental Health about veteran mental health and PTSD. This episode sheds light on the struggles veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, the stigmas surrounding mental health, and the importance of seeking professional help. Hear pers...

This episode explores the profound impact of military service, PTSD, and the devastating effects of suicide on a veteran's family through the lens of Stephanie Granville, the widow of Staff Sergeant Joseph Granville. It presents an intimate narrative of Stephanie's journey through love, tragedy, and the challenges of coping with loss and personal struggles. Addressing her late husband Joe's battle...

This episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast weaves together profound narratives of veterans' valor, struggles, and journey toward healing. Our guest, Sergeant Major Kevin Bittenbender, shares with us the concepts of the power of purpose, passion, and positive attitude, and the critical role of initiatives like the Veterans Promise in fostering an environment of support and honor for those who have...

This episode brings together judges, veterans, and advocates to discuss the transformative role of Veterans Courts within the criminal justice system. Featured guests, including Judges Michael Barrasse and Tom Munley (U.S. Army Ret.), alongside advocates Dave Reagan (U.S. Army Ret.), Ray Stender (U.S. Army Ret.), and Frank Sepko, delve into how these courts provide veterans facing legal challenges...

This episode of the Promise Keepers Podcast focuses on the legacy of U.S. veteran Sgt. Shawn Jenks, remembering him through narratives by his family and friends including his daughter, Brooke. The podcast sheds light on Veterans Promise and its impactful role in building support for veterans and their families post-service. Brooke notably shares her aspiration to become a counselor in the drug and...