Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow

Ken Heitger is an Army veteran who's now on a new mission — becoming a school teacher. After years of military service, he's traded camouflage for college textbooks and is preparing to make a lasting impact in the classroom. We talk about the transition from military to student life, the challenges of starting over, and how military discipline and leadership are shaping his approach to edu...

In this powerful and deeply personal documentary, acclaimed storyteller Makia Harper explores the resilience of the human spirit. Better than Before: Journey to Now features the stories of three veterans as they discuss the social, emotional, physical, and cultural effects of the Vietnam war. The film explores ways in which they heal from trauma and overcome adversity and discrimination as they es...

We sit down with historian and author Robert B. O’Connor to discuss his powerful book Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge . Blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling, O’Connor brings to life the little-known story of a group of entertainers turned soldiers who risked their lives to lift spirits on the front lines during one of the most brutal battles of WWII. Learn more at j...

Carissa Pierson never served in the military, but she has plenty of experience with PTSD. The daughter of a Vietnam veteran and trauma nurse, Carissa understands how the wounds of war deeply impact those who serve and everyone around them. As the CEO of Deathstalker Productions, she has produced over 18 horror films. Her upcoming film titled A Soldier's Decent dares to explore the haunting eff...

Today, T.Shane Johnson is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, world record athlete and dedicated father with an unwavering desire to give back. When a traumatic event nearly ended his life, he fought his way back and eventually built a successful business. Then, when circumstances led to two years of homelessness, he used the same determination to move ahead yet again. T.Shane shares hi...

Military service often produces physical, mental and emotional challenges that can cause veterans to withdraw from society. For those experiencing hair loss, the tendency to isolate becomes even greater. Shanna Cochran is a certified hair loss specialist and vendor for the Veterans Administration who is using her talents to serve those who served our country. A caring and compassionate professiona...

At 17, Ryan Pavel looked forward to attending the University of Illinois. When the school rejected him, he took a different path and enlisted in the Marines. Today, Ryan draws on this experience to help other veterans prepare for college as CEO of Warrior-Scholar Project. In partnership with the nation’s top colleges and universities, WSP hosts intensive and immersive one and two-week college-prep...

John Tan enlisted in the Navy later than the average sailor, but that didn't stop him from fully engaging in the experience and transitioning the skills he learned to a successful civilian career. Now, as owner of Taitan Game Shop, he's building a community of gamers while supporting fellow veterans. Taitan Game Shop Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski...

In 2021, TSgt Scott Lauderbaugh was just months away from earning a military retirement. All seemed on track until an unexpected twist threatened his future. Scott found himself in a lonely place when he stood up for his beliefs and honored the Oath of Enlistment he swore when enlisting in the service. Links mentioned by Scott: The Forgotten Soldiers Military Accountbility America's Front Line...

Army veteran Mathius Carter deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like so many others, Carter's military service left him with physical and unseen wounds that continue to affect him nearly 20 years after separating from the Army. After becoming a father, he soon learned he needed a way to explain his challenges to his son. In part one of this episode, Carter candidly describ...

Army veteran Mathius Carter deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like so many others, Carter's military service left him with physical and unseen wounds that continue to affect him nearly 20 years after separating from the Army. After becoming a father, he soon learned he needed a way to explain his challenges to his son. Carter candidly describes his military experience in...

Join us for Part 2 of this episode with Army veteran Ron Worstell. Ron continues his story, telling us about subsequent trips to Vietnam and his new mission in serving his fellow veterans. Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com

In Part 1 of this episode, Army veteran Ron Worstell tells the story of his service during the Vietnam War and how it continues to impact his family to this day. Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com

When Ed Hajduk joined the Navy, he had no idea it would lead him to serving as the Director of the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Ed describes his military service, the sequence of events that brought him to the National Cemetery, and the benefits available to those who qualify to be buried there. https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ncalleghenies.asp https://www.facebook.com/NationalCemeteryof...

Andy Jones joined the Marines from a payphone in 1996 and deployed multiple times over the course of his career. The things he experienced affect him to this day, and humor is one tool that helps him. In his free time, he heads up the local chapter of Irreverent Warriors, a nonprofit that brings veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. On...

Dr. Tim Murphy is a licensed psychologist specializing in resilience and recovery from psychological trauma. He is the founder and clinical director of Fortis-Future near Pittsburgh, PA specializing in the care of veterans, military and first responders, with a comprehensive brain and behavioral health treatment program for PTSD. A Navy veteran, he is the author of three books, most recently The C...

Deb Krall served in military and civilian positions at the PA Air National Guard for nearly 50 years, pioneering the way for other women in countless ways. Well known in the military community for her unfailing determination to tend to her airmen's needs, Deb's heart for serving continues in retirement with nonprofit organizations like Operation Homefront and United Through Reading.

When Leo McCarthy separated from the Army in 1976, he transitioned easily into the Moon Township police force and spent the next 41 years serving the community. Upon retiring in 2018, he discovered a new purpose in helping military veterans build camaraderie to help reduce the 22 veteran suicides that occur every day.

After Vietnam, Gary Woodside enjoyed a successful civilian career that led him around the world. Now he's making an impact closer to home, drawing on his Marine training to help a new generation become productive members of society.

Navy veteran Rion Paige grew up in the neighborhood where Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is located. He recently became the organization's Development Manager, coming full circle in his career from serving his country to serving those who served. Joined by Veterans Place Executive Director Kevin Kordzi and Traditional Housing Manager Sean Glackin, Rion describes the great work being do...

Since 1941, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. Brittany Long, Pittsburgh Center Operations Manager, provides a look at how the USO is supporting military members and families in Western Pennsylvania.

Our past does not influence what is yet to come. Linda Santavicca, author of  We Will Count Stars: Following Abraham , highlights three individuals who shared their heartfelt stories on how God took their rendered pasts and used them for something unforeseen. Even though a veteran may be mourning the end of their military career, there is still hope that God will fulfill their heart’s desire.

A growing body of research points to the beneficial effects that exposure to the natural world has on health, reducing stress and promoting healing. Outdoor Immersion founder and executive director Jim Skal takes a faith-based approach to veterans healing by sharing the peace, beauty and reforming power of God’s creation with the veteran and military community through outdoor adventure, recreation...

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle/assistant coach and Army National Guard veteran Jon Kolb founded Adventures in Training with a Purpose (ATP) to confront health and movement related issues in vulnerable populations who no longer have the benefit of paid rehabilitation. Jon and his son Caleb describe ATP's Aurelius program, a 12-week holistic mind, body and soul training plan that he...

In September 2024, more than 100 years after the end of the war, WWI veterans will finally be recognized for their bravery and sacrifices. Sabin Howard, master sculptor and designer of the National WWI Memorial, shares how the eight years he spent creating the sculpture transformed his understanding of what it means to love and serve one's country.