The VetsConnection Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Jeremy Tindall, Marine Corps veteran and former police officer, shares the inspiring story behind Operation Mayday 13, his emerging nonprofit dedicated to supporting injured first responders through custom t-shirt fundraising campaigns. After witnessing the financial struggles facing an injured local police officer, Tindall transformed his screen printing business into a powerful...

Send us Fan Mail Navy veteran Saja Ramos shares her powerful journey from military service to addiction recovery, now serving as VP of Military and Veteran Affairs at American Addiction Centers. After a traumatic brain injury and vision loss from a car accident in Italy, she transformed her personal struggle with opioid addiction into a mission helping other veterans find treatment and purpose. •...

Send us Fan Mail Melvin Azofeifa, founder and CEO of Stairway for Heroes, shares how a golf nonprofit is helping veterans heal through camaraderie, connection, and community. His personal journey from military transition struggles to finding purpose through golf reveals how recreational activities can combat isolation and create lifelines for veterans. • Founded Stairway for Heroes after discoveri...

Send us Fan Mail Lucas Lewis transforms his family farm into a free mountain retreat for veterans, giving them space to rest, relax, and reconnect through Project Gallantly Forward. The nonprofit offers cabins, RV hookups, and a peaceful natural setting where veterans can decompress without financial burden. • Founded by Iraq War veteran Lucas Lewis after witnessing veterans struggle with civilian...

Send us Fan Mail Ryan Woodruff shares his journey from Marine Corps combat veteran to Program Director at ClearPath for Veterans, revealing how his own healing path led him to help fellow veterans through comprehensive support programs. • Established in 2011, ClearPath for Veterans offers multiple services including their flagship service dog program for veterans with PTSD and TBI • Veterans often...

Send us Fan Mail When Navy veteran Evan Graver's motorcycle collided with a semi-truck in 2001, his life changed forever. The accident left him a T10 paraplegic, abruptly ending his military career just months before 9/11 and forcing him to rebuild his identity from the ground up. Yet two decades later, Evan has transformed this devastating injury into a launchpad for an extraordinary life of...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the guns fall silent? When a director embarks on a journey to understand his brothers' experiences in war, he discovers a story far more complex than he anticipated—one that spans 15 years and follows the profound transformation of men who went from young soldiers to veterans finding their way home. In "Brothers After War," documentary filmmaker Ja...

Send us Fan Mail Do you struggle with sleep? You're far from alone—especially if you've served in the military. In this fascinating deep dive, research scientist Lindsay Hildebrand reveals how the disrupted sleep patterns military personnel experience can persist long after service ends, potentially leading to serious health consequences. Sleep isn't just about feeling rested. As Hi...

Send us Fan Mail Mental Health Awareness Month takes on powerful new meaning through the eyes of Dr. Richard Peate, a VA psychologist who's spent 18 years finding innovative ways to support veterans beyond traditional therapy. In this candid conversation, Dr. Peate unveils the trio of elements every veteran needs: purpose, belonging, and connection. The West Palm Beach VA is buzzing with acti...

Send us Fan Mail A plate of pancakes became the catalyst for a nationwide veterans support movement in this remarkable story of love, legacy, and service. After Susan Combs' father, Major General Roger Combs—who served 39 years across three military branches—developed Agent Orange-related cancer, one poignant morning changed everything. Unable to eat due to his feeding tube, he simply stated:...

Send us Fan Mail The journey from military service to civilian career success can be one of the most challenging transitions many veterans and military spouses face. In this enlightening conversation with Victoria Thompson from American Corporate Partners (ACP), we uncover a powerful resource that's transforming thousands of veterans' lives through personalized mentorship. Victoria share...

Send us Fan Mail The Veteran Yoga Project provides free yoga classes specifically designed for veterans nationwide, addressing both physical and mental health needs through mindfulness practices that complement traditional PTSD treatments. • Founded by Dr. Daniel Libby during his Yale postdoctoral fellowship to fill a gap in veteran care • Classes are completely free and unlimited for all veterans...

Send us Fan Mail Henry Angulo returns to share how The Firewatch is creating a measurable impact on veteran suicide rates across Florida through their community-based approach. As Regional Programs Director for South Florida, Henry reveals the powerful statistics behind their work – including a consistent 27% decrease in veteran suicide in Northeast Florida since their program began. The conversat...

Send us Fan Mail Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Mental health struggles can often go unspoken, especially within the military and first responder communities. Tim Roberto, Marine veteran and founder of the nonprofit Stomping Out the Stigma, intimately understands the pain of addiction and the urgent need for support. In this episode, we delve into his journey — from battles with alcoholism to finding redemption through recovery...

Send us Fan Mail Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Joshua Sears' transformation to a prominent advocate for veterans is nothing short of inspiring. This episode takes us through his remarkable journey, highlighting his military career as an 11 Bravo in the Army and his experiences with the 187th Infantry Regiment in Iraq. Joshua's transition from active service to founding the non-profit 100Fore22 showcases his dedicatio...

Send us Fan Mail This episode delves into the support and services available to veterans through Trusted Companies, a suite of organizations providing healthcare and legal assistance for veterans. Stephen Wolfe, CEO, emphasizes the importance of accessible resources and proactive planning for veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. • Discussion on the mission and...

Send us Fan Mail From a challenging start in Virginia Beach to Army Command Sergeant Major, Stu Sword's journey is anything but ordinary. Discover how a pivotal high school decision led him to a remarkable 26-year military career, including eight intense tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stu, now COO of Fort's Logistics, shares his story of finding camaraderie in the military and the high-s...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a life marked by frequent transitions meets the rigid structure of military service? Meet Nick Cannon, the Director of Operations for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, who shares his extraordinary journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a crew chief for F-22s in the Air Force. Through personal stories, Nick illuminates the unpredictable paths life can tak...

Send us Fan Mail Joshua Wathen's extraordinary journey from a young man in Katy, Texas, to becoming a Green Beret is unlike any other. Our episode dives into the life of this exceptional individual, exploring his initial leap from automotive studies to the arduous path of Special Forces training, influenced by the adventurer's heart and a friend's encouragement. Joshua takes us thro...

Send us Fan Mail Daphne Uter, Founder and CEO of the One Life to Live Foundation, joins us to share her inspiring journey and the heartfelt mission of her nonprofit organization, rooted in a powerful family legacy. Journeying from Haiti to the United States, her life has been a tapestry of service, from her days in the United States Navy to her impactful work with the West Palm Beach VA Medical Ce...

Send us Fan Mail James Jackson, president of the Call on Me Foundation, shares an incredible story of transformation from his time in the Marine Corps to starting a powerful nonprofit. With heartfelt sincerity, he reveals the personal experiences and passions that led him to provide crucial support for families of veterans who have passed away unexpectedly. These families often face challenges in...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Mitch Maki, President of the Go For Broke National Education Center, as we uncover the enduring legacy of Japanese American veterans from World War II. Discover the powerful story behind the phrase "Go For Broke" and how it became the rallying cry for the brave 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team. These soldiers, who faced...

Send us Fan Mail Michael Vesalero, an army veteran, artist, and poet, shares a moving and deeply personal story that opens the door to understanding the often-hidden struggles of military life and its aftermath. Growing up in upstate New York after being born in West Palm Beach, Michael's journey from a youth spent in challenging circumstances to his enlistment in the army at 18 sets a powerf...