The VetsConnection Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore the compelling journey of Jon Sessa, the visionary founder of Warrior Golf Academy, whose transformative experiences from military service to civilian life have shaped a sanctuary for veterans through the healing power of golf. Jon shares his personal battles with PTSD and the daunting challenges he faced during his transition, painting a vivid picture of how...

Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine launching a nonprofit at just 12 years old? That's exactly what Rob Bergquist did, and today, he's the driving force behind Cell Phones for Soldiers, a remarkable initiative that has turned old cell phones into a lifeline for troops overseas. Teaming up with Andrew Kroeger from the advisory board, we explore how this organization has provided over 400 mil...

Send us Fan Mail These nine stories were recorded in front of a live audience for the One Man One Mic Foundations Fundraiser, Story Lab: A Night Of Veterans Stories. Have you ever faced a challenge so daunting it felt insurmountable? Meet Ms. Williams, a beacon of resilience, who turned a grim prognosis into a story of triumph and hope. Her journey from a life-altering accident and a rare cancer d...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine being thrust into a world of chaos just as a historic offensive looms on the horizon. Bob DeMascola, a Vietnam veteran, takes us through his gripping journey from civilian life as a mechanic and night student to a soldier deployed in the crucible of the Vietnam War. Bob shares his experiences from basic and artillery training, his deployment to Dong Tam, and the unique cha...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a wild Mustang could transform a life? Amanda Held joins us to share her journey from the Air Force to founding H.O.O.V.E.S, an equine therapy program dedicated to healing veterans. Amanda's personal story is one of serendipity and renewal, as a chance encounter with a Mustang named Shelby helped her find renewed purpose. Listen as she recounts these pivotal...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could play a crucial role in saving a veteran's life? This episode brings you an enriching discussion with Cecilia Baez, the unstoppable advocate for veteran suicide prevention from the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. With her deep-rooted connection to military culture, Cecilia shares the inner workings of a comprehensive program designed to thwart the silent e...

Send us Fan Mail Can a dedicated recovery coordinator transform the lives of veterans? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Thomas Peet, affectionately known as Dr. Rich Peate, whose move from Connecticut to Florida brought him to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. Learn about his academic background from New York University and Nova Southeastern University, and hear firsthand ab...

Send us Fan Mail Scott McLean's journey from military service to podcasting, to nonprofit founder is nothing short of inspirational. How does a 10-year Air Force veteran and former military dog handler transition to founding a nonprofit and hosting a successful podcast? Scott joins us to share his personal battle with PTSD and how equine therapy through the Herd Foundation became a transforma...

Send us Fan Mail Former Marine Corps Sergeant Wade Waddick shares his unique journey from military service to making a difference in veterans' lives. Learn from Wade's story of transitioning to civilian life and becoming the proud owner of Evolution Fitness in Boca Raton, Florida. He reveals the importance of staying connected with fellow veterans through networking events and his dedica...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why so many veterans in Florida struggle to access the healthcare they need? Join us as we unravel this complex issue with two exceptional guests. Nicole Grabner, a seasoned military spouse and veteran, offers a poignant look into her personal journey navigating VA benefits, while Scott Darius, executive director of Florida Voices for Health, exposes the systemic hur...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a front door more than just an entryway? Join us as Adam Nelson, president of Willow and Palm Construction, shares his deeply personal journey and his company’s heartfelt dedication to supporting veterans. Inspired by his father's incredible story from Norway to the U.S. and his service during the Vietnam era, Adam explores how family support and personal sacrifice...

Send us Fan Mail What drives a man to transform his life from a software engineer to a soldier, and then to the founder of a nonprofit supporting veterans with TBI and PTSD? Join us as Alex Briggs, the remarkable CEO of Silent Wounds and Warriors Foundation, narrates his gripping journey from civilian life to the front lines in Syria where he encountered an explosion that changed his life forever...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to transition from serving in combat to serving your community? Join us for a profound conversation with Eric Peterson, founder and CEO of Project Headspace and Timing, as he recounts his compelling journey from his early days in Illinois to the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq. Eric opens up about the highs and lows of his military career, his struggle with...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how critical dental care and financial assistance can transform the lives of veterans? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Mike Durkee, the dedicated executive director of the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. Mike shares his inspiring journey from his service in the Army to spearheading an organization that provides urgent financial support to veterans, ensuri...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a life dedicated to the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ community? Get inspired by Catherine Doe's incredible journey, which led her to become the Mental Health Director at Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. From the early days of the Stop AIDS Project to the comprehensive support center Compass is today, Catherine shar...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the powerful narrative of Steve Campana, a dedicated first responder who shares his 32-year journey through the highs and lows of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. From his first steps as a young cadet to his extensive experience as an EMS captain and SWAT medic, Steve opens up about the emotional weight of the job and his personal battles with substance use. Gain insights int...

Send us Fan Mail What drives a 17-year-old to falsify his age and enlist in the Navy during one of history's most tumultuous periods? Meet James Crider, a Navy veteran whose extraordinary journey began in 1945. From his rebellious enlistment decision to the swift transition from a dairy job to basic training in Maryland, James' story is a rich tapestry of youthful courage and sacrifice....

Send us Fan Mail Can the transition from military to civilian life be seamless? Join us as we uncover the inner workings of the Military 2 VA (M2VA) program with Jose Lopez Rodriguez, a dedicated Transitional Patient Advocate from the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jose shares the VA's proactive approach to assisting combat veterans and those who served post-9/11,...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a community comes together to combat veteran suicide? In this episode, we welcome Henry Angulo, the Regional Programs Director for the Firewatch in South Florida, who shares the organization's profound mission and its grassroots approach to suicide prevention. Inspired by General Fleming, the Firewatch provides free suicide prevention training to turn partic...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the VetsConnection Podcast? Join me, Scott McLean, for an update as we celebrate a major rebranding milestone and some impressive podcast statistics. You’ll discover why we transitioned from Vets Connect to VetsConnection and how this new name better encapsulates our mission. We've surpassed the average podcast lifespan, proudly p...

Send us Fan Mail What inspired a young boy from Haiti to not only conquer the challenges of immigration but to thrive in academia, athletics, and ultimately serve in the Marine Corps? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Djery Clement, a Marine veteran and Florida Atlantic University alum. Coming from Haiti to the United States at age 11. Discover how his experiences in cross country and w...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the treasure trove of veteran support and heartening tales of triumph over adversity in our latest episode, where empathy meets action. Our vibrant West Palm Beach VA Wellness and Mental Health Fair interviews begin with Catherine Doe from Compass Community Center, who paints a vivid picture of the inclusivity and care offered to the LGBTQ+ veteran community. Then, Afghanis...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the unsung heroes of the legal battlefield as I, Scott McLean, sit down with Melva Rozier and Brittany Horton from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. These legal champions are not just attorneys; they're lifelines to veterans in dire need of advocacy and support. Melva, known affectionately as the "veterans whisperer," alongside Brittany, a militar...

Send us Fan Mail When Judy Weaver connected her passion for yoga with a commitment to support those bearing the invisible scars of service, Connected Warriors was born. Hear Judy's remarkable tale of overcoming her own health challenges with yoga and how it ignited a mission to bring healing to veterans. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the organization's evolution, the restora...

Send us Fan Mail When courage falters and the battle within rages, where does a veteran turn? John Schrey, a Marine Corps veteran and our guest from Haven for Heroes, shares his harrowing yet hopeful story of confronting the invisible wounds of war. From the dust of the Afghan conflict zones to the cold grip of homelessness and addiction, John’s journey is a stark reminder of the cost of service....