Veterans SITREP

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP, is Crystal Lee Laramore, the Executive Director of Wheelchairs for Warriors and a fierce advocate for those who have sacrificed the most. Under her leadership, the organization has become a national force for mobility justice — stepping in where traditional systems fall short and ensuring that heroes receive equipment tailored to their bodies, their injuries, a...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Dr. Siobhan D. Kirksey, Women Veterans Program Manager, VA Maryland Health Care System.   The VA Maryland Health Care System recognizes that building a family is an important part of life for many Veterans.  Fertility challenges can affect both women and men, and they can be deeply personal, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. The Fertility Services progra...

On this episode of Veterans SITREP, we continue our conversation with Clarissa Black, the founder and CEO of Pets for Vets, an organization dedicated to pairing veterans with rescue animals specially matched to their needs. Clarissa’s background in animal behavior and her passion for helping those who served have created a program that doesn’t just place pets — it builds healing partnerships, rest...

Today on Veterans SITREP we speak with Clarissa Black, the founder and CEO of Pets for Vets, an organization dedicated to pairing veterans with rescue animals specially matched to their needs. Clarissa’s background in animal behavior and her passion for helping those who served have created a program that doesn’t just place pets — it builds healing partnerships, restores confidence, and brings com...

Today, we continue our conversation with Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Deputy Secretary Anderson brings a remarkable blend of enlisted and commissioned Air Force service, national security experience, White House leadership, and private-sector strategy to Maryland’s veterans’ community.  He deployed in support of Operation Enduring...

Veterans SITREP is honored to be joined today by Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Deputy Secretary Anderson brings a remarkable blend of enlisted and commissioned Air Force service, national security experience, White House leadership, and private-sector strategy to Maryland’s veterans’ community.  He deployed in support of Operation...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are board members from the Aberdeen Proving Ground Community Spouses Club, Kelly Foster, first vice president and Elizabeth Perez Garcia, secretary.  The Club provides a support system for members by developing leadership, creating a sense of unity within the Aberdeen Proving Ground community, broadening the lives of its members, and promoting the relationship b...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Keith Taylor, President of the Sparrows Point North Point Historical Society who has a unique collaboration story with the Wells McComas VFW Post 2678.  Together, these organizations have collaborated to create the Veterans Memorial Park and Gateway into Edgemere, a space designed to honor service, preserve local history, and welcome residents and visitors wi...

We continue our conversation on Veterans SITREP with Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22, an organization dedicated to Veteran support & suicide prevention.   Platoon 22 is a nonprofit, veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide through the fostering of meaningful connections and comprehensive support. They understand the unique challenges faced by vetera...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Chris Duffley, Regional Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services, American Red Cross of the National Capital, and Greater Chesapeake Region.  Chris leads a team of over 1000 paid and volunteer staff providing support to military members, Veterans, and their families at 26 military installations, five VA medical centers throughout his r...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Executive Director of Team Red, White and Blue.  Sully is a passionate leader, dedicated veteran, and tireless advocate for the well-being of those who have served.  He brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to building stronger, healthier veteran communities across the nation.  Under his leadership, Team RWB has...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP Dr. Minu Aghveli, a psychologist and coordinator of the Harm Reduction Program at the VA Maryland Health Care System.  The VA Harm Reduction Program supports veterans who may be facing challenges with substance use or other risky behaviors.  Dr. Aghveli will share various treatments for substance use disorder and ways the VA is supporting Veterans to reduce harm...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22, an organization dedicated to Veteran support & suicide prevention.   Platoon 22 is a nonprofit, veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide through the fostering of meaningful connections and comprehensive support. They understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and militar...

On this Veterans SITREP we are joined by Angela Rose, President and CEO of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, and Barry Hebb, Chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.  The Military Affairs Committee works with Aberdeen Proving Ground to build relationships between the installation and the business community. It plans the annual Military Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate and honor o...

Today on Veterans SITREP, we continue our discussion with Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Edward Rothstein. He talks with us about initiatives for veteran suicide prevention, mental health awareness, building communities and much more. 

Veterans SITREP is proud to present an interview with the Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Edward Rothstein.  Colonel Rothstein (U.S. Army, Ret.) brings over three decades of leadership, public service, and military experience to this role. He shares with us the priorities and initiatives for the department under his direction. 

Veterans SITREP welcomes Major General James (Jim) D. Turinetti IV , the 18th Commander of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG).  He arrived in our community last summer.   Major General Turinetti grew up outside of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  After graduating from The Ohio State University as a Distinguished Military Gr...

We are joined on Veterans SITREP by Paula Davis and Theresa Karlson, of Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter.  The Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter was formed in the 1940s, to support families of those in the military during WW II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Maryland and Delaware then combined to work with those who were grieving.   Their mission is finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold S...

Veterans SITREP hosted its first town hall recording on June 13 in front of a live audience at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Joining us in this Town Hall is Colonel Lewis Patrick Hawkins, representing the Maryland Adjutant General, Major General Janeen L Birckhead.  Colonel Hawkins serves as the Chief of Joint Staff, Maryland Joint Forces Headquarters.   Ross Cohen, serves as the Acting Secre...

Veterans SITREP hosted its first town hall recording on June 13 in front of a live audience at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.   Joining us in this Town Hall is Colonel Lewis Patrick Hawkins, representing the Maryland Adjutant General, Major General Janeen L Birckhead.  Colonel Hawkins serves as the Chief of Joint Staff, Maryland Joint Forces Headquarters.   Ross Cohen, serves as the Acting Sec...

We welcome Anne Hall, Program Manager and John Blakely, Transition Patient Advocate, for the VA’s Post 9/11 Military2VA Case Management Program to Veterans SITREP.  This program assists veterans, their families and caregivers in navigating the VA health care system and supports them in achieving their health and wellness goals. Often when service members leave the military, they find difficulty wi...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Captain Sean Gobin, Board Member with Warrior Expeditions, a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. Today, we’re going to learn more about this program and what the Warrior Expeditions organization offers veterans recognizing the therapeutic value of lo...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Yolanda Rayford, Executive Director for the Baltimore/ Chesapeake Region of Blue Star Families.  Most people have heard of Gold Star families, but Blue Star Families may not be as familiar.   This is our second time sitting down with Yolanda and we’re going to explore some updates on what they have been doing serving all military members, veterans and their f...

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Heather Geraldes, Executive Director of the Department of Veterans and Military Families, Veterans Trust Fund.  Heather joined the Department in July 2024 and has been tasked with leading the expansion of the services to increase the impact of the Veterans Trust Fund.  The Trust Fund was created to provide once-in-a-lifetime temporary financial assistance and...

Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support at Gilchrist Hospice Services is our guest today on Veterans SITREP.  For many Vietnam veterans, the long-overdue recognition of their service has been a powerful and healing experience. Unlike veterans of other wars, many who returned home from Vietnam were met with silence—or worse, hostility—rather than gratitude.   To change that narrative, ou...