There are approximately 1.3 million American active-duty service members as of December 2025. Additionally, there are about 770,000 reserve and National Guard members, and 715,000 civilian employees, based on data from December 2025, giving the U.S. military a total force of approximately 2.8 million. * There are over 85,000 veterans living in New Hampshire. * We are ranked the 16th largest veteran population per capita in the nation!
Each week during the month of May on the WFEA Morning Update, Jeff Chidester will be interviewing and celebrating specific themes related to these veterans and their families. We will be focusing on specific areas of focus: Resource Sharing, Integrated Services, Advocacy and Awareness, Community Engagement, Collaborative Events and Programs, Education, Training, and Employment. We will have weekly celebratory themes like; RED Friday, Red and Blue Star Families, Military Spouse Day, Armed Forces Day, Victory in Europe Day.
This series highlights community‑based service organizations whose mission is to support active‑duty service members, veterans, and their families. Their work includes addressing veteran homelessness, mental health needs, and financial stability.
Key Dates and Segments:
Jeff will be at the Liberty House on May 12th from 6 am to 10 am to interview members of the Easterseals team, including, Mercedes Magistro, Campus Recreation Manager, and Brie McKeage, VSO Outreach Manager.
On May 15th, Jeff and Ana McKenna, Interim Program Director at the Easterseals Military & Veterans Campus, will be live at the Purple Finch Cafe for Counter Conversations, alongside guests from other community organizations.
May 22nd Jeff will be live at Sweeney Post #2, American Legion from 6 am – 9 am. He will also host the Veteran’s Forum from 10 am to 11 am with representatives from Easterseals including Mercedes Magistro, Campus Recreation Manager, Brie McKeage, VSO Outreach Manager, Sheryl Proulx, Retreat Center General Manager, and Ana McKenna, Interim Program Director, along with other panelists.
Jeff will wrap up the month with a live broadcast on May 28th at Easterseals Franklin Campus.
Proudly brought to you by: Easterseals New Hampshire
