Ginger and Jeff host an eclectic round up of guests. They kick it off circling back with Keith Dillon from the VA Police force to learn about their training process and their increased cultural sensitivities. Alica Somes from Nashua Greater Mental Health Center shares their growing component of services for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans.  Donna Swanson, NH State Coordinator for Quilts of Valor shares an impactful story of a Vietnam veteran who received his quilt and responded with a bear hug.  Quilts that bring comfort and appreciation. The show rounds out with the latest report on veteran and dependents critical mental health. 

Ginger and Jeff welcome Ron Corsetti, Army veteran and current Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). For 102 years, each state has appointed a CASA to provide individual advice to the Secretary of the Army on public sentiments toward the Army. Ron, Ginger and Jeff talk about their individual experiences with Veterans Day before diving into an important conversation about his specific responsibilities as CASA, his background with Army Futures Command, and the need to shift the image and narrative surrounding today’s military veterans.

Keith Monti from New England Veterans Business Community joins Ginger and Jeff to share about his efforts bringing veteran business owners and veterans within businesses together for comradery and networking.  He highlights the importance of connecting veterans to support each other in business and in the community.   Later they visit with Shawn Buck, Director of the NH Veterans Cemetery.  Shawn is a passionate about the respect veterans and their families receive at the end of life. He and his team (with many volunteers) steward this 104-acre haven to honor service members, share local military history, and build a legacy of patriotism.

Today is a great line up…Keith Dillon, Deputy Police Chief at the VA Medical Center in Manchester, talks us through their focus of keeping both veterans and providers safe for every visit. Next up, Debra Luszey shares her decade of efforts with Operation Care for Troops.  This year included 4 tons of goodies. We wrap things up with Ev Norsworthy from 603 Legal Aid and the dedicated program Hope for Heroes. 

Ginger and Jeff meet with CW5 (ret) Mike LeNeave, former Director of Aviation Safety for Army Special Operations.  Joining the Army just months before 9/11 and eventually joining the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Mike shares stories from his training day on September 11, 2001 and high intensity moments in Iraq.  Since leaving the service, Mike has joined Pison, a Boston based company  focused on creating revolutionary sensor technology aimed at gathering data and supporting risk management throughout multiple disciplines: sports, health, and military operations to name a few. 

Non-profit work is the theme of the day. First, we hear from Ed Currier of Clearpath New England they do outreach to homeless and at-risk veterans getting them connected to a host of services. Next we visit with Gray Somers from Addiction Recovery Coaltion – NH. They house the regional veterans coalition: Stonger Together. November 10th marks the 18th Manchester Marathon and this year, the charity of choice is Swim With A Mission – training tips, running stories and how business supports community with John Mortimer from Milennium Running and Amanda Quinlen a regional running champion.

Ask the Question is the conversation of the day. What is the question, you’re wondering? and why does it matter?  listen in and find out.  The second half of the show has us connecting with Andrea McCarren, President of PenFed Foundation and Ryan Johnson, CEO of Bugle.  They share about the Veterans Entreprenurial Program – a program specifically for veterans who have started or are seeking to start up a business. 

Today we spend time with Gold Star spouse and Semper Fi and America’s Fund Case Manager, Joanna O’Melia. The Semper Fi Fund is a longstanding non profit dedicated to supporting combat wounded veterans. Joanna is local but the services are nationwide. Listen in to understand how dedicated and informed their providers are!  Having a purposeful job is one small part of improving mental health and getting upstream of isolation and depression. Sandra from the VA promotes the upcoming job fair and the importance of work and purpose.  

Our friends from Veterans Count join us to highlight their upcoming event: Beyond the Boots on October 19th.  And to share the importance of understanding veterans outside their uniformed work.  Jen Hunter from Granite United Way and the Center Area Veterans Coalition stepped in to tell us about their monthly coffee hour and their activities for their growing Suicide Prevention Coalition. 

Our monthly segment with the VA has us revisiting Suicide Awareness Month. We chat with Community Outeach and Engagement Partner, Justin Moiling, about the 8 statewide coalitions which have developed in the last year.  Great work to combat isolation and help lower suicide risk among veterans.  We also take the journey from dancer, to Marine, to yoga guru with Brianna Renner, Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Yoga Project.  We even do a small one air meditation.  We round out the show hearing from Henry Och, currently serving Infantry Lieutenant Colonel with the Massachusetts Army Reserves and President and Chief Executive Officer of Harbar Care who is hosting a veteran standdown this week.