Serving veterans near the end of life takes special people. Today, Jeff and Ginger meet with Mark Williams, NHNG Chaplain and Franklin VNA Chaplain, Ryan How, former Concord Police Officer and Director of Fundraising for Franklin VNA. Together they share the important work of supporting Veterans with cultural competency and compassion. Franklin VNA is one of the local organizations to host and support the We Honor Veterans program. A national effort to honor, respect and provide critical support to our senior veterans.

This week guest host Carolina Compton talks with Craig Courser about his time in both the Army and National Guard and how he feels he’s been able to contribute to his community.  

This week Jeff chats with Mason Defrancesco, President of the Concord VFW & Marty Skovlund Jr., a former U.S. Army Ranger turned journalist, author, and filmmaker.

Ginger and Jeff are joined by Ed Harrington  (BG retired) and Jeff Ladieu of Camp Resilience.  Their program combines outdoor adventure, peer-to-peer bonding, and wellness coaching in the beautiful Lakes Region of NH.   Listen in as  Ed and Jeff share retreat details and invite us to their upcoming adventure fundraiser, “Green Beret with a Mission.” You can serve by supporting their events and you can serve by sharing this engaging interview.

Justin Moeling, a US Coast Guard Veteran and a Social Worker with the suicide prevention team at the Manchester VA, shares the S.A.V.E. training approach to help veterans and prevent suicide. S.A.V.E. stands for ‘know the SIGNS, ASK, VALIDATE, ENCOURAGE-EXPEDITE. We also get an update on the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the US Army. Gregory M. d’Arbonne, First Region President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) discusses the birthday celebration that will be held on June 14th at the Gillette Stadium. 

Philanthropist Phil Taub shares the mission statement and purpose of one of New Hampshire’s premier veteran support agencies (nonprofit). We learn about how individuals and organizations can paintball with Navy Seals, tuna fishing to help veterans, and other activities run by and through Swam.Org

Ginger and Jeff host a mixed lineup today.   They kick off the show with Mr. Mac and a community effort to end veteran homelessness in Manchester. Herrny Och, the CEO of Harbor Care, joined in to highlight efforts here in Manchester.  Our second segment offered information and resources from Christina Fitzpatrick from AARP.  The show finishes with Troy Townsend, the Director of Psychological Health for the NH National Guard.   A unique position within the Wellness Division, Troy’s primary role is to connect with service members and guide them through the many transitions inherent in military service, enlistment through deployments and into retirement.

Today’s show highlights Veteran and Military services, support at the state level, and boots on the ground. We step off with Nicole Desilets Bixler, Deputy Adjutant General for the state of New Hampshire. A 30-year Air Force veteran, she oversees multiple programs throughout the state, including the Department of Community-Based Services, the state Veterans Cemetery, and local veteran service officers. During our second half, we meet with Anthony and Dan from Veterans Count. From their recent service in NH Army National Guard to canvassing homeless encampments, they continue to serve.

This week Ginger and Jeff are joined by Val Carter, a recreational therapist at the Manchester VA.  She facilitates the Honeybee Initiative for Veterans’ Empowerment and Support (HIVES for short).  Community, calmness and purpose are the hallmarks of this unique program which provides a complimentary program for Mental Wellness.   Next up is Wayne Siegmund, recently retired Navy Seal and former gymnast. Listen along to his journey from the gymnastic world to Navy Seal training and into the civilian sector leading executives and corporations through tried-and-true military leadership principles and actions.  

Citizen Soldiers have been part of our State fabric since 1623. Today, Ginger and Jeff sit down with Jay Ruais: a New Hampshire citizen and an Army Guard soldier. He is not just a citizen but as the Mayor of Manchester, he is a public servant. Jay shares his journey to service later in life. Together these three Army soldiers ponder unique adventures and opportunities, leadership beyond miliary service and the importance of owning an inflatable pillow!