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!

The NH Women in Military Service Memorial is being installed on June 12, 2025. Today we sit down with the women behind the memorial. How it got started, what other community partners are involved and what you need to know to be there in June! Inthe 2nd half of the show, Ginger and Jeff spend time with 1SG (ret) Carolina Compton for a glimpse behind the scenes of women in service. We learn about her journey from Los Angeles to Germany in the late 80ś.

Welcome to our 100th episode! Ginger and Jeff welcome a roundtable of veteran guests. Ginger and Jeff kick it off with Whitney Cloutier from Eastern Propane, our primary sponsor. She visited with Mac, a veteran and employee of Eastern. Next, they dive into a round table with Mike Salter (Korea era), Dick Rawlings (Vietnam era) and Ryan (GWOT). Each veteran shares their path to military service. Amazing stories of helicopters transferring tanks, working KP and fast roping out of a blackhawk. Come hear stories of their best day and worst day through the generations.

Ginger Munson and Jeff Chidester are joined by CW5 (ret) George Munson. Yes, you read that correctly, same last name. Georege is recently retired after serving in the Army for 37 years. – both Active Duty and the National Guard. From applying for flight school 5 times to flying ahead of the ground troops in Desert Storm, George shares about his early career and the continued importance of teamwork. Listen in to our first interview with this local veteran and patriot.

This week Women’s Veterans Program Manager Laura Caisse shares details of an upcoming Women’s Veterans’ Town Hall and Claim Clinic, which will be held on April 5, starting at 10 a.m. The town hall is open to women veterans who want to learn about the numerous programs and resources available for them. In the second half of this week’s show John Knorr, Apprenticeship NH, discusses an upcoming program on March 27 at Nasua Community College that will introduce veterans to apprenticeship opportunities, education, and resources.

Ginger Munson and Jeff Chidester are joined by NH Military Coaching Alliance today. Kurt Virkaitis, mentor and Danny Goulet, mentee walk us through the process of supporting service members as they transition to civilian life after service. NH Military Coaching Alliance – aka Operation Sea Daddy – takes veterans under their wing and strives to bring them into the local community in areas of both life and work. Listen in for stories of success and perseverance.

Co-hosts Ginger Munson and Jeff Chidester welcome Julie Weymouth, the founder of Homeland Heros Foundation. Homeland Heros has been supporting veterans and their families for over 12 years. From furniture to education to gas cards, they serve the ever-changing needs of our veteran population. Listen in to hear how it all got started and what they are up to now.

Ginger and Jeff take a Walk with Tiger – aka Larry Prentice. He is a 3rd generation veteran who is now giving back through an annual 20-mile walk. Listen in for all the details and how to get involved. The back half of the show brings us to the ocean. Swim with a Mission kicks off their 2nd Annual Fish with a Mission this year. We hear from SWAM Board Member, Todd Wheatley, who is passionate about this amazing event and about giving our best for NH military and veterans.