Ginger and Jeff finish out the year interviewing Ethan and Chase McAllister,  local brothers who are both  serving in the…

Today’s show is all about family.  We visit with Mark and Tracy McAllister who have two sons currently serving in the Army – one in the NH National Guard, and one in the midst of his  final year at the Unites States Military Academy, West Point.  In addition to sheparding these two young men, they help to host a West Point parents’ group.  We discuss both the fears and the joys of parenting service members.  On the flip side of this conversation, we are joined by Suzie Rankins, parent of three young adults. Her youngest is considering military service and we talk through the challenges and conflicts parents face when talking through decisions for pursuits after high school.  

Christmas is just around the corner, today we hear from Chaplain Sean McMacken from the NH Army National Guard about what service during the Holidays is like and how to best reach out and support our military and veterans. We also sit down with Nicole Settipane from the Military 2VA Program within the Manchester VA Medical Center. They work to guide recently separated service members on the journey of from active duty to civilian and veteran status.

This week on We’ve Got Your Six Ginger and Jeff host Tim Stanton and Scott Hyder; two veterans who after their service and civilian careers have stepped into the military and veterans service community.  Tim is the current president of Building Dreams for Marines; a local organization which provides renovations for both homes and vehicles to improve mobility for our veterans. Listen in to see how you can get involved.   Scott Hyder shares about Hidden Battle Foundation, an activity and recreation-based program to support veterans and first responders. Scott founded Hidden Battles during his own journey to mental wellness.  Scott is also stepping in as the Veteran Program director for Operation Delta Dog – where they rescue dogs who then help to rescue veterans and first responders.

Ginger and Jeff welcome Ty Gagne to the studio; author, risk management professional and White Mountain hiker and enthusiast.  Ty shares both the heart ache and the important lessons which are found in his real life stories from adventures and rescues in the While Mountains.  Ty also highlights the importance of our local National Guard Medivac unit in supporting these rescues.   We round out the show speaking with Jaime Yates and Kristin Haley – two military parents who share about the life purpose and growth of their young adult children through military service. Listen as we continue to promote the joys and benefits of military service! 

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.