Ginger and Jeff learn from LaShanta Petroski- Ackley, Manchester VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention Coordinator, about SAVE: Critical steps in the awareness and work of suicide prevention. They also sit down with Jacqui Nelson, Military History Professor and Interim Coordinator of Military Service at Plymouth State University.  The Roman Empire, student engagement, and veterans in the classroom are the highlight of this engaging conversation. 

Ginger and Jeff welcome Air Force MG (retired) Gretchen Dunkelburger to the studio to share about a local effort to…

Jeff and Ginger take a trip to Cape Horn with Taylor Grieger of Skeleton Crew Adventures, a veteran run nonprofit providing adventure and healing sails for transitioning military and veterans. They recently launched Cape Horn Tequila to help fund their work. They round out the show with Margo Culp from the Elks highlighting veteran programs. In our last segment, Patricia Kime from Military.com updates on the new Burn Pit Registry.

This week Ginger and Jeff sit down with Kevin Forrest, the Director of the Manchester Veterans Administration Medical Center. A New Hampshire native, Kevin shares about the PACT Act and Tele- Emergency Care – a newer program which provides telehealth screening to best direct veterans to the proper level and location of care.   Tim Cullen from CMC HVAC joins them to share his passion for supporting veterans in and out of the workplace. They round up the hour with a few community calendar updates for events and fundraisers. 

This week Ginger and Jeff with Rob Kyer from Mowers and Blowers for Vets, a NH native who is giving back to his military community through small engine repair. And would you believe it is harder to join the service than to get into an Ivy League school? CPT Randall and SFC Glidden are “boots on the ground” recruiters who share the path and the benefits of serving in the National Guard.

Ginger and Jeff share interviews live from Paintball with a Mission in Barnstead, NH –  the largest paintball fundraising event in the region.   Leadership tenants from Navy Seals,  respect and appreciation for our military from Board members and community partners, and a lot of good old fashion fun in the woods.  Get a full taste of the event and be inspired to bring your own team next year! 

Ginger and Jeff hear from Whitney Cloutier from Eastern Propane, who shares an unbelievable story about their founder and how Eastern came to support veterans and first responders.  Next, they welcome Salvatore DeFanco, Navy Seal and Swim With a Mission (SWAM) board member – he shares military wisdom and gets us pumped up for the summer SWAM events. 

 Puppies and veterans… what’s not to love?!  Ginger connects with Laura Barker from Hero Pups to learn about the path from adopted puppy to service dog and their mission and purpose in supporting veterans.  Scott joins in to visit with Jeff Chidester, host of The Morning Update, veteran and Veterans Count Board member. Together they catch up on the Buckles & Boots event, Jeff’s military lineage, and the importance of respecting Veterans over the 4th of July holiday.  

Summer is a busy time for veteran events! Ginger meets with two different veteran organizations to hear about all the action.  Green Beret with a Mission at Ladd Farm and Warriors @45 North with fishing and four wheeling adventures.   And our friends from the VA join us to highlight the My HealtheVet platform and app.  Take a seat and listen up.  

Join Scott for an engaging episode featuring Chris Schroeder from Irreverent Warriors, Larry “Tiger” Prentice discussing a new event to combat Veteran suicide, and Scott Hyder shares details about the annual Hidden Battles Kayak Adventure.