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.