Our monthly segment with the VA has us revisiting Suicide Awareness Month. We chat with Community Outeach and Engagement Partner, Justin Moiling, about the 8 statewide coalitions which have developed in the last year.  Great work to combat isolation and help lower suicide risk among veterans.  We also take the journey from dancer, to Marine, to yoga guru with Brianna Renner, Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Yoga Project.  We even do a small one air meditation.  We round out the show hearing from Henry Och, currently serving Infantry Lieutenant Colonel with the Massachusetts Army Reserves and President and Chief Executive Officer of Harbar Care who is hosting a veteran standdown this week.  

Meet George Kalantzis who  signed up on 9/11/01 and served in the Marines for almost 10 years. Since then, he has written two books which encompass his life, challenges and proven measures for success during transitions.  Next Jeff and Ginger connect with Brian Selling from VFW Post 1617, Derry NH. They will be observing POW/MIA Day September 20-21, 2024 with a 24 hour vigil.   We round out the show hearing from Ramona Branch of Cathedral of the Pines. where they will host the 2nd Annual Women Veterans Conference this year. All events and stories you don’t want to miss!

This week NH VA Medical Center Director Kevin Forest discusses the upcoming VA Job Fair happening on September 10th, as they search for Medical Support Assistants. Jeff also speaks with US Navy Veteran Michael Kessler, who talks about the Thresher Base and as well as the United States Submarine Veterans group and their mission. Also, this week Jeff talks with Steve Bowker, from American Legion Post 51 in Epping, and John Marshall, of Veterans Count – NH to discuss the upcoming Veterans Symposium scheduled for September 14, 2024.

Ashley and Patrick from Liberty House join us this week on We’ve Got Your Six. We get an inside glimpse, from a veteran’s view, of their services and the community they created.  We also welcome Bill Miller from Veterans Martial Arts Training, who invites us to their annual Corn Hole Tournament. Ginger and Jeff round out the show with Rachel Xavier, Swim with a Mission board member, who is helping host a fun afternoon in Holderness – Pets for Vets.  Today is all about the variety of services and how you can support these local nonprofits. 

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.