Join 1st Sergeant (ret) Carolina Compton, a 26 year vet of the Army/National guard to discuss her history serving in the military, as she shares stories, and discuss incredible benefits for education, the GI bill, and even how to begin a TSP account and its financial benefits, and hear how she went from recruit, to recruiter, and now realtor advocating for Veteran Home Ownership in NH.

Ginger and Jeff host a mixed lineup today.   They kick off the show with Mr. Mac and a community effort to end veteran homelessness in Manchester. Herrny Och, the CEO of Harbor Care, joined in to highlight efforts here in Manchester.  Our second segment offered information and resources from Christina Fitzpatrick from AARP.  The show finishes with Troy Townsend, the Director of Psychological Health for the NH National Guard.   A unique position within the Wellness Division, Troy’s primary role is to connect with service members and guide them through the many transitions inherent in military service, enlistment through deployments and into retirement.

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!