What if the key to healing and thriving after service lies in mindfulness and community? Join us as we welcome Charla and David Truesdale, the dynamic force behind the Warrior Spirit Project, a nonprofit that’s making waves in Texas by transforming the lives of veterans and first responders. Charla's expertise in health education and yoga, combined…

Brain injuries are more common than most of us realize, and this episode sheds light on the critical issue of traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness. Join host Larry Zilliox, along with Donna Meltzer, CEO of Brain Injury Services, and Dr. Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, adjunct faculty in the Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, as they expl…

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jen Wagman, the visionary president and founder of GenVets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and easing their transition into civilian life. Inspired by her father, a retired Air Force colonel and judge advocate, Jen made a remarkable shift from her Wall Street career to championing…

Discover Ray Toenniessen's transformative journey as he takes us from his early days as an ROTC cadet at Syracuse University to his influential role at the Daniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families. Ray shares his insights on how a generous $30 million endowment from alum Dan D’Aniello has revitalized the Institute, turning it into a pow…

Unlock the challenges facing U.S. military service members in their pursuit of affordable housing with insights from our guest, Alissa Czyz, a Director at the Defense Capabilities and Management Section of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO report titled Military Housing: DOD Should Address Critical Supply and Affordability Challen…

Discover the transformative journey of Rachel Miller, program manager for the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program, as she shares her inspiring transition from banking to education to empowering veterans in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Rachel gives us an inside look at the impactful initiatives designed to help veterans develop and sca…

What does it take to transition from high school to the Air Force and end up guarding nuclear weapons on a tropical island? Join me, Larry Zilliox, as I chat with Phil Massicotte, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force veteran, who shares his unexpected journey to Guam after enlisting right out of high school. We reminisce about the strang…

Join us as we sit down with Commander Joe Ramirez from the American Legion Post 283 in Pacific Palisades, California, for an eye-opening conversation about the recent wildfire crisis that nearly brought their close-knit veteran community to its knees. With compelling firsthand accounts, Commander Ramirez sheds light on the harrowing experience of e…

Ever wondered how a retired Army major transformed her passion for helping wounded warriors into a groundbreaking driver rehabilitation program? Meet Tammy Phipps, the driving force behind the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, LLC, where she empowers wounded warriors to regain their independence through vehicle modifications. Her journey …

Join us as we welcome Chuck Zingler, the dynamic Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, who takes us on an extraordinary journey from his early days enlisting in the Navy to the pivotal role he plays today. Inspired by the disciplined footsteps of his Marine father, Chuck's career is a testament to resilience and leadership, h…

Retired Army Colonel Peter Baker joins us to unravel the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military service as an officer. Imagine standing at the crossroads of duty and personal freedom, deciding when to leave the structured life of the military behind. Peter candidly shares his journey, emphasizing the emotional weight of retirem…

What if transitioning out of military life was harder than being deployed? Join us as we explore this provocative question with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor: Rural Salute. Michelle shares the poignant story of her husband, Chris, an Army veteran, and their challenging journey from military to civilian life. Despite having a job and …

Discover how VA loans can be a powerful asset for veterans and active duty service members with insights from the nation's top VA loan officer, Jennifer Beeston. In our conversation, Jennifer unravels the intricacies of VA loans, from eligibility criteria to the standout benefits like zero down payment and exemption from monthly mortgage insurance.…

Larry Jackson's journey from a Navy veteran to the co-founder of the Ben Jackson Foundation is both touching and inspiring. In this episode, we're honored to hear from Larry as he shares the heartfelt story of his late son Ben, whose legacy lives on through the foundation. Designed to support young active-duty service members in reconnecting with t…

Could art be the key to healing wounds? Join us as we sit down with Zach Herrick, a combat veteran whose story of resilience is both harrowing and inspiring. Inspired by his father's footsteps, Zach joined the Army at 20, seeking a higher purpose. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he endured a life-changing ambush that tested his grit and determi…

What happens when a veteran's fight is no longer on the battlefield but within themselves? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Eric Brew from Warriors Set Free, a veteran service organization dedicated to supporting those grappling with PTS, TBI, and alcoholism. Eric candidly shares his transition from serving in the Marine Corps and the…

What if the skills you honed in the military could transform you into a culinary entrepreneur? Meet Jeff Fritz, a retired Air Force chef whose journey from a SEER instructor to a successful food industry leader offers a masterclass in leveraging military discipline for civilian success. Jeff's story is a remarkable testament to adaptability and res…

Veterans and anyone seeking relief from physical pain, join us for an enlightening discussion with Holly Crocker, the visionary owner of Balanced Arch Massage in Haymarket, VA. Holly's personal transformation from debilitating pain to a skilled massage therapist offers hope and inspiration. Her expertise in Western and Eastern techniques, including…

Can artificial intelligence truly transform a veteran's job search experience? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Justin Henderson, a former Marine now leading the charge at Veteran Hiring Solutions. Justin shares his personal path from the battlefield to the boardroom, highlighting how his company is breaking new ground with AI to ai…

Jim Porter, the highly respected president of the Freedom Museum in Manassas, takes us on a journey through time as he shares his remarkable life story. From the moment he was drafted in 1968 to his illustrious 26-year career as a Navy pilot, Jim recounts his experiences with over 900 carrier landings and his service during the Vietnam War. Transit…

Laura Herzog, the founder and CEO of Honoring Our Fallen, joins us to share her incredible journey from a civilian public affairs officer to leading a nonprofit that supports families of deceased military service members. Despite never having served in the military, Laura found herself deeply moved by the overwhelming challenges faced by grieving f…

What happens when you combine an unwavering commitment to the warrior ethos with cutting-edge forensic science? Join us as we speak with Sean Everette, the Media Relations Chief for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), who shares his unique insights into the agency's tireless mission of locating and identifying over 81,000 missing American…

How do dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, and passionate riders come together to create an unforgettable event for our veterans? This episode promises a heartwarming and inspiring journey through the 7th Annual Warrior Ride in Haymarket. Join me, your host Larry Zilliox, as I engage with incredible individuals like Solomon Montgomery, …

Major Gerald Gangaram, USA (Ret.) shares his remarkable journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his path from troubled youth to distinguished Army veteran. Discover how a mentor in junior ROTC guided Gerald to West Point and set the stage for his career as an Apache helicopter pilot. Gerald recounts his experiences in flight school, his service…

Discover how the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transforms lives through an inspiring conversation with Dan Clare from DAV Headquarters in Kentucky. Learn about Dan's journey from the Marine Corps to his impactful role in communications with DAV. We'll shed light on DAV's foundational mission of advocating for veterans' benefits, offering transpo…

Discover the transformative journey of Bob Bauer, founder of the Sergeant Robert Bauer Warriors Foundation, in our latest episode. Bob shares his personal story, from military service and law enforcement to becoming a dedicated trauma recovery and mental health coach. Learn about the foundation's vital role in providing support to military personne…

Meet Brenda Lauer, founder of the Truman Foundation, who shares her remarkable journey from serving in the Army to advocating for veterans with PTSD. Discover how a service dog named Truman transformed Brenda's life and inspired her to help others through her foundation. In this episode, we explore the crucial role of service dogs for veterans and …

Ever wondered how a pilgrimage can help heal the wounds of war? Father Steven Rindahl, a retired Army chaplain, joins us to share his transformative journey from the battlefield to the Camino de Santiago. After a career in the Army and a life-changing pilgrimage, Father Steve founded Warriors on the Way, a nonprofit that leads veterans grappling wi…

Learn what it truly feels like to shift from a structured military life to the unpredictable civilian world. Retired Marine Corps Captain Garret Biss takes us on a raw and unsparing journey from his days flying the KC-130 Juliet to his transition out of the Marine Corps in 2015. Garret reveals the conflicting emotions of excitement and fear that ac…

How do extracurricular activities transform the lives of military children? Join us as we uncover the heartwarming stories behind Our Military Kids with special guests Michelle Tran and Chelly Criqui. Chelly, the Director of Marketing and Communications, reveals her personal journey from a grant recipient to an advocate, sharing the profound impact…

What happens when those sworn to protect our nation become victims of its negligence? This episode features a riveting conversation with Army Major Amanda Feindt, who reflects on her military career and the devastating Red Hill fuel storage leak her family endured in Hawaii. Major Feindt takes us from her post-9/11 inspiration to join the Army, thr…

What unique challenges do justice-involved veterans face when navigating the criminal justice system? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Donna Harrison, the Director of Housing and Criminal Justice for the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, as she unpacks the complex journey that veterans experience from pretrial to post-conviction a…

Ever wondered how genetic and environmental factors could influence the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia among veterans? Join us as Dr. Mark Logue, statistician and researcher at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, shares his remarkable journey from serving in Operation Desert Storm to pioneering genetic research. Disco…

What if you could combine your love for classic cars and patriotism in one unforgettable event? Join us as we welcome Diane Lunsford, the dedicated event coordinator at Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. Diane shares exclusive details about the highly anticipated Vets for Vets event on July 20th, featuring a dazzling showcase of vintage and modern Corvet…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to answer the call to service at an age when most are retiring? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and author of the forthcoming book "The Ageless Call to Service," who shares his awe-inspiring journey from providing mental health care during the Vietnam War in Ban…

What if a simple pizza oven could be a catalyst for healing? Join us as we sit down with Sarah Ford, the Executive Director of the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and Willing Warriors, to uncover the transformative power of community amenities and the unwavering support that has brought their vision to life. Sarah shares the inspiring journey from the …

How does growing up with a war veteran parent shape a childhood? Join us for an emotionally charged conversation with Becky Ellis, author of "Little Avalanches," as she recounts her journey growing up with a father who was a World War II veteran suffering from PTS. Becky vividly shares the profound impact her father's unspoken combat experiences ha…

Ever wondered how a community can come together to support individuals with brain injuries? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Donna Meltzer, the CEO of Brain Injury Services, as she shares the powerful story of an organization founded by parents in 1989 to secure housing and employment for their children with brain injuries. Discover th…

Unlock the secrets of how Virginia is transforming veteran support through the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VSF). Join us as we sit down with Kayla Arestivo, the Executive Director of VSF, to uncover the foundation's pivotal role in bridging funding gaps and providing essential services to over 700,000 veterans across the Commonwealth. Ka…

Embark on an enlightening journey with me as I sit down with Dr. Aaron Banas from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring, MD, for an intimate conversation that promises to reshape your understanding of mental health care for military families. Uncover the deep-seated compassion and dedication that fuels this part…

Embarking on a mission to unpack the layers of advocacy for veterans' benefits, we've linked up with Ken Wiseman of the VFW. In this stirring session, Ken's insights illuminate the vital role of grassroots movements in crafting policies that resonate with the real challenges veterans face – from the hardships of homelessness to the battles with men…

Listening to Sergeant Major Roy Lewis, his tales of transformation from a small-town youth to a beacon of military inspiration struck a chord within me. His story isn't just one of duty and discipline but a profound journey of personal evolution that speaks to any listener seeking growth amidst life's toughest challenges. In this episode, we traver…

Discover the heartwarming support network behind our nation's heroes as Julie Riggs and Krysti Pereira from Blue Star Families join me to share their passion for empowering military and veteran families. You'll be inspired by the origins and evolution of Blue Star Families, an initiative spearheaded by military spouses who recognized the pressing n…

Dr. Liz Rudisell from the Lexington, Kentucky VA, brings light to a shadowed corner of the veteran experience, military sexual trauma (MST), during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. As we sit with this dedicated Military Sexual Trauma Care Coordinator, we unravel the complex web of MST's effects on our veterans. This episode is a heart…

Discover the heartwarming journey toward healing and camaraderie as we unveil the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run's Grand Lodge, a six-bedroom beacon of hope for our veterans. I am here with Dianne Polk to give you a quick update on the build. As we count down to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18th, Dianne and I are brimming with enthusiasm capture…

Aimee Stoddard from Serving Together joins me to discuss an inspiring new initiative designed for female veterans and service members: the Women Warriors' Network. This robust conversation unveils the importance of creating a safe space where women can forge connections, find empowerment, and access critical resources as they transition from milita…

When former Marine Corps C-130 pilot Alisa Johnson deployed in 2011, finding a temporary home for her dog, JD, was a struggle. Dogs on Deployment was born out of that struggle. Alisa founded the organization with her husband, a former Navy helicopter pilot. Now at the helm of Dogs on Deployment, Alisa shares the transformative impact of their missi…

Join us on a historical journey with Jim Hatch, the Director of Partnership Marketing for the Purple Heart Foundation, as we discuss the foundation's programs. Prepare to be captivated by the evolution of the Purple Heart, a symbol of valor from the days of George Washington, now a tribute to the bravery of combat-wounded soldiers. We explore not o…

As I sat down with Melissa Comeau, Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the Red Cross, I couldn't help but be moved by her story of resilience and dedication. A caregiver herself, Melissa has transformed her profound experiences into a beacon of hope for others navigating the complexities of caring for Wounded Warriors. Our hea…

I'm joined again by Beau Beasley, our distinguished first repeat guest. His latest literary achievement, "Healing Waters, Veterans' Stories of Recovery in Their Own Words," takes us on an emotional voyage through the lives of veterans, finding solace and strength in fly fishing. The inspiration for the book, ignited by artist and disabled Vietnam v…