Shows
Behind The MissionBTM183 - Dr. Khadija Boyd - Journal of Veterans StudiesShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Khadija Boyd, a retired United States Army Combat Veteran, who is currently the Editor in Chief for the Journal of Veterans Studies. The mission of the Journal of Veterans Studies is to sustain international research in veterans studies, facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations, and narrow gaps between cultures, institutions, experiences, knowledge, and understanding. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few min...
2024-08-2731 minBehind The MissionBTM180 - The Psychology of Saving Private RyanShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we feature a conversation that first aired on the Head Space and Timing Podcast on the Psychology of Saving Private Ryan. Dr. Katie Gordon and Dr. Brandon Saxton, hosts of the Jedi Counsel Podcast, join me to explore the film Saving Private Ryan through a mental health and psychology perspective. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in t...
2024-08-0643 minBehind The MissionBTM175 – Recap of Year One of the Behind the Mission PodcastShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we take a look at year one of the Behind the Mission Podcast, as well as provide listeners with an opportunity to provide feedback on the show Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on mil...
2024-06-2528 minBehind The MissionBTM174 - Emma Payne - HelpTexts for Mental Health and WellnessShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we feature a conversation with Emma Payne, Founder and CEO of HelpTexts, a company that delivers asynchronous grief, caregiver and mental health support via text message. About Today’s GuestEmma Payne is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, MIT graduate, and award-winning change-agent, who started building online communities before Netscape was born. Her 25 year career leading online and mobile projects has included building tools to register young people to vote, creating online networks of support for families facing health challenges, and launching North America’s first...
2024-06-1832 minBehind The MissionBTM171 - Ale Hernandez - Myths and Misconceptions about LGBTQ+ VeteransShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we continue the LGBTQIA+ Veteran Public Health Awareness series with a conversation about myths and misconceptions about members of the LGBTQIA+ community with veteran Ale HernandezAbout Today’s GuestAlejandra Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps for four years a Food Service Specialist with Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Headquarters and Marine Support Squadron 272 Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC. She deployed once in 2007 to Kuwait, Camp Al Asad, and Camp Al Taqqaddum Air Base. After her unit returned home...
2024-05-2831 minBehind The MissionBTM Extra - Memorial Day 2024 - wear blue run to remember with Lupe UrdanetaShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we have a conversation with Gold Star family member Lupe Urdaneta, surviving spouse of Sergeant First Class Dennis Urdaneta, and her journey with wear blue: run to remember, an organization that honors the service and sacrifice of the American military through active remembrance and programs to support all those who have lost a loved one while in the military.About Today’s GuestGuadalupe Urdaneta is the surviving spouse of Sergeant First Class Dennis Urdaneta. After his passing in 2019, she connected with wear blue: run...
2024-05-2730 minBehind The MissionBTM170 - Ellen Gustafson - We the Veterans and Military FamiliesShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we feature a conversation with military spouse and family member Ellen Gustafson, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of We the Veterans and Military Families, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that empowers the veteran and military family community to strengthen democracy. We’re going to talk about their work supporting education around information integrity and civic involvement in the military affiliated population. About Today’s GuestEllen Gustafson is a proud Navy Spouse and Navy and Coast Guard Granddaughter. She is a Co-Founder and Executive Directo...
2024-05-2135 minBehind The MissionBTM167 - Kate DeBartolo - The Conversation ProjectShow SummaryOn today’s episode, we feature Kate DeBartolo, a senior director for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the leader for the conversation project. IHI has public engagement initiative to help people share their wishes for care through the end of their lifeAbout Today’s GuestKate DeBartolo is a Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and leads The Conversation Project, IHI’s public engagement initiative to help people share their wishes for care through the end of life. The Conversation Project was founded in 2010, on the...
2024-04-3030 minBehind The MissionBTM162 - Josie Beets - DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities ProgramShow SummaryOn today’s episode, I’m having a conversation with Josie Beets, the Program Manager for the Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, which provides education and career guidance to military spouses worldwideAbout Today’s Guest Links Mentioned In This EpisodeBTM Episode 54 with Josie Beets – Connecting Military Families Through ReadingSpouse Education and Career Opportunities HomepageSECO My Career Advancement Account ScholarshipSECO Career Coach Portal
2024-03-2630 minBehind The MissionBTM161 - Dr Jason Higgins - Veteran Involvement in the Criminal Legal SystemShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Jason A. Higgins, Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech University and author of the recently released book, Prisoners After War: Veterans in the Age of Mass IncarcerationAbout Today’s GuestDr. Jason A. Higgins is the Digital Scholarship Coordinator for Virginia Tech Publishing and an assistant professor, jointly affiliated with VT University Libraries and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. He teaches the Vietnam War, African American History, and Oral History. He earned a Ph.D. in History and...
2024-03-1930 minBehind The MissionBTM160 - Tara Wright - New Sesame Street Resource for Military FamiliesShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation Tara Wright, Senior Manager of Content Design on the Research, Education, Data and Impact (REDI) team at Sesame Workshop, on newly developed resources for Military Families to address isolation, disconnectedness, and the impacts of family separation due to military dutyAbout Today’s GuestTara Wright serves as Senior Manager of Content Design on the Research, Education, Data and Impact (REDI) team at Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the beloved children’s show, Sesame Street. In her work at Sesame, Tara...
2024-03-1226 min
Behind The MissionBTM158 - Dr. Cameron McCoy - The Montford Point MarinesShow SummaryIn this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr Cameron McCoy, author of a recently released book on the first Black Marines called, Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism. In this book, Dr. McCoy shares the stories of the Montford Point Marines, the first African American Marines that trained at Montford Point, North Carolina and served overseas in combat.About Today’s GuestDr. Cameron McCoy is a native of Washington, D.C. and teaches courses in 20th and 21st century US...
2024-02-2729 minBehind The MissionBTM153 - Christina Slentz - The League of Wives Memorial ProjectShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with with Navy Veteran and Spouse Christina Slentz, Foundation Co-Chair of the League of Wives Memorial Project. This project honors the story of a group of military spouses who supported their husbands held captive as POWs in the Vietnam war with the establishment of a memorial in Coronado, California. About Today’s GuestChristina Bagaglio Slentz, is both a Navy Veteran and Spouse. She was the first female in history to serve in Carrier Air Wing ONE, deploying aboard the USS...
2024-01-2334 minBehind The MissionBTM151 - Dr Sumitra Muralidhar - The Million Veteran ProgramShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Sumitra Muralidhar, Program Director for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Million Veteran Program. Since launching in 2011, 1 million Veterans have joined MVP. It's the largest research effort at VA to improve health care for Veterans and one of the largest research programs in the world studying genes and health.About Today’s GuestDr. Sumitra Muralidhar is the Program Director for VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP) in the Office of Research and Development (ORD). She oversees the policy...
2024-01-0928 minBehind The MissionBTM147 - Corie Weathers - Military Culture and Mental HealthShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Corie Weathers, a military spouse and Licensed Professional Counselor. We discuss the importance of cultural responsivity in mental health and Corie's latest book, Military Culture ShiftAbout Today’s GuestCorie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, the military culture, special forces, and leadership development. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions an...
2023-12-0530 minBehind The MissionBTM146 - Dr. Tanya Hess - VA Coaching Into Care ProgramShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Tanya Hess, a Licensed Psychologist and Training Director for the Department of Veterans Affairs Coaching Into Care Family Call Center, a national telephone-based support service for family emmbers and others who want to help reluctant veterans access their VA health care benefits, particularly for mental health concerns. About Today’s GuestsDr. Tanya Hess has been doing therapy in the Philadelphia area since 2007. She trained in adult and child psychotherapy and psychological assessment at Emory University, The University of Tennessee, and...
2023-11-2826 minBehind The MissionBTM143 - Betsey Mercado - Objective Zero for Suicide PreventionShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Betsey Mercado, the CEO of the Objective Zero Foundation, , a wellness technology organization that is Connecting the military community to mental health and wellness resources and to a network of peer and civilian supporters to prevent suicide through the Objective Zero App.About Today’s GuestsBetsey Mercado became involved in Objective Zero after seeing the positive influence that intervention had on veterans in crisis. Betsey has committed herself to making a difference in the lives of Soldiers, veterans, and their fa...
2023-11-0727 minBehind The MissionBTM142 - Lacey Langford - Financial Wellness and SupportShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Lacey Lanford, a financial coach, veteran, and military spouse, about supporting service members, veterans, and their families with financial wellness. About Today’s GuestLacey Langford, AFC ®, is a financial coach, veteran, and military spouse who changes people’s mindset from being fearful of money to having control and confidence with it. Military and money are her jams. She’s an Accredited Financial Counselor ® with over 15 years of financial planning, counseling, and coaching experience.She’s the founder and CEO of the...
2023-10-3130 minBehind The MissionBTM141 - Dean Dauphinais - Supporting Native and Tribal VeteransShow SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran and Veteran Advocate Dean Dauphinais. Dean is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and is focused on supporting his fellow Native and Tribal veterans. About Today’s GuestsDean Dauphinais served in the United States Marine Corps from 1995 to 1999 with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He is the President and CEO of Native Eco Solutions, a consulting firm that has a goal of connecting tribal communities with opportunities to...
2023-10-2431 minBehind The MissionBTM136 - Rosie Gagnon - Suicide Prevention Awareness through UltramarathonsShow SummaryOn this episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Rosie Gagnon, a military spouse and mother who is running 100 one-hundred mile ultramarathons to raise awareness about military and veteran suicide prevention after losing her son, USMC PFC James Dexter Morris, to suicide in 2018. About Today’s GuestsNanette Rosie Gagnon is a military spouse, mother of 8, sheep farmer, artist, beekeeper, and ultramarathon runner residing in Berryville Virginia, After losing her oldest son, PFC James Dexter Morris to suicide on Feb 25, 2018, she began running 100-mile ultramarathons in his memory and has s...
2023-09-1932 minBehind The MissionBTM135 - Dr. Stephanie Renno - Measurement Based Care with the Cohen Veterans NetworkShow SummaryOn this episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Renno, the Senior Director of Clinical Practice and Training at the Cohen Veterans Network, to discuss the CVN Measurement-Based Care ToolkitAbout Today’s GuestDr. Stephanie Renno is the Senior Director of Clinical Practice and Training at the Cohen Veterans Network where she oversees the network-wide training of clinical evidence-based practices and processes and works directly to support each clinic in delivering state of the art clinical services to veterans and military families. An expert in t...
2023-09-1227 minBehind The MissionBTM134 - Nick Howland and Ryan Haczynski - Suicide Prevention with The Fire Watch ProgramShow SummaryOn this episode, we’re featuring a conversation about suicide prevention with representatives of The Fire Watch, a state-wide suicide prevention program in Florida that provides training to community members about how to identify and support service members and veterans who may be at risk for suicide. My guests today are Nick Howland, a Navy Veteran and CEO of The Fire Watch, and Ryan Haczynski, a suicide loss survivor and Citizen Watch Stander with The Fire Watch program. About Today’s GuestsNick Howland is Executive Director of The F...
2023-09-0531 minBehind The MissionBTM124 - Carl Cricco - Service Dogs for Veterans with K9s for WarriorsShow SummaryOn this episode of Behind the Mission, we feature a conversation with Carl Cricco, Chief Executive Officer of K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans. About Today’s Guest Prior to joining K9s, Carl worked at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as a senior vice president of marketing, ensuring the stories from that day were never forgotten. Living just blocks from the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, that day left an indelible mark, as it did for many. He has spent m...
2023-06-2024 minBehind The MissionBTM122 - Lori Adams - National Association of State Workforce AgenciesShow SummaryOn this episode of Behind the Mission, we feature a conversation with Lori Adams, the Veterans Policy Director and National Labor Exchange Senior Advisor with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, business and wage and hour services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment and labor market information programs. About Today’s Guest Lori Adams is NASWA’s Veterans Policy Director and Nation...
2023-06-0629 minBehind The MissionBTM117 - Dante' Bickham - Creativity in Post-Military LifeShow SummaryOn this episode of Behind the Mission, we feature a conversation with Marine Corps Combat Veteran Dante' Bickham, Illustrator of PsychArmor's Military Culture Course Series sponsored by Comcast About Today’s Guest After transitioning from service, Marine Corps combat Veteran Dante Bickham got a degree in graphic design and animation, but he was truly an illustrator at heart. “When I was in college, my instructor would say that Illustrator should always be the title behind my name,” says Bickham. Working on the PsychArmor military culture series p...
2023-05-0231 min
Behind The MissionBTM113 - Emily Bader - The Bob Woodruff FoundationShow SummaryOn this episode of Behind the Mission, we feature a conversation with Emily Bader, Senior Director of Investments for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, an organization with a mission to find, fund, shape, and accelerate equitable solutions that help service members, veterans, their families, and their caregivers to thriveAbout Today’s Guests Emily Bader, Senior Director of InvestmentsEmily Bader is actively involved in finding, funding, and shaping grants made to nonprofits that address the needs of post-9/11 veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers. Emi...
2023-04-0425 min
Behind The MissionBTM110 - Adrienne Sherk - Unite UsShow SummaryOn this episode of Behind the Mission, feature a conversation with Adrienne Sherk, Army Veteran and Associate Vice President with Unite Us, a technology platform that is working to create an efficient system of care within the community to improve health and social support.About Today’s GuestAdrienne Sherk is the Senior Director of Community-Based Organization Partnerships at Unite Us. In her role, she focuses on building strategic relationships with national organizations offering communities critical services. Before joining Unite Us, Adrienne spent time at Salesforce, Team Red, Wh...
2023-03-1425 min
Behind The MissionBTM108 - Lisa Hallett - wear blue: run to rememberEpisode Summary: On today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Gold Star spouse Lisa Hallett and wear blue: run to remember, an organization that strives to honor the service and sacrifice of the American military through active remembrance.About Today’s GuestLisa Hallett is the President and Co-Founder of wear blue: run to remember. On August 25, 2009, Lisa’s husband, CPT John Hallett, was killed when his Stryker was attacked with an improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan. Surviving the loss of her husband, best friend, and father of her three young...
2023-02-2828 min
Behind The MissionBTM106 - Jason Loughran - NYC Department of Veteran ServicesEpisode Summary: On today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Navy Veteran Jason Loughran, Assistant Commissioner of Community Affairs with the New York City Department of Veteran Services. About Today’s GuestJason Loughran is a veteran of the US Navy and is currently serving as Assistant Commissioner of Community Affairs for DVS.Before joining DVS, Jason served as an Adjudication Specialist at the US Department of State where he collaborated with local and federal agencies on legal and regulatory provisions governing U.S. citizenship, nationality, and visas.His...
2023-02-1431 min
Behind The MissionBTM105 - Honorable Patrick J. Murphy - Task Force Movement and Task Force CyberEpisode SummaryOn this episode of Behind the Mission, we feature a conversation with former Congressman and 32nd Under Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Patrick J. Murphy and his work to support increasing the transportation and cybersecurity workforce with Task Force Movement and Task Force CyberAbout Today’s GuestAt age 19, Patrick joined the Army, launching a lifelong commitment to our nation’s military and veterans. Patrick has served as a soldier, America’s first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress, and the 32nd Under Secretary of the Army.Secretary Patrick J. Mur...
2023-02-0723 min
Behind The MissionBTM104 - Jason Shockey - Cyber Security CareersAbout Today’s GuestJason Shockey is the founder of mycyberpath.com and passionate about helping people get into thecybersecurity industry and level up throughout their careers. He is a Chief Information Security Officer in the financial services industry. Prior to his CISO roles, Jason served 20 years active duty in the US Marine Corps as a technology leader conducting cyberspace operations, incident response, and cyber risk management. Three of those years he served with the Cyber NationalMission Force at Ft. Meade, MD. Jason believes there is a place for everyone on th...
2023-01-3128 min
Behind The MissionBTM99 - Crystal Ellington - DEI and Sexual Assault Prevention for VeteransAbout Today’s GuestCrystal is a dynamic, agile storyteller, who is passionate about speaking up for those who have historically been disenfranchised, systemically excluded and institutionally oppressed. She leverages her service to her country to ensure that those that have served, and those still serving, have a voice and a safe space. She is a fellow in the George W. Bush Presidential Center Stand-To Veterans Leadership Program, the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement at Syracuse University, New Politics Leadership Academy, is a Co-Founder for Veterans at the Intersection (VATI), and Founder/CEO at...
2022-12-2032 min
Behind The MissionBTM97 - Joy Ashcraft - Maryland's Governor's Challenge to Prevent SMVF SuicideAbout Today’s GuestJoy Ashcraft is the Director of Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans, a program under the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration. Under her leadership, her team has revamped their data collection system, launched new program initiatives, reinvigorated their social media presence, and developed new education and training collaborations and initiatives. Joy is also the co-lead of the Maryland Governor's Challenge Team, a multi-agency collaboration whose goal is to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families; a steering committee member of the Maryland Military-Civilian Coordinated Community Response Team; and a...
2022-12-0630 min
Behind The MissionBTM94 - Dave Gowel - RallyPointAbout Today’s GuestDave began his military career as a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and of the US Army Ranger School. He then served two tours in Europe during which he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as an armor platoon leader. Dave's last active duty Army position was as an Assistant Professor of Military Leadership at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It was while he was at MIT that he found the value of social media, leading to his cofounding of a consulting firm to...
2022-11-1526 min
Behind The MissionBTM91 - Jaime Chapman - Military Spouse Chamber of CommerceAbout Today’s GuestJaime Chapman is one of the original Co-Founders and Chief Operating Officer of the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Her professional background is as a Sr. Military Talent Program Manager for Amazon Web Services and as a human capital entrepreneur where she successfully placed over 1,600 jobseekers in careers, creating an economic impact totaling over $112 million. Jaime has achieved recognition for:· #1 Military Spouse Owned Business Overall Award by Military and Veterans Choice in September 2019 at the Military Influencer Conference in DC.· 2020-2021 Armed Forces Insurance US Army Garrison Wiesbaden Military S...
2022-10-2526 min
Behind The MissionBTM89 - Kelly Finn Störmer - Combined Arms InstituteAbout Today’s GuestKelly Finn Störmer is the Executive Director of Combined Arms Institute which elevates the military & veteran-serving ecosystem of support through professional development, collaboration and research. Combined Arms ensures that no veteran or military family member falls through the cracks by streamlining the connection for servicemembers, veterans and their families to services in the communities where they live. Combined Arms powers the Texas Veterans Network and is expanding to states across the nation through partnership.She holds a BA from Villanova University and an MBA from The George Washington Uni...
2022-10-1125 min
Behind The MissionBTM88 - Richard Casper - CreatiVetsAbout Today’s GuestRichard Casper is a United States Marine Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Artist, and Entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of CreatiVets, a non-profit that provides art, music, and writing programs for wounded veterans with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.Richard was named a CNN Hero in 2022 and named TIME magazine's Next Generation Leaders in 2017. He is the feature of TIME’s documentary Evidence of Things Unseen, and recognized by President George W. Bush and The Bush Institute for his passion and work helping combat veterans. He was...
2022-10-0436 min
Behind The MissionBTM87 - Dr. Erin Fletcher - Wounded Warrior Project and the Warrior Care NetworkAbout Today’s GuestErin Fletcher, Psy.D. serves as the Warrior Care Network Director for Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). In this role, Erin ensures synergy across all WWP mental health programs. Erin collaborates with the four Academic Medical Centers that compromise WWP’s Warrior Care Network to foster Network alignment regarding program implementation and delivery. Warriors taking part in WCN receive a year’s worth of mental health care during a 2-3 week intensive outpatient program, using evidenced-based treatments with alternative therapies. Erin has over 15 years of mental health experience working w...
2022-09-2726 min
Behind The MissionBTM85 - Sean Ryan - Army Emergency ReliefAbout Today’s GuestColonel (R) Sean Ryan is the Director of Communications for the Army Emergency Relief, theArmy’s only nonprofit organization serving active duty Soldiers, retirees and their families. Sean retired from service after nearly 30 years of active duty military experience and was theofficial military spokesman for the Combined Joint Task Force-Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) inBaghdad, Iraq, including four other combat tours in the Middle East. He worked extensively in the public affairs and international communications field informing the public on combat operations and how to de...
2022-09-1331 min
Behind The MissionBTM84 - Rebecca Nowatchik - Secure Families InitiativeAbout Today’s GuestRebecca Nowatchik is a facilitator, community organizer and proud Air Force spouse who believes that military families have a critical role to play to preserve and deepen our democracy at this moment in our country’s history. Rebecca cut her advocacy teeth 20 years ago organizing for labor rights and LGBTQ families and has extensive background managing successful campaigns focusing on worker safety and community health. Her work has been featured by publications such as Grist, Mother Jones, Bill Moyers, and Al Jazeera. Rebecca holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Canisius Colle...
2022-09-0624 min
Behind The MissionBTM83 - Brian Jenkins - Armed Services Arts PartnershipAbout Today’s GuestAs the Executive Director of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), Brian Jenkins draws on global experiences in community-building and social entrepreneurship. Under Brian’s leadership since 2019, ASAP has increased the annual number of veterans served by 75%, grown the organization's revenue by 54%, expanded ASAP Chapters from two cities to four, and launched a virtual program to provide access to ASAP classes to veterans and service members anywhere in the world. Brian has worked with and consulted for social impact and community building ventures globally. He holds a certi...
2022-08-3026 min
Behind The MissionBTM81 - Jeremy Butler - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of AmericaAbout Today’s GuestJeremy Butler is the CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the premier veterans advocacy and support organization that connects, unites, and empowers post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community. An experienced national security, military affairs, and non-profit management advisor, Jeremy joined IAVA with 15+ years of experience providing substantive and strategic counsel to leaders in high-profile government and private sector offices, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. He is a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserves with 20 years of uniformed service and is a graduate of Kn...
2022-08-1631 min
Behind The MissionBTM78 - Shannon Razsadin - Military Family Advisory NetworkAbout Today’s GuestShannon Razsadin is an active duty Navy spouse, mom, and the executive director of the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). Shannon’s leadership, authenticity, fresh approach, and focus on collaboration have set MFAN apart as an organization focused on making an impact and as a trusted conduit to military families globally.Under Shannon’s leadership, MFAN has become a premier, respected nonprofit leader in a crowded and sometimes confusing network of military and veteran service organizations.Shannon and the organization’s advisory board have deep relationships and experienc...
2022-07-2625 min
Behind The MissionBTM77 - Jennifer Goodale - Military Officers Association of AmericaAbout Today’s GuestJen Goodale separated from the Marine Corps in 2009 after seven years of active duty service. Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 2002, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant. After completing Basic Communications Officers Course, she was assigned to 9th Communication Battalion in Camp Pendleton, Calif. As a platoon commander, Goodale deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In her final assignment, she served at Marine Barracks Washington as a member of the 8th & I parade staff and a project manager at the Marine Corps Institute. In 20...
2022-07-1926 min
Behind The MissionBTM76 - Will Huff - Soldiers to SidelinesAbout Today’s GuestWill Huff served for over 23 years in the U.S. Army as an Army Officer. He achieved the rank of Colonel and served fifty-four months deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to his military service, Will is a graduate of Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and the National War College in Washington, D.C. Following his Army career, Will worked in the Towson University Athletic Department and spent the last three years as Deputy Athletic Director-External Operations. Will joined Soldiers to Sidelines in June 2020 an...
2022-07-1227 min
Behind The MissionBTM75 - Besa Pinchotti - The National Military Family AssociationAbout Today’s GuestAs Executive Director, Besa brings leadership at NMFA along with her personal experience as a military spouse to this incredible team. Besa is an award-winning journalist and marketer whose passion for our military began during her time as a reporter and television news anchor. From Jacksonville, North Carolina to Kosovo, her assignments opened her eyes to the post-9/11 military experience, and its cycles of deployment, redeployment, and constant transition. She also covered highly-contentious Congressional hearings and the impact military life has on families, including the effects of water contamination aboard military ba...
2022-06-2826 min
Behind The MissionBTM74 - Dr. Lynda Davis - Implementing Change in Military and Veteran SupportAbout Today’s GuestDr. Davis is a subject matter expert on Military, Veteran, Family (MVF), Caregiver & Survivor support through successful, sustainable services. Dr. Davis is currently working with the Department of Defense in the area of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Caring for Military Families, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. She was educated at the University of Southern California. She is the former Deputy Undersecretary Of Defense for military community and family policy and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for manpower and personnel policy, to the position of Senior Vice President for De...
2022-06-2131 min
Behind The MissionBTM73 - Dr. Alex Balbir - Wounded Warrior Program Independence ServicesAbout Today’s GuestAlex Balbir serves as the director for Independence Services. Prior to joining Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), he served as a health care consultant supporting the Department of Defense Military Health System and as the deputy director and chief of operations for clinical research at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. Alex is a Navy reservist, serving as a health care administrator in the Medical Service Corps.He obtained his doctorate of philosophy in public health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing his research on sleep dis...
2022-06-1431 min
Behind The MissionBTM72 – Amy Looney Heffernan – The Travis Manion FoundationAbout Today’s GuestEver since her late husband, LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney was killed in Afghanistan on September 21, 2010 and awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, Amy Looney has served as an inspirational champion for families of fallen service members, military families, veterans, and American troops. Serving as Vice President of Travis Manion Foundation, Amy leads a national movement focused on empowering veterans & families of the fallen to foster the next generation of leaders in the mission to unite communities to strengthen America's national character. She is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of her la...
2022-06-0728 min
Behind The MissionBTM71 - Dr Michael Genovese, M.D., J.D., - Acadia Healthcare Military and Family Support ServicesAbout Today’s GuestMichael Genovese is the chief medical officer of Acadia Healthcare, the largest stand-alone provider of behavioral healthcare in the United States. Acadia operates a network of 238 behavioral health facilities in 40 States and Puerto Rico. Dr. Genovese is serves on the CMO Corporate Council of the Joint Commission and is Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and the...
2022-05-3125 min
Behind The MissionBTM70 - Jenna Pryor - Custom PsychArmor Training for OrganizationsAbout Today’s GuestJenna Pryor serves as the Director of Programs at PsychArmor. In this role, Jenna leads the implementation and evaluation of PsychArmor’s educational programs and training on military culture. Jenna coordinates with the clinical, customer success, and content development teams to design and implement education and training resources for individuals, organizations, and community initiatives. In previous roles, Jenna managed research projects focused on economic mobility within the formerly incarcerated population with the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. As an MSW intern for a small non-profit that provides peer support services for f...
2022-05-2425 min
Behind The MissionBTM69 - Susie Dicker Sitzer - Tales of the Golden AcornAbout Today’s GuestSusie Dicker Sitzer is an experienced organizer, connector, and public relations maven, who is highly dedicated to the mission of helping others. She has over two decades of experience leading teams in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, communications, talent management, and more. Susie has most recently served as the Executive Director of Drawn from Valor, an award-winning non-profit digital-first content studio devoted to empowering kids and their families to understand and manage their mental and physical health conditions. Susie has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh and lives in...
2022-05-1725 min
Behind The MissionBTM68 - Paul Fukuma - TAJI 100About Today’s GuestPaul Fukuma is the Chairman and CEO of Taji 100, a nonprofit that hosts a virtual fitness challenge in February of every year. Paul is a fourth generation US Army veteran, and has deep ties to the military and a profound respect for all who have served their country. His great grandfather served in WWI, both grandfathers in WWII, father in Vietnam, and he served in Iraq.Paul was a competitor in the first TAJI 100 in 2010. When he returned to the civilian world, he wanted to continue that athletic motivation an...
2022-05-1031 min
Behind The MissionBTM67 - Cat Corchado - WoVen, the Women Veterans NetworkAbout Today’s GuestCat Corchado is the Community Relations and Partnerships Ambassador at the Women Veterans Network (WoVeN). She volunteered and was chosen as one of the original Peer Leaders with the WoVeN program in 2017. She has helped lead many in-person and online peer groups and she ran one of the first WoVeN online Peer Leader Trainings. She is an advocate and champion for all women Veterans and helps them to navigate the transition process from active duty to civilian, which is why WoVeN was a perfect fit. Prior to her position with WoVeN, Ca...
2022-05-0332 min
Behind The MissionBTM66 - Josh Protas - Food Insecurity in the Military Affiliated PopulationAbout Today’s GuestJosh Protas is the Vice President of Public Policy and heads the Washington, D.C. office for MAZON. In this role, which he assumed in 2012, Josh coordinates and implements MAZON’s advocacy agenda, including efforts to protect and strengthen the federal nutrition safety net, with particular emphasis on the food security needs for seniors, veterans, and military families. Josh has extensive experience working at Jewish communal agencies at both the local and national level including as Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council at the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and as V...
2022-04-2628 minBehind The MissionBTM65 - Dr. Carie Rodgers - Education for Supporting VeteransAbout Today’s GuestCarie Rodgers, Ph.D., ABPP, currently serves as Chief Program Officer at PsychArmor Institute, and is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCSD School of Medicine. Prior to joining the team, she was the Associate Director of the Education & Dissemination Unit at the VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health in San Diego, California.She has served as a National Trainer for the VA’s Cognitive Processing Therapy initiative and as a consultant for the National Center for PTSD. She has provided training and consultation to hund...
2022-04-1928 min
Behind The MissionBTM63 - Ken Davenport - Mission Edge and Supporting Veteran Career TransitionsAbout Today’s GuestKen Davenport is the co-founder and CEO of Mission Edge, a social enterprise providing consulting and strategy services to nonprofits and social impact organizations. Prior to starting Mission Edge, Ken was a serial entrepreneur who started and ran a number of successful companies in the healthcare and data analytics field. Ken is passionate about veteran entrepreneurship and teaches the Boots to Business course for the Institute of Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University and has been an instructor for the veteran transition program with Four Block. Ken is a past bo...
2022-04-0527 min
Behind The MissionBTM61 - Steve Dilley - The Veterans Art ProjectAbout Today’s GuestSteve Dilley, MFA, founder and Executive Director of The Veterans Art Project, has 35 years collaborating with the military on creative Artistic engagement projects, expressing emotions, documenting experiences, and sharing ideas. After 9/11, Steve was moved to help Veterans, active duty and spouses through Art making. He has a profound weight of responsibility to reach out and help other people through Art and the process of Art making, and believes it is urgent to help our contemporary military population to share all the benefits that a life of Art making gives. In addition to...
2022-03-2227 min
Behind The MissionBTM60 - Zach Kenny - The Stack Up Overwatch ProgramAbout Today’s GuestZach is a Retired US Coast Guard Officer who worked in IT security and engineering for most of his civilian life. As the parent of an autistic child, he developed skills and an affinity for working with people who have special needs. This grew his passion for helping others and that lead him to peer support and suicide prevention. He always knew he had a calling helping people and he found it in Stack Up.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeThe Stack Up Web site
2022-03-1525 minBehind The MissionBTM59 - Dr. Deno Cooper - Cultural Intersectionality and Transition to Post-Military LifeAbout Today’s GuestCol. Denise “Deno” Cooper, Ph.D., is a U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior who worked with PsychArmor as part of the OSD employment education initiative program. Col. Cooper is now an Organizational Behavior Consultant for PsychArmor. A part of PsychArmor’s Program department, Col. Cooper also brings nearly three decades of Air Force leadership experience to the organization. She also coordinates our external evaluation and assessment program.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeDr. Cooper’s LinkedIn ProfileFrom We Will to At Will...
2022-03-0838 min
Behind The MissionBTM58 - Lauren Postler - A Family Legacy of ServiceAbout Today’s GuestFollowing in the footsteps of a family dedicated to military and spiritual service, Lauren Postler strives to apply the principles of servant leadership in all her endeavors.With more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning, change management, capacity building and collaborations for nonprofit organizations and Fortune 500 businesses alike, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge, a dynamic skill set and a passion to her work with mission-driven organizations. Her previous involvement in fundraising with leaders in the oil & gas industry and background as a social worker ha...
2022-03-0131 min
Behind The MissionBTM57 - Art delaCruz - Team RubiconAbout Today’s GuestArt delaCruz served honorably for over 22 years in the United States Navy and enjoyed a career that included a broad range of assignments. Art commanded a Navy strike-fighter squadron, spent one year with McKinsey & Co. as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow, served as a Topgun instructor, and made six combat deployments. After retiring, he spent two and a half years in the aerospace and defense sector in the roles of business development and strategy and planning. He maintains a honed "quick reaction" capability by attempting to keep u...
2022-02-2231 min
Behind The MissionBTM56 - Jerome Tennille - Volunteerism and Diversity, Equity and InclusionAbout Today’s GuestJerome Tennille is the Manager of Social Impact & Volunteerism for Marriott International. Jerome is also an independent consultant and advisor in the subject matter of Sustainability and Social Impact. Prior to that Jerome held the position of Senior Manager of Impact Analysis and Assessment for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a national organization that offers help, hope, and healing to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in America’s armed forces. Jerome also served on the board of directors of Peace Through Action USA for f...
2022-02-1530 min
Behind The MissionBTM55 - Dr. Roxana Delgado - Supporting Military and Veteran CaregiversAbout Today’s GuestRoxana Delgado, Ph.D. is a health scientist, an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division. She is also the Elizabeth Dole Foundation research advisor for the Campaign of Inclusive Care and one of the investigators at the VA Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research. Dr. Delgado developed the “Military and Veteran Caregiver Portfolio,” a research platform that addresses the short and long-term health-related outcomes of caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured service member...
2022-02-0830 min
Behind The MissionBTM54 - Josie Beets - Connecting Military Families Through ReadingAbout Today’s GuestAs Senior Vice President of Advancement, Josie Beets works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees to integrate communications and fundraising to support United Through Reading’s mission delivery. She leads a team of development and communications professionals who together provide program support through alliance strategies, marketing and campaigns, special events, gift development, and donor stewardship.Josie has more than 12 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. Before joining the staff, she served UTR in a different role, as Vice Chair of the Unit...
2022-02-0126 min
Behind The MissionBTM53 - Lornett Vestal - Sierra Club Military OutdoorsAbout Today’s GuestLornett Vestal was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He joined the United States Navy at the age of seventeen. He served four years honorably and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He’s traveled to various countries including Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Estonia. He has a BA in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. He spent several years working in education and social work at Chicago Public Schools and non-profit organizations through the City of Chicago.Lorn...
2022-01-2528 min
Behind The MissionBTM52 Scott Tirocchi - Veteran Courts and Justice For VetsAbout Today’s GuestScott Tirocchi is the division director for Justice For Vets (JFV), a division of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). He served in the U.S. Army reserves and the Rhode Island Army National Guard for 21 years. His occupational specialty was being a military police officer. While deployed to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004, he served as commander for the training and doctrine component of Training Assistance Group II to the Afghan National Army. He retired at the rank of major. Scott has an employment background rooted in treatment and criminal ju...
2022-01-1827 minBehind The MissionBTM48 - Bill Braniff - Countering Misinformation and Disinformation with We The VeteransAbout Today’s GuestBill Braniff is an Army veteran and Director of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) and a Professor of the Practice at the University of Maryland. He previously served as the director of practitioner education at West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center and an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences, as a foreign affairs specialist within the National Nuclear Security Administration, and as an Armor Officer in the United States Army. Bill is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and the John...
2021-12-1434 min
Behind The MissionBTM46 - Thomas Brennan - Military and National Defense JournalismAbout Today’s GuestThomas Brennan is the Founder of and Executive Director for The War Horse. Prior to studying journalism at Columbia University, he was a sergeant in the Marine Corps and served as an infantryman in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thomas is the co-author of Shooting Ghosts—A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War. His bylines have appeared in Vanity Fair, Center for Investigative Reporting, and The New York Times.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeThomas Brennan’s Web SiteT...
2021-11-3024 min
Behind The MissionBTM41 - Chris Spencer - Oracle Corporation Military Affiliated Veteran Employee Network Resource Group (MAVEN)About Today’s GuestChris Spencer – Director of Operations, Oracle Corporation, is a passionate servant leader focused on bringing people together to help develop people solutions that keep things moving. With 30 years of experience building and leading teams, Chris is driven to think critically about process efficiencies and how what we do affects the way we should be doing it. Chris’ current role is helping lead the global onboarding effort within Oracle. He also leads the planning team for a campus hiring program for the US-based sales organizations. His passion lies, however, in co-leading the Oracle...
2021-10-2631 min
Behind The MissionBTM40 - Jonathan Crandall - Problem Gambling in the Military Affiliated PopulationAbout Today’s GuestJonathan Crandall served eight years in the United States Marine Corps. Crandall served as a Team Leader for the Scout/Sniper Platoon of Third Battalion, Sixth Marines (3/6). Following his time with 3/6, Crandall was assigned to the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) training unit as their Chief Instructor for the Designated Marksman Course. After his 4th MEB assignment, Crandall returned home to Syracuse, NY where he served the remainder of his time with Echo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion. While in service, Crandall earned the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Combat Ac...
2021-10-1928 min
Behind The MissionBTM39 - Zack Baddorf - Military Veterans in JournalismAbout Today’s GuestZack Baddorf is the executive director and founder of the non-profit organization Military Veterans in Journalism. Baddorf is a national security and foreign policy professional with more than 15 years experience on the frontlines of the world’s conflicts, including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central African Republic, Crimea, Kashmir and the West Bank.Baddorf works for the Department of Defense conducting public affairs on high profile mission. He also runs a small business providing strategic communication services. Additionally, Baddorf teaches at NYU's global affairs program on disinformation. In his w...
2021-10-1225 min
Behind The MissionBTM37 - Dr. Matt Miller - Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide PreventionAbout Today’s GuestsDr. Matthew A. Miller, PhD, MPH, is the National Director, Suicide Prevention Program, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He leads a team dedicated to the implementation and reinforcement of evidence-based community and clinical interventions addressing suicide prevention. Previously, he served as the Director of the Veterans Crisis Line and under his leadership, the VCL became the world’s largest and most efficient suicide crisis call center. Dr. Miller is an Air Force Veteran. He served as a Clinical Psychologist and the Chief...
2021-09-2828 min
Behind The MissionBTM36 - Nick Howland - The Firewatch Suicide Prevention ProgramAbout Today’s GuestsNick Howland is CEO of The Fire Watch, Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide. Nick is a Navy veteran, defense industry executive, husband and father of two boys. After serving 4 years as a Naval Officer, Nick spent the next 20 years leading U.S. defense manufacturing businesses focused on protective products for soldiers, airmen and sailors, including body armor, life rafts and tactical boats. In late 2019, Nick helped found The Fire Watch. Having spent a career working to save the lives of soldiers and sailors, Nick now works to save the live...
2021-09-2127 min
Behind The MissionBTM34 - Melissa Comeau - American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver NetworkAbout Today’s GuestsMelissa Comeau is a Marine Corps spouse, director of the American Red Cross’ Military Veteran Caregiver Network, and a writer. She is known for her book “Sleeping with the War,” published in 2015 by the War Writers’ Campaign. The book offers a family and caregiver perspective on life after combat. She served as an Arizona Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and in that role was honored to help bring to fruition the Hidden Heroes Congressional Caucus for Military and Veteran Caregivers. She is a recognized advocate for the militar...
2021-09-0727 min
Behind The MissionBTM32 - Mary Beth Bruggeman - The Mission ContinuesAbout Today’s GuestsMary Beth Bruggeman spent 8 years as an active duty Marine combat engineer. After leaving active duty, Mary Beth worked for iRobot Corporation for 4 years, advancing their work on counter-IED robotics, spent time as a stay at home mom and Marine wife, and then started and grew a fitness and nutrition coaching business. Mary Beth joined the Mission Continues team in 2015 as the Executive Director for the Southeast Region. In 2019, Mary Beth assumed the role of President of The Mission Continues. Mary Beth has degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy (BS) and...
2021-08-2436 min
Behind The MissionBTM29 - Rocio Galarza - Sesame Street Supporting Military FamiliesAbout Today’s GuestRocio Galarza serves as the Vice President in the U.S. Social Impact department at Sesame Workshop. In this role, she manages the development of educational content and research for a wide range of multimedia projects.As an expert in early childhood educational development and the needs of young children, she works with advisors to ensure that the content of Sesame Street’s outreach initiatives is age-appropriate, appealing and effective in motivating families to use their everyday routines as learning moments for young children.Galarza previously served as t...
2021-08-0325 min
Behind The MissionBTM27 - Mark Casper - Bridging the Digital Divide for VeteransAbout Today’s GuestMark Casper is the President and Executive Director of Tech For Troops (T4T) a non partisan, non profit based in Richmond, VA. Tech For Troops Mission is dedicated to empowering Veterans with computers, skills, and Information Technology (IT) work force training. While located in Richmond, Tech For Troops has National reach. He believes that working computers can provide a new life to struggling veterans rather than being discarded. Many veterans face two significant barriers when competing in the modern workforce: the lack of a computer and the lac...
2021-07-2027 min
Behind The MissionBTM24 - Doc Shauna Springer - Cultural Competence for Mental Health ProfessionalsAbout Today’s GuestShauna ‘Doc’ Springer is a best-selling author, frequently requested keynote speaker, and one of the world's leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition, suicide prevention, and close relationships. She is the author of WARRIOR: How to Support Those Who Protect Us and the co-author of BEYOND THE MILITARY: A Leader’s Handbook for Warrior Reintegration. A Harvard graduate who has become a trusted Doc to our nation’s military warfighters, she navigates different cultures with exceptional agility. As Chief Psychologist for Stella, she advances a new model for treating psychological trauma that combi...
2021-06-2225 min
Behind The MissionBTM22 - Michael Delarosa and Michelle Magee - Habitat for HumanityAbout Today’s GuestsMichelle MageeMichelle Magee serves as the Private Grant & Development Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. In her role, Magee manages a portfolio of more than 60 grants annually that help support the organization’s $27 million budget. Prior to joining Habitat Charlotte Region, Magee spent nearly a decade in the nonprofit sector working with local organizations and served in various capacities, including program management, volunteer coordination, and events. Magee graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a bachelor of arts degree in Creative Writ...
2021-06-0827 min
Behind The MissionBTM20 - Jennifer Dane - Advocating for LGBTQ Service Members and VeteransAbout Today’s GuestJennifer Dane is a veteran of the United States Air Force who served as an intelligence analyst focused on geopolitical relations, terrorism, and threat vulnerability issues. Jennifer currently serves as the Executive Director of the Modern Military Association of America - the nation’s largest non-profit organization working to advance fairness and equality for the LGBTQ military and veteran community. She currently serves as a founding board member of Partners in PROMISE and is a Vet Policy Fellow.She has earned a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University, an a...
2021-05-2527 min
Behind The MissionBTM17 - Michelle Norman - Military Exceptional Family Member ProgramAbout Today’s GuestMichelle Norman is a Navy spouse of over 25 years and mother of a 17 year old daughter with cerebral palsy. She is the Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE, a non-profit organization focused on educating, advising and advocating for exceptional military families and their education. After years of successfully advocating and winning multiple legal cases to ensure her daughter receives the minimum education required by law, Norman was contacted by multiple military families across the country dealing with similar problems in public schools. Realizing that so many children will benefit from...
2021-05-0431 min
Behind The MissionBTM16 - Axon President Luke Larson - Public Safety and TechnologyAbout Today’s GuestAs President of Axon, Luke Larson is responsible for leading the company's day-to-day operations and overseeing all aspects of the company. Luke joined Axon in 2008 and has filled a variety of executive and management roles since then, becoming President in April 2015. Prior to joining Axon, Luke served two tours in Iraq as a Marine Corps infantry officer and was awarded the Bronze star with V for valor on his first tour. Luke graduated from University of Arizona on an NROTC scholarship and has an M.B.A. from Thunderbird School of Gl...
2021-04-2727 min
Behind The MissionBTM15 - Hannah Hutler-Boyd - Camp Corral and Military ChildrenAbout Today’s GuestHannah Hutler-Boyd is the builder of the Camp Corral programs where she diligently focuses on how best to empower children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes. During her seven years with Camp Corral, she consistently increased the number of children served, built strong partnerships with ACA Accredited camps, and required the highest quality of services to be delivered to military-connected families. Now with a strong foundational program, Hannah focuses on the science of empowering military-connected children and their families as she spearheads the kick-off of deeper, more tra...
2021-04-2024 min
Behind The MissionBTM11 - Jerry Maniscalco - Military Transition and CreativityAbout Today’s GuestA Mississippi native, Jerry Maniscalco first picked up a guitar at 16 and he has been writing and performing original music ever since. In 2003, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 2007 and entering service as an SH-60B Seahawk pilot. During his time in the Navy--including 3 deployments and a remote tour--he found that music allowed him to unwind and escape. Jerry recorded two songs on Operation Encore’s debut compilation album, the upbeat “Wake Up,” and Operation Encore’s unofficial anthem, “We Are.” He rejoined Operation Encore for their second album with “Wai...
2021-03-2326 min
Behind The MissionBTM10 - Nathan Graeser - Community Collaboration for Veteran SupportAbout Today’s GuestNathan Graeser is both a Social Worker and an Army Chaplain in the California National Guard. He serves on numerous local and national boards and is a national expert on policies andprograms for supporting service-members transitioning out of the military. He has led multiple Veteran initiatives including Warrior Bards, the Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative and, most recently with Southern California Grantmakers to build the first county-wide Veteran Peer Access Network. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he has worked tirelessly to counsel hundreds of veterans and their families wh...
2021-03-1630 min
Behind The MissionBTM09 - RanDee McLain - Post-Military Social Work and Justice Involved VeteransAbout Today’s GuestsRanDee McLain is a proud US Navy veteran that spent time in Iraq, Kuwait and Spain. After being medically separated in 2009, RanDee went on to earn a B.S in Criminal Justice from SDSU in 2012 and her Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Military and Veteran’s programs from USC. After a difficult transition, RanDee decided to make a career of serving her fellow veterans and their families. Her passions include serving post 9-11 veterans, specifically those that are justice-involved and/or those who have difficulty transitioning.
2021-03-0929 min
Behind The MissionBTM08 - Dr Keita Franklin - Social Work Supporting the Military Affiliated PopulationAbout Today’s GuestsA national policy leader with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Keita M. Franklin is the Chief Clinical Officer at Loyal Source Government Services – the nation’s leading healthcare solutions provider – and also serves as the Co-Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project, a Columbia University NY State Psychiatric Institute initiative focused on preventing suicide risk.Prior to joining the Loyal Source team, Dr. Franklin was a senior executive at PsychHub, and both the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). In her government work, she frequently represen...
2021-03-0224 min
Behind The MissionBTM04 - Benjamin Pomerance - Veteran Ready Lawyer Training ProgramAbout Today’s Guest Benjamin Pomerance, Esq., is the Deputy Director for Program Development for the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services. In this role, he serves as the Deputy General Counsel for the agency, as well as working as the agency’s Legislative Liaison and overseeing several of the Division’s programming initiatives. His work focuses on advocacy and assistance for Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families on a wide range of federal and state issues. Benjamin graduated as the salutatorian of his class from Albany Law School in 2013. While at Albany Law, he fo...
2021-02-0234 min
Behind The MissionBTM03 – Jim Beamesderfer – Prudential Financial Military Spouse Employment and Financial Management CoursesBTM03 – Jim Beamesderfer – Prudential Financial Military Spouse Employment and Financial Management Courses Show Summary On this episode of Behind the Mission, Army Veteran Jim Beamesderfer, Vice President of Veterans Initiatives at PsychArmor sponsor Prudential Financial, joins the show to talk about the importance of military spouse employment and financial readiness for military families. About Today’s Guest Jim Beamesderfer oversees Prudential Financial’s Diversity and Inclusion activities, including work with other internal partners on communications and philanthropic initiatives. He also runs the...
2021-01-2624 min
Behind The MissionBTM02 - Dr. Jill Bormann - Mantram Repetition TrainingAbout Today’s Guest Jill E. Bormann is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, a Clinical Professor and Research Health Scientist. She developed the Mantram Repetition Program – a spiritually-integrated health program for symptom and stress management. She received the prestigious “Edge Runner Award” from the American Academy of Nursing for innovation in nursing. She also received Excellence in Research Awards from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. Over the span of 20 years, she has conducted federally funded research on the health outcomes of the Mantram Repetitio...
2021-01-1929 min
Behind The MissionBTM01 - Dr. Tina Atherall - Introduction to the Behind the Mission PodcastAbout Today’s Guest Tina Atherall, DSW, LMSW, brings to PsychArmor her vast experience and leadership in the military non-profit community and academia. In 2006, she co-founded Hope For The Warriors, an organization dedicated to serving combat wounded servicemembers and their families. Scaling a grass-roots effort to a national platform, she worked extensively with various levels of military leadership, agencies, corporations, and communities educating and advocating for critical support for those who have served and their families. She has embedded her career in the field of social work innovation and leadership and obtained her Doctor of Soc...
2021-01-0832 min
Seeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS50 - Series Reflections with Duane and ShaunaAbout Today’s Show: Duane and Shauna reflect on the themes that emerged from the collective series, which include:Coordination and Collaboration, featuring MSG Tom CruzPublic Health Approach, featuring Dr. Matt Miller Risk Factors/Warning Signs featuring USMC Veteran David BachmannReaching out to support, featuring MG(R) Mark GrahamReducing stigma, featuring Kim Ruocco Other themes that emerged from the conversations include: Identification of Individuals at RiskDataResearchLethal meansTreatmentCommunity interventionSuicide survivorImportance of connectednessJoin our Facebook Group:Seeking the Military Suicide Solution on FacebookShauna's latest book: Warrior: How to...
2020-12-2934 min
Seeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS07 - Kayla Williams - Center for a New American SecurityAbout Today’s Guest:Kayla M. Williams is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at Center for a New American Security. She previously served as Director of the Center for Women Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she was primary adviser to the Secretary on department policies, programs, and legislation affecting women veterans. Kayla spent eight years at RAND researching servicemember and veteran health needs and benefits, international security, and intelligence policy. Ms. Williams was enlisted for five years as an Arabic lin...
2020-02-2534 minSeeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS05 - Dr. Eugene Lipov - Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSDAbout Today’s Guest:Dr. Eugene Lipov is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management and has been practicing in the field of pain medicine since 1990. He completed Northwestern Medical School in 1984, Anesthesia Residency at University of Illinois in 1989, and Advanced Pain Training in 1990.Dr. Lipov pioneered adaption of a sympathetic block in the neck called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and hot flashes. Considering current efficacy of PTSD treatment is under 30 percent, using pharmaceuticals and psycho therapy, SGB’s success rate of 85 percent is a major game...
2020-02-1136 minSeeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS04 - Cicely Burrows-McElwain - VA/DoD Liaison, SAMHSAAbout Today’s Guest:Cicely Burrows-McElwain is the Senior Public Health Advisor, Military and Veteran Affairs Liaison, National Policy Liaison Branch, Division of Regional and National Policy/ Office of Policy, Planning, and Innovation (OPPI), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Cicely currently works to advance veteran outcomes through government department collaboration to address the mental health and substance use needs of military members and veterans and their families.She has over 18 years of experience working in rural behavioral health systems in local, state and federal programs. Now prior to jo...
2020-02-0436 minSeeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS03 Dr. Matt Miller - VA Office of Suicide PreventionAbout Today’s Guest:Dr. Matt Miller is currently the Acting Director for Suicide Prevention, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was appointed the permanent Director of the Veterans Crisis Line on July 23, 2017. Dr. Miller joined the VA in January of 2012 as the Chief of Mental Health at the Saginaw VAMC in Saginaw, Michigan. He has been detailed to the national mental health office as a Technical Assistance Specialist and as Senior Consultant for National Mental Health Technical Assistance. Before comi...
2020-01-2835 minSeeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS02 - Dr. Craig Bryan - National Center for Veteran StudiesAbout Today’s Guest:Dr. Craig J. Bryan, PsyD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist in cognitive behavioral psychology, and is currently the Executive Director of the National Center for Veterans Studies at The University of Utah. Dr. Bryan received his PsyD in clinical psychology in 2006 from Baylor University, and completed his clinical psychology residency at the Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, TX. He was retained as faculty in the Department of Psychology at Wilford Hall Medical Center, where he was Chief of the Primary Care Psychology Service, as well as...
2020-01-2135 minSeeking the Military Suicide SolutionSTMSS01 - Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen - PREVENTS Task ForceAbout Today’s Guest:Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., named to TIME magazine’s 2012 list of the 100 most influential people in the world, is the president of Give an Hour. A licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in the Washington, D.C., area for over 20 years, she received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland in 1991. Concerned about the mental health implications of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dr. Van Dahlen founded Give an Hour in 2005 to enlist mental health professionals to provide free services to U...
2020-01-1430 minSeeking the Military Suicide SolutionSeeking the Military Suicide Solution IntroductionAbout The Show Hosts:Duane France, MA, MBA, LPC is the Director of Veteran Services for the Family Care Center, a private mental health clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is also the Executive Director of the Colorado Veterans Health and Wellness Agency, a 501(c)3 nonprofit professionally affiliated with the Family Care Center.Upon retiring from the Army after a twenty-two year career, including five combat and operational deployments, Mr. France began serving as a clinical mental health counselor in 2014. He is a member of the inaugural class of the George W. Bush...
2020-01-1124 min