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Welcome to Untold Valor, a podcast with a unique focus on veterans with stories of courage, recovery, perseverance and strength. Listen as veterans share their perspectives on what it's like to battle mental health challenges, combat addictions, and overcome other adversities unique to those who have served. We'll also speak with experts who have valuable experience working with veterans through their recovery journeys. Our mission is to reach veterans with a message of recovery and hope. Un ...
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We are excited to be joined today by Darrin Henry, a Staff Sergeant and Medic in the Pennsylvania National Guard and owner of Barracks Baristas Coffee Company, who has a powerful story to share. Darrin’s military career spans over 16 years, during which he has faced many high-pressure, life-or-death situations that greatly impacted his mental healt…
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We are excited to talk with Kween Smith today, a U.S. Air Force veteran, personal trainer, entrepreneur, and artist who has transformed her life and now dedicates herself to helping others do the same. Kween’s time in the military was both rewarding and challenging. She embraced the opportunities it offered but also faced internal battles, includin…
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We’re thrilled to welcome Katie Ogden, a treatment advocate at Recovery Centers of America, to the show. After a powerful recovery journey of her own, she is now using her story to help others heal from addiction. She’s here today to share more about the unique programs offered by Recovery Centers of America, including their RESCU program, designed…
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In this week’s episode of Untold Valor, we are joined by Heather Sliwinski, the CEO and founder of the Honor and Courage Foundation. The foundation, which was inspired by her son at just eleven years old, has grown into a beacon of hope for veterans dealing with PTSD and other post-service challenges. Tune in as Heather shares more about the heart …
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Today we are joined by Theresa Agostinelli, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience helping veterans and first responders overcome mental health challenges. She has a powerful story of her own, growing up in a dysfunctional and traumatic household, which later manifested in significant mental health challenges. After…
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We’re excited to bring you a great conversation today with the inspiring Quanda Howieburth and Wanda Pate-Dennis, who are making a significant impact in the lives of veterans through their work at the Robert L. Howie Veterans Home. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing support and resources to veterans battling mental health challen…
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In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Stephanie Booker, the inspiring CEO and Founder of A Home Is A Right (AHARI). Stephanie's story begins in West Philadelphia, where she faced numerous challenges, including addiction and mental health issues that led her down a difficult path. She decided to change her life after discovering she…
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In today’s episode, we are joined by two remarkable veterans, Tom Roskowski and Matthew Allen, who have dedicated their lives to supporting the mental health and well-being of their fellow servicemen and women. With firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face, Tom and Matthew are committed to breaking the stigma su…
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Jeremy Stalnecker is the co-founder and executive director of the Mighty Oaks Foundation and a retired USMC Infantry Officer. In our last episode, we spoke with him about Mighty Oaks Foundation’s mission to help veterans and their families heal from PTSD and other traumas through faith-based programs. He is back with us today to discuss how veteran…
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The Mighty Oaks Foundation: Saving Lives, Restoring Families and Changing Legacies with Jeremy Stalnecker (Part 1)
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We are very excited to be sitting down with Jeremy Stalnecker, co-founder and executive director of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, over the next two episodes. After returning from Iraq as a USMC Infantry Officer, Jeremy, like many veterans, faced challenges when transitioning to civilian life. It wasn't until a fellow Marine introduced him to Chad Rob…
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In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Mary LaMarre. With 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Mary now serves as the Client Relations Director at Visiting Angels. From home care to dementia care, Visiting Angels offers a range of support systems designed to improve the quality of life for veterans. Their mission is…
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In today’s episode, we’re honored to feature Myra Fields-Rouse, a retired army officer with 22 years of service. After being injured during her deployment to Afghanistan in 2003-2004 and dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, Myra has channeled her experiences into helping other veterans. Today, she serves as the Veterans Initiat…
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We are excited to welcome you to season 3 of Untold Valor! To kick off the new season, we had the honor of speaking with Felecia Coffee, a remarkable community leader in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, dedicated to serving veterans and those in need. Her mission? To bless others as she has been blessed. Felecia is at the forefront of numerous community …
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Bryan McCauley is a Marine Corps veteran, former firefighter, police officer, and detective with a powerful story. As the director of the Heroes program at PA Recovery Center, he is deeply passionate about helping fellow veterans and first responders navigate their path to recovery. He joins us today to share his story and speak from personal exper…
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We are honored to welcome Darcy Rideout back for today's episode. Alongside Reverend Ben, she's here to highlight an important event organized by Voice & Vision and CompeerCORPS on May 21st, 2024. The A.S.A.P. (Advocating Suicide Awareness & Prevention) Seminar will be a space where veterans, mental health professionals, and the community can unite…
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In today’s episode, Kim Longo, a PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI), invites us into her inspiring work at Thorncroft Equestrian Center. She discusses her lifelong passion for horses, and how her father’s experiences as a World War II paratrooper drove her mission to provide a safe haven for veterans through equine therapy. Kim has…
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Collie Turner is the founder and executive director of Heroic Gardens. This organization has been transforming the lives of veterans through the healing power of plants and nature since 2018. She’s here to share more about the origins of Heroic Gardens, inspired by her familial legacy of military service and a deep-rooted connection to gardening. S…
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We’re excited to welcome Lena Fowler to the show this week. Lena is a decorated United States Navy veteran with 17 years of service, including deployments in Operation Desert Storm and at ground zero in the aftermath of September 11th. She’s here to share her story, from overcoming personal tragedies to facing the challenges of war and transitionin…
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We are honored to have Joseph Daly on the show with us today. Joseph is the Chief of Police for Springfield Township and a former U.S. Marine, serving two tours in Vietnam. During his time of service, Joseph received a Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Purple Heart. Join us as Joseph reflects on his remarkable journey from the bat…
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We have a fantastic conversation for you today. We are joined by Andrew Nelson, a Marine Corps veteran who served for 10 years and completed two combat tours. He’s here to discuss his experiences during and after his service, highlighting the challenges he faced and the support systems that helped him navigate through them. From finding purposeful …
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We are excited to sit down with Keith Moore and Danielle Veltri from EDSI (Educational Data Systems Incorporated) in today’s show. EDSI is a workforce development company that started in Dearborn, Michigan, and now operates in 30-40 offices across the US. Listen in to learn how EDSI supports veterans in their post-military journey through job place…
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Stronger Together: Veteran Fellowship, Mentorship, and Advocacy with Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr.
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Join us for an inspiring episode with Colonel Arthur "Art" L. Jenkins, Jr. We’ll learn more about his 40-year military journey, from his early enlistment to leading as the Taskforce Medical Commander for Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) in 2021, and what he has learned about veteran hardships along the way. Stay tuned as Art talks about the important…
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Dr. Nick Maio is joining us to kick off the new year. He is here to share his story, from an unstable early life to a challenging military deployment to Iraq, which left him vulnerable to PTSD. Ultimately, Nick was able to overcome depression, anxiety, and substance abuse through the support of his loved ones and VA resources. Listen in as he share…
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During the holiday season, it's crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by service members and their families. Valerie Melroy, the CEO of Voice and Vision, joins us in this week's episode. As a former military spouse and mother of a Marine, she shares some first-hand insights into the difficulties of managing family life when loved ones ar…
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We are honored to be joined by Matt Brown in today’s episode. Matt served in the Navy for over 12 years, holding various leadership and operational roles. Today, he is the CEO of Chimney Trail Health, which aims to eliminate destructive anxiety, depression, and suicide within the military. We’ll learn more about Matt's time in the service and how C…
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Join us for a powerful conversation with Chad Robichaux, BCPC, MBA, a Force Recon veteran, best-selling author, MMA champion, and founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation. In this episode, Chad shares his incredible military journey, his battle with PTSD, and the profound healing he found in faith. You’ll also learn more about the programs offered by the …
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Today we are joined by Michael Bate, a veteran who served 21 years in the Marine Corps and is now a EDSI (Educational Data Assist Incorporated) veteran career coach. After a remarkable career in the military, Mike discovered the challenges of transitioning to civilian life firsthand. He's here to share his story, from his personal struggle with thi…
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We're back to continue our conversation with Chaplain Justin Cohen, who shared his powerful story with us in the previous episode. Chaplin Cohen has dedicated his life to helping others and is here to share valuable insights into the challenges veterans face, from battling mental health issues like PTSD to rediscovering their sense of purpose. In p…
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Today, we're going to be talking with Chaplain Justin Cohen, who has an amazing personal story, first of all, but has also dedicated his life to helping others, especially when it comes to the role of spiritual gifts and leading people as a chaplain. We're also recording today's episode in the month of September, which is the suicide prevention and…
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Life after the military is a time when so many veterans struggle. Trying to manage the physical and emotional pain can feel overwhelming, and many veterans turn to medication and pills to help ease the problems. But that can lead to even deeper issues like addiction and depression. Navy veteran Mike Jeffers was in that same position. Taking as many…
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For many veterans, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. It is often an experience filled with mental health issues, feelings of isolation, and difficulty adapting to societal norms. Today, we delve into these struggles and more with Rob Yennuzzi, a U.S. submarine service veteran, CompeerCORPS program coordinator, and may…
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We are excited to be joined by Ryan Allman in today’s episode. After 21 years of service in the U.S. military, Ryan is passionate about serving in various military and Veteran affiliated organizations. Today, he is the Operations Manager at Compeer of Lebanon County. In this episode, Ryan provides an inside look into his life and the struggles he f…
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Today we are excited to be joined by Kyle Hanlan, the vice president of LLMC Partners. Kyle has served in the Army and Navy and talks with us about his diverse military experience, academic pursuits, and challenging transition from military service to civilian life. In this episode, we shed light on the struggles that many veterans face when reinte…
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Today we are joined by Richard A.J. Prebil, Esq., a Supervising Attorney of the Veterans Advocacy Project at Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. This project offers multi-faceted services to veterans in Pennsylvania, helping them navigate VA benefits, discharge upgrades, and Social Security matters. With their unwavering dedication, the Veterans Advocacy…
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Today we are back with John S. Berry, Jr., a veteran, and CEO of Berry Law, which has helped over 10,000 veterans nationwide, recovering over $500 million in backpay. John joins us to discuss some barriers veterans can encounter with filing claims and shares valuable insights on navigating the system to get the support they deserve. Tune in as John…
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In this episode, we are joined by John S. Berry, Jr., who served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He is here to share his experience with us, from his time at Airborne and Ranger School to his deployments in Bosnia and Iraq. As an attorney and former soldier, John offers a unique perspective on the complexities of military life and the impo…
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Welcome to season 2 of Untold Valor! We are thrilled to be joined by a returning guest, Darcel (Darcy) Rideout, an 11-year PA Army National Guard veteran. We had the privilege of learning more about her story in season 1, and today she is back to talk with us about her inspiring journey from adversity to advocacy. Darcy opens up about her experienc…
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Ep 20: Trauma, Faith & Recovery: Cheryl Gricoski’s Experience Navigating Life’s Challenges As A Veteran & Spouse
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On Episode 20 of Untold Valor, we’re joined by Air Force veteran Cheryl Gricoski. Cheryl has the unique experience of being both a military veteran and the wife of a veteran. She candidly shares how her first marriage was affected by her husband's trauma and his reluctance to seek therapy. This took a toll on her own mental health. Cheryl highlight…
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On Episode 19 of Untold Valor, we're joined by Nena Stetson, a licensed clinical social worker, and an army spouse for more than 20 years. Nena shares her unique perspective on the struggles and support systems within military families and delves into the challenges faced by spouses and children of veterans, emphasizing the importance of their ment…
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On Episode 18 of Untold Valor, Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali joins the show again to shed light on some of the essential services available to veterans. Tune in as Brian dives into the intricacies of real estate tax exemptions, explaining who qualifies, the impact it can have, and how to apply. Plus, discover the Veterans Temporary Assistance p…
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On Episode 17 of Untold Valor, Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali joins the show to share his extensive knowledge about accessing care through Veterans Affairs. Brian is the Chief of the Division of Veterans Services and Programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps dispel some common myths about VA services and…
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On Episode 16 of Untold Valor, we’re joined by Dr. John Taylor, a retired Marine who shares his inspiring story of service and sacrifice. You’ll learn about John’s unique personal and military background, his personal struggles with both mental and physical health issues, and why he’s so passionate about sharing his story with others. John has conc…
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Ep 15: The Power of Connection & Breaking Down Barriers in Veteran Mental Health Care with Jonathan Bittner
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On Episode 15 of Untold Valor, military veteran and therapist Jonathan Bittner returns to the show to give us further insight into the ways CompeerCORPS can help veterans. He’ll detail why the help veterans need often goes well beyond substance abuse and into more nuanced challenges in the mental health arena, like battling loneliness and isolation…
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Ep 14: A Bold Approach: How Race Impacts Mental Health Care for Veterans with Ricardo Byrdsong
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On episode fourteen of Untold Valor, we're joined again by Ricardo Byrdsong, who shares his experiences navigating race and mental health in the military and discusses some of the unique resources available to minority military veterans. Tune in to hear about the benefits of race-based support groups, Ricardo's personal journey with therapists of d…
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On episode thirteen of Untold Valor, we welcome Marley Ganthier, a highly decorated military veteran with an extensive career, including service in Kuwait and Iraq. In this insightful episode, Marley Ganthier shares her journey from joining the Army to becoming a Paralegal Specialist and eventually transitioning to civilian life. The episode covers…
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Ep 12: A Veteran’s Journey Through Darkness: John Byrd’s Battle With Addiction & Vision Loss
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On episode twelve of Untold Valor, we sit down with John Byrd, a legally blind veteran who overcame a drug addiction and now dedicates his time to helping others. Listen as John shares his emotional rollercoaster of experiences, from the moment he realized he needed help to how he rebuilt his life, one step at a time. You’ll also learn about John's…
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On episode eleven of Untold Valor, we sit down with Darcy Rideout, a courageous veteran and mental health advocate who shares her powerful and emotional journey with depression. Darcy discusses the impact of military culture on mental health and the stigma that often surrounds it. She openly reveals her personal struggles, including her experience …
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On episode ten of Untold Valor, we’re joined by Captain Ricardo Byrdsong. Captain Byrdsong served in the Navy for over three decades, and he shares his story with us, touching on some of the challenges he faced during and after his military service. We delve into several topics in this episode, including the hidden challenges of being deployed, the…
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Welcome to episode nine of Untold Valor. In this episode, we’ll be hearing from Army veteran Jonathan Bittner. Jonathan spent significant time deployed to the war in Afghanistan where he witnessed a wide array of difficult circumstances. Listen to this episode to hear about one of Jonathan’s unique bodyguarding assignments and how he processed the …
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Ep 8: Beyond the Diagnosis - How Donald Carter Coped with Physical Challenges While in the Service
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Welcome to episode eight of Untold Valor. In this episode, we’re joined by Donald “Tate” Carter, who served in the Air Force from 1988-1992 as a Production control specialist in Civil Engineering classification. As a very active and athletic young man, Donald was shocked when he was diagnosed with asthma and high blood pressure in 1991. In this epi…
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