Borne The Battle

One of my favorite things about podcasting is learning about different parts of life and new concepts. Last week we learned about the positive effects roleplaying games have on Veterans, and this week we will learn about powerlifting. Enter: Steve Goggins. About Steve: Steve served in the US Army from September of 1983, until May of 1990. While in the Army, he served in the 82nd Airborne and was a member of the Armed Forces Powerlifting Team. He has competed in powerlifting for over 25 years and was the first powerlifter to squat 1100 pounds. he has won many titles since he started powerlifting as a teenager. Covered in Episode 37: Office of Enterprise Support Services Interview with Army Veteran Steve Goggins   Why he decided to join the Army Being a member of Armed Forces Powerlifting Team Transitioning out to pursue a new career The life of a powerlifter and coach His experience using VA for health care Reporting your experience to your patient advocate #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran David Major

Episode 36 brings us Joshua Heath. Josh served in the Army from 2006 to 2011 as a 91J Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer. While he was in, he ran a Dungeons and Dragons game for MWR while in Iraq, helping soldiers destress and escape. Now, he uses his company Reach Out Roleplaying Games to help connect people and create communities through gaming. Josh is going to talk to us about the benefits of playing RPGs and the effects he's seen in Veterans. Covered in Episode 36: Women Veterans Summit Interview with Army Veteran Josh Heath   Why he decided to join the Army Playing Dungeons and Dragons with soldiers His use of the G.I. Bill How role playing games benefit Veterans Finding or advertising resources at your VAMC #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Russell Pool

This week's podcast features Army Veteran Jeremy Paris. Jeremy served in the '90s in personnel. He is currently with Veteran Artist Program and hosts the Veteran Resource Podcast. He helped coordinate the 2017 Women Veteran Art Exhibit in collaboration with VA's Center for Women Veterans. About Jeremy: Jeremy Paris was born in Buffalo, NY and joined the US Army immediately after graduating from high school.  After ten years as a Personnel Administration Sergeant he left the military to become a government contractor performing computer support to the Department of Defense.  Although the initial plan was to be a contractor for two years and then split, he spent the next 16 years supporting the same customer within different rolls.   Jeremy has been on the staff of Veteran Artist Program (VAP), a non-profit Veteran Service Organization since 2010.  While at an event in Washington DC with VAP Jeremy shook hands with people representing so many veteran-focused organizations that he was blown away.  It was the rea

This week's podcast focuses on the announcement made by Secretary Shulkin on Monday. The Department of Veterans Affairs will be adopting the same electronic health record system used by the Department of Defense. The podcast features audio from SECVA at the White House press briefing. He provides remarks on the announcement originally made at VA's central office earlier that day, followed by questions from the media. Covered in Episode 33: The American Veteran Episode 1102 SECVA White House Press Briefing Remarks on EHR announcement Questions from media Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Matthew Norris

I hope everyone had a safe and solaced Memorial Day. I had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of Veterans and other members of our community at Sunday's Rolling Thunder demonstration. It was humbling hearing riders talk about their fallen comrades and whom they were riding for. It's moments like those that keep me grateful for our nation's service members and Veterans. This week's podcast features retired Army Brigadier General Henry Huntley. Henry I are colleagues in the Office of Public Affairs at VA's central office. Each time I speak with Henry, my respect for him grows. Henry had a long, decorated career in the Army before coming over to VA. He's going to talk to us about his time in the service, his transition out, and how VA fulfills his post-military service to Veterans. Covered in Episode 33: Rolling Thunder 2017 Interview with Army Veteran Henry Huntley   Why he decided to join the Army Stories from his decades of service Transitioning back to civilian life Working at VA Finding your career

Each year, at their national convention, Student Veterans of America announces a Student Veteran of the Year. This award is competitive and quite prestigious as the Veterans considered have impressive resumes as service members and as student Veterans. 2017's Student Veteran of the Year is Kate Tillotson, a Marine Veteran currently attending University of Tulsa. Kate served in the Marine Corps for four years as a Radio Operator. After she got out, she began pursuing higher education. Now, she's the president of her Veterans group on campus. Kate talks to us about growing and developing her SVA chapter to be one of the most active groups on campus. Covered in Episode 32: Recap of #VeteranChat on Twitter and Life Insurance chat on Got Your 6 Interview with Marine Veteran Kate Tillotson   Why she joined the Marine Corps Her experience in the Marines Going from military to student life Challenges of being a student Veteran Growing and developing her SVA chapter on campus Finding your campus' SVA chapter or

Episode 31 of This Week at VA is another "best of" type episode. This volume of Meritorious Segments includes soundbites from AMVETS National Director Joe Chenelly, Team Rubicon Chief Operations Officer Art delaCruz, and Team RWB Executive Director Blayne Smith. Even if you've heard each episode, I know you'll appreciate hearing these stories and sentiments again. Covered in episode 31:  Blayne Smith talks about value of Team RWB Joe Chenelly describes AMVETS' service to Veterans Art delaCruz explains his role at Team Rubicon and why the organization is so powerful

We are 30 episodes into the podcast and I'm going to do something a little different with this one. This is going to be a "best of" episode. I pulled four clips from our more popular interviews to feature in what I'm calling "meritorious segments." Even if you've heard each episode, I know you'll appreciate hearing these stories and sentiments again. Covered in episode 30:  Kayla Williams on deploying to Iraq Jared Lyon on the value that student Veterans bring to a campus John Lee Dumas about why he chooses VA in Puerto Rico Bill Rausch about his feelings regarding his Bronze Star and being proud of his service

I was introduced to Bob Wright by an organization named Us Too. Us Too is an organization that supports and advocates for men at all stages of prostate cancer. Bob is an Army Veteran having served in Vietnam. He is going to talk to us about his time in the military, discovering he had cancer, and become a support group leader for men. Bob served as a Battalion Surgeon`s Assistant as First Lieutenant Medical Service Corps with 101st Airborne Division. He was in Vietnam from 1969-1970. During his time in service, his efforts were recognized with a Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star , Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Covered in Episode 29: How to submit questions to podcast Interview with Army Veteran Bob Wright   Why she joined the Army His experience in Vietnam and the Army Discovering he had cancer Defeating cancer Becoming a support group leader VA research on cancer #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Carl Woida

When you're active in the Veteran community, you tend to hear names repeated in conversation and mentioned on social media. Recently, one of those names is Skye Marshall. I saw Skye in Got Your 6's #shesbadass campaign and knew she'd make a great feature on the podcast. Skye talks with us about serving in the Air Force, following her dreams to Hollywood, working with Al Pacino, and more. About Skye: At the age of 19, Skye enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV. In Las Vegas, she heeded her true calling when she beat more than 8,000 college students from across the U.S. to be apart of the principal cast in the New Line Cinema feature film "The Real Cancun." Skye made her national movie theater debut Spring 2003. Although the film offered her many opportunities to fulfill her ultimate dream of being a full-time actress, Skye was determined to finish her goal of earning a college degree.   Skye graduated with honors in May 2007 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, M

The Women In Military Service For America Memorial (WIMSA), is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history. It sits at the end of the road as you approach the gates of Arlington Nation Cemetery near Washington D.C. Today's podcast features Army Veteran Dee McWilliams, the current president of WIMSA. Dee talks to us about her 29 years in the Army, retirement, serving as WIMSA president and the significance of the women's memorial. About Dee: MG Dee Ann McWilliams retired from the Army in 2003, later joining the Office of the Director of National Intelligence where she served until 2010 as Director of the Lessons Learned Center. MG McWilliams holds degrees from Lon Morris College, Stephen F. Austin University where she was named a distinguished alumnus, Texas Woman’s University, and the National War College. IIn 2007, MG McWilliams joined the board of directors for the Women In Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, assuming the position of Vice Ch

My interview this week is with Army Veteran Doug McCormick. I've been very fortunate in the past couple months and have received a lot of opportunities for interviews. My cup has run over, and finally, after sitting on it for six to eight weeks, I finally have opportunity to release my interview with Doug. We talk about a few important topics, to include Veteran community, entrepreneurship and money. Note: We are not providing any financial advice and VA does not official endorse Doug’s guidance on money, but we did invite him onto the podcast because it is an important topic and respect him as a subject matter expert. If you have any questions or want to explore the ideas Doug brings, consult your family’s financial adviser or contact Doug directly using the contact information he provided. About Doug: Before joining HCI Equity, Doug worked in the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley & Co., where he was involved in the completion of numerous mergers and acquisitions and acquisition-related finan

Episode 25 is here! This is a fun milestone for us and we're happy to continue this great program. This week's interview features two Veterans involved with the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City. Kevin Jamison retired after 20 years of service in the Marine Corps. He served three tours in Iraq, was part of the embassy evacuation in Albania in 1997, and was part of the US operation in Haiti in 1994. He is now the Chief Operations Officer for Veterans Community Project. Bryan Meyer is a prior Marine Corps helicopter Crew Chief. He deployed twice to Iraq and participated in Operations Shining Express. he is now the Chief Legal Officer for Veterans Community Project. Covered in Episode 25: WWI commemoration Interviews with Kevin Jamison and Bryan Meyer What is Veterans Community Project The tiny house village for Veterans The value the efforts bring to the community What inspired this initiative? How it fulfills them How its truly benefiting Veterans VA's resources for Veteran Homelessness Veteran of

When Got Your 6 first got on my radar, I wasn't sure what they did. Years later, I still wasn't convinced I understood their mission. Then, a few weeks ago, their Executive Director Bill Rausch interviewed Secretary Shulkin for our YouTube Live event. After the event, I invited him to join me on the podcast and he enthusiastically agreed. We had a very informative and fun conversation regarding his service, Got Your 6, the Veteran space, collaboration among organizations, a conflict of guilt some veterans have, and even beards. About Bill: Bill Rausch is the Executive Director at Got Your 6. He is a former Army Major with over ten years of service including 17 months in Iraq serving under Generals Casey and Petraeus while assigned to the Information Operations Task Force. Prior to joining GY6, Bill was Political Director at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America where he oversaw policy and advocacy campaigns. Bill is also an active community leader and volunteer serving as Chapter Captain for Team Red, Whit

When I first conceptualized VA's podcast, I knew Team Rubicon would be an early feature. Team Rubicon has had a significant impact on the world by providing natural disaster relief and it has had an even bigger impact on the Veteran space by providing a renewed purpose for Veteran volunteers. This week's guest is the Chief Operating Officer for Team Rubicon, Art delaCruz.Art delaCruz served honorably for more than 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.Covered in Episode 23: Vietnam War Commemoration Interview with Navy Veteran Art delaCruz    Why he joined the Navy His experience in the military His decision to ret

This week's podcast features another participant in the 2017 Women Veterans Art Exhibit, Navy Veteran Debra Russell.  The exhibit is traveling to ten different VA medical centers throughout the month of March to celebrate and honor Women's History Month and how Veterans use art for personal expression. Debra joined the military in 1984 and served until 1997. She worked in supply early on and went on to work on the staff for an Admiral.  She was "med-boarded" after a running accident and was separated from the military. Around that same time, she was dealing with a sexual assault she experienced with a superior. Debra opens up regarding her service, her transition, and how she uses art and photography for therapy. Covered in Episode 22: HillVets 100 Interview with Navy Veteran Debra Russell   Why she joined the military Her experience in the Navy Being sexually assaulted by a superior Overcoming an emotional crisis Using her local Vet Center Why she enjoys photography Being a part of the women veterans art

The podcast continues to grow and it is thanks to our wonderful audience. Thank you for taking the time to listen to these powerful Veteran stories. This week's guest is Army Veteran Pamela Corwin. Pamela served in the Army for six years. She went on to complete a Masters in Biology from The Citadel. She now works full-time as a wildlife and fisheries biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. I asked Pamela to join me on the podcast because she is one of ten artists being featured in 2017 women Veterans art exhibit. The exhibit is traveling to ten different VA medical centers throughout the month of March to celebrate and honor Women's History Month and how Veterans use art for personal expression. Covered in Episode 21: Women Veterans art exhibit Interview with Army Veteran Pamela Corwin Why she joined the military Her experience in the Army Being a suicide prevention coordinator Transitioning out of the service Becoming a biologist Art and her enjoyment of drawing fish Suicid

We're back with another great episode of This Week at VA. This week's featured guest is Army Veteran, Bobby Henline. As a 4-tour Iraqi War Veteran, Retired Staff Sergeant, Wounded Warrior, Comedian, and Bravo748 Motivational Presenter, Bobby Henline’s story and lived experiences have been featured in numerous media, including the documentaries “Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor”, “Healing Bobby”, and “Weight of Honor”; on CNN, PBS KET, NPR, Today.com, and Time.com; Time Magazine, People Magazine, The Huffington Post, Guideposts, and The Nipawin Journal; as well as television, radio, and podcasts around the world. During his initial six-month hospital stay, Bobby remained upbeat, positive, and relied on humor to get him through each day. Putting nurses in headlocks, trying to keep other wounded soldiers’ spirits up by telling them jokes, and singing a ditty over and over garnered the attention of his occupational therapist. She challenged him to go to an open mic night and try his hand at comedy. Covered

I hope everyone had a pleasant President's Day weekend. This week's podcast is an exciting one as it features our new Secretary, Dr. David Shulkin. This is the first interview Secretary Shulkin conducted after swearing in as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Honorable David J. Shulkin was nominated by President Trump to serve as the ninth Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 13, 2017. Prior to his confirmation as Secretary, Dr. Shulkin served as VA’s Under Secretary for Health for 18 months, leading the Nation’s largest integrated health care system, with over 1,700 sites of care serving nearly nine million Veterans. Covered in Episode 19: YouTube Live town hall with SECVA Interview with Secretary David Shulkin Taking job as SECVA The importance of the Veteran community Serving Veterans Continuing to improve VA Treating patients Follow Secretary Shulkin on Twitter @SecShulkin #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Sharon Vargas  

The podcast has officially reached more than 10,000 hits. We are truly grateful that all of you have taken the time to listen. This week continues the trend of great interviews with Navy Veteran Jared Lyon. Jared is the President & CEO of Student Veterans of America. Jared was our #VeteranOfTheDay in January 2016. Jared Lyon was appointed President and CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA) on January 4, 2016, overseeing all aspects of the organization. He initially joined the professional staff of SVA in 2014 as the chief development officer and executive vice president of operations.  In this role Jared forged critical partnerships and secured record grant funding for SVA. Named National Student Veteran of the Year by SVA in 2011, Lyon has come full circle to lead the organization he credits with his educational success. Covered in Episode 18: Q&A from our Facebook Chat on Wednesday Interview with Navy Veteran Jared Lyon   Enlisting in the Navy Getting a letter from his dad Transitioning and