Service Before Self Podcast

Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services at the Center for Military and Veterans Services and Ed Dennis, Executive Director, Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, discuss the importance of building a community for veterans and their families. Their conversation focuses on the spirit and power of the 2026 Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt that took place in South Carolina in February. If you are interested in knowing more about the Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt, how to participate or be a sponsor/supporter, go to the AQBFF website at https://www.aqbff.org/ or contact Sam Whitehurst at [email protected].

A conversation with Craig Romanovich, the new Executive Director of the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council. The conversation focuses on their mission to empower America’s Union Veterans.

The Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt is designed to bring veterans together around a shared passion of hunting (particularly waterfowl) and fellowship in coastal South Carolina. The episode goes into detail about how this event transforms both the participating veterans and the community members, whose support makes this event happen. Listen to learn how you can apply and participate as a veteran or how you can assist, support, or sponsor. Go to https://www.aqbff.com/warrior-hunt-application or contact Ed Dennis, Executive Director, Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, at [email protected]. You can also contact Sam Whitehurst, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, at [email protected]. I'll get you linked up with Ed and the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation.

Episode 31 – Equine-Assisted Therapy and Its Impact on Veteran Wellness In this episode, host Sam Whitehurst speaks with Dr. Jesse Logan, a clinical researcher and Army veteran, about the role of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) in supporting veterans' mental health and overall wellness. Dr. Logan discusses his work with Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation, the EAGALA model of therapy, and a new research study comparing EAP to traditional talk therapy for veterans with PTSD. The conversation explores the unique connection between horses and humans, and how alternative, community-based therapies can offer powerful pathways to healing for those transitioning out of military service.

A conversation with Ed Dennis, Army Veteran and Executive Director of the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation (AQBFF). Our focus during this episode is on the role of community-based organizations and their impact on the communities they serve. AQBFF is a great example of an organization that "punches above their weight" delivering services, conducting research, and advocating for a wide array of communities, including veterans and their families.