Behind The Mission

Show SummaryOn this episode, we have a conversation with Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Rob Bushey, Executive Director of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association and a 32-year Coast Guard veteran. He shares his perspective on the Coast Guard’s unique dual mission and the role that the CGCPOA plays in strengthening connection and advocacy across the Coast Guard.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today’s GuestRob Bushey is the Executive Director of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, where he serves as a workforce advocate and organizational leader supporting enlisted Coast Guard members and their families. A 32-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Rob’s career spanned operational law enforcement, search and rescue, drug interdiction, and maritime security missions at sea and abroad. He has served at surf and lifeboat stations on the West Coast, as well as in senior enlisted leadership roles, including overseas assignments in the Middle East supporting joint operations.Throughout his career, Rob has focused on empowering enlisted personnel by advancing professional development, mission readiness, and community engagement. In his current role, he helps lead a national membership organization that advocates for Coast Guard enlisted members, connects leaders and units across the service, and provides programs that address workforce challenges, family needs, and enlisted excellence.Rob holds extensive experience integrating Coast Guard capabilities within broader national security frameworks and is known for strengthening communication between the enlisted force and senior leadership. He lives with his family and remains deeply committed to service, mentorship, and enhancing the effectiveness and wellbeing of the Coast Guard community.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeCoast Guard Chief Petty Officers & Enlisted Association WebsitePsychArmor on USCGCPOA WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week the PsychArmor Veteran Ready program. This program offers a short, self-paced online training experience that builds foundational understanding of military culture and practical skills for supporting Veterans, service members, and their families with respect and confidence. Large organizations like the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association can partner with PsychArmor to provide this military-cultural education to their members, helping teams, departments, and entire workforces become more Veteran Ready and better connected to the military-connected community.. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/pages/veteran-ready Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring featuring a replay of a recent conversation that PsychArmor’s own Carole Turner had with Jim Lindsay on the Howard’s Huddle podcast. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today’s GuestJoshua Parish is an Iraq War Veteran who’s greatest passion is helping veterans when they transition into civilian life and giving them the best opportunity to be successful. Parish has over 15 years of experience working with local, state, and federal government agencies creating programs that have developed sustainable solutions including: Veterans Treatment Court, Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans, Veterans Transportation Initiative, among others. Parish has been awarded the Community Leader Best of Michigan Award and a Veteran Hero Award. He holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Western Michigan Thomas Cooley School of Law. Parish is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife and children. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeVet Life WebsiteDownload the Battle Buddy AppFrom Glory Days: Veterans Edition Podcast  PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. As an employer, you are looking for untapped talent pools. One talent pool that can be overlooked is the diverse and highly educated group of military spouses. Take this course to learn the top 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/15-Reasons-to-Hire-a-Military-Spouse Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring featuring a replay of a recent conversation that PsychArmor’s own Carole Turner had with Jim Lindsay on the Howard’s Huddle podcast. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today’s GuestHoward’s Huddle Podcast is a show where untold stories find their voice and unfinished missions find their ending. During the show, Jim explores the lived experiences of veterans, military spouses, and the employers who believe in second service. The show honors the legacy of Sergeant Howard Gumm, a WWII hero who gave his life in service and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Now, they’re on a mission to upgrade his honor to the Medal of Honor During this conversation, Jim has a conversation with Carole Turner, Senior Advisor at PsychArmor, joins Howard’s Huddle to share her journey as a military spouse, advocate, and champion for military families. With over 30 years of lived experience, a background in communications and education, and leadership in both nonprofit and volunteer roles, Carole brings powerful insight into the challenges and opportunities facing military and Veteran communities.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeHoward’s Huddle Podcast on YouTubePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. As an employer, you are looking for untapped talent pools. One talent pool that can be overlooked is the diverse and highly educated group of military spouses. Take this course to learn the top 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/15-Reasons-to-Hire-a-Military-Spouse Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Navy Spouse Patty Sandoval, Founder and CEO of HomeFront Haven, an organization that provides clinically informed community support to military spouses and partners before, during and after a deployment so that no one carries the homefront alone. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today’s GuestPatricia “Patty” Sandoval, is a proud military spouse and public health professional. She built HomeFront Haven™ after experiencing mental health struggles during her husband’s deployment in 2023. During that period, Patty found that there was a critical need for evidence backed care focused on supporting positive mental health outcomes among military spouses and partners. During the deployment, Patty kept hearing “You knew what you signed up for” and friends would reassure her that she’d be “ok.” Instead, Patty found herself exhausted, anxious, and feeling incredibly alone.  To ensure that others wouldn’t have to experience the same journey, she sought to advance a preventative approach to mental health.HomeFront Haven™’s model prioritizes community-based support as a critical strategy to reduce reliance on crisis care systems. Instead of asking spouses and partners, “Didn’t you know what you signed up for?” this program asks, “How can we support you, so you don’t have to carry the home front alone?”Links Mentioned During the EpisodeHomeFront Haven Web SitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course Accessing Health Care. This course offers service members, Veterans, and their families an overview of the available healthcare options. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Accessing-Health-Care Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of Leadership Programs for the George W. Bush Institute. We talk about some of the initiatives of the Bush Institute, including the Veteran Leadership Program, the Democracy is a Verb initiative and the Bush Institute's efforts to celebrate America 250.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today’s GuestMichael Bailey serves as Deputy Director, Leadership Programs, for the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, he manages the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which focuses on developing the leadership skills of veterans and those who serve them and their families. Bailey also supports alumni engagement efforts for the Institute’s international leadership programs.Prior to joining the George W. Bush Institute, Bailey provided operations, media, and communications support to The American Choral Directors Association, a music organization dedicated to the excellence and advancement of choral music.Bailey is a native of Arlington, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from The University of Oklahoma, and he holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and real estate from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. He has a passion for running and enjoys racing in half and full marathons.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeGeorge W. Bush InstituteStand-To Veteran Leadership ProgramAmerica 250Democracy is a Verb initiative  PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course The Myths and Facts of Military Leaders. This course identifies four of the most popular myths about military leaders and how they don’t align with the reality of working alongside Veterans and Service members. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/The-Myths-and-Facts-of-Military-Leaders Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Andy Gasper, CEO and President of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a nonprofit organization that has created Freedom Stations, recovery transition centers and housing facilities that provide injured Warriors with the acclimation time, guidance and resources to successfully make the transition from military service to civilian lifeProvide 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestAndy Gasper is the President and CEO of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members as they transition from military service to civilian life. Warrior Foundation Freedom Station provides transitional housing, peer support, mentorship, financial and career guidance, wellness services, and community connection through its Freedom Station residences in San Diego, helping medically retiring warriors prepare for long-term success.Under Andy’s leadership, the foundation has expanded its mission to include a structured 18-month transitional housing program that offers wraparound support services designed to empower residents to pursue education, careers, and independent living. The program integrates peer-to-peer support, counseling, mentorship, and practical life guidance to foster meaningful community and improved quality of life for veterans navigating the challenges of recovery and civilian transition.A Marine Corps veteran himself, Andy brings both lived experience and professional commitment to his work, emphasizing the importance of community, dignity, and holistic support for America’s warriors. Under his stewardship, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station has opened multiple transitional housing facilities and continues to scale its impact to serve more medically retiring service members and their families.Warrior Foundation Freedom Station supports service members and veterans who are seriously ill or injured, affected by post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury, undergoing therapy, or navigating medical retirement and reintegration into civilian life.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeWarrior Foundation WebsiteWarrior Foundation VideoPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course How to Build a Successful Transition Plan. Join General Peter Chiarelli, United States Army (Ret.), in PsychArmor’s course “How to Build a Successful Transition Plan” as he discusses the importance of setting realistic expectations, goal-setting, and flexibility during your transition. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/How-to-Build-a-Successful-Transition-Plan Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Navy spouse Mackenzie Yaede, family communications and logistics coordinator for Luke’s Wings, an organization that provides emergency travel planning services and airplane tickets for the families and loved ones of wounded, ill, and injured service members, Veterans, and fallen officers, during hospital recovery and rehabilitation.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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestMackenzie Yaede serves as the Family Communications and Logistics Coordinator at Luke’s Wings, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the organization’s flight assistance programs for wounded warriors, Veterans, fallen officers, and their families. In this role, she reviews and approves flight requests, coordinates with travel partners, supports program reporting, and collaborates with partner organizations—including military hospitals, hospice care centers, and law enforcement agencies—to ensure seamless and compassionate support for those in need.Before joining Luke’s Wings, Mackenzie spent several years working in the field of education, where she built a strong foundation in program coordination, student support, and inclusive practices. Most recently, she served as an Education Specialist, leading special education assessments, facilitating individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting cross-functional teams to promote academic and behavioral growth. Her prior roles in both New Jersey and California focused on delivering targeted interventions, collaborating with families, and fostering equitable, student-centered environments.In addition to her professional work, Mackenzie brings extensive volunteer leadership experience, particularly in support of military families and individuals with special needs. For the last several years, she has overseen key aspects of an annual family camp that supports individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, coordinating inclusive programming and providing meaningful respite and community. While living in San Diego, she also founded and led a military ministry support group at her local parish, offering fellowship and support for military-connected individuals. Her broader volunteer work includes mentoring youth, coordinating service projects, and supporting faith-based outreach programs.As a military spouse with a deep personal connection to the military community and a lifelong passion for service, Mackenzie is proud to support Luke’s Wings’ mission of keeping families connected during times of healing and recovery. She understands firsthand the power of family presence and is honored to play a role in reuniting loved ones when they are needed most.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLuke’s Wings WebsiteDelta Sky Miles ContributionPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor learning path, Self-Care for Caregivers. Learn how you can prevent burnout and care for yourself throughout your caregiving journey. After completing all of the courses in this series, you'll receive a "Self-care for Caregivers" digital badge to share on social media and highlight your learning journey. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/bundles/self-care-for-caregivers Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show Summarywith Lesa Shaw, an experienced Indigenous consultant and community leader with more than 30 years of service across Tribal, federal, state, and municipal sectors. Lesa and I talk about PsychArmor’s effort to develop training materials through their effort supporting Native American and Alaska Native Veterans and Service Members. 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestLesa Shaw is a tribal leader, public-health consultant, and advocate dedicated to improving health outcomes for Native and Tribal communities, especially Native American veterans. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma. Over her career, Lesa has held multiple roles across federal, state, tribal, and local government. She has served as a contracting officer and practice manager with the Indian Health Service, worked as a health-policy analyst for tribes, and served as a municipal-level elected official in the city of Shawnee at the request of the central tribes. In tribal service, Lesa has worked to bridge cultural traditions and modern health policy — advocating for culturally respectful care that honors tribal identity and heritage while addressing systemic inequalities in access to care. More recently, she has been part of the advisory committee of PsychArmor ’s Native American & Alaska Native Veterans Health & Wellness initiative — helping guide efforts to make veteran care more culturally informed and supportive of Native and Tribal peoples. Lesa remains deeply committed to amplifying the voices of Native veterans and their families, building trust between tribal communities and federal care systems, and laying the groundwork for long-term, culturally grounded health equity.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBTM214 – Dr. Melita “Chepa” RankBTM 220 – CSM(R) Julia KellyBTM222 – Dean DauphinaisPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Bob Delaney, a mental health advocate who has also had a full life: a college basketball player, a new jersey state trooper who went undercover in some of the biggest Mob families in new jersey, and his role as a high-profile NBA referee. Bob’s insights have been sought after by senior military leadership to speak to troops about mental health and posttraumatic stress. 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestBob Delaney is an NBA Cares Ambassador and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Special Advisor for Officiating Development. He served as the NBA's Vice President of Referee Operations and Director of Officials, after 25 seasons as an NBA referee. Prior to his career in professional basketball, Delaney was a highly decorated New Jersey State Trooper who went undercover to infiltrate the mafia; causing his post-traumatic stress journey. Delaney's firsthand experiences coupled with a passion to better understand mental health make him an expert on the subject. His efforts to educate and bring attention to the topic of post-traumatic stress have entailed visits to military troops around the world, including multiple trips to Afghanistan and Iraq. Described by retired General Robert Brown, U.S. Army Four Star Commander of the Pacific, as the "person who related to soldiers better than any visitor I have seen in my 36 years in the military," Delaney authored a book on the topic, Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post Traumatic Stress. He is also the author of Covert: My Life Infiltrating the Mob. His most recent book - Heroes are Human...Lessons in Resilience, Courage and Wisdom from the COVID Frontlines shares the emotional toll on our healthcare community as they fought an invisible enemy. He has been the subject of numerous media articles and shows including Dr. Sanjay Gupta CNN. Delaney is with the University South Florida Corporate Training and Professional Education Office as Lead Instructor for Trauma Awareness, Resilience, Selfcare programs.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBob Delaney’s Web sitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryNatalie Elliott Handy, a caregiver for her husband and mother and co-host of the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Podcast. During our conversation, we share the commitment that she and her sister have to highlighting and supporting military connected caregivers. 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestNatalie is someone who genuinely loves people. She has a natural passion for meeting new faces, staying closely connected with family, friends, and colleagues, and, most of all, helping others. Anyone who knows her will readily say, “Natalie doesn’t know a stranger.” It’s simply who she has always been.Raised in her family’s hardware store, Natalie learned early how to engage customers — and how to count change — by talking to everyone who walked through the door. At church, she was the first to volunteer to sing, recite Bible verses in “big church,” and attend every youth activity, especially lock-ins. In school, her teachers often placed her in the front row to help minimize “distractions,” because she was, without a doubt, a social butterfly.Those gifts — her ability to connect, her quick wit, and her desire to support others — naturally led her into leadership roles throughout her career in the mental health field. She married young at 21 and, many years later, again at 39. She often describes her first marriage as a light-hearted “practice run” with someone kind, but not Jason, the partner she shares her life with today.From the outside, Natalie’s life looked picture-perfect: a fulfilling job, a loving husband, a close-knit support system, and of course, her beloved dogs. But behind the scenes, she was burning the candle at both ends — working 12-hour days, six days a week, answering every request with, “No problem. Happy to help.”Everything shifted when Jason was diagnosed with cancer in March 2022. In the midst of that crisis, Natalie confronted the truth that she couldn’t keep living at that pace. During those darkest moments, she reconnected with her faith and, through that, rediscovered her true self. She learned to acknowledge her imperfections and, more importantly, to love herself fully — flaws and all.Today, Natalie has reordered her life with clear priorities: God, herself, Jason, family and friends, and then work. She says “no” far more often, seeks silver linings in difficult moments, and is grateful for the journey that led her to live God’s plan instead of her own. She embraces the mantra of being “perfectly imperfect.”Her mission is simple: to share stories and experiences that inspire, uplift, and — whenever possible — spark a little laughter. She strives to encourage others to be true to themselves while supporting the people they love. And along the way, she fully intends to keep making new friends.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Website2024 Heroes Caring for Heroes series2023 Heroes Caring for Heroes seriesPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Navy Veteran David Boone, a retired Rear Admiral and President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council or SDMAC. SDMAC is a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the service members, veterans, and their families in the greater San Diego region. 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestSan Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) President and CEO David Boone is the CEO of SDMAC (sdmac.org) which is a nonprofit that advocates, informs and connects the San Diego military with the community, industry and civic leaders. Previously, he provided consulting services for a wide portfolio of clients in the engineering and construction industry. He was the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Michael Baker International responsible for both public and private sector development in the consultant and engineering industry from highway and bridges to water, construction services and planning. Prior to that, he was President of CB&I Federal Services and its successor organization, APTIM Government Services. He joined the CB&I team in December 2013 following a 30 year career in the Navy. He began in Strategic Development, and Business Development then promoted to Chief Operating Officer and then President in the Federal sector of Engineering and Construction, Environmental Services, Energy and Base Operating Services.Mr. Boone retired from the US Navy in 2013 as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Rear Admiral. His last active duty assignment was the Director of Shore Readiness where he was responsible for overseeing facilities and energy funding and policy for 70 bases worldwide – a $9 billion annual budget. His tours as Commanding Officer included Underwater Construction TEAM ONE (Seabees), NAVFAC MARIANAS (Guam), and NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic.Raised in Yokohama, Japan, high school in Oregon, Mr. Boone first attended the University of Oregon and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. He then transferred and graduated from Cal Poly SLO in Civil Engineering with Masters degrees in Coastal Engineering and Construction Management from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a registered professional engineer (Virginia and Florida). He was a Navy contracting officer, a Navy Diver, and maintains a TOP SECRET security classification. He received numerous personal Navy awards, including the Nippon Zenkokai Award from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. He is currently a member of the Industry Leaders Council with ASCE Industry Leaders Council | ASCE.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeSan Diego Military Advisory CouncilSan Diego Emergency Action GroupPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Seeking Support. Transitioning from military service can evoke strong emotions. PsychArmor Institute’s “Seeking Support” offers service members the tools and resources needed to seek support during and after military transition and into civilian life.   You can find a link to the resource our show notes https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Seeking-Support   You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/chris-jachemic Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Army Combat Veteran Jaymes Poling and Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing.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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestJaymes Poling is a former infantry leader in the 82nd Airborne Division who served three years in Afghanistan. After coming home, he turned to writing to make sense of his experience, which led to the creation of Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing.He’s since become a speaker and mental health advocate, working with veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors across the country. Through hundreds of engagements nationwide, Jaymes brings a raw, honest voice to conversations about leadership, community, and post-traumatic growth. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeModern Warrior Live Web SitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Supporting Someone with Invisible Wounds. Not all wounds can be seen, and invisible wounds are just as serious as visible ones. This course introduces the four main types of invisible wounds - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance Use Disorder, and Depression.   You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-someone-with-invisible-wounds    Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Dr Ed Tick, internationally recognized educator, author and expert on the military, veterans, PTSD, Viet Nam, and the psychology, spirituality and history of global trauma, warrior traditions, and military-related issues. 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestEdward Tick, PhD is a nonfiction writer and poet. He is a transformational healer, holistic psychotherapist, educator, consultant and international journey guide. Dr. Tick has been working to heal the invisible wounds of war and violent trauma for over forty years. He is honored for his groundbreaking work in the spiritual, holistic, and community-based healing of veterans and other survivors of severe violence who suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and moral injury. He has published breakthrough books in this field, including the award-winning War and the Soul. His work introduced the ancient concept of soul wounding and how to heal it to our modern military, veteran and trauma studies worlds. Dr. Tick is an internationally recognized educator, author and expert on the military, veterans, PTSD, Viet Nam, and the psychology, spirituality and history of global trauma, warrior traditions, and military-related issues. For four decades he has conducted trainings, retreats and workshops across the country and overseas. He has trained staff, taught and worked with wounded warriors at major Department of Defense and Veteran Administration facilities and at colleges, universities, hospitals, health care and community centers across the country and overseas. Defense Dept. and VA facilities use his pioneering work and he has served as the US military's subject matter expert trainer on PTSD and Moral Injury for the past decade. Ed cofounded the nonprofit Soldier's Heart, Inc. with his partner Kate Dahlstedt and for 13 years served as its director from their national offices in Troy, New York. He now consults internationally on these issues. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeDr. Tick’s Web SiteBooks by Dr. Tick Close Encounters in War Journal  Healing a Soldier’s Heart on PBSPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a previous podcast episode on the topic of Moral Injury, episode 188 with Dr. Shira Maguen. In this episode, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of Moral Injury as well as how the clinical community have come to understand the concept.    You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/dr-shira-maguen Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryThis episode features a conversation with Kathleen Ellertson, the Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute. The Veteran Art Institute is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to honoring and empowering active-duty military and veterans through the arts.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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestKristin Saboe, PhD, is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist that uses science and research to drive large-scale impact at the intersection of strategy, policy, and research. She is the Head of Employee Voice at Google, a professor at Georgetown University, and a U.S. Army Reserve futures innovation officer. Dr. Saboe previously led Employee Listening, Research, and Strategy at The Boeing Company. In this role she authored and led Boeing’s talent strategy for veterans and military connected employees. Prior to this, she served as an Army Research Psychologist establishing strategy and policy for performance optimization, analytics, and talent management. She holds a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and the Society for Military Psychology. She received the early career award from both the Society for Military Psychology and the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology and was recognized for her leadership impact by the President George W Bush Institute in 2019. She is co-editor of the book Military Veterans Employment: A Guide for the Data-Driven Leader and provides pro bono support leading Government Relations and Advocacy for the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology, as founding board member of the Military Psychology Foundation, and for several nonprofits.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMilitary Veteran Employment: A Guide for the Data-Driven LeaderPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the previous episode in this MCON series, episode 236 with Air Force Veteran Chris Jachimiec, a dedicated speaker and proponent for suicide prevention based on his own experience as a suicide loss survivor   You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/chris-jachemic Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryThis episode features a conversation with Kathleen Ellertson, the Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute. The Veteran Art Institute is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to honoring and empowering active-duty military and veterans through the arts.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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestKathleen Ellertson is the dedicated Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute (VAI). Inspired by her father, an Army Air Forces Veteran and WWII Bronze Star Medal recipient, Kathleen has channeled her lifelong passion for the arts into a mission to honor veterans through creative expression. With a BFA in Art History and years of experience curating veteran art exhibits, including a notable year-long exhibit at the Pentagon, Kathleen has established VAI as a platform for veterans to showcase their work both online and in local galleries. Since its inception in 2019, VAI has not only hosted numerous art exhibitions but has also cultivated a nurturing community where veteran artists can share their stories and find solace. Kathleen's unwavering dedication to giving back to the veteran community continues to drive her work, making a meaningful impact through art and advocacy.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeVeteran Art Institute Web Site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Telling Your Story. Your experience in the United States military is one only you can tell and it’s up to you how much you choose to share with others. In this course, four Veterans share their personal stories and offer insight.   You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show Summaryfeaturing a conversation with PsychArmor’s own Jenna Pryor, Vice President of Partnerships, and the Co-Hosts of Humana Radio’s The Debrief Podcast, Donny Distler and Leigh Barnett. Donny and Leigh have a great conversation about how PsychArmor’s courses can support Suicide Prevention and greater awareness of military culture in the health provider community.  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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestThis week’s episode is a replay of a conversation with PsychArmor’s Vice President of Partnerships, Jenna Pryor, and the Co-Hosts of Human Radio’s The Debrief Podcast, Leigh Ann Barnett and Donnie Distler. Leigh Ann is a military family member who serves as an SNP Care Management and Case Manager with Humana, and Donnie is a Navy Veteran and Senior Acquisition Integration Professional with Humana. The Debrief Podcast is a series that is produced on behalf of Humana’s SALUTE network resource group for Humana staff that have a military and veteran affiliation. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeHumana’s SALUTE Network Resource GroupVA S.A.V.E. Training15 Things Veterans Want You to Know PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the VA S.A.V.E. course. In collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs, this course covers suicide risk in the military and Veteran communities. Learn to identify at-risk Veterans and use S.A.V.E. steps to help make a difference.   You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Air Force Veteran Chris Jachimiec, a dedicated speaker and proponent for suicide prevention based on his own experience as a suicide loss survivor, and will be sharing his role at the upcoming event MCON, a live event in Las Vegas Nevada from October 23rd to October 26th, 2025Provide 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestChris Jachimiec devoted 20 years to the United States Air Force, serving in critical leadership roles throughout his career. A veteran of Operation Southern Watch and the war in Afghanistan, he spent over 15 years stationed in Las Vegas, where he shaped the next generation of Airmen through mentorship and operational excellence. His dedication earned him three Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Air Force Achievement Medal, among numerous other accolades. He was also recognized as Air Combat Command First Sergeant of the Year (2016), the United States Air Force Warfare Center NCO of the Year (2012) and was a Distinguished Graduate at every level of Air Force Professional Military Education, demonstrating his leadership at the highest levels. After his medical retirement in 2020, Christransformed personal adversity into a mission of advocacy and support forfellow service members. Following the tragic loss of his brother, a Marineveteran, to suicide in 2017, he dedicated himself to mental health awarenessand suicide prevention. As a distinguished member of both the Governor’s andMayor’s Suicide Prevention Challenge teams, he works to create real change inveteran mental health initiatives. His commitment to this cause also led him towork with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), providingcompassionate support to military families dealing with loss. His advocacyreached a national audience through his participation in the Ad Council’s"Service Never Stops" campaign, which promotes responsible firearmstorage as a means of suicide prevention.  Chris currently provides livedexperience and subject matter expert support to a Department of Veteran’sAffairs led suicide prevention pilot program. Beyond his advocacy, Chris is also a champion inadaptive sports, competing in the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games,where he claimed multiple gold medals. His resilience, both physically andmentally, embodies the spirit of perseverance. Whether leading on thebattlefield, mentoring fellow veterans, or competing as an athlete, Chriscontinues to demonstrate that service extends far beyond active duty; it is alifelong commitment to supporting others and strengthening the veterancommunity. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeChris Jachemic on LinkedInMCON Web Site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a recently released episode as part of our MCON Series, episode 235 with Marine Corps veteran Melissa Hawkins. Melissa is a member of the board of advisors of MCON, and shares her perspective on the event.   You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/melissa-hawkins Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Melissa Hawkins, a retired Sergeant Major and a seasoned Physical Therapist with a specialization in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and the tactical athlete. We talk about her work as well as her role as a member of the Advisory Board of MCON, a live event in Las Vegas Nevada from October 23rd to October 26th, 2025Provide 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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestMelissa Hawkins’ legacy is one of optimizing the human mind, body, and spirit, for greatness. A seasoned Physical Therapist with a specialization in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and the tactical athlete, Melissa has spent her entire adult life dedicated to enhancing the human body through injury prevention, rehabilitation, and human performance enhancement.Her career took an extraordinary turn when she served, and subsequently retired from, the Marine Corps Reserve. Her last assignment as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Human Performance Branch allowed her to combine her two careers and play a pivotal role in optimizing the well-being and performance of the men and women of the United States Marine Corps. Her commitment to ensuring that Marines not only operated at their peak physical condition, but also that of mental resilience, cognitive enhancement, and holistic well-being, solidified her reputation as a true advocate for human performance optimization.Continuing her mission to push the boundaries of human capability, Melissa now works with the Optimizing the Human Weapon System program, where she utilizes her expertise to enhance the lethality and capabilities of today’s warfighters. Her work in this groundbreaking field is reshaping how we approach the future fight. With a keen understanding of the human body and a commitment to excellence, her tireless efforts continue to impact the lives of servicemen and women, as her commitment to those who serve, remains her top priority.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMelissa Hawkins on LinkedInMCON Web Site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a previous podcast episode talking about MCON, Episode 223. In this episode, we talk with Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, an entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. We talk about MCON, an annual event that celebrates military culture and includes MCON Health conducted in partnership with PsychArmor. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/waco-hoover-mcon Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

 Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re replaying a session of the PsychArmor LGBTQIA Community of Practice with PsyhcArmor Instructional Designer Ramon Salazar and Lindsay Church, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America. PsychArmor’s Community of Practice (CoP) on Supporting LGBTQIA+ Veterans is a dedicated space designed to equip providers with the knowledge, strategies, and resources necessary to improve care for LGBTQIA+ Veterans.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 military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestLindsay Church (they/them) is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America, a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just world for the minority veteran community including veterans of color, women, LGBTQ+, and (non) religious minority veterans. Lindsay has over a decade of experience rooted in military and veteran advocacy and grassroots organizing and has worked among numerous coalitions to usher in transformational policy changes and reforms. They have facilitated agency-wide cultural competency trainings and assessments to ensure organizations and governmental entities are able to serve their minority and veteran constituencies effectively, efficiently, and in a culturally informed manner.Lindsay received their graduate degree, with a focus in international conflict and countering violent extremism, and their undergraduate degree, in Near Eastern Language and Civilization and Comparative Islamic Studies, from the University of Washington. They also hold an associate degree in Persian-Farsi from Defense Language Institute. Lindsay is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where they served as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretative.Lindsay currently serves on the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans, an interagency council charged with providing recommendations for public land managers and organizations to increase access to outdoor recreation for service members, veterans, and their families. Prior to founding and leading the Minority Veterans of America, Lindsay served as the Assistant Director and co-founder of Student Veteran Life at the University of Washington. Their previous appointments include LGBTQ Commissioner for the City of Seattle, Co-Chair of Congresswoman Suzan Delbene's (WA-1) Veterans Advisory Council, steering committee member for Recreate Responsibly Coalition, and Co-Chair of the Military Advisory Council for OutServe-SLDN (now Modern Military Association of America). Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMinority Vets Website PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the previous episode on STEP, episode 30 of the Behind the Mission Podcast. On this episode, Navy Veteran, CEO and Co-Founder of the Support the Enlisted Project, Tony Teravainen, talks about the need to support junior enlisted service members with financial education and assistance. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/lgbtqia  Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com