DiscoverUntold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action
Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Author: Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS

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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. Untold Valor is made possible by Voice & Vision... Bringing help, hope and healing to individuals, families and communities affected by mental illness, addictions, and disabilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Voice & Vision's work with veterans began with one veteran meeting another who had mental health challenges and was very isolated. The impact of that relationship on both veterans was life-changing, and a mission to expand that work led to CompeerCORPS, a network of military veterans who provide peer mentoring friendships with other veterans. These veterans spend time together each week promoting mental health and substance use recovery through the healing power of camaraderie, support and friendship. Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans' Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Resources: Voice & Vision: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/ CompeerCORPS: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/compeercorps/ #Recovery #WholisticHealth #Community #podcasting #podcasts #podcastcommunity #podcasterthoughts #veterans #camaraderie #support #friendship #mentalhealth #mentoring #UntoldValor #help #hope #healing #individuals #families #communities #mental illness #addictions #disabilities #battle #courage #recovery #perseverance #strength #life #lifechanging #brokenness #willingness #understanding #therapy #communication #thriving #success #negativethoughts #win #openness #suicide #family
58 Episodes
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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 health. In this episode, he opens up about his struggles with anxiety and alcohol and the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civi...
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, including mental health challenges and PTSD. Kween fell in love with fitness outside of the military, which became a cornerstone in her healing ...
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 specifically for first responders and veterans.Whether you're on your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to understan...
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 of this foundation’s work, including their innovative approach to helping those with PTSD and how they work to ensure no veteran feels alone i...
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 becoming a widow at a young age and battling severe depression and anxiety, Theresa decided to become an advocate for those in pain. She purs...
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 challenges, addictions, and homelessness.Join us as Quanda shares her inspiration behind founding the Robert L. Howie Veterans Home in honor of her father...
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 was pregnant, and after going back to school, made it her mission to provide supportive housing for at-risk veterans.Tune in as Stephanie shares t...
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 surrounding mental health within the veteran community.In this conversation, Tom and Matthew highlight the vital role of peer support in a veteran’s ...
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 veterans can find purpose and redemption in the midst of chaos and trauma. In this episode, Jeremy draws from the biblical stories of Elijah and Nehe...
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 Robichaux and the Mighty Oaks Foundation that Jeremy found a new purpose. The Mighty Oaks Foundation, a faith-based organization, is dedicated to...
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 to “make living life enjoyable to the greatest extent possible.”One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the importance of reaching out ...
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 Initiative Manager at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) in Philadelphia. In this role, she oversees a holis...
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 initiatives, including The Empowerment Zone, an organization she founded to provide 24-hour emergency food coverage to veterans and essential ...
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 experience, having confronted his own demons and emerged stronger on the other side. Throughout the episode, Bryan reminds us that reaching out for...
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 to advocate for prevention strategies against veteran suicide.Tune in as Darcy and Reverend Ben share the details and goals of this (compl...
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 powerful stories to share of veterans who have walked through Thorncroft’s doors and left with a renewed sense of purpose. She’ll take us through T...
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.Stay tuned to learn how gardening offers healing benefits, including physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and stress reduction for veteran...
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 transitioning back to civilian life.Listen in as Lena talks openly about her experience with PTSD, her journey to seeking help, and the profound impact of comm...
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 battlefields of Vietnam to a lifelong career in law enforcement. Throughout our conversation, Joseph reflects on the challenges he faced upon ret...
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 work to seeking therapy and building a support network, Andrew offers valuable insights and advice for fellow veterans. Tune in to hear his in...
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