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
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This episode, we’re taking a step back from our usual interviews to spotlight the mission of CompeerCORPS. Marc sits down with Reverend Ben, who shares how simple acts of companionship can transform lives, particularly for veterans facing isolation, mental health challenges, or the unique struggles of aging. From casual conversations to community outings, the goal is to ensure no veteran feels left behind. Reverend Ben also highlights how volunteering- even just a few hours each week- can mak...
In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Shaun Hall, Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since 2008, VBC has created spaces (both in-person and online) where veterans from all eras and branches can share their stories, connect with one another, and preserve history for future generations. Shaun shares how he discovered VBC through his theater work, why storytelling is so powerful in the veteran community, and how the organization pivoted during the pandemic ...
In this episode of Untold Valor, we welcome Sarah Schwager, Program Lead for the King of Prussia chapter of Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal through the therapeutic power of fly fishing. Founded in 2005, Project Healing Waters now serves veterans across 48 states with over 200 programs nationwide. Sarah shares how her lifelong passion for fishing and background as a certified trauma therapist come together in her work with veterans recovering from both vi...
In this powerful kickoff to Season 4, we’re joined by Kimberly Hollenback, Regional VOCA Supervising Attorney with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Kim shares how her team helps victims of domestic violence- especially veterans and their families- navigate difficult legal situations involving restraining orders, custody battles, financial abuse, and more. Domestic violence isn’t always visible. Emotional, psychological, and financial abuse are equally damaging and often harder to spot....
We are honored to welcome retired Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack to the podcast today. With over 29 years of distinguished service in the United States Army, he’ll share his story from enlistment to leading thousands of soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division. In the first of a two-part conversation, Bart reflects on his early days in the military and the leadership lessons that shaped him. He recounts a harrowing insider attack at Camp Pennsylvania in 2003- an event that left soldi...
In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Grace Caulfield, LPC, and Clinic Director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals. With over 24 years of experience, Grace shares how her team provides timely, comprehensive mental health support to service members, veterans, and their families. Grace discusses how the clinic reduces barriers to care, offers services via telehealth across several states, and focuses on early intervention as prevention. She also explains ho...
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by The Honorable John P. Capuzzi Sr., a senior judge in Delaware County, who has spent the past several years helping veterans and others in crisis find their footing again. Judge Capuzzi oversees Veterans Court, Mental Health Court, the Second Chance Court for substance abuse, and a program aimed at reducing gun violence among young offenders. You’ll learn how the Veterans Court works and focuses on treatment, support, and long-term recovery rather than...
In this gripping follow-up episode, retired Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack returns to share the lasting impact of surviving a horrific insider attack during his time with the 101st Airborne. He shares the emotional and strategic fallout of that day, and how it reshaped his understanding of trust, leadership, and personal safety. Tune in as Bart offers powerful, practical lessons drawn from his experience. From spotting red flags to understanding the “proximity illusion,” he breaks down th...
We’re honored to be joined by Clarence Jones today, a Marine Corps veteran whose own struggles after service ignited his passion for helping others. After facing challenges that led to a medical discharge, Clarence experienced firsthand the difficulties many veterans encounter when transitioning to civilian life. Determined to make a difference, he now works with the Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) to connect veterans with critical resources for housing, mental health, and ...
In this episode, we are joined by Dartanyun Wilkins-Harvey, a 12-year Army veteran who now works with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) in Pennsylvania. After serving in Iraq and returning home, Dartanyun faced the challenges of finding his place in the civilian world firsthand. Today, he plays a crucial role in assisting veterans as they navigate barriers to employment. His journey offers valuable insights into the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life...
Navigating the VA benefits system can be frustrating, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Many veterans feel unheard and stuck in an endless cycle- but you don’t have to fight alone. In this episode of Untold Valor, we’re sitting down with Neil Woods and Lori Underwood of Woods & Woods: The Veterans Firm to discuss the biggest challenges veterans face when filing claims, why persistence is key, and how professional advocacy can make all the difference. Neil and Lori share powerful...
Today we have the privilege of speaking with Brie White, a passionate advocate for veterans and the Director of Griswold Home Care in Delaware County. As an army brat, she has witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by her family members, which has fueled her desire to give back to the veteran community. Griswold Home Care operates as a non-medical home care agency and is a nationally VA-approved provider. With over 200 locations across 32 states, they are dedicated to serving veterans and en...
Welcome back to another episode of Untold Valor! This week, we are joined by the Director of Community Engagement and Development at Sauers Cares, Danielle Fox. She’s here to share more about their new initiative, Drive and Thrive, which is dedicated to uplifting individuals and families facing life’s toughest challenges by providing crucial transportation support. For veterans, who may already face unique adversities, having dependable transportation can be a game-changer. From Sauers’ quart...
In this episode of Untold Valor, we’re honored to share the inspiring journey of Kathryn "Kat" Kirkman, a fourth-generation military veteran. Following a family legacy of service, Kat began her career at the United States Air Force Academy, where she studied astronautical engineering before becoming an air refueling pilot. However, her military career came to an abrupt end when medical issues led to an early retirement. Faced with the question of what to do next, Kat found herself drawn to so...
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 civ...
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 understa...
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 ...
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 pur...
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 fathe...
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