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 journey to healing and recovery. They also share details about impactful initiatives like the Veterans Response Team, a program that trains veteran law enforcement officers to provide immediate assistance and direct veterans in crisis to mental health resources.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories, discover valuable resources for veterans and their families, and learn how you can be a part of their important mission.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
2:07 – Getting to know Tom and Matthew
2:40 – The biggest challenges facing veterans today
17:50 – Supporting veterans struggling with mental health 
25:12 – The Veterans Response Team
32:49 – The power of peer-to-peer contact and connection
39:10 – Recovery is a journey + final thoughts 

Learn more about this week's guests

Tom's Bio

Matthew's Bio

EPISODE LINKS

Find a VA location near you

https://www.va.gov/find-locations

Buck’s County Suicide Prevention Task Force

https://www.buckscounty.gov/972/Suicide-Prevention-Task-Force

Hold On You Matter Prevention Resources

https://holdonyoumatter.com/

Get involved with the Veteran’s Subcommittee and more

holdonyoumatter@gmail.com

tcroskowski@buckscountry.org

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.