Whispers from Vietnam - The Nurses' Stories
DAV Podcast
In this compelling DAV Podcast episode, "Whispers from Vietnam The Nurses' Stories," we honor the often-overlooked service of women Vietnam veterans, predominantly nurses, who comprised 90% of female deployments to Southeast Asia. Join host Elizabeth DePompei as she speaks with Donna Koff, Linda Schwartz, and Diane Carlson Evans, who share powerful firsthand accounts of their Vietnam War experiences. This episode explores their motivations for enlisting, the harsh realities of wartime nursing, from treating severe casualties to navigating challenging living conditions and the unique struggles...
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The Bullet and The Breakthrough: Jarod Behee's Second Chance
DAV Podcast
Join Brian Buckwalter on the DAV Podcast for an incredible story of resilience and purpose as he speaks with Jarod Behee. Twenty years ago, an enemy sniper's bullet in Iraq nearly took Jarod's life. This episode goes beyond mere survival, exploring Jarod's remarkable journey of recovery and how he built a life of unwavering strength in community and dedicated service. From his challenging therapies to his vital role as Sergeant at Arms for DAV Chapter 12, Jarod's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a living example of how to live powerfully and purposefully, every...
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Conquering the C&P Exam Reducing Anxiety, Maximizing Your Claim
DAV Podcast
This DAV podcast episode, hosted by Jonathan Kaupanger with guests Matt Jahn and Steve Wolf, demystifies the crucial Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for veterans seeking disability benefits. The discussion covers what a C&P exam is, its purpose, how to prepare, common pitfalls like downplaying symptoms, and veterans' rights during the exam. The hosts and guests also address common complaints about C&P exams, such as rushed assessments and unqualified examiners, emphasizing the importance of providing feedback and seeking assistance from organizations like DAV. Ultimately, the...
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Her Service - Revolutionary War
DAV Podcast
The "DAV Podcast: Her Service" dives into the largely untold stories of women's contributions during the American Revolutionary War. Host Jonathan Kaupanger, a self-proclaimed history "nerd," enthusiastically introduces listeners to Meg Bowersox, Manager of Gallery Interpretation at the Museum of the American Revolution. This episode highlights the lives of trailblazing figures like Deborah Sampson and Hannah Snell, who disguised themselves as men to enlist, exploring their motivations, challenges, and the societal context of their actions. Beyond these recognized veterans, the podcast also...
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Protecting progress, VA funding and the future of cancer care for veterans
DAV Podcast
In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Brian Buckwalter speaks with Dr. Ben Park, Director of the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, about the critical state of cancer research and its direct impact on military veterans. Dr. Park highlights the groundbreaking progress in cancer treatment, including innovative cellular therapies performed at the Nashville VA Hospital, and expresses grave concerns over recent, unprecedented funding cuts. He emphasizes that these cuts not only jeopardize patient lives and the continuation of life-saving research but also hinder the training of future medical...
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Serving up success with Chef Robert Irvine
DAV Podcast
This DAV Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Chef Robert Irvine, a culinary maestro, television personality, author, and ardent advocate for veterans. Irvine shares his remarkable journey, from joining the Royal Navy at 15, to his rise as a celebrated chef who has cooked for royalty and heads of state. He discusses how his military service instilled in him invaluable leadership skills and a direct communication style that has propelled his diverse career, from cruise ship kitchens to founding successful food brands. Irvine also highlights his passion for giving back, particularly...
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Beyond the Buzz - the Alpha Coffee story
DAV Podcast
It this DAV Podcast, Elizabeth DePompei interviews Carl Churchill, a decorated army veteran and the driving force behind Alpha Coffee. This veteran-owned coffee company, established on September 11th, 2010, operates with a compelling dual mission: delivering exceptional, high-quality coffee while steadfastly supporting veterans and the broader community. Carl recounts his transformative experiences at DAV Patriot Boot Camp, which significantly influenced Alpha Coffee's journey, tracing the company's beginnings from a personal challenge during the Great Recession to its current status as a...
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Connected We Stand - Addressing Veteran Loneliness
DAV Podcast
This podcast episode features Elizabeth Stetler interviewing Karen Owoc, a clinical exercise physiologist at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center and a specialist in preventative cardiology and functional longevity. The conversation centers around the critical issue of veteran loneliness and isolation. Karen draws on her experience working with veterans, particularly through a remote cardiology program, to shed light on the unique challenges they face upon transitioning to civilian life, including the loss of camaraderie, the impact of trauma and PTSD (especially among Vietnam and post-9/11...
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Predatory Claims Companies
DAV Podcast
The PACT Act brought a wave of hope for veterans and a promise of recognition for their service. But what happens when that promise is targeted by those seeking to exploit the very people it was meant to help? Join us as we delve into the alarming rise of predatory claims companies – businesses illegally preying on veterans navigating the complexities of their earned VA benefits. This isn't a matter of policy; it's about safeguarding those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. In this podcast Jim Marszalek, DAV National Service Director, and Scott Hope, Deputy National Service...
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Loneliness and Veterans - understanding the connection
DAV Podcast
In this DAV Podcast, Rob Lewis engages in a crucial discussion with Dr. Allen Teo, a psychiatrist, to delve into the pervasive issue of loneliness and its profound impact on mental health, particularly within the veteran community. Dr. Teo provides a clinical definition of loneliness, distinguishing it from mere solitude, and highlights the unique challenges faced by veterans due to factors like medical comorbidities and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. The conversation extends to exploring the complex relationship between social media and genuine connection, as...
info_outlineDAV 1st Junior Vice Commander Coleman Nee reflects on his recent trip to climb Africa's tallest peak with other disabled veterans. DAV's Elizabeth DePompei gets to the bottom of how they got to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.