Episode 009: Enabling Success for All Veterans with John Lowry
Release Date: 12/18/2020
Service Before Self Podcast
Episode 28 is a conversation with Adam Marr, co-host of The American Legion's podcast, Tango Alpha Lima, (https://tangoalphalima.fireside.fm/episodes) and Director of Operations for the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (https://vmhlc.org/). Adam will share his personal journey of transition and reintegration and his work in promoting research and increasing access to innovative approaches to enhancing the mental health and wellness of veterans.
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As we look toward Veterans' Day, this is an opportunity to showcase the work of Dixon Center and our partners in creating opportunities for veterans and their families. We are also introducing the newest member of Dixon Center's team and highlighting how, on this Veterans' Day, you can go beyond just thanking veterans for their service.
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Today we tackle the challenges of veteran homelessness with our guest, Danielle Applegate, chairperson of National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV). Danielle will share a personal story of how homelessness impacts both veterans and non-veterans alike but also how there are resources and strategies available that can provide a way out. She will also share the work of NCHV and if you are part of an organization that may be tackling homelessness in your community, how NCHV can help. You can connect with NCHV at their website, NCHV.ORG.
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Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosts a conversation with Jennifer Grubb--combat veteran, veteran advocate, registered nurse, wife, and mother. Jennifer shares her candid, raw, and thought-provoking experience of reintegration following military service. She pulls no punches but also demonstrates her resiliency and the potential of our military-connected community. Listen more than once and encourage others to listen as well.
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A conversation with Secretary Patrick J. Murphy, former Under Secretary of the Army and a leading advocate for veterans and their families. Secretary Murphy is the Chairman of Task Force Movement, www.taskforcemovement.org, an organization that is creating successful careers for the military-connected community in transportation, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
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A conversation with Robin Kelleher, Co-Founder and CEO of HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS, recipient of the 2023 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award.
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Psych/Armor educates and trains organizations on how to better understand and connect with military-connected individuals: transitioning service members, military spouses, veterans, and their families. Listen to Tina explain how her family’s history of military service and her experiences as a military spouse created opportunities to ensure that veterans and their families reach their full potential. Key Takeaways: [3:30] Tina shares what motivated her to assist and support veterans and their families. [9:51] Tina explains how she started Psych/Armor, a nonprofit organization. [11:17]...
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In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by , the CEO of , and , a Navy veteran who has directly felt the impact of K9 for Warriors in supporting veterans and their families. K9 for Warriors is the largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. Carl shares K9’s history, approach, and impact, and John, as someone who has a service dog from K9s for warriors, shares his inspiring story and how his dog, Henry, made all the difference in the world for him on his journey of healing...
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In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by and . Joshua and Stephen are the director and writer of the new film . Joshua and Stephen discuss their new movie, which will be launched in theaters on June 9th, 2023. Mending the Line is the story of a marine who’s been wounded in Afghanistan and has now been sent to a VA facility in Montana, where he meets a Vietnam veteran who teaches him how to fly fish to deal with his emotional and physical trauma. Key Takeaways: [5:23] What brought Stephen to this particular subject? [7:42] Joshua shares his motivation...
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In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is continuing a conversation that was started several months ago regarding the opportunities that are available for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who want to become entrepreneurs and small businesses owners. This time, Col. Sam welcomes to talk about the opportunities for Federal Contracting, which has the amount of $30 billion a year set aside in contracting for veterans to own small businesses. Key Takeaways: [3:45] Col. Scott shares his story. [7:07] Col. Scott talks about who he...
info_outlineSam Whitehurst welcomes Mr. John Lowry to today’s episode. Mr. Lowry is the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veteran Employment and Training. He is a Marine Corps veteran and has served more than 15 years on active duty and an additional 10 years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He has worked extensively and successfully in the private sector.
Mr. Lowry brings a very unique perspective to the conversation about military service transitioning into the civilian workforce after being on both sides of this relevant matter.
Key Takeaways:
[2:35] Sam shares the purpose and mission of the Dixon Center.
[3:45] Mr. John Lowry shares how his years of active service in the military has shaped the work he does today supporting veterans and their families.
[6:50] Mr. Lowry talks about the biggest challenges that veterans face to enter the workforce.
[10:10] The earlier a serving member starts thinking about transition the better.
[10:57] Why should employers hire veterans?
[13:31] Veterans do better in the civilian workforce.
[16:00] Veterans are not physically or mentally broken, that is not the dominant story.
[17:46] What role DOL plays in helping connect employers to veterans.
[20:45] How DOL helps veterans match their skill careers.
[25:33] Mr. Lowry talks about the problem of underemployment.
[29:22] Mr. Lowry shares statistics and information about training programs.
[33:10] How has the pandemic affected the work at DOL?
[35:07] Employers want to hold on to their veterans, especially through challenging times.
[36:46] Mr. Lowry talks about the most recent projects DOL has launched.
[44:22] Sam emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship and credentialing.
Mentioned in this episode:
Dixon Center: Reaching America
At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.
Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.
Regional Veterans Employment Coordination
Comprehensive Employers Guide to Hire Veterans
Credentialing Opportunities Online
Transition Employment System for Military Spouses
Tweetables and quotes:
“Every year 200,000 service members transition into the civilian workforce.”
“A poor transition causes long-lasting effects.”
“DOL VETS’ vision is for all veterans to reach their full potential in their workplace.”
“American veterans are one of the most capable and resilient workforces we have in the country.”
“If you want smart and adaptable people, hiring veterans is the right thing to do. It is a good business decision and you will be rewarded for it.”