The Great American Heroes Podcast

This is a monthly podcast featuring friends and supporters of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts. We will discuss events to raise awareness of the DAV and it's efforts to keep our promise to American Veterans.

Dan Stack, CEO DAV of Massachusetts 11/17/2025

Dan Stack, CEO DAV of Massachusetts On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah sits down with Dan Stack, CEO of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, during the 10th Anniversary DAV 5K Boston. Together, they discuss Dan’s longstanding involvement with the DAV and explore the many programs and services available to the men and women who have served throughout Massachusetts. It was an incredible day celebrating and supporting our Veterans! /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/39058075

Mark Voner, Title Sponsor DAV 5K Boston 11/17/2025

Mark Voner, Title Sponsor DAV 5K Boston This episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, along with the next eight in the series, was recorded live at the 10th Anniversary DAV 5K Boston, held at Castle Island at Fort Independence in South Boston on Saturday, November 8th, 2025. In this conversation, our host, Isaiah sits down with Mark Voner: a longtime friend of the DAV Department of Massachusetts and the driving force behind Veterans Development Corporation, the title sponsor of the DAV 5K Boston. Isaiah and Mark discuss how their partnership began, the shared mission that continues to strengthen it, and the importance of supporting Veterans and their families across Massachusetts. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/39057890

Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane 11/17/2025

Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, recorded on site at the 10th Anniversary of the DAV 5K Boston, Isaiah speaks with Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane. Jim and his team are in their second year of supporting the DAV Department of Massachusetts, and their commitment has already made a remarkable impact. Isaiah and Jim discuss how Eastern Propane partners with DAV MA and why it’s so important for more individuals and organizations to step up in support of those who have served. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/39057755

Garrett Barton 11/03/2025

Garrett Barton On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah sits down with Garrett Barton — a proud U.S. Navy veteran, dedicated member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Field Business Consultant for Circle K Convenience Stores. For years, Circle K has been a major partner of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, and today Garrett shares an exciting major announcement about their ongoing collaboration — one you definitely don’t want to miss! Garrett also opens up about his time in the military, the vital role the DAV has played in his life, and how you can get involved to support veterans right here in the Commonwealth. Listen and be inspired by this great American hero’s story and his mission to give back to those who’ve served. Enjoy the episode! /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/38888455

US Navy Veteran Dennis Devine 08/29/2025

US Navy Veteran Dennis Devine On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by our friends at Circle K convivence stores, Isaiah talks with U.S. Navy Veteran Dennis Devine who served from 1967 through 1971. He comes from a long line of military family members and has been a proud member of the DAV Department of Massachusetts for over 50 years. The work Dennis does for the DAV MA is critical for Veterans to make sure they get the benefits they earned and deserve. Enjoy this episode. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/38024150

Matt Houston, Former Army Sergeant 07/29/2025

Matt Houston, Former Army Sergeant On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K, The Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah talks with former Army Sergeant Matt Houston. The two get into Matt's time in Iraq and how the DAV Department of Massachusetts played a major role in securing his Military benefits. Enjoy this episode. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/37591505

Mark Baldwin, VP of Emergency Preparedness of Eversource 04/29/2025

Mark Baldwin, VP of Emergency Preparedness of Eversource On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast Isaiah talked with Mark Baldwin, the VP of Emergency Preparedness of Eversource. Mark and his team at Eversource have been supporting the DAV MA for 5 years and have raised over $100,000 for our Veterans right here in Massachusetts. Enjoy this episode. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/36352945

Michael Dyer - Sprinkler Fitters Local 5-50 03/26/2025

Michael Dyer - Sprinkler Fitters Local 5-50 On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast Isaiah talks with Michael Dyer from Sprinkler Fitters Local 5-50. 2025 will be the fifth year Sprinkler Fitters Local 5-50 has been partnered with the DAV 5K. Michael and his team have done so much for the DAV MA from having over 50 runners in the 5K to being part of the "Veteran Connection Area" at the 5K. On this episode, you will learn more about what they have done and how you and your team can get involved. Enjoy... /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/35866150

An Interview with Cadet Daphne Spunt 12/14/2024

An Interview with Cadet Daphne Spunt This episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K Boston at Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. Isaiah talked with Cadet Daphne Spunt of the Massachusetts Bay Division of the Sea Cadets. The two talked about what the Cadets do with the DAV, the importance of the DAV 5K Boston for our veterans, and what the military means to Cadet Spunt. Enjoy . . . /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/34442845

Tiffany Chan and Jacob Wycoff Support the DAV 5K 12/06/2024

Tiffany Chan and Jacob Wycoff Support the DAV 5K This episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K in Boston, MA at Fort Independence on Castle Island, South Boston. Isaiah talked with WBZ 4 Boston Hosts Tiffany Chan and Jacob Wykoff about this truly special event. The support that WBZ TV 4 Boston has given the DAV of Massachusetts, over the years, is unmeasureable. Isaiah, Tiffany, and Jacob has some fun this episode. Enjoy . . . /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/34320890

Paul Wahlberg Discusses His Support of Massachusetts DAV 12/02/2024

Paul Wahlberg Discusses His Support of Massachusetts DAV This episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K in Boston at Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. Isaiah talks to loing time supporter of the DAV, Department of Massachusetts, Paul Wahlberg. Every year Paul and his team at Wahlbergers come out to Castle Island to support and feed the runners and veterans. On this episode, the two talk about what the veteran community means to them, how positive and fun the DAV 5K Boston is year after year, and how you can help the DAV in Massachusetts. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/34222235

DAV 5k "Veteran" Lisa Hughes 11/23/2024

DAV 5k "Veteran" Lisa Hughes This episode of the Great American Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K Boston at Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. Isaiah talked with our dear friend Lisa Hughes from WBZ TV 4 in Boston about all things the DAV Department of Massachusetts. She has been with us from the beginning and supports our veterans in any way she can. Learn about how she started with DAV, MA, how much is has impacted her life and how you can be involved as well. Thanks Lisa! ENJOY. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/34117796

Michael Armstrong, President of The Armstong Advisory Group 09/05/2024

Michael Armstrong, President of The Armstong Advisory Group On this latest episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah talks with Michael Armstrong, President of The Armstong Advisory Group and co-host of The Financial Exchange Radio Network alongside Chuck Zodda. Michael and his team have been major supporters of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts for the last five years. Their dedication to helping our men and woman who served is unmatched. On this episode the guys talk about why The Financial Exchange supports the DAV MA and many other interesting topics. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/32906447

Phil Nadeau - DAV MA Transportation Coordinator 07/31/2024

Phil Nadeau - DAV MA Transportation Coordinator On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah talks to Phil Nadeau, the DAV Transportation Coordinator for the state of Massachusetts. Since the inception of the Massachusetts DAV Transportation Network in 1987, the DAV has traveled over 10,663,000 miles or 425 trips around the planet earth! All to take our men and woman who served this country to and from their VA medical appointments. That's a lot of driving! Did you know this is a FREE service provided by the DAV Department of Massachusetts? Did you know that YOU could volunteer to be a driver to help our Veterans here in Massachusetts? For more information about the transportation program and everything else the DAV does for our Veterans here in the Commonwealth, visit DAVMA.org. Enjoy this episode. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/32367502

Dan Quirk, Owner of Quirk Auto Dealers 05/13/2024

Dan Quirk, Owner of Quirk Auto Dealers On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, our host Isaiah sits down with Dan Quirk, owner of Quirk Auto Dealers. Quirk has been a long time supporter of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. The guys talk about why Quirk Auto Dealers supports the DAV, where the Quirk story began and most importantly what we all can do to level up our support for the DAV Department of Massachusetts and the men and woman who served this great country. It's a great episode...enjoy! /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/31258367

Jim Blake, Regional Manager, Eastern Propane 04/22/2024

Jim Blake, Regional Manager, Eastern Propane Today we met with Jim Blake of Eastern Propane and Oil of New England to discuss why they support the DAV of Massachusetts. Listen in and hear not only their WHY but HOW Eastern Propane has been raising money for our veterans. We also discussed other programs that Eastern Propane is making available to the men and women who have served our country. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/30938638

Matt Scott, MBA Mortgage 01/31/2024

Matt Scott, MBA Mortgage /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/29740868

Elle Rueger of Soledier Socks 01/31/2024

Elle Rueger of Soledier Socks Today we chat with Elle Reuger, Founder of Soledier Socks. She shares her story of Tommy, a friend serving in Afghanistan, and his number one request to receive GOOD QUALITY socks. Listen in and discover the IMPACT of a good quality pair of socks. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/29740213

Jason Wolfe 12/11/2023

Jason Wolfe Jason Wolfe, COO of Money Matters Radio, sat down with Isaiah at the DAV 5k Boston for this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast. Jason and his team at Money Matters Radio have been an enormous media support sponsor of the DAV Department of Massachusetts for several years. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/29018258

Coleman Nee 12/11/2023

Coleman Nee On this Episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah talks with Coleman Nee at the DAV 5k Boston. Coleman is the DAV National 3rd Jr Vice Commander, as well as served as Massachusetts secretery of veterans services from 2011-1025. Coleman was recently the Grand Marshall at the South Boston St Patrick's Day parade. Coleman opens about many things ongoing in he veteran community on this spisode. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/29017823

Paul Wahlberg, 5K DAV 11/27/2023

Paul Wahlberg, 5K DAV /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/28801253

Mark Voner, DAV 5k 11/27/2023

Mark Voner, DAV 5k /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/28801033

Lisa Hughes, 2023 DAV 5K 11/27/2023

Lisa Hughes, 2023 DAV 5K Listen in as Lisa Hughes of WBZ TV Channel 4 shares her personal motivation to support the Massachusetts DAV and her involvement with the 5K race for the past eight years. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/28800618

Individual Unemployability 10/09/2023

Individual Unemployability /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/28261304

Veteran Aid and Attendance 10/09/2023

Veteran Aid and Attendance /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/28261100

New Adjutant 10/09/2023

New Adjutant In our latest installment, we are thrilled to welcome to the new Adjutant, Michael Valila. Michael has been with the DAV for the past nine years. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/28260683

Determine service connection. 09/11/2023

Determine service connection. Listen in as we chat with Michael Valila, the Assistant Adjudant of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Sargeant and Iraq Veteran who has been with the DV for 8 years. Michael shares how service connection is determined. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/27996606

Claim denied? Options? 09/09/2023

Claim denied? Options? There are three options, supplemental claim, higher level review, and an appeal. More important is understanding why the claims are denied in the first place. Listen in and get your answer! /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/27996759

How to file a claim? Who's eligible? 09/06/2023

How to file a claim? Who's eligible? Welcome to the services episodes of the Great American Podcast. Here we will cover questions concerning services and benefits available to Disabled American Veterans, one by one. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/27996720

Paul Wahlberg 08/14/2023

Paul Wahlberg Welcome to the second episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast. Our featured guest is Paul Wahlberg, Executive Chef and co-owner of Alma Nove in Hingham, MA and Wahlburgers around the world. Paul has been a friend to the DAV Department of Massachusetts for years and has been a huge supporter of the DAV, by coming out year after year to feeds all the veterans and participants of the annual 5k event. /episode/index/show/b30aea46-2fea-4559-9cc3-19ee0956e187/id/27741954

The Great American Heroes Podcast

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