In this episode, I sit down with Jenna McDonald–Director of Physical Wellness, Sports & Recreation at Hope For The Warriors. Jenna shares the annual run race tradition meant to inspire and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Hope for the warriors has been leading the charge in addressing the concerns of service members as they transition out of the service. Recreation and sports such as this annual run tradition allow veterans, family, friends, and military supporters to come together to remember those we have lost. But more importantly, how we continue to celebrate their life through remembrance and reaffirming to our Gold Star and Blue Star families we are here for them.  Hope you enjoy this episode and will take part in this tradition in person or virtually. Any donation goes directly to the programs at Hope For The Warriors that assist veterans and their spouses readjust back home.    https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

https://www.rangeforehope.org OUR MISSION Our Mission is to provide outdoor activities as a positive outlet to assist Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans, and their Dependents overcome life's difficulties specifically attributed to the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). ABOUT US In 2018, retired US Army First Sergeant Alvin King, founded King Fore A Day, a Veteran Charity Golf Event. The goal for the event was to support South Carolina-based Veteran Non-Profit Organizations with resources and funding to combat the impacts of PTSD within the Veteran Community. As a former Combat Veteran with multiple deployments, he personally understands the struggles that Veterans suffer with and wants to provide a means to support Veterans and their families through the Range Fore Hope Foundation Programs.    Since 2018 we have donated to Project Josiah, a Veteran Peer-to-Peer Counseling Non-Profit Organization in South Carolina. The donated funds directly supported the training of over 40 Peer Facilitators throughout the State. We also contributed to PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Columbia. The funds provided in the past three years have been able to impact over 100 Combat Disabled Veterans through the game of golf with HOPE Certified PGA Professionals.   We are excited to introduce the launching of new Programs and Partnerships with Cobblestone Park Golf Club (Blythewood), Clyburn Golf Center in Downtown Columbia, and SC Youth Challenge Academy (SCYCA in Eastover) for 2021 and beyond. The Cobblestone and Clyburn Center Programs will offer weekly Range Time and access to a PGA Pro during their practice time at NO COST to the participant. The SCYCA Program will provide Range Time and access to a PGA Pro for Cadets prior to their cycle graduation all at NO COST to the Cadets. . The Programs will be funded primarily by the Range Fore Hope Foundation. ​

Cedar Hills Hospital Military Program Dear Military Service Member, Family Member or Veteran: I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you as our guest to The Military Program at Cedar Hills Hospital, a part of the Patriot Support Programs at Universal Health Services. Since 2009, The Military Program at Cedar Hills Hospital has provided care to hundreds of service members, family members and Veterans. As you become involved in your treatment program, we are very interested in your feedback about how well we are meeting your needs. In light of this objective, we will ask you to complete a Patient Satisfaction Survey at the end of your stay. The information you provide is carefully reviewed and analyzed for incorporation into the performance improvement activities of the hospital and outpatient services. It is the policy of The Military Program to explain at the time of admission the patient advocacy policy and procedure to the patient and their families and/or significant others. Please be advised, if you are an active duty service member, your Commander will be involved in weekly communication during your treatment. Additionally, we will ask you to provide written consent to release information about your treatment to family members and friends. We welcome you and trust you will find a health, hope and recovery at The Military Program at Cedar Hills Hospital. Respectfully, Mario Bolivar, Jr., LCSW Director

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS AWARDS 15 MILITARY SPOUSE AND CAREGIVER SCHOLARSHIPS AS IT CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SERVICE National Scholarship Program Announces Fall 2021 Recipients SPRINGFIELD, Va. (August X, 2021) –Celebrating the nonprofit and program’s 15 th anniversary, Hope For The Warriors recently awarded 15 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships for higher education for the fall 2021 semester. Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit that assists veterans, service members and military families with a variety of programming including clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation and transition services. For 15 years, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as they assume critical roles in the financial well being of their families. Scholarships vary from $1,500 to $2,500 and are applied toward higher education at an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school. Unique to the program is a scholarship for Master of Social Work students, Restoring Hope. Fifteen scholarships totaling $31,500 were awarded to the following for the 2021 fall semester: “The military spouse/caregiver scholarship program was one of the first programs we began when Hope For The Warriors came to life 15 years ago,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president/CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “It’s incredible to think about all of the incredible spouses and caregivers who’ve been impacted by this program in 15 years. We’re incredibly honored and proud to have played a small role in their educational goals.” Since the program’s inception, Hope For The Warriors has granted 172 Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships totaling $471,222. The 2022 spring scholarship application will open up open August 1 and close Sept. 30. To receive an application to apply, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and apply for services. For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org,  Facebook or Twitter. About Hope For The Warriors:  Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 36,000 through a variety of support programs focused on clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation and transition. One of the nonprofit’s first programs, Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, has awarded over 170 scholarships to caregivers and families of the fallen. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

CAMERON, USMC VETERAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Cameron grew up in Texas and went to college in New York before joining the Marine Corps as an infantry officer. After multiple overseas deployments he was medically retired. Finding the transition to civilian life a challenge, he took to the sea, living aboard and cruising several boats on both the east and west coast of the U.S. Learn more about his sailing story. In addition to devoting his time to American Odysseus and to helping his brother and sister veterans, Cameron teaches American history, plays with old motorcycles, and sails with his family. He is also certified as an instructor by the American Sailing Association   OUR MISSION American Odysseus Sailing Foundation is a not-for profit organization with the mission of providing relief, assistance, and opportunities to veterans, military service members, and their families though sail training, coastal cruising excursions, and offshore sailing expeditions.

Kyle worked in the University of Tennessee GI Bill education benefits office as a student employee. He shares some knowledge for those going back to school. 

Army Grunt and Air Force Veteran, Travis Velazquez shares a children's book "Protected by the Best A Story of Patriotism." Illustrator Artwork–Suzanne Shedosky He wrote this book in memory of his brothers. And as a tool for parents and educators teaching kids about sacrifice and what goes on in the world around them.  He has a second book in the works! You can purchase your copy on Amazon.com (click here to buy) Reach out to Travis for any questions about the book. He's also a Real Estate agent. [email protected] 815-762-8466 Thanks for listening to his story. We must never forget our brothers and sisters, nor our Gold Star Families. 

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors is now open and offering virtual mental health services for post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and military families in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Steven A Cohen Hope for the Warriors website link Monroe “Roe” Holcomb was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. However, Jacksonville, North Carolina has been his home since 2006. After high school, Roe Joined the United States Marine Corps where he spent ten years of service as a 0341 Infantry Indirect Fire Crew Member, 8153 Marine Corps Security Force Cadre Trainer and 0369 Infantry Unit Leader.   In 2010, he was medically separated from the Marine Corps and started working for Schilsky Chiropractic as an assistant X-ray tech and floor leader. This role offered Roe the opportunity to coordinate grassroots marketing projects for Med First within the Schilsky Chiropratic organization. During his time as a volunteer with Hope For The Warriors, he secured a position as a Military Veteran Program Coordinator. In that role, he worked alongside Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, serving as a liaison providing assistance to service members, veterans and families to increase awareness of programs available to them through Hope for the Warriors. When not working with the veteran and military community, Roe is a diehard sports fan—go Cubs, Bears, Bulls! He enjoys volunteering his time to mentor youth. Roe’s hobbies include coaching a local Christian school basketball team and attending charity events and local fundraisers.

Marine Veteran Greg Dunn from IGY6-Santa Clarita, CA joins us for another great conversation. That's right, we felt we needed to continue the podcast in a two-part podcast series since we still had plenty to talk about about the transition out of the service.  Enjoy the episode!  Be sure to check out part 1 with Greg Dunn.  Follow him on social media IGY6. Also, check out their podcast episode! 

Marine Combat Veteran Greg Dunn shares some insight of his transition back home after service, finding purpose, and discovering a new identity that can compliment your military characteristics.  He runs the IGY6 Group out of Santa Clarita, CA which uses physical fitness, group camaraderie, and faith base healing to help Servicemembers/LEO/Civilians be part of something great together–coming together as a community.  Give them a follow/subscribe on their podcast "IGY6 True Insight" Thank you to our Sponsor DadsStartingOver.com