Andrew served in the US Army where he was stationed in Iraq.  During his time there he was exposed to many burn pits and suffers lasting effects from he exposure.  Like many veterans he suffers from a terminal lung disease which of which there is little hope for a cure or treatment.  The VA does nothing to help out veterans with this issue and does not even acknowledge a connection between burn pit exposure and lung disease.  Burn pits spew chemical, biological and heavy metal contaminates into the air which is then breathed 24/7 by anyone in the area.  A burn pit can contaminate many square miles with toxic particulate matter.  Our veterans live and work next to burn pits which run non-stop for years, and as a result are getting sick.  Burn pit exposure is our generations Agent Orange.  Help share the information far and wide so that we can stop the use of burn pits forever, and get the healthcare our troops deserve. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Lauren is hands down the most passionate person I know when it comes to advocating for Veteran rights.  She routinely meets with Senators and Congressman about overhauling the VA and has written several pieces of legislation herself.  We talk about her experiences in the Navy and how she goes to bat for our troops against the VA.  Topics discussed are burn pits, radiation, disability backlogs at the VA, and many others. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

5RZu4rVsQj75ggmyPdAG John was an Air Force officer stationed on Johnston Island in from 1973-1975.  He tells about how agent orange stored on the island leaked into the sand and Ocean at a rate of over 25 barrels a week.  Over time, the agent orange saturated the sand, but more importantly contaminated the water around the island.  There were no wells on Johnston Island and all drinking water came from the ocean, which was run thru de-salination machines similar to what the Navy uses on boats.  The removes the salt from the water, but does not remove the chemical contaminates.  In fact, it might actually condense them.  in 1979 the USAF did a study on the island and found elevated levels of Dioxin, which is a compound in agent orange.  It was found both in the soil and in the drinking water.  For years, our troops drank this water, washed clothes, dishes, and took showers in it.  This could be one possible explanation for high rates of cancer found in our troops who served on Johnston Island.  John also talks about a bill in the house to potentially address this issue.  But the bill is still in committee and needs sponsors.  That bill is HR 1713.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Ron Parsons spent a few years on Johnston Island.  If you recall previous episodes, J.I. is one of the most conatminated places on earth.  The US military launched nuclear missiles from the island in atmospheric tests such as project fishbowl and starfish prime.  Three of these missiles failed and contaminated the island with weapons grade plutonium.  If that wasn't bad enough, the military stored ALL the agent orange created during the Vietnam war on a beach on JI.  These often leaked and soaked into the sand.  Thousands of veterans have served on the island, and many have come down with cancer.  The VA refuses to recognize any connection between service on the island and cancer diagnosis.  Please help spread the message of this issue by sharing this show.You can watch the video of this interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxxhRXWcadE&t=12sJoin the private facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/737538166758758/If you need one on one coaching in transition check out the website here:  www.veteransmentorship.com--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

If you recall I did an episode on Johnston Island a while back.  Its a small Island in the Pacific where the U.S. Military tested nuclear missiles in the 50s-70s.  Several of these missiles exploded leaving the island contaminated with plutonium.  If that were not bad enough, millions of gallons of agent orange were stored on the island before it was all incinerated.  My guest today served on Johnston Island and tells us how the island itself is dangerous due to the failed handling of dangerous materials, and how many veterans are coming down with cancer after serving on Johnston Island.  The government is currently not recognizing the issues and denying any link between service on Johnston Island and cancer diagnosis among veterans.  We hope to change that, and you can help by spreading the word.Be sure to visit the website at www.veteransmentorship.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Shawn has a powerful story.  She served in the military and was injured in the line of duty.  She has struggled with mental illness and homelessness.  Thru the help of passageways she has been given a hand up and is now looking for ways to pay it forward.  Please consider donating to passageways by visiting www.passagewaysltd.orgBe sure to check out the new website for the Veterans Advocate by visiting www.veteransmentorship.com@theveteransadvocate Facebook and Instagram--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

. I sit down with Renee, a formerly homeless female veteran. She served in the army for eight years where she experienced a TBI from my fall off of a 2 1/2 ton truck. She also experienced some military sexual trauma and sexual harassment. These two issues that led to her having lifelong struggles with both mental and physical health. She discusses the lack of options available to single women for assistance. Homeless this is a problem for veterans and it’s becoming an increasingly large problem for female veterans. Females are the fastest growing demographic of homelessness in America. Passageways is expanding its operation to better serve veterans. Eventually via the Passageways HOMEFRONT project, there will be many different styles of housing available to help people transition from homelessness back into independent living. Go support Passageways in their effort to fight veteran homelessness at www.passagewaysltd.org--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

This is part 2 of a series highlighting the stories of homeless veterans.  Michael is my guest and he tells us about his service, how he became homeless, and how passageways helped him get back on track.  Be sure to visit www.passagewaysltd.org/donate to help more veterans like Michael.To see the video of Michael, visit www.americanheritagepodcast.com and click the youtube tab--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

This is the first of a several part series featuring formerly homeless veterans. I sit down with Tony to discuss how the became homeless, what it was like to be a homeless veteran, how he found Passageways, and how Passageways helped him get a fresh start at life. Since graduating the homeless veteran program at Passageways, Tony has found a great job within the aerospace industry and will be going back to school to become an engineer. Passageways has helped over 80 homeless veterans get a second chance at life and will soon launch phase two of their operation. Visit their website at www.passagewaysltd.org to donate to the cause. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Aaron is hands down the most inspiring man I have ever had the pleasure to talk to.  He is an executive chef to Navy admirals and had one of the most sought after jobs in the military but felt the calling to do more.  He went on to join the Army as an explosive ordinance disposal technician where he found and dismantled IED's in the Middle East.  Shortly after his two week leave from the battle field he was called to dispose of an IED blocking the road.  While disarming one IED, a second IED hidden near buy went off, taking Aaron's eye sight.  After nearly 30 surgeries, Aaron contracted meningitis which also took his hearing, leaving him totally blind and also def.  Aaron talks to us about how he learned to navigate the world blind, and how he never gave up hope.  He teaches us not only how to survive hard times, but thrive in spite of difficulties.  Aaron would go on to be a serious adventurer, making many hikes and rafting trips while totally blind.  And if that wasn't enough, he also ran several marathons without the use of his sight.  He now gives talks about resilience and perseverance and runs his own company called Extra Ordinary Delights and you can visit his website at www.eodfudge.com--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support