The Great American Heroes Podcast

Powered by Circle K Convenience Stores In this inspiring episode, Isaiah sits down with David Sarlitto, VP of Corporate Giving and Executive Director of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. David and the Ocean State Job Lot team recently made a remarkable contribution to support Massachusetts veterans: 100 brand‑new winter coats 100 new coffee makers Fresh coffee from Boston's Best All of these items were donated to the DAV Department of Massachusetts' Veteran Advancement Program, which provides permanent and transitional affordable housing for male and female veterans and their dependents—paired with comprehensive wrap‑around supportive services. This episode dives into the heart behind the donation, the mission that drives Ocean State Job Lot's charitable work, and the beginning of what promises to be a powerful, long‑term partnership between OSJL and the DAV Department of Massachusetts. A meaningful conversation, a meaningful cause, and a reminder of what community support can accomplish.

On this latest episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K The Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah talks with Dan Ramos, the Vice President of Operations for BOND Building Construction Inc. Dan and his team at BOND have been big supporters of the DAV MA for the last few years. How do Dan's family and Red Sox legend Ted Williams fit together? Listen to this episode and find out.   

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with Deb Olson at the 10th anniversary of the DAV 5K Boston. Deb is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and currently serves as a Department Service Officer for DAV MA. Deb and Isaiah discuss the vital services DAV MA provides to our Veterans and share meaningful ways you can get involved in supporting their mission. Thank you for your service, Deb!

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with WBZ-TV Channel 4 meteorologist Jacob Wycoff. For the past five years, Jacob has been a dedicated supporter of the DAV 5K Boston, and the stories he and Isaiah share in this episode are truly unforgettable. (Just wait for the one about the two-dollar bill!) Enjoy this meaningful and memorable conversation.

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with longtime friend of the DAV Massachusetts, Lisa Hughes of WBZ-TV Channel 4. From the very first DAV 5K a decade ago, Lisa has been an unwavering supporter of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, and we can't thank her enough for her years of dedication, love, and advocacy. Isaiah and Lisa dive into why supporting our Veterans matters now more than ever, reflect on the growth of the event, and share personal stories from their years working together. Enjoy this heartfelt and inspiring conversation!

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with broadcast veteran Jason Wolfe. Jason is the COO of Money Matters Radio, producer of The Financial Exchange, a two-hour daily business radio show syndicated on 15 radio stations across New England as well as nationally on Sirius / XM Business Channel 132. Jason's team is a major supporter of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. With the network's massive reach, DAV MA gains powerful megaphones to help ensure Veterans receive the benefits and support they've earned and deserve. A great conversation with valuable insights into service, advocacy, and community impact. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, recorded at the 10th anniversary of the DAV 5K Boston, Isaiah sits down with Brigadier General (Massachusetts) and DAV Department Commander Andrea Gayle-Bennett. Her personal and professional résumé is truly remarkable. With over 35 years of service and countless accomplishments, Andrea has made an extraordinary impact on Veterans across Massachusetts. Isaiah and Andrea dive into a great conversation about all things DAV MA. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, recorded at the 10th anniversary of the DAV 5K Boston, Isaiah sits down with Paul Wahlberg of Wahlburgers and Alma Nova to discuss why he is so passionate about supporting our Veterans. Paul and his team have been incredible partners to the DAV Department of Massachusetts over the years. Thank you, Paul, for all your love and support.

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!

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.

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.

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! 

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. 

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.   

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.  

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...

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 . . . 

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 . . .

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. 

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. 

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!

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.  

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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.

Welcome to the first episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast. Our first guest is Lisa Huges from WBZ TV Channel 4 in Boston. She has been a friend to the DAV Department of Massachusetts for years. We love her energy and support for our Veterans. Lisa talked with our host Isaiah about why she is involved with the DAV. Enjoy our first DAV podcast episode.