HERo Stories

In this inspiring episode, Carol Whitmore, the first woman to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), shares her journey from Army service to national leadership. She discusses veteran advocacy, support for military families, the role of the VFW, POW/MIA recovery efforts, and her participation in a historic all-women parachute jump commemorating D-Day and the often-overlooked contributions of women during WWII. keywordsVeterans, Women in Military, VFW, Military Leadership, Veteran Support, D-Day, Parachute Jump, Military History, Veteran Advocacy, Women Veterans key  topicsCarol Whitmore's military career and leadership journeyChallenges faced by women in the militaryThe role of the VFW in veteran advocacy and supportThe significance of the all-women parachute jump for D-DayIssues facing young service members, including transportation and mental health guest  nameCarol WhitmoreTitlesFirst Woman Commander of VFW Shares Her Journey and MissionBreaking Barriers: Women Leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars sound bites"Advocating for all veterans, not just women""Came in during the era of Women's Army Corps""Honoring women who parachuted prior to D-Day"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Carol Whitmore and Her Journey02:33 Challenges Faced by Veterans Today05:15 Carol's Military Career and Transition to Nursing07:45 The Importance of Transportation for Enlisted Personnel10:09 Advocacy for Veterans and the Role of VFW13:01 Understanding VFW Eligibility and Benefits15:35 Current Legislative Efforts for Veterans18:00 The Impact of Medical Retirements on Veterans20:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations23:37 Navigating Disability Claims and Support for Veterans26:29 The Journey to VFW Leadership29:13 The Role of Compassion in Service31:54 Community Engagement and Youth Programs38:15 Women in Leadership and Military Service42:53 Addressing Isolation and Support for Young Servicemembers45:47 Addressing the Challenges of Driving Safety for Veterans46:30 Transitioning Leadership in the VFW47:21 The Ongoing Mission for POW/MIA Recovery50:33 Personal Experiences in Recovery Missions52:25 Community Involvement and Support for Veterans53:47 Commemorating Women in Military History56:18 The Importance of Recognizing Unsung Heroes58:54 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy for VeteransResourcesVeterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)https://www.vfw.org/Find a VFW Post or Service Officerhttps://www.vfw.org/find-a-postVFW Youth Scholarshipshttps://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarshipsStudent Veterans Supporthttps://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-supportFox Forcehttps://www.foxforce55.org/Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)https://www.dpaa.mil/@herostories2025

U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran Liz Riffle traded scrubs for boots to launch Riffle Farms, West Virginia’s first commercial bison operation. In this episode, Liz shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, her passion for meat transparency and regenerative agriculture, and how resilience fuels her work on and off the farm.@rifflefarmbison@herostories2025

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Cally Ingebritson from the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) about the resources available for veterans and military spouses looking to start their own businesses. They discuss the various workshops offered, common challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs, and the importance of business planning and funding. Cally shares insights on unique business ideas, the significance of community support, and encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available to them.https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vbochttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistancehttps://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/@herostories2025

In this episode of Heroes Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Christy Kisner, a seasoned Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. Christy shares her journey from joining the Air Force to her experiences in combat zones, where she navigated complex legal challenges. She discusses her advocacy for Afghan allies and the emotional toll of military service. Christy's story highlights the importance of cultural understanding and the ongoing commitment to justice for those who served alongside U.S. forces. Her reflections on service and the need for compassion resonate deeply, making this conversation both inspiring and enlightening.https://afgfree.org@herostories2025

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Claire, who shares her inspiring journey from aspiring lawyer to a distinguished military career. Claire discusses her motivations for joining the Marine Corps, the challenges of balancing military service with family life, and her experiences as a judge advocate in operational environments. She reflects on her deployment in Afghanistan, the complexities of international law, and the unique challenges faced by dual military couples. Claire also emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and the lessons learned from her military service as she transitions into new passions post-retirement.@herostories2025

In this heartfelt episode, Amy Kramer speaks with Jessica Caulfield, a military spouse and certified grief educator, about the profound journey of infant loss and its impact on identity, family, and community. They explore the challenges of grieving while parenting, the importance of talking about loss, and the need for support in a grief-illiterate society. Jessica shares her personal story of losing her son Jack and how it has shaped her life and work, including the creation of the Lambie project to support families experiencing similar losses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, the value of community support, and the ongoing journey of healing.This conversation is a tribute to angel babies, to the strength of families, and to the healing power of telling your story.If you or someone you love has experienced any form of loss, this episode is for you. You are not alone.@yokosuka_pailhttps://lpfch.org/impact-stories/tiny-but-mighty-baby-jacks-memory-lives-on/@herostories2025

In the inaugural episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer, along with her friends Hoce Kalkas and Sharon Dewar-Yates, share their unique journeys as women in the military. They reflect on their friendships formed during service, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their experiences on their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of sisterhood, personal growth, and the stories of women veterans, emphasizing the need for more representation in military narratives. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their personal journeys as military spouses, discussing the challenges and triumphs they face in their careers and personal lives. They explore themes of resilience, the importance of community and friendships, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of military life, including frequent relocations and the need for adaptability, while also celebrating the opportunities for growth and reinvention that come with these experiences. The speakers emphasize the importance of teaching resilience to the next generation and the value of maintaining strong relationships throughout life's transitions.@shazfamilytravelshttps://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/sharon-dewar/50-hikes-with-kids-illinois-indiana-and-ohio/9781643261645/?lens=timber-press@herostories2025

HERo Stories shares the untold stories of women veterans and military spouses. Hosted by Navy veteran Amy Kramer, this podcast highlights resilience, reinvention, and the power of service—on and off the battlefield.@herostories2025