Serving with Compassion: The ClearTrust Claims Podcast

In today´s episode, we’re honored to welcome Sue Heiermann, a mother, grandmother, and proud U.S. Navy veteran whose life reflects both profound loss and incredible resilience. From growing up in Massachusetts to serving across the country in the Navy, Sue built a life grounded in dedication and connection. After facing the heartbreaking loss of her husband and several family members, along with periods of grief and homelessness, she found strength and a path forward. Today, as a certified peer specialist, Sue uses her lived experience to support fellow veterans on their healing journeys at Clear Path for Veterans New England. https://www.clearpathne.org/

Today’s guest is Nancy Logan Waters. Born the second of five children to parents shaped by the Great Depression, Nancy grew up with creativity, resourcefulness, and independence. Her father, a proud Marine, moved the family across the country while pursuing his dream of owning a business, teaching Nancy early on that home is something you create wherever life takes you. As a military spouse, Nancy has moved across the world, raised children through numerous transitions, and built a community everywhere she has landed.  She’s been the steady hand behind new beginnings, welcoming families, teaching quilting and other handiwork skills, and volunteering with organizations like the American Red Cross and local hospital units. She continues to give back through her work with Quilts of Valor and as Vice President of her local Quilt Guild.Nancy´s story reflects her belief that military families serve alongside those in uniform.

After beginning her career in public higher education supporting first-generation and low-income students, Stephanie now serves as Executive Director of the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, a nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans across North Central Massachusetts. Under her leadership, MVOC provides comprehensive housing and supportive services, including mental health counseling, benefits advisement, wellness and suicide prevention programs, and food and clothing assistance to veterans

Driven by a passion for political and military history, Luke Basso created Filmperia to give World War II veterans a voice. His mission: to preserve their stories before they're lost, connecting generations through firsthand history that’s remembered—and truly heard. Filmperia can be found at this link on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmperia1945

In today’s episode, we’re honored to feature Ray Johnson, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 with 40 years of military and law enforcement service. From high-risk Vietnam missions to instructing elite National Guard pilots, Ray’s journey is truly remarkable.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brown served aboard the USS Midway CVA-41, 1971 to 1972, in the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club. The USS Midway is currently a floating museum located in San Diego. He became involved with the Alaska Veterans Affairs Healthcare (TVR) Tribal Veterans Rural Program, a program working with Veterans in Rural Alaska in conjunction with the Veterans Affairs, providing outreach.  From 2020 to 2024, he worked with the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program, providing additional outreach throughout the state, the U.S., and internationally. 

Caroline Fermin was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps after graduating from the University of South Carolina. She has served in a wide variety of assignments within the operating forces of the Fleet Marine Force, ranging from platoon commander, operations officer, and protocol officer to Director of Personnel at U.S. Central Command. LtCol Caroline Fermin retired in 2013 following 25 years of service. She is the new Director of Veterans Affairs for Beaufort County. 

Specialist Steven C. Baskis completed Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2007 and deployed with the distinguished 4th Infantry Division of the US Army, known for crossing the Normandy Beaches in WWII. In 2008, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, he sustained severe injuries from an improvised explosive device. On May 13, 2008, Steve lost his sight and suffered shrapnel injuries to his head, neck, arms, and legs, along with hearing loss, loss of smell, and nerve damage. His courageous service earned him the Purple Heart Medal, awarded by the US President. His greatest pride is founding his nonprofit, Blind Endeavors, which encourages individuals of all abilities to explore new ways of living through movement. 

Dana was born in Cleveland, OH, and after graduating from college she moved to Charleston, SC. She started her career as a volunteer coordinator with hospice before transitioning to a local funeral home to learn more about death and dying. It was one of her most rewarding and challenging positions. She was called back to hospice and has been with Agape Care Group for 5 and a half years.

Dr. Thomas Zampieri is a graduate of Hahnemann University’s (Hahnemann became Drexel University College of Medicine in 2002) Physician Assistant Program, receiving his degree in June 1978.  As a PA in the Army National Guard, Zampieri advocated for PA educational opportunities and scholarships for veterans. As a surgery PA at three VAMCs, he worked extensively with the Veterans Affairs Physician Assistant Association (VAPAA). He eventually became the president of the organization in 1991-1993. While in the Army National Guard, he was qualified as an Army Aeromedical Flight Surgeon PA for 14 years.  

Brigadier General Dan H. Hickman assumed command of the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade (Armored) in September 2000. He commands a Brigade comprised of six battalions and four separate companies, totaling over 4900 soldiers.The General's active military service began in May 1967. He was appointed a Rotary Wing Aviation Warrant Officer in 1968 and commissioned an Infantry Officer in 1975. Brigadier General Hickman served in combat as a helicopter pilot in the Republic of Vietnam. He also commanded an Infantry Battalion and served as the Deputy Adjutant General of the North Carolina Army National Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Steve Schultze was born in Belleville, New Jersey. Heenlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 28, 1997, as an 0311, BasicInfantryman. He graduated from USMC Boot Camp at Parris Island, S.C. in August of 1997. Then Private First Class Schultze went on to complete his basic training at the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, N.C. in the fall of 1997.In 1998, then Corporal Schultze was selected for the Enlisted CommissioningProgram. After successfully completing Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA,he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After attending The Basic School inQuantico in the fall of 1999, then 2ndLt Schultze was selected and trained to serveas a Logistics Officer.LtCol (Ret) Schultze served in numerous billets throughout his career. As an enlisted Marine, he served as a basic rifleman, Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner, and Radio Transmission Operator (RTO). As an Officer, he served as a logistician, civil affairs operations officer, Aviation Ground Support planner, monitor in manpower management, executive officer, and multiple operations officer tours. In addition, LtCol (Ret) Schultze had the honor and privilege of commanding at the platoon, company, and squadron level, with his final command being the CO of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point from June 2016 to June 2018.

A retired Army Aviator and Lt. Colonel, Larry is a Vietnam War wounded warrior and a combat 100% disabled veteran He served as an enlisted Infantryman, warrant officer pilot, and commissioned officer. Larry is best known as the author of the award-winning BLADES OF THUNDER Book One, an account of his experiences as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.