Veterans Central

Send us Fan MailLetting everyone know that Veterans Central is back on the air. we discussed a few bills that need veteran involvement. Talked about some events coming up that Veterans Assurance Network have planned for this year. 

Send us Fan MailTonight, we talk with Nicole from, Wreaths by Nicole. www.wreasthsbynicole. We discuss her time in service and as a veteran that owns her own business. We also discuss the wreath she designed for Veterans assurance network. www.veteransassurance.org. We talk how this wreath is to help promote Veteran Suicide Awareness and prevention Day in Ohio. If you would like to see a Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day in your state, contact Veterans Assurance Network and we will help you get started. 

Send us Fan Mailjust getting everyone caught up with what's happening in DC

Send us Fan MailI discuss the importance of creating an account on va.gov 

Send us Fan MailLisa Carrington Firmin is an Air Force Col. (ret) that earned the Bronze Star. Because of the Military Sexual Trauma, she endured while on active duty led her to write a book titled Stories from the Front Pain, Betrayal, and Resilience on the MST Battlefield. The book tells true accounts of sexual trauma individuals were victims of while on active duty in the military. The book won the silver medal from the Military Writers Society of America in September 2023. Lisa has written a second book titled Latina Warrior that tells her story of being an author and an artist and how this has helped her on her journey. To purchase her books or to schedule a speaking engagement please go to www.lisacarringtonfirmin.com

Send us Fan MailHope and Lingo help homeless veterans in northeast Ohio through SSVF. We will talk about SSVF Supportive Services for Veterans Families. We will learn how they help veterans and where. to get in contact with SSVF please go to www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/hmis/ This podcast is brought to you by Veterans Assurance Network www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailToday is Veterans Day and we talk with Dr. Damon Friedman. Dr. Friedman is a USAF Lt. Col. (RET) that runs a non-profit called SOF Missions. sofmissions.org. Dr. Friedman has dedicated his life to preventing veteran suicide by providing holistic health to at risk veterans. 

Send us Fan MailToday I discuss why I've been off the air for a bit. I also talk about Veterans Assurance Network Christmas Cards for Veterans. This is their annual event to bring some Christmas cheer to veterans that are in the hospital during the holidays. If you would like to donate cards to this, please contact us at [email protected]. I give an update on "Rally Against Suicide", the annual event hosted by Veterans Assurance Network to promote suicide prevention. If you would like to help with next year's rally or host one in your town, please contact us at [email protected]. I also talk about service dogs through the VA here is the link on va.gov please check it out. Service Dog Veterinary Health Benefit - Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services (va.gov)

Send us Fan MailTonight, we talk with David root. He is the VFW liaison for legislation at the state level in Ohio. We will discuss HB 231, HB 254, and SB 154. If you are interested in helping with this year's Christmas Cards for Veterans sponsored by Veterans Assurance Network, please contact us at [email protected] 

Send us Fan MailToday I ask everyone to send information on organizations in the hurricane zones to let me know if there are specific organizations there to help veterans. I also discuss how the "Rally Against Suicide" that was held on September 22 downtown Cleveland Ohio. www.veteransassurance.org   [email protected] 

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Dave Crete who was stationed at the Nevada Testing and Training Range. Dave started an organization called The Invisible Enemy. theinvisibleenemy.org. Dave has been on several times and tonight he gives us an update which includes some awesome news. Dave announces they have a bill in the house of representatives H.R. 9511 you can go to congress.gov and look up this bill. We also talk about the document made about The Invisible Enemy  https://youtu.be/S_6ufgAFOO4?si=etVV6ZzqwiZtaxmO 

Send us Fan MailOur guest was a no show so I mention a few things that veterans should support. [email protected]

Send us Fan MailHey Ohio Afghanistan Veterans, if you have not received you bonus from the state, you have until August 30 to file for that bonus!!!!

Send us Fan MailToday we discuss a study done on Israeli soldiers that have PTSD. The study links PTSD to Dental health.  

Send us Fan MailTonight, I give an update on Ohio SB 225 and what happened with this bill. We also start Veterans Assurance Network's educational videos to help veterans get involved with what's happening in our community. 

Send us Fan MailEvery veteran should be upset with what's happening in Virginia. We talk with Karla and Caitlin about the state of Virgina removing spouse and dependent benefits. Here is their facebook page to learn more about what's going on.  VMSDEP Friends and Supporters-OFFICIAL | Facebook

Send us Fan MailWe talk about legislation in the U.S Senate that all veterans should be aware of. It is important to know what is going on in DC that could affect our lives. The link to the Ohio Senate Veteran and Public Safety Committee hearing on SB 225 which will designate September 22 as Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day is. https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-senate-veterans-and-public-safety-committee-4-23-2024

Send us Fan MailFolks there is a lot going on in Virginia but tonight we concentrate on the fuel leak that's contaminating the water at Ft Belvoir. My good friend Mandy Feindt is joining us to talk about this and get an update on Red Hill in Hawaii. We need to start banding together and help each other out as a veteran community. Too much is happening that we are not aware of, and everyone should learn about and get involved.  Major Mandy Feindt | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree     Red Hill Community Representation Initiative | US EPA   Overturned truck spills jet fuel at Fort Belvoir, prompting environmental review | FFXnow

Send us Fan MailTonight, we discuss pending legislation that are in the house of representatives. We will briefly go over each one and talk about how they can and will affect veterans. The bills we discuss are HR3584, HR3644, HR3649, HR4424, HR5530, HR6324, HR6373, HR7347, HR3225, HR5794, HR3303, HR5247, HR2413, you can go to congress.gov to research these bills. We would like to thank Veterans Assurance Network for their help in presenting this podcast, you can reach them at www.veteransassurance.org if you need help locating services and aid. 

Send us Fan MailWe discuss what the new benefits are and who they affect. This isn't just a war zone law anymore so listen up all veterans this may affect you now!!!

Send us Fan MailKevin Hensley advocated for the PACT ACT and is now the leading advocate in the country for HBOT. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is helping many veterans with various injuries especially PTSD and TBI's. The fight is to get the VA to recognize HBOT as a valid alternative treatment for many illnesses and injuries. Kevin is leading this fight and has been able to get many states to approve this treatment for veterans. We discuss how HBOT works and why it is critical that this gets approved for use by the VA. to learn more about HBOT you can go to www.gruntstylefoundation.org/hbots. The bill Kevin referenced is H.R.3649 - Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act. As always, we appreciate the good folks at Veterans Assurance Network for presenting this podcast, they can be reached at www.veteransassurance.org. 

Send us Fan MailIf you are on SSDI sooner or later, they will make you get Medicare so here's the basics you need to know. We also talk about a national campaign to get September 22 declared National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day. It's happening in Ohio so let's get it done nationally!!! to help please sign this petition and share it on your social media asking people to do the same. https://chng.it/JQs6R2HBxs is the link. We also discussed a couple of programs Veterans Assurance network is doing to bring some cheer to veterans in the hospital. To help Veterans Assurance network bring cheer to hospitalized veterans in your area please contact them at [email protected] and let them know you want to volunteer and bring some cheer to veterans in the hospital near you. you can also go to their website www.veteransassurance.org and contact them that way or call (567) 970-3834 and leave your name phone number and email address so they can contact you back and get things arranged. 

Send us Fan MailMike discusses what Guitar for vets is and how they help veterans. We talk about the program and what's expected by the veteran and what the veteran can expect in return. A special guest appears and surprise both Mike and I, Smokin Bob went through the program in Cleveland and came on the show. We also have so great folks chime in on the chat. To get in contact with Guitars for Vets go to www.guitars4vets.org. to help get September 22 named National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day please go to https://chng.it/JQs6R2HBxs. This podcast is presented by Veterans Assurance Network www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailUn fortunately our guest was not able to appear so we talked about why we as veterans should be proactive in our healthcare. If you are in the VA system you should be on myhealth.va.gov also known as myhealthevet. We show you how to access your medical records and why you should check them periodically. we also talk about services the Veterans Assurance Network is providing to veterans and their families. You can contact them at [email protected] or call (567) 970-3834 

Send us Fan MailDe Ann is the Executive Director of the Stark County office of the Ohio Veterans Services Commission. We talk about different services and benefits Ohio provides to their veterans. Ohio is one of the top states when it comes to taking care of their veterans. We hope veterans from other states watch or listen to this episode so they can go to their states and ask why they don't offer these programs.  As always, this podcast is presented by the good folks at Veterans Assurance Network www.veteransassurance.org

Send us Fan MailNortheast Ohio Patriots (NEOPAT) is an organization that helps veterans in Northeast Ohio. Brain Anglin is one of the representatives from this organization and we talk with him about NEOPAT and how it helps veterans. If you think this organization can help you, please contact them at www.neopat.org. This podcast is brought to you by the great folks at Veterans Assurance Network www.veteransassurance.org. 

Send us Fan MailHave you been looking into getting a service dog? Tonight we discuss what the VA has to offer. I think you'll be surprised at what they do for the dog if they approve a service dog for you.

Send us Fan MailOn January 17th, 2023, the VA started a new program to help combat veteran suicide. It is called the COMPACT ACT. We will discuss what the act is and how it helps veterans. To learn more about the COMPACT Act go to www.va.gov/wilmington-health-care/stories/understanding-the-compact-act/ if you have questions feel free to reach out to [email protected] I have stated it takes a village and it will take a village to help end veteran suicide. 

Send us Fan MailBill is a retired Veteran who is also the Assistant Program Director and the Veteran and Family Resource Manager at the VFW National Home. The home is located in Michigan but helps veterans and their families across the country. We discuss the requirements the veterans have to meet in order to stay at the home, but many resources are available to all veterans. we also discuss all the programs that are offered at the home. You can get in contact with the home at www.vfwnationalhome.org you can also contact Veterans Assurance Network at www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Dave Crete, an Air Force Veteran who founded The Invisible Enemy. We discuss updates from Dave concerning Air Force veterans that were stationed at the Neveda testing and training Range and their fight for healthcare through the VA. Since the DOD states the bases don't exist, the airmen don't either which causes the VA to deny care to these Airmen. A lot has happened since Dave was first on the show and we get all the details on what has happened. To get more information on this issue please visit www.theinvisibleenemy.org to contact Veterans Assurance Network please go to www.vetertansassurance.org. 

Send us Fan MailMilitary personnel, their family members, and civilians living near the base were exposed to jet fuel when the depot leaked thousands of gallons into the ground water. The exposure has caused severe illnesses and threatened military readiness. Mandy Feindt has been fighting for healthcare for those exposed to this leak. There have been many updates in the progress of this fight and Mandy educates us on these updates.

Send us Fan MailEveryone meet Peggy Baker and Sarah Hartmann from Operation First Response. we will talk about how this organization started and what they do to help active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. We will discuss the programs they offer and how you can contact them. we also talk about a network is being built amongst non-profits in case they do not provide services the veteran is looking for they know who does and can help the veteran get in contact with the other organization. you can reach Operation First response at www.operationfirstresponse.org and as always, this podcast is presented by Veterans Assurance Network www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailHey live podcasts and what happens when a guest cannot make it......you improvise. I talk about a few veterans issues. 

Send us Fan MailJessica is with an organization called Everyone for Veterans. This organization helps provide free dental care for veterans and their spouse who are not eligible for dental care through the VA. Many people do not realize that healthcare is not free at the VA until the veteran reaches a certain level of service connection percentage. Dental care is not even available until you reach 100% service connection. Everyone for veterans fills in that gap so veterans who cannot afford comprehensive dental care can get this care. If you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran and need dental care, give Everyone for Veterans a shoutout on their website. www.www.everyoneforveterans.org. As always, we thank Veterans Assurance Network for presenting this podcast. www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailTonight's show is dedicated to the memory of Lance Cpl Austin Schwenk. Austin was the Marine that was murdered at Camp Le Jeun, his father is a veteran and is very active in the veteran community in northeast Ohio. please keep this family in your prayers.  We have Micaela Bensko on for the second time to promote the awesome work Veterans in Pain is doing to help veterans combat their Chronic pain. To learn even more information on this great organization please go to www.veteransinpain.org.  This podcast is presented by Veterans Assurance Network www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan Mailwe talk with Mike about Warrior Bonfire program. We discuss how and why it was started and we discuss what veterans are eligible for this program. I'm going to be blunt here and state that as veterans we do not communicate with others well unless they are veterans. Its programs like Warrior Bonfire Program that is helping veterans open up about dealing with their PTSD and what they do to make things better for themselves. We also discuss the program they have for spouses of veterans that are combat wounded veterans. To contact Warrior Bonfire Program, go to warriorbonfireprogram.org. As always, this show is presented by Veterans Assurance Network. If you are not sure what organization can help you, please contact VAN at veteransassurance.org so they can find an organization that can provide you the aid you are looking for. 

Send us Fan MailUnfortunately, our guest had tech problems and could not make it. We will try to get them on a later show. So today you get to hear me ramble about a few subjects. veteransassurance.org [email protected]

Send us Fan MailJoe Wesner founded Ultimate Veteran Adventures. we will learn how and why he started this great organization. We will learn how they help veterans. you can reach Ultimate Veteran Adventures at ultimateveteranadventures.org. Once again thank you to Veterans Assurance Network for presenting this podcast. You can reach them at veteransassurance.org. 

Send us Fan MailWe talk with folks from Project healing waters as we discuss what this organization does and how it helps veterans. www.projecthealingwaters.org www.vetaransassurance.org 

Send us Fan Mailwe will talk with organizers about an upcoming event to raise awareness of suicide awareness and prevention. September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention month and We are trying to raise everyone's knowledge about suicide so we can one end the stigma of mental health and two save lives.  

Send us Fan MailWe will talk with Aviva Vincent about what Fieldstone Farm is and what they do for veterans. Yes, horses are involved in a wonderful way that not only helps veterans but other members of the community.  If you think this is a program you would be interested in, please go to their website www.fieldstonefarm.org, If you are looking for other programs, please go to www.veteransassurance.org and they can help you find programs that you are looking for.  

Send us Fan MailLee is a retired Marine Corp. SgtMaj who will explain to us who Hope for the Warriors is and what all they do to help military members, veterans, and their families. To contact Hope for the warriors please go to www.hopeforthewarriors.org  Once again this show is presented by Veterans Assurance Network who is building a network with other non-profits to further the help of veterans and their families. to contact Veterans Assurance network please go to www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailMeet Bart Crowe from Creativets. Listen to Bart explain what Creativets is and how it helps veterans. We will talk about how Creativets helps combat wounded veterans and that includes those suffering from PTSD.  To contact Creativets please go to www.creativets.org to learn more about veterans Assurance Network please go to www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailWe talk with the makers of a new documentary titled "Thank You For Your Service, A Burnpit Story" They announced they are launching an event to gain some funding to help finish this documentary. This film documents the hardships and tribulations of advocates Rosie and Le Roy Torres, founders of Burn Pits 360. The stories of all the advocates that helped Rosie and Le Roy are told in this film as well as Rosie and Le Roy's stories.  To help finish this film please go to www.supportourstory.com/burnpitsmovie  

Send us Fan MailMichelle is a veteran that helps run an organization called Fisher House Foundation. If you ever heard of Ronald McDonald House, then you get an idea what Fisher House is and what it does for military and veterans. This organization helps eliminate a lot of stress for veterans and their families that have to be hospitalized at a VA facility but live a far distance from the facility. You can reach Fisher House at fisherhouse.org or [email protected], As always, this episode is presented by the fine folks at Veterans Assurance Network.  www.veteransassurance.org 

Send us Fan MailWell, this episode was supposed to feature an organization called veterans In Pain, but the guest never showed. Thats the risk we take when we are live, sometimes things don't work out. I do my best to give you all content that will be beneficial to you. With September being National Suicide Awareness and Prevention month, I am planning on doing shows pertaining to that subject the entire month of September. I want to thank Veterans Assurance Network for presenting my show and for their undying support for my advocate work. You can reach Veterans Assurance Network at www.veteransassurance.org  You can reach me at [email protected] with any suggestions for future shows. 

Send us Fan MailKevin is the host of the Gulf War Side Effects podcast that is live every Thursday night at 7 pm central time. He offers much needed information that Gulf War veterans need to hear. We will discuss how and why he decided to start his podcast. We will also discuss current events from the pact act to the soldier defecting to North Korea. We also are asking our fellow veterans to join us in fighting for them by telling their stories. to many veterans have been gaslighted by the DOD and we need to get that stopped. The VA needs improvements and the only way that is going to happen is tell our stories to the right people. So please get in contact with Kevin and I and help us make change happen. [email protected] [email protected] 

Send us Fan MailTonight, I do not have a guest but I will discuss several topics That should be important to veterans and their families. If you are a veteran that feels that you could hurt yourself or others, please call the crisis line at 988 then press 1. Get those PACT ACT claims filed by August 9th so they will be backdated to August 10th 2022, after the 9th it goes back to the regular date of date filed. I am so honored to have Veterans Assurance Network presenting this podcast. If you need help finding aid or benefits please contact Veterans Assurance Network at www.veteransassurance.org  or email them at [email protected] they will help you find the aid you need and want. 

Send us Fan MailIrreverent warriors is an organization that combats veteran isolation, fostering camaraderie, and creating lasting impact to help end veteran suicide. They do this by hosting veteran only hikes throughout the country. Robert Schwenk is the guy in charge in Cleveland Ohio. Join us as we talk about this amazing organization. www.irreverentwarriors.com and as always, this podcast is presented by the great people at Veterans Assurance Network who can help veterans find benefits and aid that they did not exist by networking with various non-profits and organizations. www.veteransassurance.org

Send us Fan MailWe will talk about the contamination at GAFB and how it affected the personnel and their families. Frank Vera is leading the charge to get the DOD to finally admit that this poisoning of military personnel and their families has be going on for decades. Frank has developed a website with an extremely huge amount of information about George AFB which I hope everyone takes a look at and can learn exactly what we were talking about. The site is www.georgeafb.info I want to thank the fine folks at Veterans Assurance network for presenting this podcast!!! www.veteransassurance.org