Veterans SITREP

Today, we continue our conversation with Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Deputy Secretary Anderson brings a remarkable blend of enlisted and commissioned Air Force service, national security experience, White House leadership, and private-sector strategy to Maryland’s veterans’ community.  He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, served at the White House advancing the PACT Act and veteran engagement, and now oversees Maryland’s statewide service and benefits programs, cemeteries, memorial affairs, intergovernmental relations, and legislative affairs. 

Veterans SITREP is honored to be joined today by Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Deputy Secretary Anderson brings a remarkable blend of enlisted and commissioned Air Force service, national security experience, White House leadership, and private-sector strategy to Maryland’s veterans’ community.  He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, served at the White House advancing the PACT Act and veteran engagement, and now oversees Maryland’s statewide service and benefits programs, cemeteries, memorial affairs, intergovernmental relations, and legislative affairs.   Today we’re going to learn more about the very backbone of Maryland’s military and veteran community programs and services.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are board members from the Aberdeen Proving Ground Community Spouses Club, Kelly Foster, first vice president and Elizabeth Perez Garcia, secretary.  The Club provides a support system for members by developing leadership, creating a sense of unity within the Aberdeen Proving Ground community, broadening the lives of its members, and promoting the relationship between the military and surrounding civilian communities. The Spouses Club sponsors various educational, charitable, social, recreational, and other activities for the community.  We’re going to explore how the Community Spouses Clubs are more than social groups — but how they are one of the quiet engines that keep military installations connected, supported, and thriving.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Keith Taylor, President of the Sparrows Point North Point Historical Society who has a unique collaboration story with the Wells McComas VFW Post 2678.  Together, these organizations have collaborated to create the Veterans Memorial Park and Gateway into Edgemere, a space designed to honor service, preserve local history, and welcome residents and visitors with a message of gratitude.   This project isn’t about bricks, landscaping, or monuments — it’s about community identity. It’s about recognizing the generations of men and women from the Sparrows Point, North Point, and Edgemere areas who stepped forward to serve. And it’s about ensuring their stories remain visible, respected, and understood.  Today, we’ll explore how this collaboration came to life, the history it preserves, the veterans it honors, and the impact it’s already having on the community.

We continue our conversation on Veterans SITREP with Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22, an organization dedicated to Veteran support & suicide prevention.   Platoon 22 is a nonprofit, veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide through the fostering of meaningful connections and comprehensive support. They understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and military-connected individuals and are there to ensure they never face those challenges alone. We’re going to explore the mission of Platoon 22 of combating veteran suicide by creating a robust network of resources and support for those who have served, as well as for the families who served alongside them. 

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Chris Duffley, Regional Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services, American Red Cross of the National Capital, and Greater Chesapeake Region.  Chris leads a team of over 1000 paid and volunteer staff providing support to military members, Veterans, and their families at 26 military installations, five VA medical centers throughout his region.  Today, we’re going to explore how the Red Cross provides emergency casework, community outreach, military and VA hospital/caregiver support and behavioral health training to the military and veteran community.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Executive Director of Team Red, White and Blue.  Sully is a passionate leader, dedicated veteran, and tireless advocate for the well-being of those who have served.  He brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to building stronger, healthier veteran communities across the nation.  Under his leadership, Team RWB has continued to grow as a beacon of connection, purpose, and resilience—empowering veterans through physical activity, community engagement, and leadership development. Today, we’re proud to have him join us to share insights, stories, and strategies that are shaping the future of veteran support and engagement.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP Dr. Minu Aghveli, a psychologist and coordinator of the Harm Reduction Program at the VA Maryland Health Care System.  The VA Harm Reduction Program supports veterans who may be facing challenges with substance use or other risky behaviors.  Dr. Aghveli will share various treatments for substance use disorder and ways the VA is supporting Veterans to reduce harm from risky behaviors.   

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22, an organization dedicated to Veteran support & suicide prevention.   Platoon 22 is a nonprofit, veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide through the fostering of meaningful connections and comprehensive support. They understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and military-connected individuals and are there to ensure they never face those challenges alone. We’re going to explore the mission of Platoon 22 of combating veteran suicide by creating a robust network of resources and support for those who have served, as well as for the families who served alongside them.  

On this Veterans SITREP we are joined by Angela Rose, President and CEO of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, and Barry Hebb, Chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.  The Military Affairs Committee works with Aberdeen Proving Ground to build relationships between the installation and the business community. It plans the annual Military Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate and honor our US Armed Forces as well as other veteran and military projects and initiatives throughout Harford County.  We’re going to learn more about how military affairs committee originated and the impact they are making in the community.

Today on Veterans SITREP, we continue our discussion with Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Edward Rothstein. He talks with us about initiatives for veteran suicide prevention, mental health awareness, building communities and much more. 

Veterans SITREP is proud to present an interview with the Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Edward Rothstein.  Colonel Rothstein (U.S. Army, Ret.) brings over three decades of leadership, public service, and military experience to this role. He shares with us the priorities and initiatives for the department under his direction. 

Veterans SITREP welcomes Major General James (Jim) D. Turinetti IV , the 18th Commander of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG).  He arrived in our community last summer.   Major General Turinetti grew up outside of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  After graduating from The Ohio State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army Signal Corps in June 1994.  We’re going to learn more about how he grew up in the military and what he has learned from veterans through his travels in the community.

We are joined on Veterans SITREP by Paula Davis and Theresa Karlson, of Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter.  The Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter was formed in the 1940s, to support families of those in the military during WW II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Maryland and Delaware then combined to work with those who were grieving.   Their mission is finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families and our community. 

Veterans SITREP hosted its first town hall recording on June 13 in front of a live audience at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Joining us in this Town Hall is Colonel Lewis Patrick Hawkins, representing the Maryland Adjutant General, Major General Janeen L Birckhead.  Colonel Hawkins serves as the Chief of Joint Staff, Maryland Joint Forces Headquarters.   Ross Cohen, serves as the Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families.  A US Army veteran, Acting Secretary Cohen previously served as the DVMF’s Deputy Secretary.  In this two-part episode, we’re going to explore how the Maryland National Guard and Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families work together to support each other. 

Veterans SITREP hosted its first town hall recording on June 13 in front of a live audience at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.   Joining us in this Town Hall is Colonel Lewis Patrick Hawkins, representing the Maryland Adjutant General, Major General Janeen L Birckhead.  Colonel Hawkins serves as the Chief of Joint Staff, Maryland Joint Forces Headquarters.   Ross Cohen, serves as the Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families.  A US Army veteran, Acting Secretary Cohen previously served as the DVMF’s Deputy Secretary.  In this two-part episode, we’re going to explore how the Maryland National Guard and Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families work together to support each other. 

We welcome Anne Hall, Program Manager and John Blakely, Transition Patient Advocate, for the VA’s Post 9/11 Military2VA Case Management Program to Veterans SITREP.  This program assists veterans, their families and caregivers in navigating the VA health care system and supports them in achieving their health and wellness goals. Often when service members leave the military, they find difficulty with sense of identity, financial strain, employment/education barriers, relationship changes, mental/emotional wellness, and physical limitations as a result of their time in the military. 

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Captain Sean Gobin, Board Member with Warrior Expeditions, a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. Today, we’re going to learn more about this program and what the Warrior Expeditions organization offers veterans recognizing the therapeutic value of long distance outdoor expeditions to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Yolanda Rayford, Executive Director for the Baltimore/ Chesapeake Region of Blue Star Families.  Most people have heard of Gold Star families, but Blue Star Families may not be as familiar.   This is our second time sitting down with Yolanda and we’re going to explore some updates on what they have been doing serving all military members, veterans and their families.  And more importantly resources that Blue Star Families have that can make a difference

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Heather Geraldes, Executive Director of the Department of Veterans and Military Families, Veterans Trust Fund.  Heather joined the Department in July 2024 and has been tasked with leading the expansion of the services to increase the impact of the Veterans Trust Fund.  The Trust Fund was created to provide once-in-a-lifetime temporary financial assistance and referral services to support our veterans and their families.  We’re going to learn more about this Fund and how veterans and their families can take advantage of this resource.  

Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support at Gilchrist Hospice Services is our guest today on Veterans SITREP.  For many Vietnam veterans, the long-overdue recognition of their service has been a powerful and healing experience. Unlike veterans of other wars, many who returned home from Vietnam were met with silence—or worse, hostility—rather than gratitude.   To change that narrative, our guest along with an attorney and volunteer at another hospice, led to the passage of a Maryland state bill officially recognizing March 30th as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day but also established an annual community celebration that has grown larger every year.   We’re going to explore her journey how the idea began and how it led to honoring local Vietnam Veterans through a special day.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Colonel Retired Ivan Montanez, a retired Army Colonel, combat and disabled veteran. who recently through hiked the Appalachian Trail.  Ivan retired in 2018 after over 28 years of service.  He continued to serve as an JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Mount Pleasant High School in Delaware.  Today we’re going to hear his story of navigating and completing the Appalachian Trail, a 2190 mile long public foot path from Georgia to Maine.

Our guest today on Veterans SITREP is Denise Nooe, Deputy Director, Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Her primary responsibilities are outreach to veterans, benefits briefings to organizations and writing the DVMF e-newsletter.  Today she is going to share her observations and resources she has seen through her role in Communications, Outreach and Advocacy.

Today on Veterans SITREP, we continue our conversation with the Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Tony Woods.  Secretary Woods and I sat down in May of 2023 during the premiere episode of Veterans SITREP and again last January to recap his first full year in the position.  This is our third interview, as we are back in his Annapolis Office to catch up on the ambitious 2024 year of support to veterans and military families and to hear what is ahead for this 2025 legislative session.  

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is the Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Tony Woods.  Secretary Woods and I sat down in May of 2023 during the premiere episode of Veterans SITREP and again last January to recap his first full year in the position.  This is our third interview, as we are back in his Annapolis Office to catch up on the ambitious 2024 year of support to veterans and military families and to hear what is ahead for this 2025 legislative session.  

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Kevin Frey, a US Air Force veteran, who is North Region Director of the Veteran Golfers Association, the first golfer’s association dedicated to promoting the game to all veterans and their family members.   The mission of the VGA is to enrich the lives of veterans and their families through the game of golf.  Annually, the VGA hosts more than 250 local tournaments for thousands of VGA members across the country.  We’re going to explore what the VGA offers veterans and families and some benefits and impacts to the veteran community.    

Today, we continue our discussion with Audri Beugelsdijk, Vice President, Survivor Services, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, an organization that provides support to the families of fallen service members.  As a Navy veteran and widow of Seaman Jason Springer, U.S. Navy., Audri's dedication is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.  We going to explore TAPS’ mission and how they provide compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.

Veterans SITREP welcomes Audri Beugelsdijk, Vice President, Survivor Services, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, an organization that provides support to the families of fallen service members.  As a Navy veteran and widow of Seaman Jason Springer, U.S. Navy., Audri's dedication is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.  We going to explore TAPS’ mission and how they provide compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.

On this edition of Veterans SITREP, we welcome Francisco Leija, an Army Veteran, son of immigrants, who joined the U.S. Army as a Private and retired as a Colonel after 27 years of Active Duty.  He now works in higher education, corporate governance, and as an advisor for technology companies. He volunteers his time for youth intervention in entrepreneurship, Veteran affairs. We are going to explore his thoughts on military transition and what he is seeing in corporate America which may interest veterans.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Delegate Mike Rogers, House Chair of the Maryland General Assembly Veterans Caucus.   Delegate Rogers is an Army combat disabled veteran who has served in the Maryland legislature since 2018.  He serves on the Economic Matters committee and various sub committees.  We’re going to explore what the Maryland General Assembly Veterans Caucus is, its mission, and where the veterans legislation past, present and future is going. 

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are members from the non-profit organization CHEP, Communities Helping Empower Patriots, People, & Professionals.  Jack Berkeridge, CEO of CHEP Jennifer Travers, Director of Operations and Elvado Smith, Peer Specialist.  Their mission is to support and empower veterans with a goal to restore hope and dignity to the veterans so they can live independently, maintain permanent housing and an improved quality of life.  We’re going to explore CHEP’s veteran housing program so that veterans can obtain a better understanding of these services and key resources to assist them.

Today on Veterans SITREP, we are joined by Dr. Catherine Starapoli, Women’s Health Medical Director and Dr. Siobhan Kirksey, Women Veterans Program Manager for the VA Maryland Health Care System.   The VA Maryland Health Care system supports the health, welfare, and dignity of female Veterans by ensuring equal access to timely, sensitive, and quality care.   We’re going to explore how female veterans can get the services they need and how the VA is serving the fastest growing group within our Veterans population.    

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are Jay Ellenby and Tim Farmer, members of the Capt'n James V. McMahon Harford County Veterans Commission.  The commission advocates for veterans and their families and connects them to resources through outreach and education.   Their vision is to foster a community that is responsive to the needs of veterans and their families.  We’re going to explore the commission’s role and how they connect with the community and how it makes an impact on veterans.

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Rick Yount, the Executive Director / Founder of Warrior Canine Connection, a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) model to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.   Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.  We’re going to explore this approach and how it makes an impact on veterans.

Joining us today on Veterans SITREP is David Heredia Jr., who just began service as the American Legion Department of Maryland Commander.  He’s a retired Army combat veteran with over 22 years of service.   A member of the American Legion since 2008, he has served as post commander, Northern Central District Commander, and Department of Maryland Vice Commander.    The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness and is America's largest veterans service organization.  We’re going to dig deeper into the Legion’s mission, their services and what their mission veterans strengthening America means today

Sylvia Moore joins us today on Veterans SITREP. She is a US Army combat veteran who is a leader in the Veterans Foreign Wars in a local community and serving in a unique way to honor veterans.   Sylvia served on active duty in the 1990s and experienced several deployments.  When she transitioned, she found a unique way to connect with veterans and serve her VFW post.  We’re going to explore her journey and what she has learned as a veteran serving veterans in the community.    

Joining us today on Veterans SITREP is John Eckman, Director. VA Maryland Health Care System.  A US Army Veteran, he was appointed to this position in December 2020 and is responsible for the management and oversite of three medical centers and five community-based outpatient centers located throughout the State.  Many of our guests on this program have represented various offices and services of the VA Maryland Health Care System.  We’re going to explore the enrollment and eligibility for the different types of services and programs available and how to take advantage of VA health care resources.

Joining us today on Veterans SITREP is Jim Thorton and Roxann Red-Wallace who are members of SGT Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund Committee. The mission of the Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund, Inc., is to preserve his memory, establish a memorial in his honor, educate the public about Harford County’s only native Medal of Honor recipient, and highlight the impact of the nearly 185,000 United States Colored Troops who valiantly fought for the Union during the Civil War.  We’re going to explore who SGT Hilton was, why his legacy is important to our County and how educating the public on these achievements is essential to the community.

We welcome Kim Callari, the Executive Director of The Baltimore Station, a non-profit organization that provides individuals, primarily veterans, who suffer from homelessness and substance abuse with residential treatment programs.  We’re going to explore the services and resources of The Baltimore Station and how they support veterans who are overcoming obstacles to regain self-sufficiency.

Today, we continue our discussion with Chana Hurvitz, the Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator, and Bill Lange, the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, supporting the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.  If you’re a Veteran or active-duty service member who is blind or has low vision, you may be able to get advanced vision care and rehabilitation services through VA to help you live an independent life.   We’re going to explore the services and resources of the Visual Impairment Services Team and how they assist visually impaired Veterans and active-duty service.

Today, we welcome Chana Hurvitz, the Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator, and Bill Lange, the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, supporting the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.  If you’re a Veteran or active-duty service member who is blind or has low vision, you may be able to get advanced vision care and rehabilitation services through VA to help you live an independent life.   We’re going to explore the services and resources of the Visual Impairment Services Team and how they assist visually impaired Veterans and active-duty service.

Bob Brown is the first person to fill the position of Veterans Affairs Coordinator for Harford County, Maryland.  We’ll hear about what that position entails and how it’s going. After 23 years as an officer in the Army, Bob continues a life of serving others, including his time as part of the Veterans SITREP panel that helps us develop this program.

We welcome Molli Maberry, Founder and Lead Event Planner for MKM Collective LLC. Molli is a military spouse from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland who won second place in the Early Start-Up category for her business pitch for MKM Collective, LLC, her event planning company.   She’ll share candid advice for military and veterans’ spouses on how to prepare for entrepreneurship opportunities, what the Project Opportunity program did to set the foundation for a business venture and why employers should look closely at military spouses as a resource to fill their positions.

Today, we get to know Dr. Dario DiBattista, Director of Towson University’s Military & Veterans Center. Dario will explore how the Center’s services impact student veterans and their family members beyond processing necessary benefits earned through service.  He’ll also share key resources and encouragement to go back to college to broaden veteran job placement opportunities.

Today, we sit down with Alison Taylor, Medical Foster Homes Coordinator, Geriatrics & Extended Care Department, at Perry Point VA Medical Center.   She’ll share a unique option for veterans in need of assisted living.  VA’s Medical Foster Home program works with caregivers in the community to provide veterans needing assistance with daily living as an alternative to staying in a nursing home. 

Today, we welcome Will Yeske, a US Army combat veteran, and author of a recent publication, Damn The Valley, a book about a combat experience with the 82d Airborne Division that suffered a 50% casualty rate during a deployment.  He’ll shed light on the challenges faced by veterans, the significance of community engagement, and the importance of storytelling as a means of healing and advocacy.   His candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the world of a soldier, emphasizing the need for understanding, support, and recognition for those who've served beyond their uniforms.

Today, we welcome the newly appointed Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Ross Cohen. Ross, a U.S. Army veteran was appointed in January of 2024 and served as the Chief External Affairs Officer with Blue Star Families, a leading military family non-profit.  He’ll share the events that led him to military service, how he was selected as Deputy, and what his core focus is for the coming year supporting veterans in Maryland.

On this episode of Veterans SITREP, we continue our discussion with Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, a peer specialist for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System.  Dr. Smith Benson is a retired US Air Force officer and combat veteran who will explain how unrecognized PTSD symptoms affected her transition from active duty and how she turned her life around as a peer specialist helping veterans with mental health and substance misuse disorders.  

Today, we welcome Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, a peer specialist for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System.  Dr. Smith Benson is a retired US Air Force officer and combat veteran who will share her unique experience as a Clinical Nurse while deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom/ Iraqi Freedom caring for wounded in battle.  She’ll explain how unrecognized PTSD symptoms affected her transition from active duty and how she turned her life around as a peer specialist helping veterans with mental health and substance misuse disorders.

Veterans SITREP is excited to share our conversation with Katie Kilby, founder of Reveille Grounds in Baltimore, Maryland. She refers to Reveille Grounds as Baltimore’s only veteran and community impact hub. This hub uses human centered design strategies and is accountable to the community they serve by connecting people, curating resources, and convening opportunities that will set the gold standard for collaborative impact.