Behind The Mission

Duane K. L. France
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Because fewer than 7% of Americans have served in uniform, most Americans are unfamiliar with military service and culture. As a result, members of the military and Veteran community are at greater risk for disconnection and lack of belonging with the civilian community. PsychArmor’s mission is to bridge the military-civilian divide by educating and training a Nation. Each week, Duane France, a combat Veteran and Clinical Mental Health Counselor, will dig deep into the stories “Behind The Mission” - and create a conversation with organizations and leaders on how they are utilizing their expertise and networks to support the military-connected community.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    BTM265 – Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly – Atomic Echoes Documentary

    Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly, the creative team behind Atomic Echoes, a powerful documentary exploring the overlooked stories of American atomic veterans and Japanese survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Together, they unpack the human, historical, and intergenerational impact of nuclear war through perspectives that are rarely seen side by side. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guests Karin Tanabe is a novelist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. The author of seven novels published by Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s Press, she is a former Politico reporter and frequent contributor to The Washington Post. Her writing has also appeared in the Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, and Newsday. She has been a featured lifestyle and politics expert on CNN, E!, Entertainment Tonight, and CBS Early Show. Her 2025 documentary, “Atomic Echoes,” was broadcast nationally on PBS. A graduate of Vassar College, she lives in Washington, DC. Victoria Kelly is the producer of Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories of World War II and the author of three books of fiction and poetry. She is a graduate of Harvard and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Virginia. She was a 2025 George W. Bush Institute Veterans Leadership Scholar. Links Mentioned During the Episode Atomic Echoes Film website Atomic Echoes on Instagram PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Supporting Someone with Invisible Wounds. Not all wounds can be seen and invisible wounds are just as serious as visible ones. This course introduces the four main types of invisible wounds - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance Use Disorder, and Depression. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-someone-with-invisible-wounds Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    33 min

  2. 14 APR

    BTM264 – Ally Wagner – Continued Service After the Military

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Ally Wagner, a Navy veteran and board member at PsychArmor, who brings a powerful perspective on bridging the gap between veterans and the communities that support them. We explore how military service continues to shape identity and leadership, and what it really takes for civilians and organizations to move from intention to meaningful impact. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Alison “Ally” Wagner is a distinguished Naval Intelligence Veteran, military spouse,  experienced leader, and advocate for Veterans' causes. Her involvement with PsychArmor began through her collaboration with The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and her extensive work across the Veteran nonprofit sector. This engagement has fueled her deep commitment to supporting the Veteran community, and she is eager to leverage her skills in strategic planning, organizational growth, and community outreach to benefit PsychArmor’s programs and initiatives. Her professional accomplishments include honorable service in Afghanistan and Iraq, where she developed essential leadership, strategic analysis, and critical thinking skills. Ally holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, underlining her academic excellence and strategic acumen.  Ally is deeply committed to community service. She actively serves on the Board of the National Intelligence Professionals (NIP) and is passionate about fostering a sense of community across the maritime sector, particularly by supporting initiatives that enhance collaboration among the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard, while promoting awareness of the challenges and contributions of military personnel in these branches. Ally’s unique perspective as a woman Veteran enhances the diversity of any team she joins. Her insights into the challenges faced by Veterans today, coupled with her dedication to inclusivity, align seamlessly with PsychArmor’s mission to support all Veterans, regardless of background. Ally resides in Washington, DC with her Active-Duty military husband and three children, grounding her commitment to family and community values. Links Mentioned During the Episode Ally Wagner on LinkedIn PsychArmor Board of Directors PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/What-you-Should-Know-about-Transition   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    35 min

  3. 7 APR

    BTM263 – Michelle Lang – Operation Honor Rural Salute

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor Rural Salute, about the unique challenges and strengths of veterans living in rural communities. We explore how her work is bridging gaps in access by bringing resources directly to veterans in ways that feel local, familiar, and grounded in community. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Michelle and Chris Lang are the co-founders of Operation Honor Rural Salute. Chris is an Army veteran. Michelle is his wife—and a fierce advocate, caregiver, and bridge-builder. ​When they returned to rural Pennsylvania, they expected the transition to be hard. But they didn’t expect to feel so alone in it. No local VA. No one who understood the weight of invisible wounds. No roadmap forward. Just a couple doing their best to hold it all together. So they did what most veterans do: they figured it out themselves. And then, they built a way forward for others, too. Their story became the heartbeat of Operation Honor: Rural Salute™—a movement built by veterans for veterans who live beyond the reach of most resources. Links Mentioned During the Episode Operation Honor Rural Salute Website PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results. You can find the resource here:    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/caregiving-in-a-rural-setting   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    31 min

  4. 31 MAR

    BTM262 – Crystal Bettenhausen -Bubulka – Social Isolation in the Military and Veteran Community

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Military spouse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka. We talk about gaps in connection and culturally competent care for military families. We also explore how her work is strengthening social health as a foundation for well-being. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka is the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a deep focus on addressing social isolation, loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at USC, Crystal combines her expertise in gerontology and mental health to help those in need. In addition to her clinical work, she is honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Pat Tillman Scholarship, furthering her passion for service and leadership in the field. As the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service, Crystal leads the charge in empowering military families and supporting their mental health needs. Through her therapy practice, she offers both online and in-person psychotherapy services across North Dakota, Hawaii, and California, alongside supervision for social work associates and interns. Crystal also serves as the Region E Associate Director for NASW-CA, contributing to the growth and development of the social work profession. A proud military spouse, Crystal enjoys exploring National Parks and the outdoors with her husband and three daughters, having lived around the world throughout her husband's nearly three decades of Navy service. Links Mentioned During the Episode Strength In Service Website Kasley Killam Book: The Art and Science of Connection PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Networking-for-Military-Spouses   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    34 min

  5. 24 MAR

    BTM261 – Maria Gonzales – Muertos Fest and Veteran Suicide Awareness

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Air Force Veteran Spouse, Maria Gonzales. Maria and her husband, Gabe, raise awareness about Veteran Suicide and plant-based medicines through their alter at Muertos Fest, the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the United States.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Maria and Gabe Gonzalez are the co-founders of Operation Solace, a San Antonio-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through alternative healing pathways, including psychedelic-assisted therapies and integrative wellness practices. Drawing from their lived experience as a military family navigating the challenges of post-service mental health, their work is rooted in advocacy, access, and community-based healing. Maria, a public health professional and veteran spouse, brings both professional insight and personal perspective to their mission, while Gabe, an Air Force veteran, leads with lived experience shaped by his own recovery journey. Together, they have built Operation Solace to reduce barriers to care, raising funds to help veterans access transformative healing experiences, and to create spaces for remembrance, connection, and restoration. Their work extends beyond direct support to public engagement and awareness, including their nationally recognized veterans suicide prevention altar at San Antonio’s Muertos Fest, an effort that honors those lost while creating meaningful pathways for dialogue, healing, and community connection. Links Mentioned During the Episode Article about Muertos Fest featuring Gabe Gonzales OperationSolace Website OperationSolace on Instagram PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is Episode 255 of the Behind the Mission podcast. On this episode, we have a conversation with Jesse Gould, founder of the Heroic Hearts Project and a former Army Ranger, about what it means for veterans to heal when traditional systems don’t have all the answers. Heroic Hearts works with leading medical researchers to improve veterans access to psychedelic programs for the treatment of PTSD. You can find the resource here:    https://psycharmor.org/podcast/btm255-jesse-gould-heroic-hearts-project-and-psychedelic-assisted-therapy   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    31 min

  6. 17 MAR

    BTM260 – Jessica Benson – Immersive Technology for Veteran Mental Health

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Jessica Benson, Vice President of Market Development at Mynd Immersive, where she leads national outreach and partnerships focused on expanding the use of immersive technology to improve the lives of older adults and Veterans. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Jessica Benson is Vice President of Growth and Partnership at Mynd Immersive, where she leads national outreach and partnerships focused on expanding the use of immersive technology to improve the lives of older adults and veterans. In this role, she works with healthcare systems, senior living communities, veteran organizations, and clinical partners to bring virtual reality–based experiences into long-term care, hospice, and rehabilitation environments. Her work centers on using immersive technology to reduce isolation, support cognitive wellness, and provide non-pharmacological tools that can help manage stress, pain, and anxiety among aging populations. Links Mentioned During the Episode Mynd Immersive Website Mynd Immersive Veteran Programs  PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Connecting with the Veteran In Your Life. This course provides information to help caregivers understand and address a lack of connection with the Veteran in their life. The new course incorporates a strengths-based approach to connections between a caregiver and a Veteran.   You can find the resource here:    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/connecting-with-the-veteran-in-your-life   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    33 min

  7. 10 MAR

    BTM259 – Keith Hotle – Stop Soldier Suicide

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Keith Hotle, the Chief Executive Officer of Stop Soldier Suicide, a nonprofit with the goal of reducing service member and veteran suicide by using enhanced data insights, focused client acquisition, and suicide-specific intervention services. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest In his previous role as Chief Program Officer at Stop Soldier Suicide, Keith was responsible for all programmatic activities and strategic efforts. During his six years with the organization, he has developed, implemented and evaluated a best-in-class clinical service model to deliver suicide prevention and early intervention treatment and support services to veterans and service members. Keith directly oversees our operations for the ROGER wellness service, research and evaluation activities, and community-based suicide prevention efforts including the development of veteran firearm safety teams in three North Carolina counties. Prior to his tenure at Stop Soldier Suicide, Keith was a senior public health administrator at the Wyoming Department of Health for ten years, as well as CEO of the Prevention Management Organization, a statewide public health prevention agency. Keith has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Wyoming and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas Law School. Links Mentioned During the Episode Stop Soldier Suicide Web Site The ROGER Wellness Program The Black Box Project  PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course The Basics of Veteran Suicide Prevention. This course is designed to equip you with knowledge to make a difference, providing you with essential insights and practical abilities to positively impact your community by nurturing hope, healing, and resilience    You can find the resource here:    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/basics-of-veteran-suicide-prevention   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    32 min

  8. 3 MAR

    BTM258 – Joanne Melear– The 11th Hour Squadron

    Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation with Vietnam Era veteran and nurse Joanne Melear, who is the coordinator of the 11th Hour Squadron. They are an all-volunteer organization that believes in taking care of dying veterans like family. They can be there at a loved one’s bedside during those final nights when family members are at home getting much-needed rest. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Joanne  Melear is a former U.S. Navy nurse and the founder of the 11th Hour Squadron, a volunteer initiative dedicated to ensuring that veterans in hospice care are not alone at the end of life. Drawing on her military medical experience and deep commitment to lifelong service, she created the program to bring trained veteran volunteers to sit bedside, provide companionship, and honor fellow service members in their final hours. Links Mentioned During the Episode 11th Hour Squadron Website  PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Caring for Veterans Through the End Of Life: Compassionate Communities. In this course, you will learn how you can provide compassionate care through the end-of-life for those who have served our country.   You can find the resource here:    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/caring-for-veterans-through-the-end-of-life-1   Episode Partner:   Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities   Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media  Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

    31 min
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About

Because fewer than 7% of Americans have served in uniform, most Americans are unfamiliar with military service and culture. As a result, members of the military and Veteran community are at greater risk for disconnection and lack of belonging with the civilian community. PsychArmor’s mission is to bridge the military-civilian divide by educating and training a Nation. Each week, Duane France, a combat Veteran and Clinical Mental Health Counselor, will dig deep into the stories “Behind The Mission” - and create a conversation with organizations and leaders on how they are utilizing their expertise and networks to support the military-connected community.

Information

  • Creator
    Duane K. L. France
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2021 PyschArmor, INC
  • Show Website
    Behind The Mission