Drive On Podcast Scott DeLuzio

This episode features financial educator Kate Horrell, specializing in empowering military and veteran families to optimize their pay and benefits. Discussions span the differences in managing finances for active vs. veteran status, leveraging educational benefits like the Post 9/11 GI Bill, navigating the transition from military to civilian life, and the availability of resources to ease this significant change. Kate shares great insights on preparing financially for the transition, making the most of available benefits, and the importance of planning for life post-service. This episode is a must-listen for military members, veterans, and their families seeking to better navigate financial planning and use of benefits pre and post-military life.



Links & Resources




Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1



Website: https://katehorrell.com



Follow Kate Horrell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateHorrellFinanceExpert/



Follow Kate Horrell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realkatehorrell/



Follow Kate Horrell on Twitter: https://twitter.com/realKateHorrell



Follow Kate Horrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katehorrell/




Transcript



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This episode features Kapri Willis, who shares her compelling journey from a challenging youth to serving as a Navy Corpsman and later founding Take Care of Our Vets. Willis opens up about the motivations behind her military service, her diverse experiences within the Navy, and how these shaped her commitment to aiding homeless veterans and their families. She provides insights into the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and discusses her efforts to improve the lives of homeless veterans through health and beauty initiatives. Additionally, the episode delves into broader issues surrounding homelessness, highlighting the importance of humanity and understanding in addressing this complex problem.
00:00 Introducing Kapri Willis

00:57 Journey to Service

08:50 Challenges of Transition

12:27 Addressing Veteran Homelessness

15:18 Humanity and Compassion

34:46 Is it Service Connected?: Marine vs Razor Wire




Links & Resources




Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1



Follow Kapri Willis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamkapriw



Follow Kapri Willis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkapriw



Follow Kapri Willis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/kapriwillis




Transcript



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In this episode, we look into the inspiring journey of Mark Perna, a former Marine Corps infantryman with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Mark shares his experiences from the battlefield to the trials of reintegration into civilian life, touching on themes of resilience, healing, and the power of self-discovery through challenging times. His story unfolds through discussions on overcoming the aftermath of combat, exploring non-traditional paths to healing, such as yoga and meditation, and the role of community and support systems in facilitating growth and recovery. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of the veteran experience, highlighting the importance of facing fears, embracing change, and finding solace in connection and purpose.



(00:00) Welcome to Drive On
(00:25) Introducing Mark Perna: A Marine's Story of Resilience
(00:58) Parenting After War: Sharing Stories with the Next Generation
(03:22) Marine Boot Camp: Preparing for War
(08:32) Deployment to Afghanistan: The Reality on the Ground
(13:19) Combat Experiences: The Intensity of Firefights
(48:39) Returning Home: The Challenge of Reintegration
(49:22) The Harsh Realities of Combat and Its Aftermath
(51:18) Struggling with Trauma and Seeking Solace in Risky Behaviors
(01:00:57) The Journey Towards Healing: From Medication to Meditation
(01:11:56) Finding Peace Through Yoga and Embracing New Beginnings
(01:24:05) Skydiving: A Leap Towards Self-Discovery and Love
(01:32:55) Reflections on Service, Sacrifice, and the Path to Healing
(01:39:33) Is It Service Connected?: The Misadventures of a Paratrooper



Links & Resources




Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1




Transcript



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This episode dives deep into veterans' support through service dogs, highlighting the support available for those who served. Our guest, Bryan Pieschel, director of veteran services at Dogs for Our Brave, shares his enlightening journey from an army medic in Baghdad to supporting wounded veterans. The conversation covers the vital role of service dogs in offering hope, independence, and support to veterans dealing with physical and mental challenges, diving into the specifics of how these dogs are trained and matched with veterans, the financial aspects, and the impact they have on veterans' lives. This episode not only sheds light on the challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life but also emphasizes the importance of support systems and resources available, making it a must-listen for anyone connected to the military community or interested in the incredible bond between humans and their canine companions.



Links & Resources




Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1



Website: https://dfob.org



Follow Dogs For Our Brave on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogsForOurBrave/



Follow Dogs For Our Brave on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsforourbrave/



Follow Dogs For Our Brave on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DFOB_HQ



Follow Bryan Pieschel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-pieschel-aa206b28a/



Follow Dogs For Our Brave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogs-for-our-brave/




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This episode features an in-depth conversation with Fred Johnson, a former Marine turned musical performer renowned for his work in healing veterans through artistic expression. Johnson shares his journey from the military to the arts, highlighting the impact of his service and artistic endeavors and how these experiences shaped his commitment to helping veterans transition and heal. The discussion covers Johnson's unique perspective on the power of creativity in bridging the gap between military and civilian communities, the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression, and initiatives aimed at veterans' rehabilitation. This heartfelt dialogue offers insights into the intersection of service, art, and the ongoing efforts to support the well-being of veterans and their families.



Links & Resources




Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1



Website: StrazCenter.org



Follow Straz Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrazCenter



Follow Straz Center on Instagram: https://instagram.com/Strazcenter




Transcript



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This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Elisa Glass, a dedicated caregiver to her husband, a 100% disabled veteran, and an advocate for caregivers and individuals with rare autoimmune diseases. Elisa shares her challenging journey of resilience, strength, and dedication while navigating the unique hurdles of caregiving, managing her own rare autoimmune disease, and advocating for resources and support. The discussion covers the underestimated stress of caregiving, the importance of self-identification as a caregiver, valuable tips on self-care, and how to access helpful resources and programs, particularly through the VA. Elisa's story highlights the power of a positive mindset, the necessity of community support, and offers inspiration and practical advice for caregivers facing similar situations.



Links & Resources




Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1



Follow Elisa Glass on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-glass/



Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/



Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/




Transcript



View the transcript for this episode.