Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans Larry Zilliox

How does growing up with a war veteran parent shape a childhood? Join us for an emotionally charged conversation with Becky Ellis, author of "Little Avalanches," as she recounts her journey growing up with a father who was a World War II veteran suffering from PTS. Becky vividly shares the profound impact her father's unspoken combat experiences had on her family dynamics, painting a poignant picture of resilience and the heavy emotional burden carried by veterans and their loved ones. You'll...

Ever wondered how a community can come together to support individuals with brain injuries? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Donna Meltzer, the CEO of Brain Injury Services, as she shares the powerful story of an organization founded by parents in 1989 to secure housing and employment for their children with brain injuries. Discover the breadth of services offered, from childhood through adulthood, focused on personalized, self-directed care. Donna's insights provide a compelling...

Unlock the secrets of how Virginia is transforming veteran support through the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VSF). Join us as we sit down with Kayla Arestivo, the Executive Director of VSF, to uncover the foundation's pivotal role in bridging funding gaps and providing essential services to over 700,000 veterans across the Commonwealth. Kayla demystifies the distinctions between the Virginia Department of Veteran Services (DVS) and VSF, detailing the foundation's independent operatio...

Embark on an enlightening journey with me as I sit down with Dr. Aaron Banas from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring, MD, for an intimate conversation that promises to reshape your understanding of mental health care for military families. Uncover the deep-seated compassion and dedication that fuels this partnership between the Cohen Veterans Network and Easterseals while providing a beacon of hope to those who've selflessly served our nation. From the ...

Embarking on a mission to unpack the layers of advocacy for veterans' benefits, we've linked up with Ken Wiseman of the VFW. In this stirring session, Ken's insights illuminate the vital role of grassroots movements in crafting policies that resonate with the real challenges veterans face – from the hardships of homelessness to the battles with mental health.Our conversation turns sharply into the murky waters of claim sharks and the legislative defenses mounted to protect our veterans from p...

Listening to Sergeant Major Roy Lewis, his tales of transformation from a small-town youth to a beacon of military inspiration struck a chord within me. His story isn't just one of duty and discipline but a profound journey of personal evolution that speaks to any listener seeking growth amidst life's toughest challenges. In this episode, we traverse Roy's 36-year odyssey through the ranks of the Army, unearthing the lessons he learned, the bonds he formed, and the resilience he crafted.Navig...