Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS

Join us for a powerful conversation with Chad Robichaux, BCPC, MBA, a Force Recon veteran, best-selling author, MMA champion, and founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation. In this episode, Chad shares his incredible military journey, his battle with PTSD, and the profound healing he found in faith.
You’ll also learn more about the programs offered by the Mighty Oaks Foundation, including faith-based peer-to-peer mentoring and advocacy for veterans' care and policies. Throughout this discussion, Chad reflects on the importance of finding strength in vulnerability and never fighting alone. 
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
2:01 - Chad’s experience in the Marines, struggle with mental health, and journey to finding God12:27 - Founding the Mighty Oaks Foundation + the mission to rescue Aziz, his family, and 17,000 others 18:57 - Seeking help and not facing struggles alone27: 42 – Your mission and purpose continues beyond military service
Chad M. Robichaux:

Chad stands as a distinguished USMC Force Recon veteran, best selling author, and pro MMA champion. Having triumphed over personal battles with PTSD after eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Task Force, Chad founded the Mighty Oaks Foundation. This renowned non-profit delivers faith-based combat trauma and resiliency programs to active-duty military, veterans, and first responders globally. His journey with Mighty Oaks includes serving over 500,000 active-duty troops and leading life-saving initiatives for more than 5,000 military and veterans across the nation.  
Notably, Chad co-founded two separate non-profit organizations devoted to rescuing Americans and vulnerable groups in international conflict zones. His unwavering compassion and servant heart led him and his team on daring missions to rescue and protect trapped individuals in Afghanistan and Ukraine. His book "Saving Aziz" chronicles a daring rescue operation in Afghanistan and became a national bestseller, captivating readers with its compelling narrative. 
In addition to his remarkable military service, Chad is a Medal of Valor recipient and a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under the esteemed Master Carlson Gracie Jr. As a former Professional Mixed Martial Arts Champion, he exemplifies dedication to martial arts. Chad cherishes his loving family, including his three children and three granddaughters, and shares his lifelong passion for martial arts with his sons. Through his strength, resilience, and selflessness, Chad Robichaux remains an inspiring figure to many.

EPISODE LINKS

https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/


RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg
 
Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Today we are joined by Michael Bate, a veteran who served 21 years in the Marine Corps and is now a EDSI (Educational Data Assist Incorporated) veteran career coach. After a remarkable career in the military, Mike discovered the challenges of transitioning to civilian life firsthand. 

He's here to share his story, from his personal struggle with this transition to finding support through a veterans career program. Join us as Mike discusses the challenges many veterans face in finding post-service purpose and shares valuable advice and resources for those going through this major life change.  
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 - Intro
1:24 – Mike’s time in the service + becoming a veteran career coach 
6:49 – Finding purpose after the military
9:31 - Translating military skills to civilian skills + reaching out for help
11:37 – The EDSI process
14:08 – Don’t devalue your accomplishments and forget who you are

Mike Bate

Mike joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and retired as a Master Sergeant (Operation Chief) after 21 years of honorable service. During his career, he served in various infantry units while leading and mentoring over 2,500 Marines.

Following retirement, Mike faced a challenging transition to civilian life, which took nearly two years to navigate. However, his life transformed after going through a veterans career program in California. He realized his difficulty stemmed from not marketing himself effectively in the civilian job market.

Upon completing the program, Mike regained a sense of purpose. He recently moved to New Jersey with his son and joined EDSI as a veterans career coach. EDSI's mission to "Show up, Smile, and Support" resonates with him, understanding the positive impact a program like this can have on veterans. Today, he is dedicated to helping veterans in Delco County find employment and successfully transition from military service to the civilian workforce.

EPISODE LINKS

Get in touch with Mike: michaelbate@edsi.com

EDSI: https://bit.ly/3FFwFVW

EDSI Instagram: https://bit.ly/40qBVWX

EDSI Website: https://bit.ly/3QjZ491

Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

PA Careerlink: https://bit.ly/40hBY7w

Veteran Suicide Prevention: https://bit.ly/40jLtD6

VMC Center: https://www.vmcenter.org/


RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

We're back to continue our conversation with Chaplain Justin Cohen, who shared his powerful story with us in the previous episode. Chaplin Cohen has dedicated his life to helping others and is here to share valuable insights into the challenges veterans face, from battling mental health issues like PTSD to rediscovering their sense of purpose.
In part two of our discussion, Chaplain Cohen dives deeper into the critical role of building a support network for veterans and the power of effective communication in preventing suicide. As the conversation unfolds, you'll gain valuable insights into how individuals and organizations can better support veterans on their path to healing and reintegration. Chaplin Cohen also shares great resources for veterans looking for help and is here to remind us that no one needs to suffer alone. 


Highlights of this episode:
0:00 - Intro
1:43 – A network of support + the importance of communication
7:45 – Helping people find purpose
12:11 – Supporting veterans with PTSD
16:25 – Chaplin Cohen’s advice for civilians who want to help
18:07 – Resources for veterans looking for assistance


Chaplain Justin Cohen:
Justin Cohen was born and raised in the Oxford Circle section of Northeast Philadelphia on May 17, 1969. He received the call to ministry in a vision at the age of 11, but rejected it throughout his teen years of rebellion. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Navy as an Inventory Manager, determined to pursue a career in business, but God had another plan.

During a crisis period in his life, Bishop Cohen received his PERSONAL salvation, receiving Jesus Christ as his Savior through the personal ministry of a faithful deacon at Trinity Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL where he was eventually water baptized and disciples.

Upon successful ministerial internship under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. Harold Vick and graduation from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 1995, he returned to Philadelphia. In 2001, He founded World Harvest. He's a 2004 graduate of the Carolina University of Theology, earning a Master of Theology degree with a specialization in Ecclesiology, which became the basis for his subsequent book, Unwrapped.

He is a member of the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains, the Spiritual Care Association, the Military Chaplains Association, and the American Association of Christian Counselors.


LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE 
Get in touch with Chaplain Cohen:

http://chaplaincohen.us/ or call 610-931-7182
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/veterans-benefits/


RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Today, we're going to be talking with Chaplain Justin Cohen, who has an amazing personal story, first of all, but has also dedicated his life to helping others, especially when it comes to the role of spiritual gifts and leading people as a chaplain.
We're also recording today's episode in the month of September, which is the suicide prevention and recovery month, and we're going to be talking a little bit about Chaplain Cohen's resources when it comes to these matters and the advice that he will have for folks out there as well.


Highlights of this episode:
0:00 - Intro
1:36 – His early life and joining Navy
7:24 –  His call to the ministry in 1995 
9:52 – Helping people discover their purpose
13:28 – Losing that sense of purpose is s big reason for suicidal ideation and depression.
15:40 – The SAVE model 


Chaplain Justin Cohen:
Justin Cohen was born and raised in the Oxford Circle section of Northeast Philadelphia on May 17, 1969. He received the call to ministry in a vision at the age of 11, but rejected it throughout his teen years of rebellion. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Navy as an Inventory Manager, determined to pursue a career in business, but God had another plan.

During a crisis period in his life, Bishop Cohen received his PERSONAL salvation, receiving Jesus Christ as his Savior through the personal ministry of a faithful deacon at Trinity Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL where he was eventually water baptized and disciples.

Upon successful ministerial internship under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. Harold Vick and graduation from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 1995, he returned to Philadelphia. In 2001, He founded World Harvest. He's a 2004 graduate of the Carolina University of Theology, earning a Master of Theology degree with a specialization in Ecclesiology, which became the basis for his subsequent book, Unwrapped.

He is a member of the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains, the Spiritual Care Association, the Military Chaplains Association, and the American Association of Christian Counselors.


LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE 
http://chaplaincohen.us/
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/veterans-benefits/


RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Life after the military is a time when so many veterans struggle. Trying to manage the physical and emotional pain can feel overwhelming, and many veterans turn to medication and pills to help ease the problems. But that can lead to even deeper issues like addiction and depression.
Navy veteran Mike Jeffers was in that same position. Taking as many as 23 prescribed pills every day, Mike said he felt like a zombie and needed to make a change to avoid becoming another statistic. That’s when he found the Balanced Veterans Network, which believes in a more holistic approach to providing therapy.


The episode provides a new perspective on veterans’ health and a fresh take on pain management, encouraging listeners to rethink traditional healthcare. 


Highlights of this episode:
·      1:40 – Mike’s background serving in the Navy from 1989 to 1993 onboard the USS Groton 
·      3:39 – Mike dealt with spine injuries after a career of working in the submarine, working on cars, and building helicopters. He used the VA first but that treatment eventually led to a struggle with pain pills.
·      7:21 – His treatments now include medical marijuana and essential oils, but it’s all about finding the two or three different things that help you deal with pain rather than turning to another pill.
·      8:02 – How he found the Balanced Veterans Network and how they’ve helped him.
 
Mike Jeffers: 
Mike Jeffers is a 55-year-old Submarine Veteran Born and raised in Phoenixville, PA. He served as a Sonar Technician aboard the U.S.S. Groton (SSN  694) from 1989 -1993. He is currently employed at Boeing Helicopters, working on wiring the helicopters produced there and serving on the Boeing Veterans Committee. He has worked at Boeing for 15 years. Mike is also a member of the Balanced Veterans Network. BVN is a network that connects veterans to life-saving alternative therapies and provides education to help empower Veterans to use alternative therapies to combat Veteran issues such as suicide, addiction, and homelessness. BVN feels that the veteran community is struggling to find a viable long-term solution and that medication alone is not the answer. BVN offers a place for those who seek purpose after transitioning out of the military and believe that a healthy community, conversation, and alternative healing practices can be vital to a meaningful, balanced life.
 
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE
Balanced Veteran Network: https://balancedveterans.org/
Military One Source: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
  
Resources:
Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

For many veterans, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. It is often an experience filled with mental health issues, feelings of isolation, and difficulty adapting to societal norms. Today, we delve into these struggles and more with Rob Yennuzzi, a U.S. submarine service veteran, CompeerCORPS program coordinator, and mayor of Eddystone Borough. 
One of the reasons Rob wanted to be a part of CompeerCORPS was the connection with their mission to provide an opportunity for people find the companionship that’s often lacking for veterans. Getting paired up with another veteran helps prevent those feelings of loneliness and gives people a great resource to help them navigate the system. 


Learn more about Rob’s role with CompeerCORPS and find out how you can get the help you need as you transition to civilian life.


Highlights of this episode:
0:00 - Intro
2:25 – Rob’s experience serving as a missile technician on the USS Louisiana and his adjustment back to civilian life. 
6:27 – Why he was called to get involved in suicide prevention in his community before he got into politics.
13:40 – Rob feels like CompeerCORPS is the answer to what these veterans are going through and can provide direction.   
17:58 – The importance of companionship and how you can get resources for that.   
 
Rob Yannuzzi:
Rob, a U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran, has a history of service and formerly served as the Vice-President of council, and is the current Mayor of Eddystone Borough. Rob has served in the non-profit sector as a board member of “Grand’s Stepping Up”, an organization who provides resources to Grandparents who, through various circumstances, have taken on a parental role for their Grandchildren. He is also a founding member of the “Society for Suicide Prevention” a non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention, providing resources to those who have suffered, training for local police departments, and mental health advocacy. Previously serving in various political campaign roles, Rob pivoted to a government role as a Constituent Service Advisor to Pennsylvania State Representative Jennifer O’Mara and Senior Constituent Advisor and Chief of Staff/District Office Director to Pennsylvania State Representative David M. Delloso.
 
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Rob Yannuzzi
CompeerCORPS – Coordinator
roby@voiceandvisioninc.org
Tel: (610) 541-0790
Cel: (610) 883-3938
Toll Free: (800) 564-Peer   
www.compeerfriends.org


RESOURCES:
Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.