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

Larry Zilliox
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome Home is a Willing Warriors and the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run project. The program highlights activities at the Warrior Retreat and issues impacting all Veterans. For questions or feedback, please email us at podcast@willingwarriors.org.

  1. 6D AGO

    Who Cares For The Caregivers When The Uniform Comes Off

    The moment a service member transitions, the family’s support web can evaporate. We sat down with Hannah O’Brien, Program Director of the Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) at the University of Texas, to map out a better way forward: peer-led groups, practical suicide prevention tools, and data that actually reflects what spouses and caregivers need right now. If you’ve ever wondered how to rebuild the tribe after the military, this conversation brings the blueprint. Hannah traces VSN’s roots from Texas-based research to a national network that runs mostly virtual, peer-facilitated groups. These are structured, welcoming spaces for spouses and caregivers navigating PTS at home, identity shifts after service, and the everyday frictions of life post-uniform. We dig into the evidence behind the model—measurable gains in quality of life, reduced anxiety and depression, and stronger social support—and how VSN refines its curriculum using ongoing evaluation and feedback from leaders in the field. We also look at suicide prevention for families. Many veterans aren’t in treatment, which means loved ones often see the first red flags. VSN equips households with free monthly trainings like Mental Health First Aid, guidance on lethal means safety, and step-by-step safety planning. It’s clear, actionable, and built for non-clinicians—think CPR for mental health—focused on buying time and staying safe while help is secured. Plus, Hannah shares insights from the new Military and Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey, a national snapshot across eight domains that helps VSOs, funders, and communities design services families actually use. You’ll leave with links to VSN’s podcast, a robust resource hub, and ways to get involved—from joining a group to sharing trainings with a caregiver you love. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with your network, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more families find the community, tools, and hope they deserve.

    28 min

  2. OCT 27

    Congress, Meet A Service Dog That Outperforms Your Red Tape

    A trained service dog can do what red tape can’t: help a veteran sleep through the night, step back into a crowded room, and reenter daily life with confidence and safety. We sit down with Marine veteran and K9 handler Chris Baity, co‑founder of Semper K9, to unpack how ethical training, clear standards, and community support turn that promise into repeatable results—and why federal funding has lagged behind the need. Chris shares the path from deployments to building Semper K9’s “mental health mobility” model, where dogs perform physical tasks while anchoring PTS and anxiety management. We walk through the coalition of nonprofits that drafted national-level training standards, created continuing education, and proved that costs drop and outcomes improve when methods are consistent and ethical. From there, we explain the SAVES Act: a five‑year VA pilot program that reallocates existing funds to deliver no‑cost service dogs through vetted nonprofits, collect clean data, and set enforceable expectations for quality. The price tag is tiny compared to the VA budget, yet powerful enough to validate what veterans and caregivers see every day—better sleep, calmer public outings, fewer crises, and meaningful reentry into work, school, and family life. If you’ve wondered how to help, this is the playbook. Contact your representatives’ veterans’ affairs staffers to support the SAVES Act. Share credible organizations that never charge veterans for dogs. Donate or volunteer to keep training pipelines strong while Congress moves. And if you or someone you love is considering a service dog, start with reputable providers like Semper K9 for guidance, evaluation, and a path that puts dignity and outcomes first. If this conversation resonates, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review so more veterans and families can find it—and add your voice to the push that turns a pilot into lasting care.

    39 min

  3. OCT 20

    One Check, Many Lives: How MOAA Strengthens Families And Benefits For All Veterans

    A podcast guest arrives with a $2,000 check—and a clear mission to help a warrior family heal. We sit down with Dennis Corrigan to unpack how his local MOAA chapter funds a full week at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and how the Military Officers Association of America turns membership, mentorship, and policy expertise into real wins for veterans and their families. Dennis shares the arc of his service—from Navy brat to P-3 Orion pilot, to building flight simulators, to running a veteran-owned small business that protects our grounds from ticks and mosquitoes. Along the way, we discuss what a sustainable transition looks like: leveraging experience, staying relevant, and choosing work that keeps you close to your purpose. Then we zoom out to the larger engine behind MOAA: scholarships for military-connected students, career and resume support for separating service members, and nonpartisan advocacy that ensures COLA adjustments, VA funding, and state-level benefits remain on track. If you’ve ever wondered how Virginia’s property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans happened or how the PACT Act gained momentum, this is the story behind the scenes—coalitions doing steady work. We also dig into the quiet services families need most. Local MOAA leaders sit with survivors to navigate VA forms, burial honors, and national cemetery eligibility when a loved one passes. That care extends to dignity projects, like securing VA headstones for unmarked veterans, restoring names and service to memory. Whether you’re an officer ready to join, a veteran seeking mentorship, or a supporter wanting to make an impact, there’s a place for you here—chapter events, scholarships, and hands-on help that meets people where they are. Want to keep this work going? Join or donate at moaa.org, share this episode with a veteran who could use the resources, and leave us a review so more families find their way to support and healing.

    39 min

  4. OCT 13

    Objective Zero, Human Connections Saving Veterans

    A six-hour phone call changed everything. When a veteran in crisis found someone willing to listen through the night, a simple truth emerged: human connection can save lives. That moment sparked Objective Zero, a peer support network and free app that connects veterans, service members, families, and caregivers with trained volunteers in minutes—no stigma, no red tape, just fast, compassionate help from people who understand your world. We speak with Executive Director and Co-Founder Betsy Mercado about how Objective Zero blends purpose with smart design. You’ll hear how users can instantly reach a Pathfinder or filter by branch, role, deployments, location, age, and more to find a fast “shortcut of trust.” For those not ready to talk, the app offers suicide and opioid screenings, a mood journal, and energy and symptom tracking—tools that meet you upstream, before crisis builds. Betsy also delves into volunteer onboarding, which includes 20+ hours of training in partnership with Strongstar and PsychArmor, as well as the global time zone coverage that makes the network truly 24/7. We explore funding and sustainability—from an early Kickstarter to grants and recurring donors—plus a strong partnership with the VA’s Office of Suicide Prevention that helps more veterans enroll in the benefits they’ve earned. Betsy explains how Objective Zero protects privacy, shares anonymized insights responsibly, and invites ethical research to strengthen the field. And while AI supports sentiment analysis and product improvements behind the scenes, the mission remains human-first: technology should amplify empathy, not replace it. If you care about veteran wellness, including struggles with sleep and insomnia, financial stress, and transition support, as well as evidence-based prevention, this conversation offers concrete steps and real hope. Download the Objective Zero app, share the link with someone you served with, and consider making a donation to help keep the network strong. Subscribe, leave a review, and help us spread the word so more people find support before a crisis hits.

    24 min

  5. OCT 6

    Shooting From the Sky: Tales from an AC-130 Gunship Crew

    Anthony Dyer's journey from loading weapons to manning the guns of one of the world's most intimidating aircraft reveals the extraordinary path of a combat aviator in special operations. As a retired Air Force Combat Special Missions Aviator who served aboard the legendary AC-130 gunship, Dyer takes us inside a world few civilians ever glimpse. The conversation opens with Dyer's early career decisions, initially following his father's footsteps into the Air Force as a weapons loader before cross-training as a firefighter. It wasn't until a pivotal moment of self-reflection that Dyer made the life-changing decision to pursue special operations aviation. "I don't want to leave cracks, I want to leave craters," he recalls thinking, a powerful metaphor for seeking greater impact through his service. Listeners gain unprecedented access to the technical marvels of the AC-130 gunship, an aircraft Dyer describes as "NASCAR with a gun." He explains how this modified cargo plane flies in a left-hand "pylon turn" with its arsenal—including a 105mm howitzer that recoils 49 inches—mounted on the aircraft's left side. The crew coordination required to operate this complex weapons system while supporting special forces on the ground offers a masterclass in precision under pressure. The emotional weight of 14 deployments becomes evident as Dyer opens up about the psychological toll of combat operations. His candid discussion of developing an alcohol dependency during his final year of service and the ultimatum from his wife that pushed him toward recovery provides a raw look at the hidden battles many veterans face. The transition challenges—from the seemingly simple adjustment to civilian clothing to the profound loss of purpose—resonate with veterans of all eras. Dyer's book "Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator" emerged from therapy sessions where writing became a healing tool. His vulnerability in sharing both triumphs and struggles has created a powerful connection with readers who find comfort in his message that "it's okay not to be okay." For anyone fascinated by military aviation, interested in special operations, or seeking to understand the veteran experience, this conversation offers invaluable insights from someone who's lived at the tip of America's spear.

    24 min

  6. SEP 29

    Caregiving Heroes: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Impact

    The unsung heroes of our military community often go unrecognized—even by themselves. Military spouses who manage their loved ones' PTS symptoms, administer medications, and coordinate care frequently don't identify as "caregivers," believing they're simply supporting someone they love. As COO Elizabeth Field explains in this powerful conversation, this revelation stands at the heart of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's mission. Field takes us behind the scenes of the Foundation's groundbreaking programs, particularly the Dole Caregiver Fellowship. This initiative transforms military and veteran caregivers into powerful advocates by providing comprehensive training, Capitol Hill experience, and ongoing support. With over 300 fellows nationwide who have helped advance critical legislation like the Elizabeth Dole Act, the program demonstrates how caregivers' voices can drive meaningful policy change when properly supported and amplified. Perhaps most moving is the Foundation's focus on "Hidden Helpers" - the 5.5 million children living in homes with wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans. These remarkable young people often assist with caregiving responsibilities while navigating their own unique challenges. Research shows they develop enhanced empathy and patience, but may struggle with mental health issues and school difficulties. Through specialized resources, awareness campaigns, and dedicated programming, the Foundation ensures these children receive the recognition and support they deserve. The conversation reveals how the Elizabeth Dole Foundation continues to evolve, with strategic priorities focused on mental well-being, economic mobility, and systems improvement. Their emergency financial assistance through the Hope Fund provides critical support for caregivers facing crises. For anyone connected to the military community - whether as a caregiver themselves or knowing someone in that role - the Foundation offers a wealth of resources accessible through its website. Looking for support or want to help? Visit elizabethdolefoundation.org to learn more about these programs or to contribute to their vital mission supporting military caregivers and their families.

    29 min

  7. SEP 22

    Rebuilding Purpose: How Veterans Grow America Through Entrepreneurship

    The transition from military service to civilian life represents one of the most challenging journeys many veterans face. For Donnell Johns, founder of Veterans Growing America, this transition sparked an innovative mission to transform how America supports its veteran entrepreneurs. After 26 years of distinguished Army service spanning Desert Storm, Somalia, and leadership roles in recruiting, Johns found himself struggling with his post-military identity. "I wanted to find out who Donnell was," he shares, describing how his entire adult identity had been shaped by military service since age 18. Like many veterans, he faced isolation, purpose loss, and the daunting challenge of building a new life without his military community. The solution emerged unexpectedly at a veteran networking event where Johns realized something profound: instead of focusing on veteran challenges like PTS and homelessness, America needed to see veterans as capable entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators. Veterans Growing America evolved from this insight into a comprehensive ecosystem supporting veteran entrepreneurship. The organization now operates storefronts in Virginia and Maryland exclusively featuring products from veteran and military spouse-owned businesses. These spaces serve as more than retail environments—they're community hubs hosting business boot camps, networking events, and even veteran-led activities like line dancing classes. Johns powerfully notes that "veterans can't eat 'thank you for your service,'" emphasizing that economic opportunity through entrepreneurship provides the meaningful support veterans truly need. Ready to support veteran entrepreneurs? Visit veteransgrowingamerica.com to explore their business directory, learn about upcoming events, or make a donation. Better yet, visit their storefronts at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center (Virginia) or Clarksburg Premium Outlets (Maryland) to discover quality products while directly supporting veteran business owners. Your purchase does more than complete a transaction—it validates a veteran's new mission and purpose.

    28 min

  8. SEP 15

    Pioneering the Skies: The Story of One of the First Air Force Female Flight Engineers

    The sky was never meant to be a boundary—especially for those determined enough to break through it. Chef Larry welcomes longtime friend Lois Hobby, whose remarkable 33-year military career broke barriers as one of the first two USAF active-duty female flight engineers on the C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft. When a sergeant flatly told her, "Women will never fly on the C-141," Hobby didn't accept defeat. Instead, that dismissal became the catalyst for her persistence. Through repeated application rejections, bureaucratic roadblocks, and institutional resistance, she fought her way into the aviation world. From her beginnings as a vehicle operator and ramp driver to accumulating thousands of flight hours monitoring complex aircraft systems at 30,000 feet, Hobby's journey illuminates the challenges women faced entering military aviation in the 1970s and beyond. Hobby's candid reflections reveal both the technical demands of being a flight engineer and the cultural barriers she navigated daily. "Do your crying in the latrine," she advises, sharing how maintaining absolute professionalism was essential in an environment where any perceived weakness could be exploited. From crew chiefs who couldn't believe she was the engineer to being mistaken as another crew member's wife, her experiences provide a window into changing perceptions about women's capabilities in previously male-dominated fields. Beyond her professional achievements, the conversation weaves in personal memories between two friends whose paths crossed repeatedly during military service on Guam, creating a warm narrative that balances the serious nature of breaking barriers with the camaraderie that defined military life. Whether you're interested in aviation history, women pioneers, or military culture, Lois Hobby's story demonstrates how determination and excellence can ultimately triumph over prejudice and doubt.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome Home is a Willing Warriors and the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run project. The program highlights activities at the Warrior Retreat and issues impacting all Veterans. For questions or feedback, please email us at podcast@willingwarriors.org.

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