Welcome back to another episode of Untold Valor! This week, we are joined by the Director of Community Engagement and Development at Sauers Cares, Danielle Fox. She’s here to share more about their new initiative, Drive and Thrive, which is dedicated to uplifting individuals and families facing life’s toughest challenges by providing crucial transportation support.

For veterans, who may already face unique adversities, having dependable transportation can be a game-changer. From Sauers’ quarterly free car clinics to their fuel assistance program, Drive and Thrive is only getting started, and it's already having a profound impact. If this mission resonates with you, be sure to listen until the end to find out how you can lend a helping hand!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:28 – Getting to know Danielle and Sauers Cares
3:54 – The Drive and Thrive initiative
8:01 – The next car clinic and application process
9:46 – Volunteer opportunities and additional programs

Danielle Fox

Learn more about Danielle HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Sauers Cares
https://www.sauerscares.org/

Drive and Thrive
https://comedriveandthrive.org/

Donate to Drive and Thrive
https://sauerscares.salsalabs.org/driventogive/index.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=3f387be0-2d51-42d4-beef-83fded25a771

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.

In this episode of Untold Valor, we’re honored to share the inspiring journey of Kathryn "Kat" Kirkman, a fourth-generation military veteran. Following a family legacy of service, Kat began her career at the United States Air Force Academy, where she studied astronautical engineering before becoming an air refueling pilot. However, her military career came to an abrupt end when medical issues led to an early retirement.

Faced with the question of what to do next, Kat found herself drawn to social work. She didn’t know then that her path would lead her to serving veterans. Today, she is the co-founder of Sisters in Wellness, an organization focused on supporting women veterans through connection, overall wellness, and suicide awareness and prevention.

Additionally, she leads employment and training programs at the Veteran Multi-Service Center, helping veterans navigate life beyond the military.

Listen in as Kat shares her inspiring journey and reminds us that even when life takes an unexpected turn, it can open doors to new opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:41 – Kat’s military background and transition to civilian life
5:39 – How social work led Kat back to helping veterans
8:30 – Helping female veterans through Sisters in Wellness
11:15 – Kat’s work with veteran employment
14:28 – Homecoming 250 celebration
15:51 – Kat’s encouragement to listeners

Kat Kirkman

Learn more about Kat HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Sisters in Wellness: https://sistersinwellness.eventbrite.com/, email: vetsistersinwellness@gmail.com

Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC): https://www.vmcenter.org/

VMC Employment and training email: hvrp-philly@vmcenter.org

Homecoming 250: https://www.homecoming250.org/

Homecoming 250 All Veterans Reunion Picnic email: kat.kirkman@homecoming250.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 are excited to be joined today by Darrin Henry, a Staff Sergeant and Medic in the Pennsylvania National Guard and owner of Barracks Baristas Coffee Company, who has a powerful story to share. Darrin’s military career spans over 16 years, during which he has faced many high-pressure, life-or-death situations that greatly impacted his mental health.

In this episode, he opens up about his struggles with anxiety and alcohol and the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Darrin speaks candidly about his recovery, the importance of seeking help and finding the support he needed through therapy and organizations like the Headstrong Project. Today, Darrin is giving back to the veteran community by donating a portion of his business proceeds to mental health initiatives.

Click play for a great reminder that no problem is too big and that help is always within reach.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
3:25 – Darrin’s first traumatic experience as a medic
13:01 – Darrin’s struggles with self-medication and anxiety
16:07 – Finding a supportive doctor
21:33 – Donations to the Headstrong Project
24:18 – Barracks Baristas Community Outreach
25:49 – Darrin’s closing remarks

Darrin Henry

Learn more about Darrin HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Barracks Baristas Coffee Company

https://www.barracksbaristas.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorFjzijjPJtQkvJb7RtqOGrZJo3EjyG6Mn7SfD8sCpSv_JXvU0o

https://www.instagram.com/barracks_baristas/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553424721538&mibextid=ZbWKwL

The Headstrong Project

https://theheadstrongproject.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.