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.

We are excited to talk with Kween Smith today, a U.S. Air Force veteran, personal trainer, entrepreneur, and artist who has transformed her life and now dedicates herself to helping others do the same. Kween’s time in the military was both rewarding and challenging. She embraced the opportunities it offered but also faced internal battles, including mental health challenges and PTSD.

Kween fell in love with fitness outside of the military, which became a cornerstone in her healing journey. This led her to create Cardio Cards, a unique fitness product designed to make exercise accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Beyond that, she is a fitness trainer who helps people embrace healthier, happier lives.

Tune into this episode to learn more about Kween’s powerful story and how fitness can be a tool for hope, strength, and a brighter tomorrow.

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

0:00 – Intro
1:32 – Getting to know Kween
3:47 – Kween’s experience in the military
5:39 – How fitness can impact mental health
9:47 – Finding purpose and taking care of yourself
12:13 – What Kween is doing now + her message to our listeners

Kween Smith

Read more about Kween and her military experience HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Learn more about Kween’s Cardio Cards + Personal training

https://www.getcardiocards.com/

Interested in hiring Kween for an event? Learn more HERE

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 thrilled to welcome Katie Ogden, a treatment advocate at Recovery Centers of America, to the show. After a powerful recovery journey of her own, she is now using her story to help others heal from addiction. She’s here today to share more about the unique programs offered by Recovery Centers of America, including their RESCU program, designed specifically for first responders and veterans.

Whether you're on your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to understand addiction on a deeper level, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that recovery is possible, and that with the right support and mindset, anyone can reclaim their story. Tune in to be inspired by Katie’s courage and commitment to helping others find their way to recovery.

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

0:00 – Intro
1:23 – Katie’s recovery story
7:53 – Katie’s transition to working in recovery centers
12:38 – Recovery Centers of America’s comprehensive care
18:17 – The importance of involving families in the recovery process
20:05 – You are not your addiction

Katie Ogden

Katie Ogden is a Treatment Advocate at Recovery Centers of America at Devon. As a person in long-term recovery, Katie understands the importance of accessibility to treatment and the care provided for those suffering from substance use disorder. With a background in business development and with the use of her personal connections, it only made sense for her to combine these passions into a career in the recovery field. Katie also provides education on addiction and treatment to communities, families, first responders, schools, and professionals.


EPISODE LINKS

Recovery Centers of America

https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/

Recovery Centers of America RESCU Program

https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/substance-abuse-treatment/first-responders/

Check out more Recovery Centers of America Resources HERE and HERE

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 week’s episode of Untold Valor, we are joined by Heather Sliwinski, the CEO and founder of the Honor and Courage Foundation. The foundation, which was inspired by her son at just eleven years old, has grown into a beacon of hope for veterans dealing with PTSD and other post-service challenges.

Tune in as Heather shares more about the heart of this foundation’s work, including their innovative approach to helping those with PTSD and how they work to ensure no veteran feels alone in their struggles. To learn more about how you can get involved in their upcoming events and make a difference in the lives of those who served, click play!

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

0:00 – Intro
1:44 – Getting to know Heather and the Honor and Courage Foundation
5:03 – The Stellate Ganglion Block procedure
7:58 – The Honor and Courage Foundation’s 24/7 hotline
9:51 – Honor and Courage Foundation events
11:05 – The big hurdles Heather sees veterans facing
16:19 – Our veterans are still struggling

HEATHER SLIWINSKI

Read Heather’s bio HERE

EPISODE LINKS

The Honor and Courage Foundation

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/

Learn more about the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/stellate-ganglion-block

24/7 hotline

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/hotline

Make a donation

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/home-1

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 Theresa Agostinelli, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience helping veterans and first responders overcome mental health challenges. She has a powerful story of her own, growing up in a dysfunctional and traumatic household, which later manifested in significant mental health challenges.

After becoming a widow at a young age and battling severe depression and anxiety, Theresa decided to become an advocate for those in pain. She pursued a degree in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychology, which transformed her understanding of mental health.

Her journey and education inspired her to write The GRID System, a book that offers a structured approach to healing from trauma. We’re honored to have her share her story and remind us all that, no matter how deep the wounds of trauma, there’s hope for healing and a brighter future.

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

0:00 – Intro
1:36 – Theresa’s background and story
6:54 – The GRID System
10:52 –The role of discipline and mindset
14:11 – Identifying and addressing trauma
16:24 – Reaching out for help
18:24 – Everyone can overcome setbacks + resources

Learn more about Theresa

Read Theresa’s bio HERE


EPISODE LINKS

Get in touch with Theresa

(610) 808-7401

tagostinelli3@gmail.com

Theresa on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresaagostinelli/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamarco/

Get your copy of Theresa’s book The GRID System

National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.nami.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 excited to bring you a great conversation today with the inspiring Quanda Howieburth and Wanda Pate-Dennis, who are making a significant impact in the lives of veterans through their work at the Robert L. Howie Veterans Home. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing support and resources to veterans battling mental health challenges, addictions, and homelessness.

Join us as Quanda shares her inspiration behind founding the Robert L. Howie Veterans Home in honor of her father, an Army veteran. Then, Wanda, who manages the Office of Veterans Affairs for the City Council, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by veterans and the important role of community support in addressing these issues. Together, they emphasize the importance of seeking help and highlight various resources available to ensure veterans receive the benefits and support they need.

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

0:00 – Intro
1:47 – How the Robert L Howie nonprofit got started
6:26 – How veterans can get involved or get help
7:54 – Addressing homelessness, PTSD, and suicide among veterans
14:33 – Resources and support for veterans
17:34 – Conclusion and final thoughts

Learn more about this week's guests

Quanda’s bio

Wanda’s bio


EPISODE LINKS

To support Robert L. Howie Veteran’s Home:

215-703-7133

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RLHVH

RLH Veteran’s Home: https://www.rlhveteranshome.org/

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

Women’s Veteran Center: https://www.vmcenter.org/women-veterans-program/

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.