The Veterans Voice

Homes, New VA Benefits, Art Therapy and Pickleball for Veterans

In this edition of the Veterans Voice, 719 Heroes and Operation StepUp finding homes for homeless Veterans; with the P.A.C.T. Act now law, the VA is coming through with new and better benefits for warriors; Colorado College's Bemis School of Art is bringing Veterans together with the arts for healing and a pickleball battle royale fundraiser for Veterans!
 
 
Learn More About Operation Step Up
 
 
 
 
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.
 
 
 

Trail Life Troop Creating Custom Canes for Disabled Vets

A local Trail Life Troop is creating and donating custom canes for disabled veterans.  It all starts with Christmas trees and a grateful, giving spirit.
 - Photo Credit:  KRDO
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAIL LIFE
Contact Judson Babcock:  TroopCO1613@gmail.com
 
 
 
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Nanette Brédé  |  Transition and Milspouse Employment Specialist
Nanette Brédé Mueller is a difference-maker. Following her retirement after 29 years with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and program manager, Nanette continues as a servant leader volunteering thousands of hours to the veteran community focusing on career transition, spouse employment and veteran-focused national and state legislative issues. An award-winning volunteer, Nanette was selected as the 2020 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year, in the nation’s largest veterans community. She is also a Distinguished Partner and Community Ambassador with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services. 
   
 
 
 
 

Nominations Open for Veteran of the Year

"We believe our veterans deserve our support and recognition for their exemplary military service, outstanding community service and endless encouragement to other local veterans. El Paso County will honor one veteran annually, for his or her efforts defending our country and continued willingness to serve their neighbors and community, as Veteran of the Year."
Nominate Someone for 2022 Veteran of the YearReview the Nomination Guidelines and Example HereFill Out the Nomination Form HereSubmit your nomination by March 31, 2023
 - The above is excerpted from the El Paso County, CO website
 
 
 
Nanette Brede' 2020 El Paso County Veteran of the Year
Photo Credit:  El Paso County, CO
WATCH NANETTE'S AWARD EVENT
 
 
 
 
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Nanette Brédé  |  Transition and Milspouse Employment Specialist
Nanette Brédé Mueller is a difference-maker. Following her retirement after 29 years with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and program manager, Nanette continues as a servant leader volunteering thousands of hours to the veteran community focusing on career transition, spouse employment and veteran-focused national and state legislative issues. An award-winning volunteer, Nanette was selected as the 2020 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year, in the nation’s largest veterans community. She is also a Distinguished Partner and Community Ambassador with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 

The Veterans Guide to Getting Started in Business

Thinking of starting a business after your life in the military?  In this episode of Veterans Voice, a dream team of Veteran-friendly business advisors with tips and advice on how to research your niche and market, get financing, market the smart way, and one Veteran in particular who shines as a business success story.   
 
CONTACT JIM VAN HORN DIRECTLYFSWB Specialized Lenderd:  719-483-975e:  jim.vanhorn@fswb.com
 
 
CONTACT TERRY ZARSKYSCORE Mentore:  terryzarsky@gmail.com
 
 
GET YOUR FREE NETWORKING TIPS
Power Networking Tips
 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT 1350 DISTILLING'S SUCCESS
1350 Distilling
 
 
 
 
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Nanette Brédé  |  Transition and Milspouse Employment Specialist
Nanette Brédé Mueller is a difference-maker. Following her retirement after 29 years with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and program manager, Nanette continues as a servant leader volunteering thousands of hours to the veteran community focusing on career transition, spouse employment and veteran-focused national and state legislative issues. An award-winning volunteer, Nanette was selected as the 2020 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year, in the nation’s largest veterans community. She is also a Distinguished Partner and Community Ambassador with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 

A Call to Action for Veterans

Attend the Next VA Resource Fair and Town Hall
“These VA Resource Fairs and Town Halls are community-based opportunities for Veterans to get one-on-one support with understanding, accessing and using their benefits and services, then collaborate closely with VA at the local level.”
- VA ECHCS Director Michael Kilmer

ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence Changing Your World

Maybe you've been hearing about it.  Maybe your kids know about it.  You might be an early adopter.  In any case, Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT are in your world and here to stay.  As Colorado Computer Support's, Blake Schwank, will tell you, it's both a blessing when you need it and a curse to look out for in the hands of the bad guys.      
 
Get Your Computing Questions AnsweredRequest CCS Services:  719-355-2440
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services. 
 
 
 

Honoring Women Veterans and an NFL Player Giving Back Big

A flight to honor women Veterans, a retired NFL football player is giving back big, the VA is making home buying easier for Veterans and March is Disability Awareness Month.
 
 
Honor Flight of Southern Colorado and the First Ever all Women's Flight
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT HONOR FLIGHT'S WOMEN'S FLGHT
 
 
Retired NFL Player, Founding Partner of the Wingman63 Foundation,Major Ben Garland, Air National Guard, is Giving Back Big
ENGAGE WITH BEN AND WINGMAN63
 
 
A FREE Class for Veterans on How to Navigate the VA Mortgage Lending System with Sterling Campbell Presented by Loan Depot
SCAN THE CODE TO RSVP OR CLICK HERE
 
 
Disabilities can be Visible or Invisible but Affect Those Afflicted in any Number of Ways.  March is Disability Awareness Month.
REQUEST MILITARY, VETERANS AND FAMILY SERVICESCALL:  719-309-4752
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services. 

On KCME: The Healing Power of Music Expression

Mt. Carmel Music Expression facilitator, Robert Scoggins, recently spoke with KCME's Keith Simon about the therapeutic properties of music, his own musical healing journey and how this veteran is inviting fellow veterans to join him on the road to wellness.  You don't need to know music, how to play an instrument or even own one.  Robert takes all comers regardless of ability.  Listen now for all the details!
 
     
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 

Clint Jordan Part 5: All in the Name, a Great Team and Give More than You Take

An Air Force veteran, real estate agent, business owner and host of The American Dream TV Colorado Springs (ADTV COS), Clint Jordan is an energetic and charismatic success story.  He could do a lot of self promotion with his TV program but that wouldn't reflect his true nature.  He's chosen instead to dedicate ADTV COS to shining the light on members of the community he says give back more than they take.  In the next installment of ADTV, he features Jay Cimino, owner of the Phil Long Auto Group, founder of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, and retired Colonel Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Executive Director.

4KidzSports Outfitting Military Kids in Need

A Marine on a mission, Michael "Sherm" Sherman went from high school to college, the Marines and from there to the insurance industry where he worked unfulfilled for years.  Sherm saw an acute need in the military connected community among families for equipment to get their kids into sports.  That's when 4KidzSports was born.  
 
LEARN MORE HERE  |  DONATE HERE
 
CONTACT SHERM: E:  sherm@4kidzsports.orgD:  720.436.4026
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 

Powerful Partnerships, the Right Tax Advice and Arrows that Heal

Partnerships are powerful for Mt. Carmel and the veterans and their families we serve.  Executive Director, Bob McLaughlin, talks about how you benefit if you've served and how anyone can become a partner.  In our second half hour, tax tips for you veterans and your families from a veteran who's mastered the IRS maze, then, the healing properties of archery.
Partnership Information:  719-772-7000
 
 
Tax Advice for Veterans, Military and Their Families
Robert Smith  |  Master Tax Advisor  |  Certified Public AccountantE:  robert.m.smith@tax.hrblock.com
 
 
Archery School of the Rockies
Learn More Here
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 
 

COS’23 The Mayor’s Race Podcast with Kyle Blakely

Veterans Voice had a visit from Kyle Blakely who is doing the military connected community a great service by gathering a lot of valuable information about the mayoral candidates and presenting it in a conversational tone in their own words.
Listen to All the Interviews Here
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services. 
 
 
 

A Disc Golf Tournament Fundraiser for Everyone!

You don't need to be an "Arnold" or a "Tiger" to play disc golf.  You do need to want to have a lot of fun for $25 bucks and to help Veterans!  The big disc golf tournament and fundraiser is Sunday, February 26! All the details are in the podcast and on the flier!    

Clint Jordan Part 4: The Military Helper in Me

An Air Force veteran, real estate agent, business owner and host of The American Dream TV Colorado Springs (ADTV COS), Clint Jordan is an energetic and charismatic success story.  He could do a lot of self promotion with his TV program but that wouldn't reflect his true nature.  He's chosen instead to dedicate ADTV COS to shining the light on members of the community he says give back more than they take.  In the next installment of ADTV, he features Jay Cimino, owner of the Phil Long Auto Group, founder of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, and retired Colonel Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Executive Director.

Episode 1: The Behavioral Health Podcast Featuring Kirsten Belaire

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Behavioral Health Podcast featuring Kirsten Belaire, LPC.  In this podcast, a brief introduction to the series and Kirsten then straight on to a rare look at counseling from the inside, what an education-based program of counseling is, how it works to make good emerging counselors great and how that helps clients get well.
 
Meet Kirsten Belaire, LPC, Director of Behavioral Health, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Kirsten graduated from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and now teaches undergraduate courses there.  She is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and after working in the community as a clinician, she decided to join Mt. Carmel’s mission to help our military community.  Kirsten’s role at Mt. Carmel is to ensure that the behavioral health services offered are culturally competent, military specific and accessible to a range of clients who might not ordinarily have access.  She is the main site supervisor for graduate counseling interns, partnering with more than seven universities to provide opportunities in the counseling field for the best of the best.  Outside of her role at Mt. Carmel, Kirsten enjoys the companionship of her dog, Lukie, riding her motorcycle, teaching and presenting in the community, and traveling abroad.
 
 
If you Need Non-Crisis Behavioral Health Assistance
Call Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at 719-309-4758If You’re in Crisis
Dial 988 - then press 1 - for the Suicide and Crisis LifelineVeterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255Colorado Crisis Services at 844-492-8255
In a Medical Emergency
Always Dial 911
 
 
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.
 
 
 

An App for that, Fighting Veteran Homelessness and Music Healing the Broken

This edition of Veterans Voice features the VA's new health app, highlights a couple helping homeless Vets find housing, a Mayoral candidate's vision for supporting the military community and a man once broken healed by the music he now shares with others. 
 
 
Get the Health and Benefits App Here
 
 
Learn More About Operation Step Up
 
 
Learn More About Wayne Williams
Note:  Mr. Williams' appearance on Veterans Voice was a follow-on to our recent interview of Mayor John Suthers who is endorsing Mr. Williams in the Mayoral race.  This interview does not constitute an endorsement of Mr. Williams by Veterans Voice, it's parent for and non-profit companies, staff, management, advertisers, sponsors or partners. 
 
 
Call 719-309-4714 to RSVP
 
 
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.
 
 
 

Veterans Profiles: Chief Master Sergeant Al Maxwell, USAF Ret.

Meet Al Maxwell, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Ret., Mt. Carmel partner and LINK* program facilitator.   
 
"I believe people are capable of doing incredible things and being successful at it if they are given the right tools and a chance to prove their abilities."
 - Chief Master Sergeant Al Maxwell, USAF Retired
 
*Learning, Interviewing, Networking and Knowledge (LINK) is Mt. Carmel's soon-to-launch, two-day transitional interviewing workshop led by Mark Smith, Mt. Carmel's Director of Transition and Employment. 
For more information about LINK and how you can participate, please call Mark Smith at 719-309-4724.
 
 
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.
 
 
 

CSU Pueblo Delivers on Veteran Friendly Higher Ed Options

In this podcast a conversation with CSU Pueblo's Ryan Kendall, Associate Director for Recruitment and Outreach.  Ryan talks about CSU's very Veteran friendly campus as Colorado's first Purple Heart designated school, the high-value Veterans Success Center and how Veterans are set up for success from the day they engage.
Veterans, Learn More Here
 
 
 
 
 
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Cassime Joseph  |  Host  |  Veterans Voice Pueblo
Cassime (keh-SEEM) Oliver Joseph is a veteran of the US Army and multimedia journalist currently living in Pueblo, Colorado.  He serves as operations director for CSU Pueblo's radio station, KTSC 89.5 FM, The Revolution.  He is also president of the CSU Pueblo chapter of the Student Veterans of America and joins the Veterans Voice Project on-air/podcasting team helping to facilitate our expansion into new markets.
 
 
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 

Author George Hayward on Operation Homecoming and The Party Dolls

George Hayward (2nd from left), author of The Party Dolls, the poignant account, as told by men who were there, of a failed escape from a Vietnamese prison camp called The Annex. With special thanks to the United States Air Force Academy's, Dean Miller, and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, which we will explain the coming podcast, George joined Veterans Voice for part one of a two-part conversation about his book and the 1973 bringing home of more than 500 prisoners of war.

MOAA Pikes Peak is on the Move

Other than traditional lunch meetings, the Military Officers Association of America, Pikes Peak Chapter, has been quiet since the pandemic hit.  The aim now is to change that, stepping back into the flow of things.  In this podcast, MOAA Pikes Peak's director of membership and treasurer, Felix Ulick, and Veterans Voice host, Nanette Brede', talk about why the 60 year old chapter's 400 members are on the march once again!      
Learn More About MOAA Pikes Peak Here
MOAA National is Here
 
 
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 

Clint Jordan Part 3: It’s All About the Community

An Air Force veteran, real estate agent, business owner and host of The American Dream TV Colorado Springs (ADTV COS), Clint Jordan is an energetic and charismatic success story.  He could do a lot of self promotion with his TV program but that wouldn't reflect his true nature.  He's chosen instead to dedicate ADTV COS to shining the light on members of the community he says give back more than they take.  In the next installment of ADTV, he features Jay Cimino, owner of the Phil Long Auto Group, founder of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, and retired Colonel Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Executive Director.

Securing a Place in the Workforce for Milispouses

In this podcast a conversation with Sue Hoppin, founder of the National Military Spouse Network, about how she's fighting hard to see that military spouses have a secure place in the workforce. 
 
Milspouses Learn More Here
 
 
 
 
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Nanette Brédé  |  Transition and Milspouse Employment Specialist
Nanette Brédé Mueller is a difference-maker. Following her retirement after 29 years with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and program manager, Nanette continues as a servant leader volunteering thousands of hours to the veteran community focusing on career transition, spouse employment and veteran-focused national and state legislative issues. An award-winning volunteer, Nanette was selected as the 2020 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year, in the nation’s largest veterans community. She is also a Distinguished Partner and Community Ambassador with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
 
 
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     

L.I.N.K. is the Word and MilSpouse Hiring is the Way

In our first half hour, a powerhouse team of military veteran experts and advocates in transition, employment and milspouse hiring discuss the new L.I.N.K. program at Mt. Carmel and the work they're doing to open up job opportunities for military spouses.
For Veterans and Milspouses Looking for Jobs Call:
Mark Smith, Director of Transition and EmploymentD:  719-309-4724
Blair Erato, Military Career Program CoordinatorD:  719-309-4758
 
 
In our second half hour, a conversation with Sue Hoppin, founder of the National Military Spouse Network, about how she's fighting hard to see that military spouses have a secure place in the workforce. 
 
Milspouses Learn More Here
 
 
 
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service.  Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.     
 
 
 

The FPU Podcast with Mark and Mary: Overspending, Economics and Big Debt

Mark and Mary Shuster have a shot for the post-holiday credit card flu, acknowledge that the economy is scary right now and touch on taking care of student loan debt.  Get in financial control.  Follow the steps.  Free yourself to live and give and it all starts with the commitment of $20 and one day a week for nine weeks.
Register Now!Financial Peace University Presented by Mt. Carmel Veterans Service CenterCall Jonathan Helm at 719-309-4716
 
Mark and Mary Shuster, Financial Peace University Coordinators
Mark and Mary Shuster are a proud local military family and Mt. Carmel Ambassadors.  Mark is a Director of Programs for a contracting firm and a Colonel in the US Marine Corps Reserve.  Mary works as a flight attendant for a major airline.  They have been FPU coordinators since 2018 and have worked with more than 75 Mt. Carmel Veteran families.  Together, these families have learned how to use the Baby Steps to communicate and win with money.
 
 
The FPU Podcast with Mark and Mary is produced in the Veterans Voice studio located on the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado