Health and Wellness

Dr. Eric Abbott | Stroke and Mental Health

Dr. Eric Abbott is an Air Force Veteran and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently working as a board-certified family medicine physician with Optum Medical. Mental health is a common subject these days, but a less common topic of discussion are the detrimental effects that not taking care of your mental health can have on your overall well-being. We are all busy, we are all stressed out, and things don’t seem to be getting easier. So, let’s learn about how we can lower our stress levels while maintaining our busy schedule and, understand the dangers if we don’t.

Tom Francis, Psy.D. | From Creativity to Cognitive Biases

Dr. Tom Francis is a seasoned psychologist, educator, and executive coach whose career bridges the academic, corporate, and creative worlds. Holding a Psy.D. in Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of the Rockies, he has spent over a decade teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at institutions such as Pikes Peak Community College and CSU-Pueblo. Known for his engaging, inclusive teaching style and consistently high student evaluations, Dr. Francis brings humor, empathy, and intellectual depth to subjects ranging from Abnormal Psychology to Leadership Ethics. Outside the classroom, Dr. Francis is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and a longtime facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership, where he has guided hundreds of senior leaders through transformative coaching engagements.

Sam Westfall | Healing Through Archery

Sam Westfall is an Army Veteran and passionate bow hunter. After being medically retired from the military following a debilitating injury as a tank mechanic, Sam struggled to find his place. It wasn’t until a friend put a bow in his hand for the first time that Sam started to feel the vivaciousness of life again. Sam tells us about one of his bear hunts, as well as why he made the morally driven decision to switch from rifle to bow hunting.

Nicole Weis, MA, LPC, LAC | Psychology of PTSD

Nicole Weis is a licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor. She manages the Milestones mental health clinic, a resource center located within the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Nicole is also the founder of the Greater Resilience Toolkit, or GRIT program, an online course that she describes as basic first aid for social support.

Kirsten Belaire, LPC | PTSD in Relationships pt. 2

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor.  Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families. In this episode we talk about how to navigate difficult relationships with those we love. Issues like differing personalities, needs, and expectations, along with the need for constant communication and compromise can complicate relationships.

Scott Wilson | Am I real? Or am I not?

Scott Wilson is a pastor of 32 years, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, and a father of four. In this intimate discussion, we talk through the importance of fostering a community and loving one another while working through dilemmas that may come up along the way. How can I love others when I don’t even love myself? Where do I vent my emotions when it seems like everyone else is dumping theirs onto me? How do I know God is real? These answers, as well as an abundance of wisdom, ahead in the episode.

Jonny Benton | Wild Warrior Adventure

Jonny is the Executive Director of Wild Warrior Adventure, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing our nation's warriors through fly fishing. After partaking in some of the most violent 15 months ever documented during the war on terror in Afghanistan, Jonny struggled to stay grounded while transitioning back into civilian life. "The Valley of Death", formally known as the Korangal Valley, is located in Dara-I-Pech District of Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan. Jonny Benton, a former Army Airborne Infantryman, shares his intimate story with this valley and paints a picture of how this place earned its nickname.

Dr. Eric Abbott and Dr. Mike Hjelkrem | Sleep, Nutrition, GI Health

Dr. Eric Abbott, a board-certified family medicine physician, earned his medical degree from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and undergraduate degree from Colorado College. Dr. Abbott is also a United States Air Force veteran, having served 25 years. As a former flight commander, he has extensive leadership experience. Dr. Mike Hjelkrem, board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine physician, is a Retired Colonel from the US Army. He served for 21 years and accumulated a multitude of military accolades.

Kirsten Belaire, LPC | PTSD in relationships pt. 1

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor.  Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families.  In this episode, we try to answer the question "how do we understand PTSD?" It starts with understanding your emotions.
 

Stryder Sartor: Inspiration from a Military child

This week on the Veterans Voice Podcast, Stryder Sartor honors his father, SGM Ryan Sartor, by sharing the legacy and inspirational attributes he passed down to him in 2019. We’ll hear Stryder talk with Colin Lightfoot who looked up to SGM Sartor as a mentor during his younger years as a Green Beret. Stryder also tells us how he is acting as a mentor for younger gold start children at A Soldiers Child, a summer camp-based foundation who supports children who lost a parent in the military. A common theme you’ll hear throughout the episode is that Stryder Sartor, who is now 20 years old, is a truly inspiration young man.
Our mission hear on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you’re not alone. As you hear through the stories of guests each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reason we all need to be there for one another within the Veteran community, a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.

Hope at the Holidays with Next Chapter: Meet Army Veteran Ken Curtner, LCSW

Army Veteran Ken Curtner, LCSW sits down with host, Paul Watson, to discuss  holiday struggles and ways to reach out for help. Next Chapter is on a mission to help Veterans navigate mental health struggles and end veteran suicide.
Hear Ken's story and how he became a part of Next Chapter and now devotes his days to helping veterans find hope and healing.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is a 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. 

Healthcare & Veterans: Options You Should Hear About!

Today's episode brings you Colorado Springs area family physician, Dr. Rachel Langley, discussing Direct Patient Care and why she chose this model for her own practice and ways you can explore and connect with DPC providers wherever you are.
 
Plus, dual service Marine and Army veteran, Johnny Moody, NP, discusses the benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. A national guest, Johnny Moody oversees one of seven Optimal Bio clinics in the south-east and is spreading the word about how optimizing your hormones can optimize every aspect of your life.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is a 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 Trager Approach

The Trager Approach is a massage therapy technique that can be especially helpful to veterans with complex PTSD. Find out more in this episode and learn how you can connect with a certified Trager Approach practicioner.
Plus, a special  excerpt brings us a delightful throwback to Ted Robertson's interview with retired Air Force Colonel, Kim "KC" Campbell. Hear about her inspiring story and discover her book that is now available: Flying in the Face of Fear.
 
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is a 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. 

Arts as Healing for Veterans and it’s Never Summer

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Mt. Carmel are partnered to bring the arts to veterans to help them heal.  Also, Never Summer, a Colorado snowboard and winter gear manufacturer, is creating unique boards and donating proceeds from the sales to help fuel Mt. Carmel's mission.  
LEARN MORE ABOUT ART THERAPY CLASSES
 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEVER SUMMER 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. 
 
 
 
 

OPTUM Colorado and Medicare Mentors Partnered to Lead the Way

Optum Colorado’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Rankey, leads a comprehensive team of health care providers committed to helping people get and stay healthy. Optum Colorado’s model of care aims to help providers achieve higher quality patient outcomes and better experiences, at lower costs.
Optum is partnering with Medicare Mentors to host FREE Medicare Advantage education events specifically for veterans, on September 6th and September 20th, at the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
These events will teach the basics on how veterans can get more medical benefits with Medicare Advantage in addition to the ones they may currently have with TRICARE, VA Healthcare, or CHAMPVA.
Sign up, HERE or call 719-249-548
- Some copy provided courtesy of OPTUM Colorado
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

One Simple Voice and Pours for a Cause

One Simple Voice is offering a series of retreats.  The next is September 22 and entitled, Carrying the Cross of Fear & Loss.  REGISTER HEREAlso in this podcast, Peaks & Pours, a whiskey gathering in Colorado Springs. Sample spirits from around the world! Food, music, cigars & bartender competition.  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. 
 
 
 

Patriots Saying Thank You to Patriots

On Patriot Day 2023, Robert Irvine, a Veteran of the British Royal Navy and Royal Marines, is visiting with Mt. Carmel's executive director, Col. Bob McLaughlin, US Army, Ret.  The pair discussed the work of their respective organizations, thanking their fellow warriors, patriots and their families, and said a grateful goodbye to Veterans Voice Project lead and host, Ted Robertson, who's last day as a member of the Mt. Carmel Team was September 1.   
 
GALLERY
Robert Irvine's Visit to Veterans Voice
Images by Ted Robertson  |  Media Outreach Coordinator  |  Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Robert Irvine (L)  Ted Robertson (C)  Bob McLaughlin (R)
 
 
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. 
 
 

Cutting Edge Mental Health Care and Shattering the Silence

In this edition of Veterans Voice, a special extended episode featuring a Dr. of psychiatry and treatments you might not have heard of, then, a trio of special forces operators telling their stories publicly for the first time.
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

Heavy Hitters Join to Fight Suicide and Getting Vets in Jobs and Business

The longest serving airman in Air Force history, Major General (Ret.) Alfred Flowers, and a new partnership with USAA to prevent veteran suicide.  Then, Melba Robinson-Santa and the Colorado Enterprise Fund helping veterans start and grow their own businesses.  The Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center at Mt. Carmel is open for business!  And, a group teaching networking and interviewing skills to help veterans land their dream job.  
 
 
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. 
 
 
 
 
 

Taking Action to Help Veterans, Save their Lives and Get Jobs for Milspouses

Action 22 is helping vets in rural Colorado; the White House is helping milspouses get jobs; the PACT Act has been set up to save veteran lives and a special message for Special Forces.
 
 
Action 22's, Making Action Happen Radio Program
Contact Brian McCain and Sara BlackhurstD:  719-369-7901E:  admin@action22.org
 
 
Dr. Silpa Krefft
The Time to Make Your PACT Act Claims is Now
Veterans enrolled in VA Easter Colorado Health Care System may request a screening by sending a message in MyHealtheVet or leaving a voicemail at 720-857-2511. For more information on how to apply for VA health care, including the documents needed to determine eligibility, visit VA.gov/health-care/how-to-apply. To apply today for benefits or learn more about PACT Act claims and care, call 1-800-MYVA411 or visit VA.gov/PACT.
Veterans can also contact their local VSO about starting a claim. Veterans who apply for PACT Act-related benefits before August 10, will have benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 when the bill was signed in to law.
REQUEST VSO SERVICES:  719-772-7000
 
 
Sue Luangkhot Hoppin
New Executive Actions Aimed at Creating More Opportunities for Milspouses
In this podcast, Veterans Voice host and Cohen Veterans Network's, Cindy Centofanti, talks with Sue Hoppin, National Military Spouse Network president and founder, about new executive actions created to improve employment opportunities for military spouses. 
READ THE WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL MILITARY SPOUSE NETWORK
 
 
Paul Watson  |  Cindy Centofanti  |  Dean Gobel
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION
O:  (719) 728-8816E:  info@specialforcesfoundation.org
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

Garrison Commanders Fighting Veteran Food Insecurity

Two former Fort Carson garrison commanders joining to fight food insecurity among the military connected community, and, Air Force veteran, Sterling Campbell, has your guide VA home loans 
 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE AND SHARE
 
 
A FREE Class for Veterans on How to Navigate the VA Mortgage Lending System with Sterling Campbell Presented in part by Loan Depot
February 7, 2023 - 6:30-8:30 P.M.Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center530 Communication Cir., Colorado Springs  80905
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

Partnerships and Friendships Benefitting Veterans

In this edition of Veterans Voice, the Cohen Military Family Clinic is open and providing mental health treatment services.  ACI Learning is training and adding veterans to the workforce.  A Key Bank team spends a day helping at Mt. Carmel and Veterans Business Outreach Centers at Mt. Carmel is guiding veterans to success in business.
 
 
Cindy Centofanti (L)  |  Amy Moore (R)
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Red Rock is located at at 1915 Aerotech Drive Ste 114, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Please call us at 719-370-5141 or email us at CVNCS@red-rock.com with any questions or to get more information on how to schedule an in-person appointment.
LEARN MORE
 - Copy courtesy of Cohen Veterans Network
 
 
Kia Palmer (L)  |  Eric Phillips (R)
 
The Veterans Business Outreach Center Program is now open! Entrepreneurial service members, veterans, and their family members are encouraged to use VBOC resources to help develop their business concepts and ideas. 
Contact Kia Palmer at kpalmer@mtcarmelcenter.org for more information!
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA
 
 
Chris Young, ACI Learning Centers
CONTACT CHRIS
E:  chris.young@acilearning.com D:  (719) 309-1421
 
ACI LEARNING FOR VETERANS
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

I had a Choice to Stay, Die or Surrender

Frannie Rose lay bedridden for 17 years.  No one could tell her why or what was wrong.  Her fight gone and hope lost, the time had come for her to make a decision:  resign herself to never leaving her bed, kill herself, or, surrender to God.  Then came a voice.

When a Veteran Needs Help, It’s Here

Housing for veterans between homes; services and aid for aging veterans; a layered approach to mental health treatment and hearing God's voice.