Impact

Ray Linbaugh | The Walking Dead Marines

Ray Linbaugh is one of the few survivors of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines of the U.S. Vietnam War. They were called The Walking Dead—not from Hollywood, but from the hardened jungles of Vietnam, where the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines earned one of the highest casualty rates of any unit in U.S. military history. In this powerful episode, we sit down with a veteran of this fabled battalion to explore what it truly means to walk through fire and come out the other side. It’s a conversation about grit, sacrifice, and survival—one that echoes far beyond the battlefield. Through the lens of lived experience, we unpack how these Marines carried the weight of their legacy, how war shaped their minds, and how they continue to serve in silence today. Perspective is earned in the trenches of life—and this story is no exception.

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.

Bob McLaughlin | Former Chief of Staff US Forces Afghanistan

Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this episode, we’re discussing Leadership. Whether you are a parent, member of an organization, or an individual trying to achieve your goals, being an effective leader plays a critical role in the success of each one of these situations.

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.

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. 
 
 

Making Mt. Camel Better for Veterans

Every year, the Home Depot Foundation fans out across the country to complete hundreds of projects improving the lives of those in need and making it possible for those who serve them to do it better.  Home Depot's Danny Watson (R) and Mt. Carmel's Bob McLaughlin (L) talk about how Mt. Carmel and its constituency has benefited so greatly from those efforts.
Visit the photo gallery below.  From simple benches to complex pergolas to outdoor seating, planters, counseling spaces and a massive mural, Home Depot went all out to enhance the Veteran's experience.
 
 
 
PHOTO GALLERY
Exterior Improvements to the Mt. Carmel Campus
Images by Ted Robertson  |  Media Outreach Coordinator  |  Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
 
From all of us to all of you, we thank you, Home Depot!
Very sincerely, your friends at 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. 
 
 
 

Care and Share, Comcast and Patriot Day

This week on Veterans Voice it’s time for Mt. Carmel’s 8th Annual Patriot Day Giveback, your opportunity to say thank you to those who sacrificed and served and to join us for a very special opening ceremony.
 
 
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. 
 
 
 
 

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.

From Colorado Springs to Trinidad!

Mt. Carmel is serving veterans in Trinidad, CO; jobs, networking and a cold beer for veterans; award winning veterans hiring veterans and a VSO first:  meet Colorado’s Women Veterans Service Officer! 
Join us for Veterans Voice Sunday mornings at 7:30 on KRDO Newsradio 105.5 FM, 1240 AM and 92.5 FM.  The podcast drops Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. and is available at www.veteransvoice.us    
 
 
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.
 
 
  

Making Housing Attainable for Veterans and Tackling Vet Homelessness

In this episode, learn how to use your VA benefits to buy a home; Operation Step-Up providing transitional housing for Veterans and Greccio Housing setting a national standard for partnering to see Veterans and their families in permanent homes.      
 
 
A FREE Class for Veterans on How to Navigate the VA Mortgage Lending Systemwith Sterling Campbell Presented in part by Loan DepotMay 2, 2023 - 6:30-8:30 P.M.Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center530 Communication Cir., Colorado Springs  80905
 
 
 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERATION STEP UP AND 719 HEROES
 
 
REQUEST SERVICES
DONATE TO HELP HOUSE 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. 
 
 
 
 

Filling a Food Pantry, Final Days with Dignity and More Services in Pueblo

In this episode, a 17 year old filling a vital food pantry; living your final days with dignity; more services for Veterans coming to Pueblo and a Veteran radio show host spreading the word!   
 
 
Seventeen year old James Irwin Charter School honor student, Janelle Rivera, is leading a five-school drive to fill Mt. Carmel's nearly empty food pantry and Hope Closet with food, clothing and toys.  The Lets Give Back event is being hosted by Mt. Carmel April 15, and will feature the treat of lunch for those who donate!
Janelle comes from a military family who were once Mt. Carmel clients in need of assistance.  And now that they are in a better place, they are giving back to see it paid forward.
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT LETS GIVE BACKCall:  719-772-7000
 
 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT JAMES IRWIN CHARTER SCHOOLS
 
 
Army Veteran, Mike Thomas, explains how his approach to helping you live your final days in dignity, beauty and peace.  
REQUEST PIKES PEAK HOSPICE SERVICES
 
 
Request Services:  (719) 309-4719  |  Open:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-FridayWalk-In services at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital  |  Medical Arts Building1925 E. Orman Ave., Suite 156 Pueblo, CO  81004
 
 
Veterans Voice Pueblo
Fridays at 9:00 A.M.  on  KTSC 89.5 FM
Stream Live Here
 
Cassime (keh-SEEM) Joseph is leading our expansion to the Pueblo market as host of the Veterans Voice Pueblo radio broadcast and podcast.  He is an Army veteran and student at CSU Pueblo majoring in mass communications with an emphasis on multimedia journalism; operations director for CSU Pueblo's media department and the KTSC 89.5 FM radio station; feature writer and photo journalist for school's The Today newspaper; president of the Student Veterans of America CSU Pueblo chapter and an active member of the Black Student Union.
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

How a 17 Year Old is Helping Fill a Food Pantry

Seventeen year old James Irwin Charter School honor student, Janelle Rivera, is leading a five-school drive to fill Mt. Carmel's nearly empty food pantry and Hope Closet with food, clothing and toys.  The Lets Give Back event is being hosted by Mt. Carmel April 15, and will feature the treat of lunch for those who donate!

A Win-Win Fundraiser to Support Veterans

During the month of April, this very generous business owner is donating $.50 cents for every square foot of turf he installs to help fuel Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's mission of supporting  Veterans and the military connected community!  Details are in the podcast!
 
 
 
SUPPORT VETERANS AND MILITARY CONNECTED FAMILIES!CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY(719) 299-0927
During the month of April, when you work with Top Notch Turf, owner Nick Byard will donate $.50 cents for every square foot of turf he installs to help Mt. Carmel support Veterans and military connected families!
 
 
TOP NOTCH TURF GALLERY
Images Courtesy of Top Notch Turf
 
 
SUPPORT VETERANS AND MILITARY CONNECTED FAMILIES!CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY(719) 299-0927
During the month of April, when you work with Top Notch Turf, owner Nick Byard will donate $.50 cents for every square foot of turf he installs to help Mt. Carmel support Veterans and military connected families!    
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 

A Conversation with Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers

In a Veterans Voice special presentation, we paired Colorado Springs Mayor, John Suthers, with long-time news anchor and Veterans Voice host, Mike Lewis, for an hour long look-back at the Mayor's time in office. He told us who he's endorsing in the upcoming Mayoral race, what he thinks the future should hold for our city and about a new project after he leaves office. 
 
 
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.     
 
 

If Not Me, Then Who, and a Daughter’s Journey

 
The Travis Manion Foundation is teaching how to lead with your strengths and family character building.   

Housing for Heroes, Saluting Heroes and Helping Them Stay Healthy

Carrie Lukins and Preston Smith of 719 Heroes are working hard to house veterans.  Mt. Carmel's Pueblo operations manager, Sal Katz, is positioning his team to grow and expand their range of services and getting ready for a Salute to Heroes.  New Mt. Carmel partner, Oak Street Health's, Rob Parish, explains the advantages to veterans of managed care style health care.  Be James Bond for a night and a cause, and much more in this week's edition of Veterans Voice! 

Medicare Mentors, Oak Street Health and the Power of Partnerships

Lives saved and critical financial benefits restored.  That's the power of a partnership recently formed between Medicare Mentors and Oak Street Health.  In this podcast, Oak Street Health's, Rob Parish, and Medicare Mentor's, Rich and Pam Lewis, share stories of how pairing up is leading to veterans lives greatly improved.
 
Request Oak Street Health ServicesCall:  Rob Parish at 480-440-7886Email:  robert.parish@oakstreethealth.com
 
 
 
Request Medicare Mentors ServicesCall:  Rich and Pam Lewis at 719-886-3377Request Services Online
 
 
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.
 
 

Planning Your Legacy

In this episode of Planning Your Legacy, gifting your assets to others can be a valuable tool in estate planning.
Gifting can help you reduce your taxable estate and avoid the probate process. 
You can donate appreciated property like stocks, bonds, and other securities while receiving a charitable deduction for the total market value of that asset. Along with that, you won’t pay any capital gains tax in the transfer .
Anyone can set up gift planning as part of their estate plan and when you do, you're helping Mt. Carmel better the lives of thousands of veterans, military and their families!
Get your planned giving questions answered.
Contact Dana Rocha, Director of Development and Fundraising
By phone:  719-309-4774By e-mail:  drocha@mtcarmelcenter.org
 
Download Your FREE Planned Giving Guide
 
 
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.
 
 

Operation Christmas Giving Back 2022 a Success!

Several years ago, Sara Berberrette and her son began a journey of giving.  With the help of her then seven year old Isaiah, Sara started baking cookies and taking donations for them.  They used the money to buy Christmas toys for military families.  They've worked hard and 2022 has been a breakout year for Operation Christmas Giving back!  In this podcast, Sara shares her story of success and talks about big plans for the future!
 
 
Follow OCGB on FacebookBuy Your Munchkies Cookies Here (10% of Profits go to OCGB)
Donate on Venmo:  @operationchristmasgivingbackDonate at PayPal:  @operationchristmasgi
Contact Sara:  operationchristmasgivingback@hotmail.com
 
   
 
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.
 
 
 

2022 Was Good, 2023 Will Be Better!

 
In this edition of Veterans Voice, Mt. Carmel Executive Director, Bob McLaughlin, is looking back on 2022 and ahead to  how Mt. Carmel will serve the military connected community in bigger, better and more ways in 2023.  Then Nanette Brede' and how PrepConnect 360 is changing, and Chris Dahl and Daunte Davis on how Nursing and Therapy Service of Colorado is keeping veterans and their families healthy. 
In Colorado Springs
Request Services:  (719) 772-7000  |  Open:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
530 Communication Cir.  |  COS, CO  80905
In PuebloRequest Services:  (719) 309-4719  |  Open:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-FridayWalk-In services at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital  |  Medical Arts Building1925 E. Orman Ave., Suite 156 Pueblo, CO  81004
 
 
 
 
Also in this podcast, Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado are Healing Heroes by providing home healthcare to veterans with physical disabilities. NTSOC's Daunte Davis and Chris Dahl explain how their veteran therapy programs can help with chronic pain and a variety of other common health concerns by maintaining or improving health and well-being.
 - Excerpted in part from the NTSOC website.
 
Request Healing Heroes Services Here
 
 
 
 
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.
 
 

Cookies for Toys and Help for Veterans and Families Over the Holidays

In this "Best-Of" podcast, the touching story of a young boy and his mom who formed a non-profit around getting donations for home made cookies and using the money to buy toys for kids.  Then, the holidays can make a veteran or military connected family feel a lot of things, not all of them good.  Mt. Carmel's Military, Veterans and Family Services, and Behavioral Health teams are at the ready with help you might need. 
 
 
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.

Vets Voice Expanding to Pueblo, the Art of Soap, Philanthropy and More

 
In this podcast you'll meet Cassime Joseph, newest member of the Veterans Voice team.  He's leading our expansion in to Pueblo.  Then, a veteran teaching veterans to make soap as a means of healing.  You'll learn about The Empty Stocking Fund's efforts on behalf of Mt. Carmel and how you can help.  And finally, a veteran owned, veteran friendly business with job openings you'll want to hear about!
 
 
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.
 
 

Patriot Guard Riders Honoring Our Fallen

 
In this podcast, Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) State Captain, Jim Balcerovich, talks about PGRs origins and founding, their purpose and their mission to honor our fallen.