Programs

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 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.

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.

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. 

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. 
 
 

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. 
 
 
 

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. 
 
 
 
 

Meet Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's new Director of Development, Denise Brill!  Denise brings a long and extensive background in service to the military connected community in and outside the corporate and non-profit world.  Her role at Mt. carmel will have her orchestrating partnership, event and engagement programs and strategies.  Fueling our mission is a big job.  Please join with us in welcoming her to our family and wishing her great success!
 
 
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 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. 
 
 
 
 
 

We’re making the case for hiring veterans with a lift from Pikes Peak Work Force Center; Mt. Carmel’s Director of Transition and Employment; veteran owned Delta Solutions and Strategies and a Navy veteran with a business superpower. 
 
 
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. 
 
 
 

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. 
 
 
 

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. 
 
 
 

If your next career isn't a career, it's starting a business instead, this is your podcast!  
 
 
 
CONNECT WITH KIA PALMER(719) 309-4705  |  Kpalmer@mtcarmelcenter.org
 
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
 
 
CONNECT WITH LAUREN SHAKES
 
 
THE NEXT CLASS STARTS JUNE 29
RESGISTER 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. 
 
 
 
 

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

Veterans Voice is very proud to help welcome our newest team member and her champion in supporting veteran owned small business, Veterans Business Outreach Center's, Kia Palmer, and the SBA's Eric Phillips. Mt. Carmel is now perfectly positioned to help you get your business up, running, going and growing! Reach Kia at (719) 309-4705 for all the information you need to plug in and get going.
 
 
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.
 
 
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 veteran business owner has received a well-earned accolade from a consortium of business support organizations and their leaders.  Model Citizen Coffee's Enrique Camacho stood out among 90 other nominees and has been named 2023 Veteran Owned Small Business off the Year.  Find out how this 30-year Army veteran got his start in business and why he won this prestigious recognition.  
 
VISIT AND SUPPORT MODEL CITIZEN COFFEE COMPANY
 
 
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.
 
 

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.
 
 
  

In this episode, affected family member and Army veteran, "Elizabeth", tells her story, and that of her daughter's, followed by asking moderators, Sarah Werner (L) and Tracey Ritter (R), a series of questions about how she can support her daughter who is in an active substance use situation.
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Safe Medication Use, Storage and Disposal     ▪ TakeMedsSeriously          • https://takemedsseriously.org/ 
Family Support     ▪ CRAFT Colorado          • https://bha.colorado.gov/behavioral-health/CRAFT      ▪ Serenity Recovery Connection          • https://srchope.org/      ▪ Al-Anon and Nar-Anon           • https://al-anon-co.org/             • https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting      ▪ Forward Together Colorado          • https://parents.forwardtogetherco.com/
Overdose Prevention     ▪ Bring Naloxone Home          • https://bringnaloxonehome.org/      ▪ Never Use Alone Hotline          • https://neverusealone.com/           • 1-800-484-3731     ▪ Canary—Prevent Overdose app          • https://apps.apple.com/us/app/canary-prevent-overdose/id1396426874 Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law
“The 911 Good Samaritan Law states that a person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when the person reports, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose even to a law enforcement officer, to the 911 system, or to a medical provider. This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder, or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.”
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE 1 RESOURCE GUIDE
 
ABOUT THE AFFECTED FAMILIES AND FRIENDS PODCAST SERIES
The Affected Families and Friends Podcast is a three-part series on substance use disorder presented by the University of Colorado’s Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, Affected Families and Friends Work Group and produced in the Veterans Voice studio located on the campus of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL AFFWG RESOURCE GUIDE
 
 
MEET SARAH WERNER AND TRACEY RITTER
Meet your moderators for this series, Sarah Werner (L), and Tracey Ritter (R). They are the co-chairs for the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention’s work group called, “Affected Families and Friends.” 
The work group provides opportunities for friends and family to share hope, raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder. Both have lost loved ones to substance use.  For Tracey, her son Evan.  For Sarah, her nephew Jonathan. 
Both have chosen to turn their pain into purpose. Sarah is on the board of the SAFE Project, which is an organization that aims to support action that will prevent fatal drug overdoses. Tracey is a Family Support Specialist with Advocates for Recovery, and has even lobbied with our Attorney General’s office for change in our state.
 
 
The Affected Families and Friends podcast series was produced in the Veterans Voice studio located on the campus of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs, CO, in cooperation with the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, Affected Families and Friends Work Group, and the the team of Ms. Sarah Werner, Ms. Tracey Ritter and Ms. Hilary Bryant.
 
 
 

Your military life in stages:  going in, serving and afterward.  Along the way, you can't plan for or control the unexpected.  But, as our panel will tell you, you can make smart, advance financial, estate planning and end of life decisions. 
 
      
 
CONTACT RYAN PLUNKETT, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
D:  719-380-1177MORE ABOUT RYAN
 
 
CONTACT KEVIN HANCOCK, ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
THE LAW OFFICE OF KEVIN R. HANCOCKD:  719-575-9690WWW.COTRUSTATTORNEY.COM
 
 
CONTACT MIKE THOMAS, VETERAN LIAISON
PIKES PEAK HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CAREWWW.PIKESPEAKHOSPICE.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. 
 
 
 

A new series of public service announcements (PSAs) produced by the VA, available now for podcasters, radio and TV outlets, is aimed at educating Veterans on important benefits, services and programs that are available to those who served.  
Veterans Experience Office Communications Specialist and Senior Writer, Mr. Mike Richman, explains the "why" and how you can download and run these PSAs during his recent visit to The Veterans Voice.
- Some copy and images excerpted from the VA website.
 
 
VA RADIO OUTREACH PSAs AVAILABLE NOWDOWNLOAD PSA MP3 FILES 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. 
 
 
 

Two souls from very different worlds found each other, their path in life together and success in love and business.  Along the way, Rich Lewis and Pam Behrendt-Lewis, received intangible gifts from the people around them who all had a special trait in common:  going above and beyond in all they do.  Now they want to share the gifts of those people and their stories with you.  
Rich and Pam are releasing the first episode of their new podcast, Above and Beyond, May 1st.  They'll share the stories of those in our worlds who go above and beyond to serve others.  You'll be enthralled, you'll laugh and maybe even shed a tear from time to time. 
With each new episode of Above and beyond, Rich and Pam will encourage, inspire and leave you uplifted and hopeful.
 
LISTEN TO THE FIRST EPISODE 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. 
 
 
 

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. 
 
 
 
 

 
Be the first to say thank you to high school seniors who have enlisted and are heading for bootcamp!  
May 3, Flying W Ranch, starts at 6:30 p.m.!
RSVP HERE

The hour is dedicated to the tragedy of Veteran suicide.  Front-line Counselors, clinicians and those who support them discuss how so many are affected when a loss like this occurs and how and where to get help if you or a loved one are in this crisis.
 
 
 
 
 
GuestsCassandra Walton, Executive DirectorDavid Galvon, Vice President, Board of Directors
REQUEST SERVICES
DONATE TODAY
Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership was founded in 1993 by three local women whose lives had been impacted by suicide. Originally it went by The Suicide Prevention Partnership of the Peak Region and was referred to as, “The Partnership.” The goal at the start was to address a tragedy that was becoming common, but no one was talking about. We housed the crisis line for several years, provided free trainings, and held suicide loss survivor events. As things evolved, the crisis line went national and was taken over by Colorado Crisis Services and PPSPP became more of a suicide prevention resource center. Today we provide free suicide prevention support services such as free individual counseling, groups, peer support, teen mentors, family preservation services, suicide bereavement services, and we offer a menu of suicide prevention trainings.
 
 
GuestDuane France Co-Director- SAMHSA’s Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance CenterClinical Mental Health Counselor
LEARN MORE
 
 
Guest and Suicide Prevention Fundraising PartnerJake Weien
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGEL BATTALION
1350 DISTILLING ON-LINE
 
 
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.