The Veterans Voice

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.

Introduction to The Party Dolls by George Hayward

Veterans Voice recently connected with Mr. George Hayward.  Air Force veteran and journalist.  Colorado Springs resident.  Author of The Party Dolls, the true story of two men's escape from a Vietnamese prison camp.  Their plan was code-named The Party.  It is our honor to introduce him to you.  In this podcast, exclusively in his own words, the story behind the story of The Party Dolls. 

Casual Convos Episode 1: The Football Experts

 
As happens on occasion, we've hit the record button, we're starting an interview and a whole other conversation erupts.  In this case, an Army veteran said, "...Vikings...", to a Navy veteran.  As in the football team.  Enjoy what happened next...

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.   

Wreaths Across America Day December 17!

 
Wreaths Across America Day is December 17.  A day Wreaths Across America's Joe Reagan will tell you is for remembering, showing gratitude and turning out to help lay wreaths on the graves of the many who gave their all.  In this podcast, Joe shares the Wreaths story, tells a couple of his own and has an ask of you.  As you'll learn, your sponsorship of wreaths will have a profound impact.
Sponsor Wreaths HereEnter:  "Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center (CO0243P)  |  170567"if you'd like a portion of your sponsorship dollars to support our mission.
 
 
Veterans Voice on Wreaths Across America Radio
Thursdays 10:00 A.M. Eastern; Saturdays 8:00 A.M. Eastern; Sundays 6:00 P.M. Eastern
Stream Live 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.
 
 

Veterans Voice Launching in Pueblo

 
We're very excited to announce that The Veterans Voice is soon to launch in Pueblo!  The program will begin airing December 3rd on KTSC 89.5 The Revolution based at Colorado State University, Pueblo.  In this podcast, we introduce you to Veterans Voice Pueblo host, Cassime Joseph.  Cassime is an Army veteran, college student, photo journalist, blogger, podcaster, radio host, KTSC radio operations manager and president of the CSU Pueblo chapter of the Student Veterans of America.  
Veterans Voice Pueblo will air Fridays at 9:00 a.m. and is aimed at giving veterans a voice and getting the word out about the services provided for veterans and military connected families available at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Pueblo, CSU Pueblo and other agencies in the Pueblo community.
 
Listen Live Fridays at 9:00 A.M.
 
 
 
Request Mt. Carmel Pueblo Services:  (719) 309-4719Open:  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
 
 
 
Cassime Joseph  |  Operations Manager  |  KTSC 89.5 FMPresident, Student Veterans of America CSU Pueblo Chapter
 
 
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 Debt Free Scream and High-Paying Careers for Vets

 
In this hour of Veterans Voice, completing Financial Peace University yields financial success for a veteran couple.  Then Bill Nash on employment opportunities for veterans in the high-demand construction trades; Byron Edwards on OSHA certifications in facilities management and Blake Schwank on work in the IT/cyber security space.  
 
Register for 2023 Financial Peace UniversitySeminar Openings in February and AugustCall Jonathan Helm:  719-772-7000
 
 
 
Interested in OSHA HAZMAT Certification?Classes are FREE for Veterans!Learn more at www.nationalpete.org/military-training-program
 
 
Start Your Career in Facilities ManagementVeteran Friendly Companies are Hiring Across the CountryByron Edwards:  bedwardsfm@gmail.com
Explore a Career in IT TechVeterans Owned Colorado Computer Support is Hiring!Call:  (719) 355-2440
 
 
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.
 
 

One Donation, 20 Agencies, a Whole Community Served

 
Founded in 1984, the Empty Stocking Fund is fueling the charitable work of 20 agencies around the Pikes Peak Region that in turn impact more than 350,000 lives every year.  In this podcast, executive director of the Gazette Charities Foundation, Deb Mahan, explains how every dollar you give provides $1.50 in assistance and that no donation is too small. 

Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month

 
November is National Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month.  In this podcast, Phil Long Dealership's Executive Vice President and Partner, Kevin Shaughnessy, explains what's behind the company's veteran-friendly culture and why they're making a donation of up to $100,000 to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.

Mt. Carmel Team Working Hard to Meet Community Needs

 
Mt. Carmel's Alice Miles and Jacqie Warmbir are among many supporting efforts to provide family and behavioral health services at an especially challenging time of year for military connected families and veterans.  In this podcast, how best to engage when you need help and a look at how getting you what you need works.  Also, if you don't need help but can give it, your donations are encouraged and very welcome!
Request Mt. Carmel Services
Colorado Springs:  (719) 772-7000  |  Walk-In:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
Pueblo:  (719) 309-4719  |  Walk-In:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
 
 Become a Donor
 
 
CRISIS INTERVENTION RESOURCES
Diversus Health Lighthouse Walk-in Crisis Center
Call: 844-493-TALK (8255)
Text: TALK to 38255
Walk-in: 115 South Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Veteran’s Suicide Hotline1-800-273-8255 then press 1, or, text 838255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline877-565-8860
Next Chapterwww.nextchapterco.org888-719-8387
The Objective Zero App (veterans talk to veterans)https://www.objectivezero.org/app
PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Outpatient Clinic Colorado Springs719-327-5660
3141 Centennial BoulevardColorado Springs, CO 80907
Non-Emergency Colorado Springs Police Number719-444-7000
El Paso County Sheriff719-520-7100
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 in Full Swing

 
Sara and Isaiah Berberette co-founded Operation Christmas Giving Back when Isaiah was just 7 years old.  At the age of 16, he is partners with his mom in their 501(C)3 and use the money they raise from donations in exchange for Sara's freshly baked Munchkies Cookies® to buy hundreds, sometimes thousands, of toys to give to kids who might not otherwise have a Christmas.

KCME’s Keith Simon and The Hennessy 6’s Sean Hennessy on One Simple Voice

 
Keith Simon  |  KCME Operations Director Weekday Afternoon Host, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
KCME's Keith Simon visited with The Hennessy 6's (TH6) Sean Hennessy on the partnership between Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and TH6 in support of One Simple Voice.  A November 17, jazz concert will feature The Hennessy 6 performing a "Sacred Spiritual Journey of Jazz" at City Auditorium featuring all original arrangements.  
Tickets are $25 and Available Here
Sean Schafer Hennessy  |  The Hennessy 6
 

OPTUM at the Ready, COMCAST Has Jobs, and More!

The full hour of Veterans Voice is here!  In this edition, OPTUM Colorado docs on how easy it is to get the care you need.  COMCAST is ready with internet connectivity for the community and jobs for veterans.  Pikes Peak United Way is opening its Family Resource Center and the touching story of how Will's Hope began, why they're committed to helping veterans heal and how they do it.

One Simple Voice, One Simple Mission

 
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and The Hennessy 6 have partnered to raise funds for One Simple Voice.   The November 17, jazz concert will feature The Hennessy 6 performing a "Sacred Spiritual Journey of Jazz" at City Auditorium featuring all original compositions.  In this podcast, Sean Schafer Hennessy talks about One Simple Voice and the mission they are on to help those they serve to reconnect with their spirituality.
Tickets are $25 and Available 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.

Stephen M. Doyel: A Veteran Triumphs Over Trials

Way back in 1997, Stephen Doyel was a troubled seventeen year old high school student.   Still, he made his way into the Navy.  The path from then until now has taken him to the Navy, from the service, through five states, homelessness, a TBI, substance abuse and being justice involved.  The rest of the story?  In this podcast, in his own words, how Stephen triumphed over his trials and a message to his fellow veterans. 
Request Remount Services
Photo Credit:  Remount Foundation, United States Air Force Academy
 
Request Mt. Carmel Services
Colorado Springs:  (719) 772-7000  |  Walk-In:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
Pueblo:  (719) 309-4719  |  Walk-In:  8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
 
 
 
 
 
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.

The 0.K Run for Veteran Mental Health

 
 
Attend and gather "...a marathon of information..." without running, pushups or games.  The November 12, "0.K" Run for Veteran Mental Health presents nine service provider teams who specialize in suicide prevention and the treatment of depression, traumatic brain injury and PTSD.  In this podcast, "0.K" organizer Mike Girard and Next Chapter's Rodger Johnson, both veterans, discuss these issues, tell their stories and link you to zero-cost resources standing ready to serve and support you and your family.    
Call or E-Mail for "0.K" Run Information: 
(719) 466-0023  |  3hundredllc@gmail.com
 
 
Request Next Chapter Services
 
 
 
 
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.

The Insipid Nature of Domestic Violence

 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month has passed but the problem doesn't go away when nobody is paying attention.  It stays and it festers if not addressed.  In this edition of Veterans Voice, Mike Lewis and Mt. Carmel Behavioral Health Case Manager, Alice Miles, discuss domestic violence and answer questions around why it happens, to whom, how to know if you're in an abusive situation, how and where to get help and more.
 
 
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 A-10 Fighter Pilot Flying in the Face of Fear

A conversation with Col. Kim Campbell, USAF RET, A-10 Warthog fighter pilot.  She was rejected by the Air Force Academy when she first applied but faced that challenge with persistence and determination.  Gaining entry, she went on to lead the corps of cadets and from there earned a coveted pilot slot.  Her life as a pilot and Air Force officer changed when the planes hit the towers in 2001.  While flying a mission over Iraq, her A-10 was hit by a surface to air missile - a moment she says was pivotal and that she's chronicled in her book, Flying in the Face of Fear.  In this podcast, Col. Campbell previews her extraordinary story.             
Learn more about Col. Campbell here
 
 
Flying in the Face of Fear by Kim "KC" Campbell
In Flying in the Face of Fear: Lessons on Leading with Courage, former fighter pilot and retired Air Force Colonel Kim Campbell delivers an inspiring and practical discussion of leadership and decision-making. In the book, you’ll follow the author’s journey through the principles that got her through her 24-year career in the high-stakes and high-risk world of aerial combat. (Excerpted from Amazon.com)
Buy the Book
 
 
 
 
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.

Healing Out of Heartbreak

Mark and Sarah Squire lost their special needs son to suicide.  That heartbreaking event marked the beginning of the journey they're on now to help veterans heal.  They founded Will's Hope, a 13-day immersive outdoors experience in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, where veterans can leave the distractions of day-to-day life behind long enough to think and clear their minds.  The experience is among the purest forms of self-healing there is.  Listen now for all the details.
Apply to Participate in a 2023 Will's Hope Experience for Veterans
You're Invited
You can help make these outdoor educational, growth and self-healing opportunities available to veterans by attending the Will's Hope Annual Dinner November 10. 
Click to accept the Will's Hope Annual Dinner Invitation
 
 
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 ”Super” Stylish Fundraiser for Veterans

 
From November 6-12, a visit to most Supercuts salons in Monument, Colorado Springs and Pueblo will not only have you looking and feeling great, but helping veterans at the same time through your donations.  All proceeds from donations go to Mt. Carmel programs for veterans.  Mike Lewis and the Supercuts team of Barb Fitzpatrick and Jamie Toodle got together recently to share the details with you!
A Special Bonus for Veterans and Active Duty! 
On Veterans Day, veterans and active duty service members receive 20% off all services and a FREE Tea Tree Oil Shampoo Treatment!*
*At participating salons
 
 
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.
 

MCVSC at the Ready in Pueblo and the Arts Healing Veterans

We begin this episode with our monthly update from Mt. Carmel Pueblo’s Operations Manager, Sal Katz. He’s growing his staff and expanding the range of services his team provides.  Then, Mt. Carmel’s Charissa Thayer on the upcoming Veteran’s Art Exhibition, a last-call for veteran artists and where you can see and even buy some the pieces being displayed.

For Veterans, Art Can be Therapeutic

Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region's, Andy Vick, discusses his partnership with Creative Forces® in presenting the Military Arts Connection, an online resource connecting military service members, veterans and their families to a wide variety of arts enrichment experiences.  MAC is about leveraging the power of the arts to enable our military, veterans and their families to unleash their inner creativity.  Learn more at www.militaryartsconnection.org  (Excerpted in part from www.culturaloffice.org)
 
 
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.
 

Musician on a Mission

Though he hasn't served himself, country singer, Jacob Christopher, is one of ten adoptees all raised single-handedly by a woman who is a  Navy veteran.  He once asked her how she managed it.  She credits the military with instilling the discipline an confidence she needed.  Now Jacob is on a mission to give back.  He's performing two live shows on Veterans Day and asking for your donations to help fuel Mt. Carmel's programs.  The full story is in the podcast!