The Vantage Point

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!

A Talent Vacuum Waiting for Pueblo Veterans to Fill

Mt. Carmel partner, ACI Learning's, Ken Hoerning, has an employment opportunity for Pueblo veterans.  Think Audit, Cyber and IT.  Think "Black Hat", "White Hat", "Red Hat" and certified ethical hacker.  These and related fields are wide open.  And for a veteran with the gumption, the compensation is very good!   All the details are in the podcast.  
You can visit Ken Hoerning at Mt. Carmel in Pueblo the 2nd and 4th Fridays or log on to www.acilearning.com  
Ken Hoerning  |  Community Engagement Manager  |  ACI Learning
 
 
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.
 

Cybersecurity Heads Up Episode 1: When You Need a Veteran Partner in Technology

The bad guys are open for business and they want your assets.  You want a seasoned fighter on your IT team.  That's Veterans Voice Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support.  Listen in as Mike Lewis and Army veteran, CCS owner, Blake Schwank (shwonk), talk tech security, deliver a resource for tech tips and if you're a veteran, offer job opportunities you might want to explore.
Blake Schwank (L)  |  Mike Lewis (R)
 
Get Tuesday Tech Tips and Cyber Saturdays 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.

Hoedown for Heroes and a Woman’s Expo with a Cause

Mt. Carmel's annual signature event, Hoedown for Heroes, is the hottest ticket in town!  Melodie Owens says dust off that Stetson, pull on your boots and join in to help support military, veterans and their families!  Then, in its 17th year in the Springs and second to none in showcasing all you need to live a good life, the Women's Expo with a Cause.   
Mike Lewis (L)  |  Melodie Owns (R)
 
 
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 Serving Pueblo Veterans

Pueblo, CO, October 19, 2022 - Mt. Carmel COO Bob Mclaughlin recently joined 95.5FM's Nick Donovan to talk about the range of services and resources available to Pueblo military, veterans and their families through Mt. Carmel's Pueblo office.

General John Hyten, USAF RET, and Hoedown for Heroes

On November 4, Mt. Carmel is putting on its annual Hoedown for Heroes and this year, General John Hyten, USAF RET, is one of the featured speakers.  He sat down with Mike Lewis to talk about his role supporting Mt. Carmel and offered his thoughts on a couple of other points as well. 

Vets Taking Charge of Their Lives and Medicare Open Enrollment

When you think about taking charge of your life and health, you might be wondering how to get started.  USMC and Army veteran, Kevin Baldwin, is offering vet-to-vet support Wednesdays for six weeks beginning October 19.  Take charge of your life and health. E-mail submariner6@earthlink.net or call 719-772-7000 to sign up.  Then, Rich and Pam Lewis of Medicare Mentors are in to talk about Medicare open enrollment and how not to get lost in the Medicare maze.
 
 
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.

Prep for Veterans to Connect with Jobs

Employers won't tell you this but interviewing is a survival skill.  Imagine being asked what kind of tree you would be if you you were a tree... or car... or whether you've ever had a disagreement with your boss.  Learn to survive the interview process, how to network your way to employment and much more.  Join the next Prep Connect 360 class at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center November 14-18.  Sign up now!  Call 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.

Fathering is for Life

Fathering is for life.  If you're a dad and you want to be the best father you can be, join the Center On Fathering at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Mondays 5:30-7:00 P.M..  You'll be in the company of other dads, together gaining a true understanding of the importance of your role in your children's lives and development. Register today by calling 719-309-4752.  
 
 
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.

Connecting with Veterans through Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit is coming to the upper lot at Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs this Sunday, October 16, and opens at 10:00 A.M.  The exhibit is interactive and will have staff on hand to explain the mission, teach the history and tell the story of Wreaths Across America and the veterans they are established to honor.
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 Good Medicare Choices and Veterans Avoiding Suicide

October 8, 2022 - In this edition of Veterans Voice, it's Medicare open enrollment time and Mt. Carmel partners OPTUM Colorado and Medicare Mentors are working together to keep you out of the Medicare maze.  Then. Mike Lewis and Next Chapter's Rodger Johnson wrap up Veterans Suicide Awareness Month with a look at ongoing help for veterans considering suicide.
Next Chapter Program Manager, Rodger Johnson (L)  |  Mike Lewis (R)
 
 
 
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.
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An Honor Flight Welcome Home

Special to the Veterans Voice October 6, 2022 - Help welcome them home!  Honor Flight is taking off with a group of WWII, Korea and Viet Nam era veterans who will tour monuments in their honor in Washington D.C.  Some for the first time.  Some for the last.  And when they return home, with your help, they will receive a well-earned welcome.  Honor Flight of Southern Colorado's president Cindy Long and board member Sterling Campbell have the details.     
(L-R) Honor Flight Board Member, Sterling Campbell  |  Honor Flight, President Cindy LongHonor Flight Board Member, Oscar Vaughn  |  Veterans Voice Host, Mike Lewis
 
 
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.

Veteran Job Opportunities at October 11, Job Fair

October 1, 2022 - In this edition of Veterans Voice, we feature Mt. Carmel's Director of Transition and Employment, Mark Smith, with his announcement of our next hiring event.  Then, Paul Hasty, owner of Tint Technologies, a veteran himself and one of the many veteran-friendly employers attending the hiring event with offers of opportunity.    
 
 
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 Season of Sausage is Here!

A Veterans Voice Minicast - It's the season of sausage and time for the 2nd Annual SausageFest!  Mark your calendars and bring your bibs Saturday, October 8.  Sample sausages from all across Colorado.  Vote for your favorite.  Enjoy cold beer, great music, lots of fun and support Mt. Carmel from Noon - 6:00 P.M.  Solsage Food Truck's Bri Naylor has all the details!
 
 
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.
 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In the news September 26, 2022 - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Alice Miles serves as Military, Veteran and Family Services case manager for Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center specializing in the area of domestic violence.  Alice joined KRDO Newsradio's Mid-Day Edition recently to talk about the problem of domestic violence among members of the military connected community and to offer help and resources.
 - If you need information about resources, you can obtain it confidentially by calling 800-342-9647  
 - You can call the Domestic Violence Hotline if you have questions about domestic violence or need help with resources at 800-799-7233
 - If you're in an abusive relationship and a member of the military connected community, you can call and make an appointment with Military, Veteran and Family Services at Mt. Carmel at 719-309-4752
 
 
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.
 

Action 22 Advocates and a Festival of Motorsports

September 24, 2022 - This edition of Veterans Voice features Mt. Carmel partner, Action 22's Brian McCain, on advocacy for veterans in areas ranging from health care to affordable housing and more.  Then, an October 1st festival of cars, food, music and fun for lovers of all things automotive.

Working for Homeless Veterans

In the news September 23, 2022 - Amber Hansen serves as Military, Veteran and Family Services case manager for Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and as Housing Initiative Director for the El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition.  Amber joined KRDO's Dan Cochell recently to talk about the problem of homelessness among veterans.

A Wreaths Across America Event to Remember

Special to the Veterans Voice, a Wreaths Across America day to remember and honor those who served and gave all.  Join Wreaths Across America at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Sunday, October 16, when the Mobile Education Exhibit will be on full display with staff on hand to explain the mission, teach the history and tell the story.   

The 2nd Annual SausageFest!

Special to the Veterans Voice, the 2nd Annual SausageFest!  Mark your calendar and make room in your stomach for Saturday, October 8.  Sample sausages from all across Colorado.  Vote for your favorite.  Support Mt. Carmel.  Enjoy cold beer, great music and lots of fun from Noon - 6:00 P.M.  Solsage Food Truck's Bri Naylor has all the details!

A Festival of Cars, Food and Music

The SLUSH Motorsports Festival is ON at PPIR Saturday October 1!  Phil and Ben Thomas are in the OPTUM Studio with Mike Lewis and have all the details!