The Veterans Voice

Kids on Bikes: Changing Lives with Daniel Byrd

Tune in to this can't-miss conversation with Taylor Chapman and Veterans Voice guest, Daniel Byrd, of Kids on Bikes. This story imparts a sense of passion, hope, and inspiration for listeners. Learn more about this Colorado-based nonprofit and check out the episode to hear the conversation!
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.
 

Behavioral Health Podcast: May 2024

What does it look like to need help? What indicators can you look for to tell if you or a loved one may benefit from a mental health professional? Listen in as Kirsten Belaire, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's Director of Behavioral Health discusses signs, symptoms, and ways to reach out when things are hard and difficult to navigate.
 
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.

Warrior Voices: Explore a New Career Path

Learn about Warrior Voices, a program designed by Veterans for Veterans to offer mentorship and guidance into the world of voice-over work. Taylor sits down with founder and president, Rob Reese, as well as a student of the program, Pete Pilcher. This episode is full of inspiration and information about how this career path can be an accessible, affordable, and rewarding experience for Veterans.
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.

Military Spouse Appreciation & Director's Update

This week's episode of Veterans Voice brings you an update from Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's Executive Director, Bob McLaughlin. Plus, your host, Paul Watson, sits down with Skyler Nelson, president and founder of Bailey Military Family Support Group, as we spotlight this organization in honor of Military Spouse Appreciation. We recognize Military Spouses everywhere who are supporting the mission in big and small ways everyday through immense commitment and sacrifice.
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.

Events for Veterans in May

If you are a Veteran in the Colorado Springs community, or surrounding areas, please check out these events happening soon!
Host Paul Watson sits down with Sara Mann and Pat Mann, Army veteran, from Elevated Meditations to discuss the upcoming group meditation class happening on our Mt. Carmel VSC campus May 15th. Then, Jayme Holligan with Silver Key Senior Services shares information about the Senior Summit happening at Great Wolf Lodge on May 16th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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.
 
 
 

Month of the Military Child

We are thrilled to bring you one more episode featuring military kids in the month of April. Meet Connor and Benny, and then here an array of stories and excerpts from past guests and friends of the Veterans Voice Podcast!
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.
 
 

Sunday Special: Military Kids You Need to Meet!

In another Sunday Special Episode for Month of the Military Child, you'll want to meet these military kids: Quinn Monnelly, Azaelia Davis, and Kennedy Erato. Angi Baker-Saunders sits down with these three guests to hear what it's like to be a Military Child. Enjoy the heartwarming conversation and consider the overwhelming and enormous sacrifice that our military kids make every day as their parents serve our country.
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.
 
 

Pickleball for Veterans!

Looking for a fun way to keep your mind and body active while connecting with a community that gets it? Pickleball is the nation's fastest growing craze, and it's not hard to hear why in this epiosode.
Host Paul Watson sits down with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's Joseph "Rev" Reveteriano, sponsored pickleball player via PikNinja Sports and Operation Vets Now (OVN), and Assistant Regional Director for USA Pickleball (Great Plains Region), and Mick Tingstrom, leader and Primary Instructor of the Colorado Springs Military Adaptive Court Sports (MACS) Pickleball Rehabilitation Clinics (PRC) and Veterans Pickleball Group. Rev and Mick share stories of radical transformation, both physically and mentally, as they've personally experienced and witnessed during their time on the pickleball courts.
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.
 
 

Departmental Updates from Mt. Carmel VSC!

In this monthly departmental update from Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, you'll hear from the Transition & Employment Department as well as two interviews from the Veteran Business Outreach Center.
Aaron Groziak with VBOC brings you two interviews from female veterans who are successfully growing their businesses. Discover stories from veteran-owned, women-owned businesses operating in the Colorado Springs area and learn about opportunities for veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs.
Plus, Taylor Chapman and John Dix chat about what's happening with the T&E department and how folks can grow and develop through classes at Mt. Carmel VSC and dive deeper with Peer Navigators to help in the transition from military to civilian employment.
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.
 

Month of the Military Child: Paul Watson & Family

Hear from our host as he brings his father and son into the studio to explore a personal perspective on what it means to serve the country while thinking of your loved ones back home. Crendon, age 7, shares what it's like to have a dad who served in the Army, and Paul's father shares the heartfelt pride and care for his son's commitment to serving our nation.
We'll be sharing more stories and interviews from our military kids this month, so please enjoy stay tuned for additional Month of the Military Child Special Edition episodes in the month of April.
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.
 
 
 

Final Plans Made Easier

Jay Bergalowski, a pre-need specialist with The Springs Funeral Services, talks with host Paul Watson about how pre-planning with the right funeral home can make the hardest moments a little easier for military families laying a service member or veteran to rest. With empathy, caring, and an immense capacity for connection, Jay walks through the challenges and necessary details for final arrangements. It's an episode full of information you need to know, so don't miss info-packed episode.
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.
 
 
 

In Good Company: Colorado Springs Businesses Unite for Veteran Causes

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Director of Operations, Paul Price, joins the podcast with community partner and sponsor, Blake Schwank, to discuss the ways we can show up to support our Veteran community and why the support is important to our community and our country.
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.
 
 
 

Transition & Employment: March 2024

Meet our newest team member in the Transition & Employment Department, and hear our own team of T&E Experts relate their own experiences transitioning out of the military.
Our Transition & Employment Department serves the military community by providing valuable classes, resources, mentorship and guidance to help you craft a civilian-ready resume, develop a plan and make a successful transition from the military to civilian life.
Learn more and find out what's happening in our community at veteranscenter.org
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.
 
 
 

Valley Hope Addiction Treatment & Recovery: An Option for Veterans

TJ Westphal, an Army Veteran who served eight years, now serves Veterans struggling with addiction through his work with Valley Hope as part of the Veteran Outreach Team. TJ sits down with your host, Paul Watson, to discuss the unique nature and benefits of a treatment plan that is designed specifically for Veterans struggling with addiction.
 
If you or a Veteran you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Please contact Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center for resources and counseling options available: veteranscenter.org
To connect with TJ and learn more about the Valley Hope Addiction Treatment & Recovery, check out valleyhope.org or reach out to TJ Westphal at tjwestphal@valleyhope.org
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.
 
 
 

Veteran Community Resources: MOAA and Cross Fit Falcon View

MOAA Officers, Steven Lucks and Mike McCoy, join Paul Watson in the studio to discuss the Military Officers Association of America and what this group is doing to shift legislation, advocate for military veterans and their families, and continue the mission of serving through volunteer efforts. Then, meet Jodi Walter—a Veteran who is developing a Veterans Only program at Cross Fit Falcon View to inspire, connect, and heal Veterans.
 
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.
 
 
 

Celebrating St.Paddy's! Plus Tech Info You Should Know

Veterans Voice stand-in host, Angi Baker-Saunders, sits down with Kayleigh O'Donnell to discuss the fast-approaching St. Paddy's Day Parade happening in downtown Colorado Springs and how you can get your tickets to guarantee a great view with food and drinks as part of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center annual St. Paddy's Day Parade Breakfast fundraising event.  Be sure to purchase your tickets today!
Plus, Blake Schwank, CEO of Colorado Computer Support and Luis Alvarez, CEO of Alvarez Technology Group, take time to discuss careers in the tech industry, transitioning from the military to civilian and life and why they prioritize hiring Veterans when possible.
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.
 
 
 

VBOC: March 2024

Tune into the monthly Colorado VBOC Podcast Episode, hosted by Colorado VBOC Director, Kia Palmer. In this episode, she welcomes Pat Loch to discuss small business resources and classes, mentoring, and more for entrepreneurs. Learn more about VBOC's collaboration with SCORE and how these organizations are helping the entrepreneurial community.
The Veterans Business Outreach Center, powered by the SBA, is dedicated to helping military-connected entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses with a variety of free resources and support to veterans, military spouses, and other qualifying entrepreneurs of Colorado.
 
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.
 
 
 
 

Hello March! Director's Update: Bob McLaughlin

We are welcoming March with a timely update from our own Bob McLaughlin, Executive Director of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center. Please listen in to find out what our nonprofit is doing to support the mission. Plus, hear about the St. Paddy's Day Event you won't want to miss!
Get your tickets for a St. Paddy's Parade Breakfast and Grand Marshal Reception here! It's a delicious way to support Veterans and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, enjoy breakfast, drinks, and a snag a great view of the parade.
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.
 
 
 
 

MAC-VSOG Vietnam Veteran Interview, John Bartlett Pt. 2

Hear part two of this rare capture of an interview with Vietnam Veteran, John Bartlett, to hear his perspective and captivating story. We are honored to welcome our Vietnam Era Veterans to the studio and do our part to capture and preserve the history these veterans carry with them.
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.
 
 
 
 

MACV-SOG Vietnam Vet Shares His Story

In this rare interview, Taylor Chapman sits down with John Barlett, a MACV-SOG Vietnam Veteran, to hear his story. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, with a story to tell from his time in the military. His family’s generations of military service has defined Bartlett and his military career and the values he continues to live by. Listen to this first episode in this two-part series!

Colorado Veteran Project and the Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Dan Arkulary sits down with the Veterans Voice to discuss the Colorado Veterans Project and the vision for a new Veterans Chamber of Commerce that brings networking and growth opportunity's to the veteran entrepreneurs of Colorado. Learn how this vision is taking shape and how you can get involved and be a part of the community!
 
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 Mission of Warrior Surf Foundation

Taylor Chapman chats with Stephanie Dasher about Warrior Surf Foundation and how this nonprofit is making waves for Veterans. Stephanie speaks about her personal experience and her family's positive transformative experience after discovering Warrior Surf Foundation,  and how it has led her to serve as the executive director with passion and purpose. Learn more about Warrior Surf Foundation and see how you can get involved!
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.
 

Revolutionizing PTSD Treatments with Neuro Research

You may have heard our episode with Crystal Martin, a combat medic who achieved radical results in treating her own PTSD with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy through Aviv Clinics. In this episode, Paul Watson speaks with Dr. Amir Hadanny about the body of research and ongoing efforts that are being made to optimize this ground-breaking treatment that is helping veterans and civilians alike who struggle with PTSD, TBI, and other cognitive impairments or dysfunction due to the "brain wounds" caused by trauma to the brain.
If you're curious about how things work and what medical research is uncovering, this episode is for you! Listen to hear how Dr. Hadanny is dedicating his life's work to improve the quality of life for people who are living with complications that affect daily function and cognitive abilities.
 
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.
 

Behavioral Health: Gratitude for January 2024

The Behavioral Health Podcast is back! Today, Kirsten Belaire and Angi Baker-Saunders sit down with a casual conversation about mental health and how Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center can help connect veterans and their families with support and counseling services.
We chat about gratitude, the fact that it is now 2024, and what that may look like for folks, and some fun and easy ways to connected and be grateful for the moment while recognizing that change is possible. Reach out to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center to connect with a counselor and mental health services at veteranscenter.org.
 
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.