The Vantage Point

Comeback Yoga | Dee, Norm, and Laurie

Comeback Yoga is a free Yoga resource that travels in order to cater to the locations of veterans across Colorado. We are passionate supporters of natural, holistic measures to counter the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dylan Hawkins | CH-47 pilot to VR&E

CH-47 pilot Dylan Hawkins tells us about his experience with the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. This is a VA benefit separate from the GI bill that enables veterans to not only attend college, but to have a job lined up upon completion. Along the way, we hear about his journey from being a Victoria's Secret employee, to an infantryman, to finally a chinook pilot.

Dr. Shawn Murray and Blake Schwank | Cyber Security

Dr. Shawn Murray is President of Murray Security Services and Blake Schwank is the CEO of Colorado Computer Support IT Pros. They discuss the modern landscape of cybersecurity, innovations, AI and how to avoid scams.

Angela Walter | War, Peace, The Gray Area Between

Angela Walter is an Army Veteran who spent her career in support of Special Operations Forces both state side, and deployed in areas of conflict. Today, she uses her education in philosophy to educate others on natural law in an attempt bring peace world wide.

The Trager Approach | Somatic Therapy

Michael Lear, Angela Darling, and Roberto Rangle tell us about The Trager approach, a somatic therapy method that let's the practitioner teach your nervous system exactly how to relax.

Christopher Lee | Finding Purpose

Christopher Lee is a life coach and author of the book Beyond the Battlefield. Lee is former Green Beret and special forces medic that now runs his own lifestyle coaching business, Top Tier Performance, that focuses on giving people coaching, and tools they need to achieve their goals in life.

Robert Patton | CEO of SHEATH Underwear

Robert Patton is the founder and CEO of SHEATH Underwear, a veteran-owned apparel brand redefining comfort in men’s underwear. A former U.S. Army soldier turned entrepreneur, Robert developed the concept for SHEATH while serving in Iraq, driven by a personal need for performance-based comfort in extreme conditions. Since launching the company in 2013, he has grown SHEATH into a globally recognized brand known for its patented dual pouch technology, innovative design, and loyal customer base. 

Peter Buckles: NCO to Business Management

Peter Buckles is a retired Army Staff Sergeant who, after applying the tools obtained throughout the forging process of becoming a soldier, has lead a successful career in business management following his military career. Once a military police officer breaking up fights in Korea, today Pete is the General Manager of Phil Long Kia, the owner of Olde World Bagel, and holds a position on Mt. Carmel's Board of Directors, all here in Colorado Springs. Successfully leading such large scale business endeavors all while fathering his family, Pete has experience and wisdom that we can all take notes on.

Dr. Cristi Bundukamara | Traumatic Grief

Dr. Cristi Bundukamara is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for 25 years. A keynote speaker on mental strength and resilience and creator of the Mentally STRONG Method. She is the founder of Mentally STRONG Academy, an outpatient mental health clinic in Colorado Springs with licensee locations nationally. She is a national speaker and has authored multiple books and workbooks, and currently serves in the US Navy Reserves. 

Steve Bundy: What is a VA Peer Support Specialist?

To kick off our VA series we sit down with Steve Bundy, an Army Veteran and current Peer Support Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs. From surviving disastrous airborne jumps, to saving himself and his family from homelessness, Steve shares an abundance of wisdom and resources we can all learn from.
Our mission here on The Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
RESOURCES:
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
Watch on YouTube HERE
You're not alone.

Freedom Service Dogs

Daily tasks and routines that many take for granted can be challenging and complex for a Veteran or first responder with PTSD or a traumatic brain injury, an individual with limited mobility, or a young person with autism. Picking up a dropped phone, moving around in a busy public space, or withstanding a stressful environment can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the necessary resources to navigate the situation. At Freedom Service Dogs, they purpose-breed and custom train dogs that empower individuals with disabilities to live lives filled with possibility. In this episode, we hear from Chris and Ashleigh who both share their military story, while also showing us behind the scenes of owning a service dog.
RESOURCES:
https://freedomservicedogs.org/
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.

Dr. Eric Abbott: Loneliness, Optimizing Focus, and G-Force

Today, it feels like we are being pulled in every direction making it difficult to push ourselves in the one direction we actually want to go. In this episode, Dr. Eric Abbott talks about focusing on our mental health needs in order to increase overall performance and focus. We also discuss loneliness and its long-lasting effects on the body. Dr. Abbot, who is a 25-year air force veteran and current Optum provider, understands firsthand how difficult mental health struggles can be. The Veterans Voice Podcast provides our community with resources, as well as actionable and authentic information regarding Veteran mental health. In keeping with that theme, we are partnered with Optum and Mountain View Medical Group. Through this partnership, we will discuss topics such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other invisible scars that often comes with a career in the military, with Optum providers to help shed light on the issues while gaining some valuable insight from doctors who understand these struggles on a deeper, more physiological level. These episodes will lead our health and wellness series here on The Veterans Voice. 
 
RESOURCES:
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
https://www.optum.com/en/

Tim Murphy: Addiction and Recovery Expert

Alcohol is rooted deep in military culture, but today, we are discussing protocols for when this cultural norm spirals into an unmanageable addiction. Tim Murphy battled addiction from teenage years into late adulthood but has since embarked on a journey of healing and self-recovery while overcoming the unique challenges and obstacles associated with alcohol addiction. Today, he is a recognized expert on addiction recovery and has developed a proven and successful program to help others obtain sobriety in whatever addictions they have.
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
RESOURCES:
 
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
 
Tim Murphy on TEDx click here
 
Tim Murphy's Book click here

Good News Stories with Justina: November Update

Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
RESOURCES:
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
kbelaire@mtcarmelcenter.org
 

Sir Gregory Coots: Priest, Life Coach, Film Producer, and Former Military Officer

This week on the show, I’m bringing on my good friend Sir Gregory Coots. Greg is a Priest, life coach, independent film producer, and former military officer. This episode is chock full of motivation, self-help tips and tricks, and as always, good old-fashioned smokin’ and jokin’. The overarching theme of this conversation is not to be taken lightly however, as we dive deep into the importance of being a logical and independent thinker in today's society.
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
RESOURCES:
1) Colorado Veterans Breakfast: First Saturday of the month at 8am HERE
2) A short film by Veterans on transitioning out of the military WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE
 
 

Upcoming SBDC Veterans Conference

On November 1st the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center is hosting the 17th annual Veterans Conference. Presented by Huntington Bank and Co-sponsored by the Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Colorado Minority Business Office, this will be a one stop shop for any Veteran pursuing entrepreneurship. We hope to see you there! 
RESOURCES:
https://pikespeaksbdc.org/
https://www.veteranscenter.org/

The Patton Veterans Project: with Ben Patton, Mike, and Randy

From the final battles of World War I, to leading the invasion of Casablanca during World War II, to surviving three helicopter crashes in the jungles of Vietnam, the Patton last name is one of the most respected and decorated in American Military history. Benjamin Patton continues his family's legacy in the veteran community through The Patton Veterans Project, a film workshop hosted by Academy award winning film producers catered to helping Veterans heal from their invisible wounds. This week on the show we sit down with Ben, Mike, and Randy to talk about the impact the program has had on everyone involved, upcoming events and workshops, and most importantly, the future wellbeing of our Veteran community.  
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
RESOURCES:
https://pattonveteransproject.org/
"Growing Up Patton"
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
CONTACTS:
workshops@pattonveteransproject.org

Dr. Eric Abbott

The Veterans Voice podcast is dedicated to providing our community with resources for Veterans, as well as applicable and authentic information regarding Veteran mental health. In keeping with that theme, we are partnered with Optum and Mountain view medical group. Through this partnership, we plan to discuss topics such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other invisible scars that often comes with a career in the military, with Optum providers to help shed light on the issues while gaining some valuable insight from doctors who understand these struggles on a deeper, more physiological level. Our first interview is with Dr. Eric Abbot who is a 25-year air force veteran and current Optum provider. He understands firsthand how difficult transitioning out of the military is. In this episode we hear Dr. Abbotts personal story, as well as some detailed explanation on overcoming struggles associated with military service.  
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
Resources:
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Optum Colorado

Mt. Carmel Directors Update with Bob McLaughlin

Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
Resources:
https://www.veteranscenter.org/

Peaks & Pours

https://www.peaksandpours.com/

The Headstrong Project

The Headstrong Project is a non-profit mental health organization providing confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free PTSD treatment to our veterans, service members, and families connected to their care. This week on the show, our friend Kathryn addresses PTSD, counseling, and The Headstrong projects outlook on veteran mental health.
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
 
The Headstrong Project
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center

Kevin Baldwin and Bruce Parkman

September is Suicide Awareness Month
Kevin Baldwin, a retired Reconnaissance Marine, and Bruce Parkman, a retired green beret, are on the show this week to discuss some topics that have affected both of their lives. In this episode we will shed some light on blast induced Traumatic Brain injuries and their lasting effects on mental health, conventional versus unconventional treatments for these lasting side effects, and leading indicators of suicidal ideations. Veteran mental health seems to be an ever-evolving topic with no clear and concise treatment. But one thing that proves to help time and time again is friendly support. This is why our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you’re not alone.
As you hear through the stories of our guests each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
RESOURCES:
Mac Parkman Foundation Link
Book: Operator Syndrome
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
 
 

Good News Stories with Justina: September Update

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center

Samantha Wood: Seven-time Leadville 100 Run Finisher

Welcome back to the Veterans Voice podcast. Samantha Wood is an Ultra-Marathon runner, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a LTC in the Army National guard. As our guest this week, Sam sheds some light on not only the health and fitness, but mindset and motivation techniques that have helped her lead a successful career as a long-distance runner.
Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you are not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.
Resources:
Luna Sandals
Dynamic Physical Therapy
Instagram: @woodultra