Veterans SITREP

Red Cross: Chris Duffley, Regional Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Chris Duffley, Regional Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services, American Red Cross of the National Capital, and Greater Chesapeake Region.  Chris leads a team of over 1000 paid and volunteer staff providing support to military members, Veterans, and their families at 26 military installations, five VA medical centers throughout his region.  Today, we’re going to explore how the Red Cross provides emergency casework, community outreach, military and VA hospital/caregiver support and behavioral health training to the military and veteran community.

Team RWB: Michael "Sully" Sullivan

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Executive Director of Team Red, White and Blue.  Sully is a passionate leader, dedicated veteran, and tireless advocate for the well-being of those who have served.  He brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to building stronger, healthier veteran communities across the nation.  Under his leadership, Team RWB has continued to grow as a beacon of connection, purpose, and resilience—empowering veterans through physical activity, community engagement, and leadership development. Today, we’re proud to have him join us to share insights, stories, and strategies that are shaping the future of veteran support and engagement.

VA Maryland Health Care System: Dr. Minu Aghveli, Harm Reduction Coordinator

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP Dr. Minu Aghveli, a psychologist and coordinator of the Harm Reduction Program at the VA Maryland Health Care System.  The VA Harm Reduction Program supports veterans who may be facing challenges with substance use or other risky behaviors.  Dr. Aghveli will share various treatments for substance use disorder and ways the VA is supporting Veterans to reduce harm from risky behaviors.   

Platoon 22: Niki Falzone

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22, an organization dedicated to Veteran support & suicide prevention.   Platoon 22 is a nonprofit, veteran-focused service organization committed to ending veteran suicide through the fostering of meaningful connections and comprehensive support. They understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and military-connected individuals and are there to ensure they never face those challenges alone. We’re going to explore the mission of Platoon 22 of combating veteran suicide by creating a robust network of resources and support for those who have served, as well as for the families who served alongside them.  

Harford County Chamber of Commerce: Military Affairs Committee

On this Veterans SITREP we are joined by Angela Rose, President and CEO of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, and Barry Hebb, Chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.  The Military Affairs Committee works with Aberdeen Proving Ground to build relationships between the installation and the business community. It plans the annual Military Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate and honor our US Armed Forces as well as other veteran and military projects and initiatives throughout Harford County.  We’re going to learn more about how military affairs committee originated and the impact they are making in the community.

Edward Rothstein, Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families - Part 2

Today on Veterans SITREP, we continue our discussion with Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Edward Rothstein. He talks with us about initiatives for veteran suicide prevention, mental health awareness, building communities and much more. 

Edward Rothstein, Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families - Part 1

Veterans SITREP is proud to present an interview with the Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Edward Rothstein.  Colonel Rothstein (U.S. Army, Ret.) brings over three decades of leadership, public service, and military experience to this role. He shares with us the priorities and initiatives for the department under his direction. 

Major General James D. Turinetti IV

Veterans SITREP welcomes Major General James (Jim) D. Turinetti IV , the 18th Commander of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG).  He arrived in our community last summer.   Major General Turinetti grew up outside of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  After graduating from The Ohio State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army Signal Corps in June 1994.  We’re going to learn more about how he grew up in the military and what he has learned from veterans through his travels in the community.

The Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter

We are joined on Veterans SITREP by Paula Davis and Theresa Karlson, of Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter.  The Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter was formed in the 1940s, to support families of those in the military during WW II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Maryland and Delaware then combined to work with those who were grieving.   Their mission is finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families and our community. 

Veterans SITREP Town Hall Interview, part 2

Veterans SITREP hosted its first town hall recording on June 13 in front of a live audience at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Joining us in this Town Hall is Colonel Lewis Patrick Hawkins, representing the Maryland Adjutant General, Major General Janeen L Birckhead.  Colonel Hawkins serves as the Chief of Joint Staff, Maryland Joint Forces Headquarters.   Ross Cohen, serves as the Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families.  A US Army veteran, Acting Secretary Cohen previously served as the DVMF’s Deputy Secretary.  In this two-part episode, we’re going to explore how the Maryland National Guard and Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families work together to support each other.