Veterans SITREP

Sean Gobin, Warrior Expeditions

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Captain Sean Gobin, Board Member with Warrior Expeditions, a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. Today, we’re going to learn more about this program and what the Warrior Expeditions organization offers veterans recognizing the therapeutic value of long distance outdoor expeditions to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences.

Yolanda Rayford, Executive Director for the Baltimore/ Chesapeake Region of Blue Star Families

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Yolanda Rayford, Executive Director for the Baltimore/ Chesapeake Region of Blue Star Families.  Most people have heard of Gold Star families, but Blue Star Families may not be as familiar.   This is our second time sitting down with Yolanda and we’re going to explore some updates on what they have been doing serving all military members, veterans and their families.  And more importantly resources that Blue Star Families have that can make a difference

Heather Geraldes, Veterans Trust Fund Executive Director

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Heather Geraldes, Executive Director of the Department of Veterans and Military Families, Veterans Trust Fund.  Heather joined the Department in July 2024 and has been tasked with leading the expansion of the services to increase the impact of the Veterans Trust Fund.  The Trust Fund was created to provide once-in-a-lifetime temporary financial assistance and referral services to support our veterans and their families.  We’re going to learn more about this Fund and how veterans and their families can take advantage of this resource.  

Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support at Gilchrist Hospice Services

Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support at Gilchrist Hospice Services is our guest today on Veterans SITREP.  For many Vietnam veterans, the long-overdue recognition of their service has been a powerful and healing experience. Unlike veterans of other wars, many who returned home from Vietnam were met with silence—or worse, hostility—rather than gratitude.   To change that narrative, our guest along with an attorney and volunteer at another hospice, led to the passage of a Maryland state bill officially recognizing March 30th as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day but also established an annual community celebration that has grown larger every year.   We’re going to explore her journey how the idea began and how it led to honoring local Vietnam Veterans through a special day.

Colonel (Retired) Ivan Montanez

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Colonel Retired Ivan Montanez, a retired Army Colonel, combat and disabled veteran. who recently through hiked the Appalachian Trail.  Ivan retired in 2018 after over 28 years of service.  He continued to serve as an JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Mount Pleasant High School in Delaware.  Today we’re going to hear his story of navigating and completing the Appalachian Trail, a 2190 mile long public foot path from Georgia to Maine.

Denise Nooe: Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families

Our guest today on Veterans SITREP is Denise Nooe, Deputy Director, Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Her primary responsibilities are outreach to veterans, benefits briefings to organizations and writing the DVMF e-newsletter.  Today she is going to share her observations and resources she has seen through her role in Communications, Outreach and Advocacy.

Anthony Woods, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families: Part 2

Today on Veterans SITREP, we continue our conversation with the Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Tony Woods.  Secretary Woods and I sat down in May of 2023 during the premiere episode of Veterans SITREP and again last January to recap his first full year in the position.  This is our third interview, as we are back in his Annapolis Office to catch up on the ambitious 2024 year of support to veterans and military families and to hear what is ahead for this 2025 legislative session.  

Anthony Woods, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families: Part 1

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is the Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Tony Woods.  Secretary Woods and I sat down in May of 2023 during the premiere episode of Veterans SITREP and again last January to recap his first full year in the position.  This is our third interview, as we are back in his Annapolis Office to catch up on the ambitious 2024 year of support to veterans and military families and to hear what is ahead for this 2025 legislative session.  

Veteran Golfers Association: Kevin Frey

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Kevin Frey, a US Air Force veteran, who is North Region Director of the Veteran Golfers Association, the first golfer’s association dedicated to promoting the game to all veterans and their family members.   The mission of the VGA is to enrich the lives of veterans and their families through the game of golf.  Annually, the VGA hosts more than 250 local tournaments for thousands of VGA members across the country.  We’re going to explore what the VGA offers veterans and families and some benefits and impacts to the veteran community.    

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: Audri Beugelsdijk, Part 2

Today, we continue our discussion with Audri Beugelsdijk, Vice President, Survivor Services, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, an organization that provides support to the families of fallen service members.  As a Navy veteran and widow of Seaman Jason Springer, U.S. Navy., Audri's dedication is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.  We going to explore TAPS’ mission and how they provide compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.