Veterans SITREP

VA Maryland Health Care System: Chana Hurvitz & Bill Lange, Part 2

Today, we continue our discussion with Chana Hurvitz, the Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator, and Bill Lange, the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, supporting the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.  If you’re a Veteran or active-duty service member who is blind or has low vision, you may be able to get advanced vision care and rehabilitation services through VA to help you live an independent life.   We’re going to explore the services and resources of the Visual Impairment Services Team and how they assist visually impaired Veterans and active-duty service.

VA Maryland Health Care System: Chana Hurvitz & Bill Lange, Part 1

Today, we welcome Chana Hurvitz, the Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator, and Bill Lange, the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist, supporting the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.  If you’re a Veteran or active-duty service member who is blind or has low vision, you may be able to get advanced vision care and rehabilitation services through VA to help you live an independent life.   We’re going to explore the services and resources of the Visual Impairment Services Team and how they assist visually impaired Veterans and active-duty service.

Bob Brown: Harford County's Veterans Affairs Coordinator

Bob Brown is the first person to fill the position of Veterans Affairs Coordinator for Harford County, Maryland.  We’ll hear about what that position entails and how it’s going. After 23 years as an officer in the Army, Bob continues a life of serving others, including his time as part of the Veterans SITREP panel that helps us develop this program.

Molli Mayberry: MKM Collective

We welcome Molli Maberry, Founder and Lead Event Planner for MKM Collective LLC. Molli is a military spouse from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland who won second place in the Early Start-Up category for her business pitch for MKM Collective, LLC, her event planning company.   She’ll share candid advice for military and veterans’ spouses on how to prepare for entrepreneurship opportunities, what the Project Opportunity program did to set the foundation for a business venture and why employers should look closely at military spouses as a resource to fill their positions.

Dario DiBattista: Director, Military & Veterans Center: Towson University

Today, we get to know Dr. Dario DiBattista, Director of Towson University’s Military & Veterans Center. Dario will explore how the Center’s services impact student veterans and their family members beyond processing necessary benefits earned through service.  He’ll also share key resources and encouragement to go back to college to broaden veteran job placement opportunities.

VA Maryland Health Care System: Alison Miller, Medical Foster Homes

Today, we sit down with Alison Taylor, Medical Foster Homes Coordinator, Geriatrics & Extended Care Department, at Perry Point VA Medical Center.   She’ll share a unique option for veterans in need of assisted living.  VA’s Medical Foster Home program works with caregivers in the community to provide veterans needing assistance with daily living as an alternative to staying in a nursing home. 

Will Yeske: Damn The Valley

Today, we welcome Will Yeske, a US Army combat veteran, and author of a recent publication, Damn The Valley, a book about a combat experience with the 82d Airborne Division that suffered a 50% casualty rate during a deployment.  He’ll shed light on the challenges faced by veterans, the significance of community engagement, and the importance of storytelling as a means of healing and advocacy.   His candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the world of a soldier, emphasizing the need for understanding, support, and recognition for those who've served beyond their uniforms.

Ross Cohen, Deputy Secretary of the VA for Maryland

Today, we welcome the newly appointed Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Ross Cohen. Ross, a U.S. Army veteran was appointed in January of 2024 and served as the Chief External Affairs Officer with Blue Star Families, a leading military family non-profit.  He’ll share the events that led him to military service, how he was selected as Deputy, and what his core focus is for the coming year supporting veterans in Maryland.

Maryland VA Health Care System: Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, Peer Specialist, Part 2

On this episode of Veterans SITREP, we continue our discussion with Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, a peer specialist for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System.  Dr. Smith Benson is a retired US Air Force officer and combat veteran who will explain how unrecognized PTSD symptoms affected her transition from active duty and how she turned her life around as a peer specialist helping veterans with mental health and substance misuse disorders.  

Maryland VA Health Care System: Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, Peer Specialist

Today, we welcome Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, a peer specialist for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System.  Dr. Smith Benson is a retired US Air Force officer and combat veteran who will share her unique experience as a Clinical Nurse while deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom/ Iraqi Freedom caring for wounded in battle.  She’ll explain how unrecognized PTSD symptoms affected her transition from active duty and how she turned her life around as a peer specialist helping veterans with mental health and substance misuse disorders.