Veterans SITREP

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: Audri Beugelsdijk

Veterans SITREP welcomes 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.

Francisco Leija, Vetrepreneur

On this edition of Veterans SITREP, we welcome Francisco Leija, an Army Veteran, son of immigrants, who joined the U.S. Army as a Private and retired as a Colonel after 27 years of Active Duty.  He now works in higher education, corporate governance, and as an advisor for technology companies. He volunteers his time for youth intervention in entrepreneurship, Veteran affairs. We are going to explore his thoughts on military transition and what he is seeing in corporate America which may interest veterans.

Delegate Mike Rogers

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Delegate Mike Rogers, House Chair of the Maryland General Assembly Veterans Caucus.   Delegate Rogers is an Army combat disabled veteran who has served in the Maryland legislature since 2018.  He serves on the Economic Matters committee and various sub committees.  We’re going to explore what the Maryland General Assembly Veterans Caucus is, its mission, and where the veterans legislation past, present and future is going. 

CHEP: Communities Helping Empower Patriots, People, & Professionals

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are members from the non-profit organization CHEP, Communities Helping Empower Patriots, People, & Professionals.  Jack Berkeridge, CEO of CHEP Jennifer Travers, Director of Operations and Elvado Smith, Peer Specialist.  Their mission is to support and empower veterans with a goal to restore hope and dignity to the veterans so they can live independently, maintain permanent housing and an improved quality of life.  We’re going to explore CHEP’s veteran housing program so that veterans can obtain a better understanding of these services and key resources to assist them.

VA Maryland Health Care System: Dr. Catherine Staropoli and Dr. Siobhan Kirksey: Women Veterans Health

Today on Veterans SITREP, we are joined by Dr. Catherine Starapoli, Women’s Health Medical Director and Dr. Siobhan Kirksey, Women Veterans Program Manager for the VA Maryland Health Care System.   The VA Maryland Health Care system supports the health, welfare, and dignity of female Veterans by ensuring equal access to timely, sensitive, and quality care.   We’re going to explore how female veterans can get the services they need and how the VA is serving the fastest growing group within our Veterans population.    

Jay Ellenby & Tim Farmer: Capt'n James V. McMahon Veterans Commission

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are Jay Ellenby and Tim Farmer, members of the Capt'n James V. McMahon Harford County Veterans Commission.  The commission advocates for veterans and their families and connects them to resources through outreach and education.   Their vision is to foster a community that is responsive to the needs of veterans and their families.  We’re going to explore the commission’s role and how they connect with the community and how it makes an impact on veterans.

Rick Yount: Warrior Canine Connection

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP is Rick Yount, the Executive Director / Founder of Warrior Canine Connection, a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) model to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.   Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.  We’re going to explore this approach and how it makes an impact on veterans.

David Heredia: American Legion

Joining us today on Veterans SITREP is David Heredia Jr., who just began service as the American Legion Department of Maryland Commander.  He’s a retired Army combat veteran with over 22 years of service.   A member of the American Legion since 2008, he has served as post commander, Northern Central District Commander, and Department of Maryland Vice Commander.    The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness and is America's largest veterans service organization.  We’re going to dig deeper into the Legion’s mission, their services and what their mission veterans strengthening America means today

Sylvia Moore: Veterans of Foreign Wars

Sylvia Moore joins us today on Veterans SITREP. She is a US Army combat veteran who is a leader in the Veterans Foreign Wars in a local community and serving in a unique way to honor veterans.   Sylvia served on active duty in the 1990s and experienced several deployments.  When she transitioned, she found a unique way to connect with veterans and serve her VFW post.  We’re going to explore her journey and what she has learned as a veteran serving veterans in the community.    

VA Maryland Health Care System: Jonathan Eckman

Joining us today on Veterans SITREP is John Eckman, Director. VA Maryland Health Care System.  A US Army Veteran, he was appointed to this position in December 2020 and is responsible for the management and oversite of three medical centers and five community-based outpatient centers located throughout the State.  Many of our guests on this program have represented various offices and services of the VA Maryland Health Care System.  We’re going to explore the enrollment and eligibility for the different types of services and programs available and how to take advantage of VA health care resources.