Veterans SITREP

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.

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.  

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.  

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.    

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.