Striving for Excellence: Focus on Team USA and Careers in Fitness

A successful mission is never the result of just one person. Those who have served, as well as those currently serving, know that no one goes it alone. By applying the teamwork ethic, VFW and its partners have served veterans for over a hundred years. Trust is a key tenet in our quest to assist our brethren. When members of the VFW family reach out for help, no matter the issue, we offer varying means of support provided by our organization, partners, contributors, and volunteers. During this episode of The VFW Podcast, Host Terrence Hayes chats with Medal of Honor Recipient Army SGM Thomas Payne, who discusses his service to the nation, leading soldiers in today’s Army, and the events that resulted in him becoming our newest Medal of Honor recipient. Jesse James Dupree chats about joining forces with the VFW and the Unmet Needs Program that helps raise money for veterans and service members facing financial hardships. Army COL (ret.) George W. shares his personal story of ruin, resilience, and redemption as a recovering alcoholic.   SGM, Thomas Payne —   Inspired by being born into a family of service and an innate sense of duty to serve his country, Thomas joined the U.S. military after 9/11/01. [2:01] What it means to Thomas to be a leader of soldiers. [4:16] Thomas describes the privilege of working with his teammates, receiving the Medal of Honor, and winning the Best Ranger Competition. [5:49] Thomas’s advice for young leaders includes the three pillars of leadership and the importance of trust and relationships. [8:21] Entertainer & VFW Supporter, Jesse James Dupree — Terrence challenges Jesse with a game of Start One, Fire One, and Bench One. [12:00] Jesse shares the story of how the chainsaw became part of Jesse and Jackyl’s famous live show. [15:59] The many ways Jesse supports, raises funds, partners with, and brings awareness to the VFW organization. [20:02] Jesse describes his plans to make 2021a year to remember at Sturgis with Harley Davidson and the VFW. [27:04]   Army COL (ret.), George W. — George describes his journey through alcoholism, his denial, his road to recovery, his resilience, and why it is important to share recovery stories. [30:48] The first step a person can take in helping a loved one overcome alcoholism and how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can help. [34:12] George shares his role in building a foundation for functional recovery for the Armed Forces and veteran communities. [40:25] Reaching out to AA is just a keystroke or phone call away. [43:34]   For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Jesse James Dupree VFW Pappy Hoel Campground @JesseJamesDupree on Instagram JJD MightyLoud on Facebook @JackylJesse on Twitter

6 Jan 202147min

Chartered in 1899, the VFW is the oldest and most-experienced non-profit veterans service organization in the United States. Many people believe the VFW organization is funded by the Federal Government, but this is a common misconception. One of the ways the VFW offers the most comprehensive services to veterans is by collaborating with other veteran service organizations and maintaining good relationships with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Donations from individuals and corporate sponsorships are vital to our providing veterans with the grants and services they require. Please make your charitable donation to the VFW this holiday season.   During this episode of The VFW Podcast, Host Terrence Hayes chats with VFW Adjutant General Kevin Jones who speaks about the importance of giving during the holiday season and how the VFW utilizes the charitable dollars to help veterans, service members, and military families. And, VA Senior Advisor and Director of Community Engagement, Anthony Love talks about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to lower veteran homelessness nationwide. Then, Student Veterans of America President and CEO, Jared Lyon discusses the organization’s priorities and how student veterans can get involved in SVA on campuses and virtually.   VFW Adjutant General, Kevin Jones —   During COVID-19, Kevin is proud of the work his organization has done for meeting objectives while telecommuting. [1:53]   Why the VFW chose a podcast as a new communication tool. [3:00]   Donations are important. The VFW does not receive any assistance or aid from the Federal Government. [4:55]   Kevin explains what sets the VFW apart from other veterans service organizations. [6:55]   How to make a donation that will directly impact the lives of veterans. [12:29]   VA Senior Advisor and Director of Community Engagement, Anthony Love —   Anthony describes the varied definition of homelessness and shares what the American people can do to combat veteran homelessness right now. [19:04]   Steps veterans or friends of veterans can take if a veteran is in immediate need of housing. [22:39]   Anthony describes the role of the Department of Veterans Affairs in preventing and ending veterans’ homelessness. [23:34]   How the pandemic has changed the game when it comes to combating veteran homelessness. [26:54]   Resources to discover more about how the VA administration assists veterans. [30:18]   Student Veterans of America President & CEO, Jared Lyons —   Jared explains the mission of Student Veterans of America.  [34:28]   How veterans can connect and become involved with the Student Veterans of America on college campuses. [34:50]   Since 2016, research has driven the policy and advocacy of the SVA. [38:44]   Jared describes the tightly woven relationship between the SVA and the VFW. [43:17]   For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:   Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program National Call Center for Homeless Veterans 1-877-424-3838

2 Dec 202051min

Only 1% of the United States population serves in the military. Veterans Day, November 11th, is a day designated for Americans to recognize and honor the men and women of the military who served our great nation. It is a time to say thank you to those who protect our freedoms. Expressing gratitude for those who sacrificed many years of their lives in service is an impactful way to amplify awareness, strengthen communities, and show appreciation. During this episode of The VFW Podcast, Host Terrence Hayes chats with three friends, mentors, and leaders whom he served with during his time in the military. He speaks with Marine Corps Sergeant Major (retired) Bryan Battaglia, the second Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Denise Jelinski-Hall, former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the National Guard Bureau, and Army Command Sergeant Major (retired) Patrick Alston, former Senior Enlisted Leader of the U.S. Strategic Command, about Veterans Day, the impact our men and women have made on our nation, and what Americans can do to say, “Thank You” during this period of social distancing. Marine Corps Sergeant Major (Retired), Bryan Battaglia —   What Veterans Day means to Bryan. [3:08]   Bryan highlights Veterans who have impacted his military career and personal life. [7:33]   The pinnacle of Bryan’s career was sharing American influence with the British Royal Marines. [11:05]   Suggestions for how Americans can honor and recognize Veterans during COVID-19. [13:25] Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (Retired), Denise Jelinski-Hall —   Denise shares what inspired her to join the U.S. Air Force and her first leadership opportunity. [20:05]   Influential leaders and commanders who made a difference in Denise’s military career and personal life. [23:26]   Denise recalls her first days as a Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Hawaii National Guard. [27:51]   After retiring, Denise wrote her first book, From the Prairie to the Pentagon, and became involved with the United Through Reading program. [43:01] Army Command Sergeant Major (Retired), Patrick Alston —   Patrick shares the origin story of Veterans Day and what it means to him. [37:50]   Americans can use social media to say “Thank You” to Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. [41:15]   Patrick describes the Veterans who were instrumental to his successful military career. [44:49]   For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:   Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

4 Nov 202053min

Welcome, one and all, to the first installment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Podcast with host, Terrence Hayes. The VFW organization values veterans, active duty service members, and their families. It is so much more than telling war stories at the Post. Through this communications platform, we are intent on changing past perceptions and showcasing the inclusivity, community assistance, and mental health and wellness programs available to VFW members.   In this episode, VFW National Commander, Harold “Hal” Roesch II, chats about his first 30 days, his priorities for the VFW organization for the balance of 2020, and what to expect in 2021. Give An Hour CEO, Dr. Randy Phelps, shares ways members and their families can cope with isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to seek help if challenged with mental health concerns as a result of the isolation. VFW Director of Programs, Lynn Rolf, shares the wealth of programs the VFW provides its veterans, service members, and families and specifics on how to utilize the well-established Unmet Needs Program. VFW National Commander, Harold “Hal” Roesch —   The new Commander in Chief summarizes his 2020 Vision for the VFW organization. [3:38]   The challenges COVID-19 brings to the VFW community. [7:23]   Changing the perception of VFW Posts to family-friendly gathering places. [10:17]   Looking at the tremendous impact of the Unmet Needs Program. [16:23]   What to expect from the VFW organization in the next 12 months. [21:10] Chief Executive Officer of Give an Hour, Dr. Randy Phelps —   Dr. Phelps describes the Give an Hour Program, which has donated over 300,000 hours of free mental health care to veterans and their families. [24:16]   Why individuals reach out for the treatment of physical ailments, yet those with mental health issues often remain silent. [28:19]   How the Campaign to Change Direction directly addresses the five signs of emotional suffering. [37:34]   Dr. Phelps shares some of the wellness resources available on the Give an Hour website. [43:01] VFW’s Director of Programs, Lynn Rolf —   Lynn describes how the Unmet Needs Program provides veterans and active duty service members with life-saving economic assistance. [47:41]   How to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. [53:40]   For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:   Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook Give an Hour Website VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text ‘NEEDS’ to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

7 Okt 202059min

The VFW Podcast is the official podcast of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the oldest combat veterans service organization advocating for and serving our veterans, service members and military families worldwide. The VFW Podcast will feature interviews, one-of-a-kind perspectives and insightful conversations concerning veteran legislation, educational and financial assistance programs, national veterans’ services, critical initiatives from the VFW National Commander, and much more.

31 Juli 202056s