Restore22CoffeeRoadshow

Army veteran Mathius Carter deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like so many others, Carter's military service left him with physical and unseen wounds that continue to affect him nearly 20 years after separating from the Army. After becoming a father, he soon learned he needed a way to explain his challenges to his son. In part one of this episode, Carter candidly described his military experience. This is part two, with Carter sharing his road to recovery and how he came to write the book Instead of Sheep: A Soldier's Way of Explaining PTSD to His Son. If you are a veteran in crisis or someone who is concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then pressing 1 to be connected to qualified responders 24/7, 365 days a year. The call is free and confidential. You can also text 838255 for help. Learn more about Carter's book: ⁠https://insteadofsheep.net/⁠ Learn more about Road Home Program: https://roadhomeprogram.org/ Contact Road Home Program: 312-942-8387 (VETS) Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com⁠

Army veteran Mathius Carter deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like so many others, Carter's military service left him with physical and unseen wounds that continue to affect him nearly 20 years after separating from the Army. After becoming a father, he soon learned he needed a way to explain his challenges to his son. Carter candidly describes his military experience in part one of this episode. Part two will cover his road to recovery and how he came to write the book Instead of Sheep: A Soldier's Way of Explaining PTSD to His Son. Learn more about Carter's book here: ⁠https://insteadofsheep.net/⁠ Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. ⁠https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com⁠

Join us for Part 2 of this episode with Army veteran Ron Worstell. Ron continues his story, telling us about subsequent trips to Vietnam and his new mission in serving his fellow veterans.

In Part 1 of this episode, Army veteran Ron Worstell tells the story of his service during the Vietnam War and how it continues to impact his family to this day.

When Ed Hajduk joined the Navy, he had no idea it would lead him to serving as the Director of the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Ed describes his military service, the sequence of events that brought him to the National Cemetery, and the benefits available to those who qualify to be buried there. ⁠https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ncalleghenies.asp⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NationalCemeteryoftheAlleghenies/⁠

Andy Jones joined the Marines from a payphone in 1996 and deployed multiple times over the course of his career. The things he experienced affect him to this day, and humor is one tool that helps him. In his free time, he heads up the local chapter of Irreverent Warriors, a nonprofit that brings veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. On Saturday, May 18, 2024 Irreverent Warriors will be hosting their annual Silkies Hike in Pittsburgh for veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserve members only. ⁠Get more information at https://irreverentwarriors.com/events/pittsburgh-pa/

Dr. Tim Murphy is a licensed psychologist specializing in resilience and recovery from psychological trauma. He is the founder and clinical director of Fortis-Future near Pittsburgh, PA specializing in the care of veterans, military and first responders, with a comprehensive brain and behavioral health treatment program for PTSD. A Navy veteran, he is the author of three books, most recently The Christ Cure: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal from Trauma, Tragedy and PTSD. Learn more at https://drtimmurphy.com. Original Restore 22 Coffee Roadshow theme created and performed by Roger Cegelski. https://rogercegelskiguitarlessons.com

Deb Krall served in military and civilian positions at the PA Air National Guard for nearly 50 years, pioneering the way for other women in countless ways. Well known in the military community for her unfailing determination to tend to her airmen's needs, Deb's heart for serving continues in retirement with nonprofit organizations like Operation Homefront and United Through Reading.

When Leo McCarthy separated from the Army in 1976, he transitioned easily into the Moon Township police force and spent the next 41 years serving the community. Upon retiring in 2018, he discovered a new purpose in helping military veterans build camaraderie to help reduce the 22 veteran suicides that occur every day.

After Vietnam, Gary Woodside enjoyed a successful civilian career that led him around the world. Now he's making an impact closer to home, drawing on his Marine training to help a new generation become productive members of society.

Navy veteran Rion Paige grew up in the neighborhood where Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is located. He recently became the organization's Development Manager, coming full circle in his career from serving his country to serving those who served. Joined by Veterans Place Executive Director Kevin Kordzi and Traditional Housing Manager Sean Glackin, Rion describes the great work being done by the organization.⁠https://www.veteransplaceusa.org⁠ 412-363-0500

Since 1941, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform.Brittany Long, Pittsburgh Center Operations Manager, provides a look at how the USO is supporting military members and families in Western Pennsylvania.

Our past does not influence what is yet to come. Linda Santavicca, author of We Will Count Stars: Following Abraham, highlights three individuals who shared their heartfelt stories on how God took their rendered pasts and used them for something unforeseen. Even though a veteran may be mourning the end of their military career, there is still hope that God will fulfill their heart’s desire.

A growing body of research points to the beneficial effects that exposure to the natural world has on health, reducing stress and promoting healing. Outdoor Immersion founder and executive director Jim Skal takes a faith-based approach to veterans healing by sharing the peace, beauty and reforming power of God’s creation with the veteran and military community through outdoor adventure, recreation and fitness activities.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle/assistant coach and Army National Guard veteran Jon Kolb founded Adventures in Training with a Purpose (ATP) to confront health and movement related issues in vulnerable populations who no longer have the benefit of paid rehabilitation. Jon and his son Caleb describe ATP's Aurelius program, a 12-week holistic mind, body and soul training plan that helps veterans gain freedom from trauma and build resiliency from their adversity.

In September 2024, more than 100 years after the end of the war, WWI veterans will finally be recognized for their bravery and sacrifices. Sabin Howard, master sculptor and designer of the National WWI Memorial, shares how the eight years he spent creating the sculpture transformed his understanding of what it means to love and serve one's country.

Sean Buzzard returns to highlight the housing, wellness, career development and support services offered by Veterans Leadership Program. Veterans in need of assistance should contact VLP at 844-857-8387 or by visiting https://www.veteransleadershipprogram.org/.

Sean Buzzard returns to highlight the housing, wellness, career development and support services offered by Veterans Leadership Program. Veterans in need of assistance should contact VLP at 844-857-8387 or by visiting https://www.veteransleadershipprogram.org/.

Air Force Veteran's Retirement Creates a Yearning to Continue Serving After serving more than 20 years full-time in the Air Force, you'd think Sean Buzzard would have been ready to enjoy the usual rewards of retirement. But his serving spirit had another idea.

Blue Star Mothers Provide Tangible and Emotional Support to Military Personnel and Families in Southwestern PA Navy veteran Leslie Majocka knows what it means to serve in the military. Being the mom of a service member provided a different perspective. Majocka, President of the Blue Star Mothers of Southwestern Pennsylvania, tells how the organization is impacting the lives of military families in our area. Anyone interested in joining the Blue Star Mothers of Southwestern PA should contact Leslie at president.pa16@bluestarmothers.us.

Nationwide, the VFW had a record 2.1 million members in 1992. By 2021, that number was just a shade over 1 million, meaning it had lost half its members in a generation. VFW Vesle Post 418 was struggling to survive until the VFW "framily" ignited a fire within the community. Listen as Post Commander Ed Carter tells the story.

Isaac and Kelly Sjol describe how Reboot Recovery helped them take productive steps toward a life of freedom and purpose in spite of Isaac's military trauma.Service members, veterans and families dealing with the moral and spiritual wounds of combat trauma can register for the next Reboot Recovery course starting on January 16, 2024. Visit https://rebootrecovery.com/military/ to learn more and to register.

Army combat veteran Isaac Sjol and his wife Kelly share the intimate story of Isaac's unseen wounds and the path that led them both toward lasting recovery. Service members, veterans and families dealing with the moral and spiritual wounds of combat trauma can register for the next Reboot Recovery course starting on January 16, 2024. Visit https://rebootrecovery.com/military/ to learn more and to register.

Gina Wilkes, certified yoga instructor, describes the positive effects of yoga and meditation on the body's nervous system, and why it's important for veterans to give it a try.

Sonny Hanlon, Army veteran and Animal Friends volunteer, shares how having a companion animal can keep veterans active and engaged as they work to combat the intrusive symptoms and impairments associated with anxiety and PTSD.