Pets For Vets - Clarissa Black, Part 1

Pets For Vets - Clarissa Black, Part 2

On this episode of Veterans SITREP, we continue our conversation with Clarissa Black, the founder and CEO of Pets for Vets, an organization dedicated to pairing veterans with rescue animals specially matched to their needs. Clarissa’s background in animal behavior and her passion for helping those who served have created a program that doesn’t just place pets — it builds healing partnerships, restores confidence, and brings comfort to veterans navigating life after service.  From the science behind the human–animal connection to the stories of transformation that remind us why this work matters, Clarissa has been at the forefront of a movement that gives both veterans and rescue animals a second chance at a better life.  So settle in — this is a conversation about hope, healing, and the incredible impact one idea can have when it’s driven by compassion and purpose.

Pets For Vets - Clarissa Black, Part 1

Today on Veterans SITREP we speak with Clarissa Black, the founder and CEO of Pets for Vets, an organization dedicated to pairing veterans with rescue animals specially matched to their needs. Clarissa’s background in animal behavior and her passion for helping those who served have created a program that doesn’t just place pets — it builds healing partnerships, restores confidence, and brings comfort to veterans navigating life after service.  From the science behind the human–animal connection to the stories of transformation that remind us why this work matters, Clarissa has been at the forefront of a movement that gives both veterans and rescue animals a second chance at a better life.  So settle in — this is a conversation about hope, healing, and the incredible impact one idea can have when it’s driven by compassion and purpose.

Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Part 2

Today, we continue our conversation with Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Deputy Secretary Anderson brings a remarkable blend of enlisted and commissioned Air Force service, national security experience, White House leadership, and private-sector strategy to Maryland’s veterans’ community.  He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, served at the White House advancing the PACT Act and veteran engagement, and now oversees Maryland’s statewide service and benefits programs, cemeteries, memorial affairs, intergovernmental relations, and legislative affairs.

Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Part 1

Veterans SITREP is honored to be joined today by Jimmy Anderson, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.  Deputy Secretary Anderson brings a remarkable blend of enlisted and commissioned Air Force service, national security experience, White House leadership, and private-sector strategy to Maryland’s veterans’ community.  He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, served at the White House advancing the PACT Act and veteran engagement, and now oversees Maryland’s statewide service and benefits programs, cemeteries, memorial affairs, intergovernmental relations, and legislative affairs.   Today we’re going to learn more about the very backbone of Maryland’s military and veteran community programs and services.

Aberdeen Proving Ground Community Spouses Club

Joining me today on Veterans SITREP are board members from the Aberdeen Proving Ground Community Spouses Club, Kelly Foster, first vice president and Elizabeth Perez Garcia, secretary.  The Club provides a support system for members by developing leadership, creating a sense of unity within the Aberdeen Proving Ground community, broadening the lives of its members, and promoting the relationship between the military and surrounding civilian communities. The Spouses Club sponsors various educational, charitable, social, recreational, and other activities for the community.  We’re going to explore how the Community Spouses Clubs are more than social groups — but how they are one of the quiet engines that keep military installations connected, supported, and thriving.