From Navy Nurse to Bison Farmer

Carol Whitmore: Service and Legacy

In this inspiring episode, Carol Whitmore, the first woman to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), shares her journey from Army service to national leadership. She discusses veteran advocacy, support for military families, the role of the VFW, POW/MIA recovery efforts, and her participation in a historic all-women parachute jump commemorating D-Day and the often-overlooked contributions of women during WWII.  keywords Veterans, Women in Military, VFW, Military Leadership, Veteran Support, D-Day, Parachute Jump, Military History, Veteran Advocacy, Women Veterans  key  topics Carol Whitmore's military career and leadership journey Challenges faced by women in the military The role of the VFW in veteran advocacy and support The significance of the all-women parachute jump for D-Day Issues facing young service members, including transportation and mental health  guest  name Carol Whitmore Titles First Woman Commander of VFW Shares Her Journey and Mission Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars  sound bites "Advocating for all veterans, not just women" "Came in during the era of Women's Army Corps" "Honoring women who parachuted prior to D-Day" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carol Whitmore and Her Journey 02:33 Challenges Faced by Veterans Today 05:15 Carol's Military Career and Transition to Nursing 07:45 The Importance of Transportation for Enlisted Personnel 10:09 Advocacy for Veterans and the Role of VFW 13:01 Understanding VFW Eligibility and Benefits 15:35 Current Legislative Efforts for Veterans 18:00 The Impact of Medical Retirements on Veterans 20:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 23:37 Navigating Disability Claims and Support for Veterans 26:29 The Journey to VFW Leadership 29:13 The Role of Compassion in Service 31:54 Community Engagement and Youth Programs 38:15 Women in Leadership and Military Service 42:53 Addressing Isolation and Support for Young Servicemembers 45:47 Addressing the Challenges of Driving Safety for Veterans 46:30 Transitioning Leadership in the VFW 47:21 The Ongoing Mission for POW/MIA Recovery 50:33 Personal Experiences in Recovery Missions 52:25 Community Involvement and Support for Veterans 53:47 Commemorating Women in Military History 56:18 The Importance of Recognizing Unsung Heroes 58:54 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy for Veterans Resources Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) https://www.vfw.org/ [https://www.vfw.org/] Find a VFW Post or Service Officer https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post [https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post] VFW Youth Scholarships https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships [https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships] Student Veterans Support https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support [https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support] Fox Force https://www.foxforce55.org/ [https://www.foxforce55.org/] Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) https://www.dpaa.mil/ [https://www.dpaa.mil/] @herostories2025

From Navy Nurse to Bison Farmer

U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran Liz Riffle traded scrubs for boots to launch Riffle Farms, West Virginia’s first commercial bison operation. In this episode, Liz shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, her passion for meat transparency and regenerative agriculture, and how resilience fuels her work on and off the farm. @rifflefarmbison @herostories2025

Episode 5- From Service to Start-Up: Empowering Veterans in Business

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Cally Ingebritson from the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) about the resources available for veterans and military spouses looking to start their own businesses. They discuss the various workshops offered, common challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs, and the importance of business planning and funding. Cally shares insights on unique business ideas, the significance of community support, and encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available to them. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc [https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc] https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance [https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance] https://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/ [https://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/] @herostories2025

The JAG behind the mission: Afghan evacuation, interpreters and the cost of service

In this episode of Heroes Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Christy Kisner, a seasoned Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. Christy shares her journey from joining the Air Force to her experiences in combat zones, where she navigated complex legal challenges. She discusses her advocacy for Afghan allies and the emotional toll of military service. Christy's story highlights the importance of cultural understanding and the ongoing commitment to justice for those who served alongside U.S. forces. Her reflections on service and the need for compassion resonate deeply, making this conversation both inspiring and enlightening. https://afgfree.org [https://afgfree.org] @herostories2025

Counsel in Combat Boots

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Claire, who shares her inspiring journey from aspiring lawyer to a distinguished military career. Claire discusses her motivations for joining the Marine Corps, the challenges of balancing military service with family life, and her experiences as a judge advocate in operational environments. She reflects on her deployment in Afghanistan, the complexities of international law, and the unique challenges faced by dual military couples. Claire also emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and the lessons learned from her military service as she transitions into new passions post-retirement. @herostories2025