Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

30 Years of Fighting for Women Veterans with Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos

In this episode of Untold Valor, Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos shares her powerful journey from Army medic to nationally recognized advocate for women veterans impacted by military sexual trauma. She discusses the challenges many veterans face after service, the evolution of support systems within the VA, and why peer-to-peer connection can be life-changing. Dr. Santos also opens up about spirituality, healing, and the importance of finding support instead of suffering in silence.  Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: * Personal Story: Dr. Santos’ journey * Women Veterans: Advocacy and progress * Military Trauma: Challenges after service * Peer Support: Veterans helping veterans * Mental Health: Healing and recovery * Breaking Silence: Why conversations matter 0:00 – Intro 1:39 – Get to know Dr. Santos  5:04 – On the other side of the oath 6:53 – Creating a platform for women veterans 8:26 – The struggle to speak up 11:01 – The importance of peer-to-peer veteran support 12:52 – Dr. Santos’ encouragement to veterans Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos Learn more about Dr. Santos HERE [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zD4KXNoaaHdRBu6mSwxcYH-asHiEecJ8/view?usp=sharing] Get a copy of My Desert Storm: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Phillyvet/dp/B0DRMHW6R6 [https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Phillyvet/dp/B0DRMHW6R6] EPISODE RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg [https://bit.ly/3OunXzg] Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy [https://bit.ly/3miwFoy] CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU [https://bit.ly/3GgKryU] Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN [https://bit.ly/40PtrrN] or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST) To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS [https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS] View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q [https://bit.ly/416cf0Q]

Best of Season 3: Veterans on Advocacy, Identity, and Mental Health

In this “Best of Season 3” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about mental health, transition, and rediscovering purpose after military service. Myra shares why veterans must advocate for themselves and seek support without shame. Darrin reflects on the lasting emotional weight of traumatic experiences as a young medic. And Kat opens up about the difficult transition of being medically retired from the Air Force and rebuilding her identity through service in a new way. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: * Self-advocacy after service * PTSD, anxiety, and mental health management * The pressure of trauma as a young medic * Why veterans need connection and support * Rebuilding purpose after medical retirement * The culture shock of civilian life and school 0:00 - Intro 0:51 - Myra on advocating for yourself after service 4:16 - Darrin on trauma, pressure, and mental health  11:12 - Kat on medical retirement and rebuilding purpose EPISODE LINKS There Is Always Hope with Myra Fields-Rouse [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/15276794] No Problem Is Too Big: Finding The Courage To Seek Support featuring Darrin Henry [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/16255204] When One Door Closes: Strength In New Beginnings with Kat Kirkman [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/16328217] EPISODE RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg [https://bit.ly/3OunXzg] Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy [https://bit.ly/3miwFoy] CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU [https://bit.ly/3GgKryU] Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN [https://bit.ly/40PtrrN] or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST) To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS [https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS] View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q [https://bit.ly/416cf0Q]

Best of Season 2: Recovery, Turning Points, and the Power of Support (Pt 2)

This “Best of Season 2” episode highlights powerful moments of recovery, resilience, and life-changing support systems. Michael shares how his difficult transition out of the military led him to a new purpose, helping fellow veterans find meaningful careers. Dr. Maio reflects on the “three Jens” who entered his life at critical moments and helped save it. And finally, Lena opens up about the mentors who recognized her struggles and guided her toward healing and growth. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: * Transition struggles after military service * Finding purpose through career coaching * The hidden cycle of depression and isolation * Life-saving power of connection and intervention * Mentorship, faith, and support systems 0:00 - Intro 1:16 - Michael Bate on career transition challenges 5:41 - Dr. Nick Maio’s “three Jens” story 11:55 - Lena Fowler on mentorship and PTSD Featured Episodes: Finding Your Path After the Military with Career Specialist Michael Bate [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/13880838] Holding Onto Hope with Dr. Nick Maio [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/14241542] Finding Strength in Community and Faith with Lena Fowler [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/14733914] EPISODE RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg [https://bit.ly/3OunXzg] Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy [https://bit.ly/3miwFoy] CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU [https://bit.ly/3GgKryU] Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN [https://bit.ly/40PtrrN] or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST) To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS [https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS] View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q [https://bit.ly/416cf0Q]

Best of Season 2: Veterans in Transition, Connection, and Purpose (Pt 1)

In this special “Best of Season 2” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations centered on the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of connection, and finding renewed purpose through service.  Kyle shares insights on the cultural shift veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life and the systemic gaps that make that transition difficult. Colonel Arthur Jenkins reflects on the power of peer-to-peer connection and why simply listening can be life-changing. Ryan opens up about how volunteering became a cornerstone of his post-military identity, helping him rebuild community and purpose. These conversations highlight a common truth: no veteran has to navigate life after service alone- and connection can be the first step toward healing. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: * The cultural disconnect veterans face when leaving the military * Why reintegration into civilian life is often more complex than expected * The power of veteran-to-veteran connection and shared experiences * How listening and validation can transform lives * Volunteering as a pathway to purpose and personal growth 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Kyle on reintegration challenges and cultural transition 5:06 - COL Arthur Jenkins on connection and listening 9:54 - Ryan on volunteering and finding purpose after service Featured Episodes: Post-Service Reintegration and Community Building with Kyle Hanlan [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/13372523] Stronger Together: Veteran Fellowship, Mentorship, and Advocacy with Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/14320525] Seeking Mental Health and Community Support with Ryan Allman [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871691/episodes/13447321] EPISODE RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg [https://bit.ly/3OunXzg] Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy [https://bit.ly/3miwFoy] CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU [https://bit.ly/3GgKryU] Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN [https://bit.ly/40PtrrN] or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST) To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS [https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS] View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q [https://bit.ly/416cf0Q]

VA Support for Veterans Facing Legal & Mental Health Challenges with Lily Thomas

In this episode, we sit down with Lily Thomas, a Veterans Justice Outreach social worker at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, to explore how veterans can access support when facing legal, mental health, or substance use challenges. Lily shares how early intervention, treatment programs, and community partnerships are helping veterans rebuild stability and avoid deeper legal consequences. If you or someone you know has served and needs support, this conversation highlights practical pathways to get connected with the right resources and take the first step toward recovery. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: * How the Veterans Justice Outreach Program helps justice-involved veterans get connected to treatment * The Veterans Response Team and its role in supporting veterans in crisis * What Veterans Treatment Court is and how it helps veterans address legal and mental health challenges * The wide range of inpatient and outpatient VA services available for veterans * Why reaching out to the VA can make a big difference for veterans 0:00 – Intro 1:06 – Lily’s Role at the VA 3:19 – Veterans Response Team  6:36 – Veterans Treatment Court 8:43 – Mental Health & Treatment Services 12:49 – Make The Phone Call  Lily Thomas Learn more about Lily Thomas HERE [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ICo8Ht9ofYdTgR_KuE-RNxt30MpgypIn/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118442068585128500668&rtpof=true&sd=true] Episode Links: VA Coatesville Health Care: https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/programs/first-responders-veterans-response-team/ [https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/programs/first-responders-veterans-response-team/] EPISODE RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg [https://bit.ly/3OunXzg] Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy [https://bit.ly/3miwFoy] CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU [https://bit.ly/3GgKryU] Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN [https://bit.ly/40PtrrN] or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST) To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS [https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS] View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q [https://bit.ly/416cf0Q]