Beyond the VA: Bridging Care & Community for Veterans

Beyond the VA: Bridging Care & Community for Veterans

In this episode of Still Standing, host Christina Augustine, along with Dr. Cheryl Magee-Baker and Dr. Jocelyn Lewis, discuss the evolution of veteran care, focusing on the VA healthcare system and the unique role of the Hope Center in supporting veterans. They explore the importance of community support, mental health awareness, and the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide, emphasizing the need for connection and holistic care. The conversation highlights the resources available to veterans and the commitment of the Hope Center to provide personalized support and guidance.🇺🇸 Veterans Crisis Line:📞 Dial 988, then press 1National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:📞 Dial 988The Hope Center – Gretna, Louisiana💙 Peer Support • Counseling • Suicide Prevention • Veteran Resources🌐 Visit: www.HopeCenterLA.org [www.HopeCenterLA.org]📍 If you're near Gretna, drop by or call—we walk with you through every step toward healing.🔗 Connect With The Hope CenterWebsite: www.HopeCenterLA.org [www.HopeCenterLA.org]Learn more about their veteran services, mental health support, and community programs.

Vietnam War Truths, Trauma, and the Fight for Recognition

In today’s powerful episode, we discuss one of America’s most televised and misunderstood conflicts...The Vietnam War.From the draft and exploitation of young service members to the lifelong mental health battles that followed, our hosts Christina , Robert , and Gary from The Hope Center shed light on the wounds that were visible on TV… and the ones that weren’t.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- How the Vietnam War became America’s first televised war- The impact of the draft, Project 100,000, and leadership failures- The emotional toll on soldiers returning home to protests and rejection- How PTSD evolved from “shell shock” to a recognized mental health diagnosis- The life-saving advocacy of Vietnam Veterans- Modern support systems for veterans still fighting their battles todayWhether you're a veteran, a family member, a supporter, or someone seeking to understand the real cost of war, this conversation is for you. You are not alone, and help is available.If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with trauma, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.🇺🇸 Veterans Crisis Line:📞 Dial 988, then press 1National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:📞 Dial 988The Hope Center – Gretna, Louisiana💙 Peer Support • Counseling • Suicide Prevention • Veteran Resources🌐 Visit: www.HopeCenterLA.org [www.HopeCenterLA.org]📍 If you're near Gretna, drop by or call—we walk with you through every step toward healing.🔗 Connect With The Hope CenterWebsite: www.HopeCenterLA.org [www.HopeCenterLA.org]Learn more about their veteran services, mental health support, and community programs.

Veterans Speak on Depression, Faith & Finding Strength Through the Seasons

When the season shifts and the days grow shorter, many veterans feel that familiar weight — the silence, the memories, the storm that never quite leaves. In this episode of Still Standing, hosts Christina sit down with veteran and peer specialist,Robert Augustine, and outreach and mental health specialist Gary Lewis to talk about the emotional toll that seasonal depression and PTSD can take on those who’ve served. They speak truth about the hidden battles veterans face — from isolation and loss to rediscovering faith, purpose, and peace.This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a safe space for veterans to be seen, heard, and understood. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, adjusting to civilian life, or simply trying to keep your faith strong, this conversation will remind you:👉 You’re not alone. You’re still standing.💬 Join the conversation. Share this episode with a fellow veteran, a brother, a sister — someone who needs to hear that healing is possible.If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD contact the local hotline below. - Local Veterans Crisis Line(504) 343-403

Unseen Battles: The Truth About PTSD in Our Heroes

In this episode of the Still Standing Podcast, we open the door to a conversation many have been afraid to have. PTSD isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a battle that too many of our veterans face in silence. Together with our guests, we shine a light on the truth: trauma often begins in service, not after.This is about more than statistics. It’s about real people, real families, and the unseen scars of war. You’ll hear stories of pain, yes—but also of courage, community, and healing. If you or someone you love is walking this journey, know this: you are not alone, and hope is possible.✨ Listen, share, and join us in breaking the silence.If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD contact the local hotline below. Local Veterans Crisis Line(504) 343-403] For more resources Visit WWW.HopecenterLA.org [http://WWW.HopecenterLA.org]

Redefining Life After Service

What does life really look like after the uniform comes off? In this powerful continuation of our conversation on sacrifice, hosts Christina and Robert Augustine dive into the emotional and practical challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. This episode explores: * The shift from structure to self-direction * Rebuilding identity and purpose after service * Finding real strength through vulnerability and seeking help * The importance of community, mental health, and faith We're joined by Vinicia Magee and Gary Lewis from Hope Center, Inc. in Gretna, Louisiana—mental health professionals and advocates who work directly with veterans and their families. They share vital resources including peer support groups, housing assistance, and ways to connect with VA mental health services, NAMI, and the Wounded Warrior Project. 💡 Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or someone who cares, this episode offers hope, healing, and a path forward. Louisiana Resources for Our Heroes: (The following link includes a wide range of resources for business owners, employment assistance, financial assistance, general resources, homeless prevention, legal assistance, mental health wellness, and substance abuse help.) https://linktr.ee/LaGovernorsChallenge?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3868bb88-6d5a-4666-af5b-98604ef53b00 [https://linktr.ee/LaGovernorsChallenge?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3868bb88-6d5a-4666-af5b-98604ef53b00]   Nationwide Emergency Assistance and Resources for Veterans: ·    Call 211 for local agencies and community organizations (housing, food, utility, and employment services). ·   Department of Veteran Affairs https://www.va.gov/ [https://www.va.gov/]   Resources for Local Support Groups ·  National Alliance for Mental Illness https://namilouisiana.org/support-and-education/support-groups/nami-connection/ [https://namilouisiana.org/support-and-education/support-groups/nami-connection/] ·  Wounded Warriors https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/peer-support [https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/peer-support]  Hope Center Inc. https://www.hopecenterla.org/About_Us.html [https://www.hopecenterla.org/About_Us.html]