Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

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 fin...

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 F...

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...

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...

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 n...

This “Best of Season 1 – Part 2” episode highlights powerful moments from past conversations with veterans who shared their personal stories of service, resilience, and recovery. Jermaine reflects on the support he received from his Navy unit during a personal tragedy and how that experience shaped the way he helps others. Darcy shares her struggle balancing motherhood, military service, and mental health, while advocating for brea...

In this special “Best of Season 1” episode of Untold Valor, we revisit powerful conversations about addiction recovery, breaking stigma, and the strength found in the veteran community. Roy shares his journey from alcoholism and homelessness to sobriety and serving others. Marley reflects on the military’s cultural shift around mental health and asking for help. Dr. John Taylor highlights the life-changing impact of veteran organiz...

In this episode, Kevin (KC) Drayton shares a powerful story of service, faith, and lifelong purpose. From growing up in North Philadelphia to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, KC shares how early responsibility, family influence, and personal conviction guided his path. He discusses the realities of military service, the lasting impact of the Beirut bombing, and why service didn’t end when his military time did.

Here’s some of what ...

In this episode, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David E. Kelly shares a powerful behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare through the stories of the Marines he interviewed in Iraq. Drawing from his work with the Marine Corps Field History Unit, Kelly explains why preserving firsthand accounts of service members matters. From Fallujah to Husaybah, this conversation explores brotherhood, leadership under pressure, and the unseen e...

In this episode, we sit down with Army veteran and survivor advocate Jaimie Ames, co-founder and CEO of Operation Host, to explore the often-unspoken realities of military sexual trauma (MST) and PTSD among veterans. Jaimie shares her personal journey, her time in the Army, and the lived experiences that shaped her mission to create survivor-led, peer-to-peer support systems that actually meet veterans where they are.

The conversati...

In this episode, we’re joined by Army veteran and founder of Green Star Families of America, Matt Cahill, for an honest conversation about life after military service and the unseen battles many veterans face. Matt reflects on his years as an Army medic, the physical and emotional weight that followed retirement, and how personal loss shaped his mission.

He shares the vision behind Green Star Families- an effort to bring national re...

In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Margo Cianchetta, Director of Philanthropy for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation- and a proud Marine Corps daughter and former scholarship recipient herself. Margo shares the Foundation’s remarkable 60-year mission of honoring Marines by educating their children, including Navy Corpsmen and chaplains who serve alongside them. She explains how the program began with one act of ...

In this episode of Untold Valor, we welcome Army veteran and Navy civilian, John Bond. After 18 years of service and a challenging transition into civilian life, John found stability, connection, and renewed purpose through Team Red, White & Blue’s community-centered approach to veteran wellbeing. 

He joins the show to share how the organization supports veterans of all ages and abilities, why belonging is critical after service...

In this episode, we sit down with Will Dengler, a US Air Force veteran and founder of Euno Health. After completing his service, Will noticed significant gaps in the mental health care system and became determined to explore alternative modalities that could provide relief and healing. His journey led him to create Euno Health- a digital platform dedicated to connecting veterans with integrative mental health resources and various ...

In this episode of Untold Valor, we speak with Pastor Ben Wright, a retired Air Force veteran with 22 years of service, about his time in the military and his transition to ministry. Ben shares his experiences from flying C-130s during the Vietnam War and the airlift of refugees from Saigon in 1975, to his role in supporting the reunification of Germany.

He discusses the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life and th...

In this powerful episode of Untold Valor, U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and author Vanessa Morbeck opens up about her journey through trauma, survival, and recovery. After enduring multiple assaults during her military service and navigating years of isolation and injustice, Vanessa shares how she’s worked to rebuild her life- finding strength in motherhood, faith, and fitness. This is a raw, emotional, and deeply human story about r...

This episode, we’re taking a step back from our usual interviews to spotlight the mission of CompeerCORPS. Marc sits down with Reverend Ben, who shares how simple acts of companionship can transform lives, particularly for veterans facing isolation, mental health challenges, or the unique struggles of aging. From casual conversations to community outings, the goal is to ensure no veteran feels left behind.

Reverend Ben also highligh...

In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Shaun Hall, Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since 2008, VBC has created spaces (both in-person and online) where veterans from all eras and branches can share their stories, connect with one another, and preserve history for future generations.

Shaun shares how he discovered VBC through his theater work, why storytelling is so powerful in the veteran com...

In this episode of Untold Valor, we welcome Sarah Schwager, Program Lead for the King of Prussia chapter of Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal through the therapeutic power of fly fishing. Founded in 2005, Project Healing Waters now serves veterans across 48 states with over 200 programs nationwide. Sarah shares how her lifelong passion for fishing and background as a certified trauma therapist c...