Podcasts

Overcoming Don’t Ask Don’t Tell “Serving In Silence”

Dawn Strobel grew up in Milwaukee and Cedarburg, WI. Her parents divorced when she was young. Dawns father is a Vietnam veteran who never spoke of his military experience and who Dawn did not have much interaction with while growing up. She would come to know him later in life. Dawn’s mother remarried and yet she and her mother did not have a close mother daughter relationship. With the normal expectations of honor and a place to fit in Dawn enlisted in the United States Army knowing she would have to hide that she was gay. No amount of written English can describe the profound devastation, dishonor and depression she would experience in both military and civilian careers for over thirteen years. “I was in such a suicidal state that I couldn’t live, but I couldn’t die because I had kids. I was stuck in between”.

Only in her own words can this be described and only in her voice can we hear this indomitable spirit that has taken Dawn back into her second career in the the military to so honorably and courageously work to complete what she endeavored to achieve over a decade ago. In addition Dawn has the love and support of her wife and children who she loves so much.


DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban and Bob Bach are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban and Bob Bach or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Indomitable Spirit; The Joy of Rebuilding a Life’s Purpose!

Former Army medic Chris Swift has shared several podcasts with us. You will find his experiences leading up to this Friday August 12 episode on the podcast episode page of our webpage.
Today we continue Chris’ transition experiences after his 55 month deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan serving as a combat medic. After years of punishing and unexpected reactions resulting in alcoholism, legal problems and other issues Chris acknowledged and sought out help for these reactions. Now participating in several veteran projects as a veteran or peer mentor Chris has found his life purpose as an official Veteran Peer Counselor in the VA Healthcare System. In this episode Chris shares the joy in life he has earned with indomitable spirit and courageous dedication to resolving  the
experiences of transition!
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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban and Bob Bach are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban and Bob Bach or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Piloting a Huey Medivac Over the Jungles of Vietnam, Today a Modern Pioneer in Equine Healing for Trauma, Meet Bob Nevins

Bob Nevin is a native of Queens in New York. At an early age Bob, his parents and family moved to UpState New York. Bob’s mom was home raising the family while his dad, a WWII veteran of the war in the South Pacific, built his career in aviation.
Bob’s dream of a life in aviation and the opportunity to begin that training led him to enlist in the US Army. After helicopter flight training Bob arrived in Vietnam assigned as co-pilot on a ‘dust off’ combat medivac helicopter. Regarded as one of the most dangerous military jobs in the Vietnam War, Bob’s tour of duty would give credence to this regard.
Shot up and shot down with many combat rescue missions flown, powerful memories would begin to become Bob’s lifelong companions. With his love of aviation intact Bob left the battlefield for a career in commercial aviation. However, one of his many memories was flying the last commercial flight out of Boston on 9/11.
Today, Bob’s life has led him to reconnect with the traumas of his past and in doing so he has a new found dedication to improve his condition of human spirit. This is done by focusing on the powerful gift of horses, which is the central focus of Bob’s work. The powerful gift of horses is the central focus of Bob’s work to improve and resolve his and others traumas.
Have a listen to his remarkable work and the dedicated members of Alliance 180 and their entire team.
For more information on Suicide Preventions for Veterans and First Responders please visit: https://www.alliance180.org/

DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban and Bob Bach are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban and Bob Bach or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Committed to Understanding the Punishing Struggles of her Decorated Combat Infantry Vietnam Veteran Husband who she Loved, Rebecca Joined the United States Military!

Former Tech Sergeant Rebecca Peasley is a Desert Storm Veteran. Having served with the Army National Guard, the Active Guard Reserve and Air National Guard Rebecca entered United States military service at the age of 30. Rebecca joined the military to better understand her husdband, a decorated combat infantry Vietnam veteran and his punishing challenges in transition.

Rebecca is a mother, a retired CNA/Certified Nurse Assistant and former spouse of a decorated combat infantry veteran. After significant experience in her own transition back to civilian life and finding new purpose, Rebecca advocates for families and loved ones of veterans managing Post Traumatic Stress. Based on personal experience Rebecca also advocates for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. Rebecca promotes educational resources and activities to help veterans and families move forward in transition finding more joy and healing from Post Traumatic Stress.
For continued personal healing Rebecca utilizes the LaCrosse Wisconsin Vets Center and participates in a Women Veterans group sharing trusted conversation, camaraderie and creative activities.
As a regular Volunteer at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillesville, Wisconsin Rebecca is a Park Greeter, participates in Honor Stone Ceremonies and assists in Women and Men’s weekend retreats among other activities.

A Menominee Tribal Combat Warrior Finds Meaning in Recovery, Helping Others and Uniting Communities Under one Mission

Jason Katchenago left his tribal home looking for hope, purpose and work. After joining the United States Army he went on to serve tours in reconnaissance both in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the military Jason would experience difficult and punishing challenges in readjustment to civilian life. Jason explains the healing methods that have significantly helped in his transition. He has now found purpose for life and puts that passion into his foundation OP Oshkosh. Through his foundation of tribal veteran peer support Jason helps other tribal veterans find meaning in helping others in their tribal communities. Join us and hear this powerful, valuable and inspirational message!

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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

 

Theater, Military Veterans and the Healing Power of Shakespeare

Nancy Smith-Watson is an actor, a trauma informed somatic bodyworker and co-founder/director of Feast of Crispian (FoC). Ms. Smith-Watson has a BA in Drama from the University of Washington and did her professional training at Circle in the Square professional conservatory in New York City. While working as a professional actor, Ms. Smith-Watson also trained in massage and somatic bodywork therapies. She has 30 years experience as a Hakomi Bodyworker, and is trained in Integrative Somatics. Ms. Smith-Watson taught the Introduction to Somatics at Big Sky Somatic Institute, in Helena, MT, 1997 – 2004. In 2013, she received director training from Shakespeare & Co. and returned home to Milwaukee to launch Feast of Crispian – Shakespeare with Veterans. FoC has created workshops, classes and full theatrical productions with veterans, inside and outside of the VA in Milwaukee, for over a decade, and has collaborated with many other veteran’s organizations and theatrical institutions in the Milwaukee community.

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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Focus on Veteran Family Health and Happiness!

Scott Schultz is a Marine Corps veteran who lives on a small farm near Osseo — in west-central Wisconsin’s northern Driftless Area. He retired last year from a long career in print and broadcast journalism. Twenty-one years ago, Scott and his wife, Dee, founded the educational nonprofit organization, The Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy and the Arts. The Heartbeat Center’s initial primary mission was to help people use creativity to find connections with the land and better understand their places in the world. Being a veteran, however, a large part of The Heartbeat’s work has been in its Veterans Expressing Themselves project — helping veterans to use writing and the arts to heal. Being a writer, Scott focuses his VETs project work on writing, as over the years he’s seen writing open doors for healing within many veterans — including himself.
Some of that VETs work is done in cooperation with The Highground Veterans Memorial park near Neillsville in central Wisconsin. Scott and I recently participated in the opening of the new Peer support program at the Highground focused on the veteran families and the issues they face in transition back to civilian life and culture. We’re looking forward to again joining veterans and their families later this month at The Highground to keep that family-healing momentum rolling. And, of course, we’ll be talking about writing being part of that momentum.
The Heartbeat Center
for Writing, Literacy and the Arts, Inc.
www.theheartbeat.us
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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Beacon of Courage Guides Veteran’s Recovery | Charlie Walton

Born and raised in Mississippi, Charlie Walton enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1968 and trained as an infantryman. He witnessed his first war casualty before his feet even touched the ground in Vietnam when the man in front of him on the jet’s stairway was shot and killed by a sniper. Despite that terrifying incident, Walton carried forth and survived his tour of duty without suffering any physical wounds. Emotional trauma came later.

Discharged in 1972, Charlie eventually made his way to Milwaukee where he established several successful businesses. However, his personal life was beset with adversity. Decades after his military service Walton hit rock bottom.

In this segment of the Stigma Free Vet podcast, Charlie Walton reflects on his 72 years. He describes how he has applied lessons learned from skilled professionals designed to guide him through grueling personal challenges. We meet a man whose life today is infused with hope and faith and centered on inner strength.

For more information about the organization and what Charlie Watson does for Feast of Crispian please refer to the link below…

Website:  INFO@FEASTOFCRISPIAN.org

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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

From Darkness to Light: A Counselor Describes the Power of Alternative Healing for Veterans

Today on the Stigma Free Zone podcast, we learn more about how those who have experienced trauma and rage, are discovering freedom from pain and turmoil thanks to their willingness to surrender.

 

 

Jon Christensen grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. He left school after two years at a small college in Nebraska to enlist in the Army. He arrived in Vietnam in time for the Tet Offensive of 1968, a series of sudden attacks staged by the North Vietnamese army that proved pivotal in the history of the war.
While overseas, among other duties, Christensen rode shotgun on military supply convoys.

Ironically, he would go on to spend much of his professional career in a different supporting role to veterans.

Jon spent his life as a therapist in private practice and as a counselor at VA related facilities. As time went on, Christensen modified his methodology. Rather than focusing on traditional therapies only, he applied elements of what’s called “alternative healing” to his interactions. Sometimes referred to as “new age,” the alternative healing strategies Jon utilizes are based in
ancient teachings. They include such things as yoga and an emphasis on gratitude. Christensen claims the therapeutic results can be life changing for certain veterans and military family members.

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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.

Proud of her Military Service, Grateful for the Leadership and Resilience she Learned!

Jennifer Pankowski grew up in Milwaukee. She proudly served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1992-1998, and was named Soldier of the Year for her battalion in 1994.

The daughter of a Marine Vietnam Veteran, a loving mother and a supportive family. She also has several other family members who served in the military. Jennifer has found her passion in serving veterans. She volunteers for the Milwaukee War Memorial Center, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Team Sijan, and as a Memorial Interpreter at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC.

Jennifer looks back at her time in the military fondly. The lessons learned, the leadership and resilience have served her well throughout her life.

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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.